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Autumn berries, gems of the autumn garden
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Berry-carrying shrubs are very ornamental, and highly suitable for small gardens. In spring they are covered in blossom, and in autumn they have colourful fruits and foliage. Take the Guelder Rose for instance. When its blossom first appears in spring the flowers are white and green, but gradually the colour changes to snow white. In autumn the red berries appear between the fresh green leaves.
Some berry-producing shrubs and trees suitable for small gardens
Juneberry [Amelanchier],Gaultheria, St. John's Wort [Hypericum], Honeysuckle [Lonicera], Firethorn [Pyracantha], Skimmia, Snowberry [Symphoricarpos], Standard Holly [Ilex].
Berry-producing shrubs and trees suitable for larger gardens
Euonymus, Holly [Ilex], Malus, Rose [Rosa], Elder [Sambucus], Mountain Ash [Sorbus], Guelder Rose [Vibirnum].
Eye-catching berries
There are many examples of attractive berries which may be used to decorate your garden. The 'Snowberry' has soft pink berries in loose trusses, Holly and Yew produce bright red berries in autumn, while the large blood-red trusses of 'Skimmia japonica Rubella' remain on the shrub well into winter. The strong, Japanese 'Rosa rugosa' is often used in public green areas, and its rose hips can be used to make delicious jam. Botanical roses also produce hips in all colours and shapes after flowering for a feast of autumn colour. Examples of blue or black fruits are 'Viburnum Tinus' and the 'Elder'.
A bird bush
Have you got a spare corner in your garden where you could plant a special bird bush or hedge? By planting a few shrubs that carry berries, you can create a small birds' paradise where they can find shelter, and may even nest. In summer, they catch many harmful insects and in autumn you can repay them by allowing them to feed on your berry bushes. They will fascinate you for hours, busying about. If you would like to keep your berries slightly longer, plant a shrub that carries yellow berries. The birds will think the berries aren't ripe yet and will leave them.... for a while anyway!
Pretty and tasty
Many berries are edible and very tasty too. Rose hips, blackberries, blueberries, elderberries, rowanberries and buckthornberries can all be made into delicious jams or jellies. Combine the gorgeous scents and amazing colours and create your own personal jam. Elderberry and apple for instance, blueberry and blackberry. Do not pick these fruits from the roadside, by the way. Traffic pollution will have made them possibly poisonous. Also, never eat large quantities of raw fruit. Elderberries and rowanberries, in particular, can cause indigestion. Once the fruits are cooked with sugar, however, you can indulge to your heart's content!
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