Tap into November’s uniqueness and nonchalance – go on, let that inner freak out!   It is astonishing and possibly a good thing that there is no one else exactly like you.  Walk tall.  Break out of that mold that shields the inner you. 

The sexy, hot siren of summer has sped away.  The fireworks of early autumnal colour is coming to an end.  The frosty, ice queen of winter is yet to strike.   We are at the threshold that is unique to November – a wonderful bridging month. Don’t be tempted to shoehorn her to fit into a pacier style.  Let her standalone but waste her at your peril.   A time for planning; for taking stock, for being grateful and for doing all those odd jobs in the garden - a brilliant time to prep and organise so crack that whip!

Heads will turn next autumn if you include the stunning; eye-catching orange-red leaves of Cotinus coggygria ‘Flame’ (smoke bush).  A deciduous shrub (6m) with large, light green leaves in summer.  Its pink flowers have an overall smoky, dreamy, cloud-like effect from July to September.  It is fully hardy and thrives in full sun or partial shade.  For a more reddish leaf, try C. coggygria ‘Grace’. 

For a sensory garden or just for the joy of being able to touch its bark, consider Betula papyrifera (paper birch).  Also known as canoe birch, it was used for making canoes by Native Americans.  It is a very worthy deciduous tree standing over 12m with papery white peeling bark when mature but has an intriguing orangey under bark waiting to be discovered – a delicious looking mystery.  

Wait until your eyes fall upon the gorgeous, fresh lime-green leaves of Asplenium nidus ‘Osaka’ (Japanese Bird’s Nest Fern)?   A striking, evergreen fern, which has distinctive, ripples on its leaf margins.  It definitely needs light shade and a protected area of the garden.   Do bring it inside, as it won’t thank you for being cold and frosty.  It makes an attractive, all year indoors plant.

Things to do this month:  protect tender plants against frost and drop in temperatures.  Lift tender bulbs.  Plant bare-root trees and shrubs.  Prune climbing roses.  Harvest any remaining fruit.  Prepare and tidy your garden for winter.  Tulip bulbs prefer a slightly colder soil so it’s not to late to plant them.

Don’t be shy.  Stand proud.  Take risks.  May the sun shine on all that you do!