Enchanted APRIL

Temperatures cool as autumn bursts into colour

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Around most of the country the middle of Autumn is arguably the best time of the year to be in the garden. Cooler mornings, comfortable daytime temps and gentle changes are happening before our eyes, with some trees giving a kaleidoscope of warm colours. Savour the moment.

FLOWERING NOW

The trees may be stealing the show with their ever-changing colour parade but there are some gorgeous flowers to look out for too.

GORDONIA – now known as Polyspora axillaris, this lovely, neat, small tree will be covered with the flowers that lend it its common name – the fried egg plant. These lightly fragrant blooms have a central boss of sunny yellow stamens surrounded by snowy-white petals. Unusually the flowers fall in one piece leaving the ground beneath covered in... fried eggs!

ZEPHYRANTHES - Often called autumn crocus or rain lily, this delightful little bulb is a classic set-and-forget plant. In autumn, or following heavy rain after a dry spell, it pushes out masses of lovely and delicate white crocus-like flowers. It's super hardy but prefers soil to be a little moist and once established will require virtually zero maintenance. Great for borders and rockeries.

AUTUMN BULBS – popular perennial bulbs such as belladonna, nerine and daylilies will be flowering now. Many make fabulous cut flowers too. Didn't plant any this year? Then plan ahead for next year and get some in the ground now.

QUEENSLAND