Autumn swan song in November

This post is part of a series called Around England

As the world says a wistful goodbye to the warmth of the sun for another year, autumn lingers for a few farewell displays. Before giving way to the gathering clouds in shades of grey, it scatters an amber glow everywhere as it gradually fades away ….

November was mainly damp and dismal when bright days were at a premium. Fortunately I managed to find 3 such days to visit 3 different locations at the beginning, middle and end of month to capture the fleeting beauty of the colourful autumnal days in England.

Kingston Lacey, Wimborne- 5 November

Kingston Lacey is a National Trust property but we bypassed the handsome building and headed straight for the Acer Glade and Japanese Garden. The bright blue sky accentuated the vibrancy of all the trees of mellow yellow, fiery red, tawny brown, emerald green ….

The Acer Glade

The Japanese garden

Hillier Arboretum and Gardens, Romsey – 11 November

I visited Hillier Arboretum and Gardens once before years ago. It was in the summer when there was just a sea of green trees. How different it looks in autumn! It’s transformed into a blazon of rich earthy colours. Such an autumnal delight!
However, by the middle of November, there’re as many colourful leaves on the grounds as on the trees!

*This spectacular tree is called Liquidamber* *aka Sweetgum*

Stourhead, Stourton – 25 November

Ah, Stourhead! it is on almost all the lists as a favourite destination for spring and autumn colours. It’s easy to see why.
Towards the end of November, autumn bowed out in a spectacular fashion, assisted by tinges of silvery overnight frost.