Wound up by Brexit? Feasting your eyes on this autumn paradise may help
they say Mother Nature has the best colours in the paintbox.
And with this vibrant garden, she seems to have squeezed out every tube of oils in her celestial art cupboard.
Autumn explodes in a vibrant riot of russet reds, oranges, yellows, purples and bluegreen in the incredible West Midlands garden of Marie and tony Newton.
the couple have packed in a huge variety of plants and shrubs in a clever attempt to create a ‘four seasons’ design.
By alternating deciduous and evergreen species, and carefully considering the way in which they change hue over 12 months, they have ensured the garden produces enchanting displays throughout the year.
And as autumn approaches, these pictures show it still looks as glorious as it did in late spring, when it was last featured in the Daily Mail. the pair’s creation, tucked away behind their unassuming 1930s suburban house in Walsall, was just a muddy lawn in the 1980s. Almost 40 years and £15,000 later, they have transformed it into a beautiful oasis.
the couple, both 71, now spend two hours a day lovingly maintaining their creation which, as seen from above in this drone photograph, appears to resemble an owl in shape. Measuring 188ft by 60ft, the plot is crammed with more than 3,000 plants including 450 azalea, 120 Japanese maples and 15 junipers.
An upper garden features more formal planting, while a lower area includes more exotic species such as palm trees, bamboos and bananas. the scheme also includes five water features and 300ft of paths.
the garden has won several awards, including Britain’s Best Garden, and has become so popular it is on several unofficial tourist trails. Retired transport planner Mrs Newton, who taught herself horticulture, said: ‘We’ve had over 14,000 people from 48 different countries come and visit our garden over the years, which is just so touching.
‘Some Chinese students came to visit our garden and told us that it was used as an example in one of their lectures.’
Mrs Newton said the couple, who have four children and four grandchildren, added: ‘It’s an all-season garden, so in autumn you see brilliant reds, oranges and yellows and in the spring the colours are equally as vivid and vibrant.
‘Autumn is my most favourite season for the garden. there will be azalea and acer leaves along with the evergreen conifers.’ Mr Newton, a retired GP, added: ‘At this time of year it is simply glorious.’