A favourite guest on Weekend Breakfast, Diarmuid Gavin joined Alison Curtis with a whole host of wintery tips to help you with your garden this season.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Autumnal Colours: This autumnal leaf colour change occurs when chlorophyll production within the leaves of deciduous trees slows down in preparation for the trees going into winter hibernation. Chlorophyll is a green pigment that gives most plants their color.The reason that it is green is because it absorbs other colors of light such as red and blue, so in a way the green light is reflected out since the pigment does not absorb it. Other colours such as oranges and yellows are already present in the leaves and become become visible. And while we are not expecting an outstanding show this year due to the unsettled nature of our summer weather the autumnal show is always a treat this autumn. Last year was exceptional as the long periods of sunshine we enjoyed meant more sugar content in the leaf tissues which resulted in more anthocyanins which is the chemical compound that produces those wonderful vivid reds and scarlets. Due to the temperate climate we enjoy in Ireland trees from many different countries across the globe are grown wonderfully here. And over the past few centuries gorgeous gardens and parks have been laid down with broad leafed species which are beginning to look stunning. A favorite of mine is always the grand avenue of old beech on the long driveway to the Powerscourt Estate in Enniskerry in Wicklow. It creates a breathtaking sight every year when the beech leaves turn orange and the avenue appears like a tunnel on fire. The change will shortly begin and the tapestry of trees in the valley below always looks gorgeous. Most of us however have smaller plots, so what plants to use for brilliant autumnal colour in smaller spaces? #gardening #autumncolour #trees #plants #shrubs #colour #nature #outdoors

A post shared by Diarmuid Gavin (@diarmuidgavin) on Oct 5, 2019 at 2:09am PDT

He chatted all about autumnal changes in gardens, why it happens and what to look out for. He had tons of information on good winter plants and how to grow them.

He also answered all your questions!

Listen back to their chat by pressing the play button at the top of the screen.

Weekend Breakfast, weekends from 8-11am