Gardener urged to grow 5 plants this autumn

Autumn is one of the best times to plant, according to gardening influencer Jonny of Instagram's Garden With Jonny. With the soil still warm from summer, the rain returning, and plants less stressed by flowering demands, roots can establish themselves ahead of winter, setting the stage for vibrant growth in the spring.

In a recent Instagram video, Jonny said: "Hey, look, I'm absolutely fully aware we're still in the middle of the summer, but I am thinking ahead, and you should too. Autumn is actually one of the best times of year to plant. The soil is still warm from the summer, the rain is coming back, and plants aren't stressing about putting on flowers so they can get their roots sorted before the winter."

Jonny shared inspiration from his own woodland border, which thrives in shade.

He highlighted ferns, which add rich texture to shaded corners, and hostas, whose bold foliage provides excellent ground cover in moist soil.

Japanese maples, or acers, are slow-growing trees that flourish in dappled shade and display stunning autumn colour.

Hellebores bring winter to spring flowers, perfect for underplanting, while spotted laurel, an evergreen shrub with variegated leaves, offers low-maintenance greenery.

Foxgloves also feature, producing tall flower spikes in late spring and early summer; Jonny cautions that while they self-seed easily, they are poisonous if ingested.

"Autumn is the perfect time to get started, and by next year you could have your own little woodland corner," Jonny added.

In his Instagram caption, he emphasised planting for the conditions you have.

"With warm soil, more rain, and less stress on plants, autumn is one of the best times to get planting, roots establish now, ready to explode with growth next year," he said.

"My shady woodland border proves you don't need full sun for a stunning garden. And if it's shade? Embrace it and add some bulbs like snowdrops or bluebells for a spring surprise."

For gardeners with low-light spaces, Jonny's autumn planting tips show that even shady corners can become lush, colourful, and low-maintenance havens ready to thrive in the year ahead.