As autumn rolls in, there’s a wonderful buzz of activity at Hilltop Garden Centre as we prepare to introduce some new and exciting additions to our range for October. If you’re as passionate about your garden as we are, you’ll love what we have in store this month! Autumn is the perfect season for planting, and whether you're looking to spruce up your garden or begin a new project, we have just what you need to make your garden flourish. Let's take a look at what's new this October at Hilltop.
Ornamental and Fruit Trees
If you’ve been thinking about adding an ornamental or fruit tree to your garden, now is the time to act! We’ve just received a beautiful selection of trees that are ideal for planting in the autumn months. For those of you who love adding dramatic autumnal colours, we have the striking Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Lane Roberts’. This ornamental tree offers deep red, purple, and almost black leaves in the autumn, adding a magical touch to any garden.
For fruit lovers, we have a great selection of fruit trees, including Nectarine ‘Lord Napier’, Plum ‘Shropshire Prune’, and several apple tree varieties. Imagine stepping outside and picking fresh, juicy nectarines or plums from your own garden! These trees will thrive if planted now, giving you delicious fruits in the seasons to come. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, fruit trees are a rewarding and sustainable addition to your garden.
Pittosporum
Next up, we have the ever-popular Pittosporum. If you’re after something versatile and stylish, Pittosporum is a neat, evergreen shrub perfect for sheltered, sunny locations. It’s an ideal plant for hedging, creating structure in your garden, or adding some greenery to patio pots. With many sizes and shapes available in-store this month, you can choose the perfect variety to suit your space.
One of the things we love about Pittosporum is its adaptability. It can work in both formal garden designs and more relaxed, natural spaces. Not only does it provide year-round interest with its glossy leaves, but it’s also low-maintenance, making it a perfect choice for busy gardeners who still want their garden to look lush and lively all year.
Nandina (Heavenly Bamboo)
If you’re looking for something that stands out, you won’t want to miss our stunning Nandina, also known as Heavenly Bamboo. This compact, bushy evergreen shrub is a must-have for autumn and winter interest. Nandina’s new growth emerges with a beautiful red-bronze colour, which turns green as it matures, often retaining a lovely red-orange flush throughout the colder months.
Come autumn and winter, when most plants are starting to fade, Nandina steps up with its vibrant foliage, offering both texture and colour when your garden needs it most. It’s perfect for adding a splash of colour to borders or even planting in containers. Trust us, this is one shrub you’ll want to make room for in your garden!
Mahonia
Mahonia is a fantastic evergreen shrub that’s now available at Hilltop Garden Centre! Known for its prickly, glossy foliage, Mahonia is a must-have for year-round interest in your garden. These handsome shrubs are incredibly resilient, with weatherproof leaves that can withstand the elements, making them perfect for adding structure and texture to your outdoor space.
One of Mahonia's standout features is its late-season bloom. Flowering from autumn to winter, it brightens up the garden with its striking yellow flower spikes, offering a welcome burst of colour when little else is blooming. Plus, these flowers are a magnet for pollinators, supporting your garden’s ecosystem even in the colder months.
Pot Wallflowers
This October, Hilltop Garden Centre is excited to stock a range of vibrant pot wallflowers! These cheerful blooms are perfect for planting now, ensuring your garden bursts with colour as early as spring. With their delightful fragrance and stunning array of colours, wallflowers will provide a beautiful transition from winter to spring, brightening up any garden space. Plant alongside spring flowering bulbs for a fantastic display in spring - check out our range of spring bulbs in-store now.
Autumn hanging baskets
At Hilltop, we’ve got everything you need to create stunning autumn hanging baskets! Consider using small conifers, sedums, ivy, and other seasonal foliage to create beautiful baskets that bring a touch of autumn colour to your outdoor space. These hardy plants not only add vibrant colour and texture but also thrive in the cooler temperatures, making them perfect for the autumn and winter months. If you’re looking for something truly special, why not let us help? Hilltop offers a hanging basket planting service — just ask in-store for details, and we’ll create the perfect autumn display for your home!
Ornamental Grasses and Photinia
Ornamental grasses are a fantastic way to add texture, movement, and structure to your autumn garden. Varieties like Miscanthus, Stipa, and Pennisetum bring warm golden hues and bronze tones, with airy seed heads that sway beautifully in the breeze. These low-maintenance plants are drought-tolerant and versatile, making them ideal for borders, containers, or mixing with late-season flowers like Asters and Sedums. Grasses also provide year-round interest, adding a soft, natural look to any garden.
Photinia, especially the 'Red Robin' variety, is a tough evergreen that’s perfect for year-round garden interest. Its glossy red-tipped foliage creates a vibrant contrast in spring, maturing into deep green throughout the year. Ideal as a freestanding shrub or for hedging, Photinia thrives in well-drained soil and tolerates regular pruning. This encourages new red growth, keeping your garden lush and dynamic.
October is a busy month for gardeners, and here at Hilltop Garden Centre, we’re here to help you make the most of it. Whether you’re planting new trees, adding some late-season colour, or picking up a gift for a loved one, we’ve got something for everyone this autumn.
Visit our garden centre in Clacton to see all of these fantastic offers for yourself. And don’t forget, our garden centre with cafe is the perfect place to take a break and enjoy a warm drink after a day of shopping. We look forward to welcoming you soon!
Happy gardening from all of us at Hilltop Garden Centre!
