We may be having a hot summer, but Cecilia Cran is already planning her autumn garden

Following the recent heatwave and news that this July has been the driest on record in the UK for the last 111 years, trying to keep my plants alive and not burnt to a crisp has proved a constant battle.

In these beautiful long, sunny evenings, I have enjoyed planning my autumnal garden – you can never plan too early! I am looking for low maintenance plants that will add colour and interest and also encourage insects and other wildlife. Hellebores are something that I was aware of, but had never grown until last year and are now a staple in my garden for the colder months.

What to grow: Hellebores

Hellebores are perennial, hardy plants that are an excellent addition to an autumnal/winter garden, they offer colourful, with their nodding blooms throughout the chillier months. If you want something that creates impact, but is low maintenance and supports pollinators, this is a perfect choice.

How to grow:

Select your spot where you want them, they typically prefer shady areas, so choose a space that isn’t too exposed to sunshine.

Moisten the soil and dig in some peat free compost. Hellebore seeds do not need to be planted too deeply, instead, gently lay the seeds onto the soil, and then press them down to secure them. The seeds should be planted around 7-10cm apart, not all seeds you plant will germinate and if you have some that are a little too close together, it’s a nice problem to have, these can be easily thinned out, moved to another space or even gifted to a green-fingered friend!

Cover the seeds with a layer of soil and water them in well. Be careful to ensure the area does not dry out, but do not be tempted to over water them.

Green escape: Thames Barrier Park
Thames Barrier Park is a 7-hectare area of wonderful green space. Opened in 2000 it is one of the newest green riverside spaces Newham has to offer. It is housed on what was previously a petrochemical and acid works. In order for the park to be created a 6-foot layer of crushed concrete was laid, or order to separate any contaminated soil.

The park is not just housed in an impressive setting – right next to the Thames, with excellent views of the Thames barrier, it also has hugely impressive design credentials, which has seen it win horticultural design awards in the UK and the USA.

For me, it is the 130-foot-long ‘green dock’ – a sunken garden, with a host of colourful plants, hedges and vibrant flowers that is the stand out feature. The yew and maygreen hedges are carefully cut into wonderful shapes to mimic rolling waves, creating a real impact and atmosphere. The green dock area was specifically designed to offer protection from the elements and encourage a thriving microclimate for plants and wildlife.

Above this, the park has a fountain area, a well maintained and equipped children’s area, a basketball court, visitor pavilion and café area (both currently undergoing a refurb). A host of excellent picnic spots, areas to kick a ball around and benches to relax on. Can’t recommend this wonderful space enough.

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