Commentary, nature, Photography

Autumn Approaches

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While out for a ramble I heard a very distinctive sound: that unmistakable rattle of dry leaves in a gust of wind; there they were, swirling on the ground in a sure demonstration of the unstoppable arrival of autumn.

We’re still very green, but even those leaves seem to make that particular rattling sound once September arrives. It’s understandable. By turns it has been hot, dry, smoky, and windy. They’re tired.

But among all that greenery the autumnal colours are slowly creeping in. Everything in life starts small.

Although autumnal yellows are often the first colours to show, I’ve already noticed some reds, too.

The Oregon grape is changing its dress …

… while the matador roses that bloom so beautifully and unceasingly from June through August, are beginning to slump.

Summer officially ends in less than two weeks and while it’s a bit sad to see it go, autumn is a wonderful season with its graceful and stunningly beautiful characteristics. I’m looking forward to it.

Happy Wednesday.

34 thoughts on “Autumn Approaches”

  3. Due to four recent heatwaves and a drought that is slowly fading with some much-needed rain here, out ‘autumn’ is occurring earlier that usual as the trees and vegetation take steps to avoid the dangers of the distress they are currently suffering.
    As I write this, the first decent rainfall for over four months is finally arriving!

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    1. I understand completely since this region suffered through five years of drought that only ended last October. After good moisture levels from then until last month, the water table still hasn’t recovered, though. I’m very glad to hear that you have finally gotten some rain. Yes, the trees and other vegetation really start to suffer.

      We have for the most part come through summer with decent moisture levels, but some regions of this country have really suffered this summer. The number of forest fires has been (and continues to be) heartbreaking. It’s very dismaying when I hear people refer to “fire season.” Ugh.

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      1. Yes, calling it a ‘fire season’ seems almost celebratory, doesn’t it, as if it’s something like Xmas!
        We’re still getting rain, but it’ll take months at this stage to replace our water table. Our climate seems now to have become one of extremes, long periods of heavy rain, followed by longer periods with none at all, and the temperatures are mostly creating records in terms of heat. Of course, Greenpeace forecast precisely this way back in the 1980s, when I joined that organisation. But I get no satisfaction from having been ‘in the know’ for decades!

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        1. I agree, Stuart. I’m not a Greenpeace member but I recall reading about the predictions and yes, now they are beginning to come home to roost. I still can’t believe how many climate change deniers there are. They seem to think that if climate change is “real” they would see immediate evidence of it. Of course, there’s also the fact that they don’t want to change how they’re living, either. People who squawk about paper straws make me so irritated. The damage we’ve done (and continue to do) to this planet is profound. Eventually nature is going to select us for extinction.

          Here’s an article you might be interested in reading. I tried to copy you the documentary but it’s blocked. https://www.cbc.ca/documentaries/the-nature-of-things/microplastics-are-everywhere-6-ways-to-help-protect-your-health-and-the-planet-1.7482662

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          1. Thanks for that, Lynette. I’ve been aware of the microplastics issue for a number of years, but this article explains it in terms most people will understand, so I’ve shared it on social media. The more people who know, the more likely we are to get solutions.

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          2. You’re welcome, Stuart. The documentary was very interesting; it’s too bad I can’t send it along but thanks for sharing it on your social media. I agree that it explains the issue in very accessible terms.

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  4. Everything is in drought and heat stress right now and leaves are changing colour and dropping with alarming speed. There is beauty in autumn, that is for sure. But, a little moisture would be so nice. We are at 6 on the AQI index and will stay that way today and tomorrow. Have a great Wednesday Lynette. Allan

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    1. Thanks, Allan. I hear you. The dry conditions combined with excessive heat all over this country is alarming. How we can still have climate change deniers is beyond me. Since about mid-August we have had very high temperatures (for that time of year) that are still lingering in the low to mid 30s, so everything is becoming dry very quickly. We are at a six as well. I wish you good rains, Allan.

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  6. That rustle and rattle of dry leaves is a sure sign that change is in the wind. As much as I enjoy fall, I’m not ready to say goodbye to summer yet 😊. You’ve conveyed the changing season so nicely in your post!

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    1. Thank you very much, Belinda. 😊 Yes, that rattle of dry leaves is very distinctive. Normally I’m reluctant to say good-bye as well, but after this year’s late summer heat (it’s still hanging around at 30-35) I’m looking forward to cooler temperatures! Cheers.

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    1. I’m thinking that in your area it must be galloping in because of the drought conditions you’ve had – still have, I think? Our region is showing signs for sure but it will be much slower since for the most part we didn’t have those dry summer conditions – for once, anyway. Hard to say what kind of autumn we’ll have since the summer weather has been so off-kilter in many places, it seems.

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    1. We have had a late summer surge in temperatures with 35, 36, 37, like that, and they’re still lingering (95-100 F). I don’t usually look forward to autumn this much but at this point I really would like some cooler temperatures! But by about January I’ll be longing for everything to warm up, though! I’m not sure where your autumn is, but you’re right, I like ours here. Cheers.

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  11. It’s cooled down considerably and our leaves are already starting to change colour here. Part of that has been because of the summer heat and dryness too though. Enjoy the transition from summer to fall. It’s my favourite time of the year!

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    1. We’re still getting temperatures in the 30s and yes, we’re showing some signs of autumn but not much yet. For the most part it really still looks like summer. I’m definitely going to enjoy that transition once it starts more fully! Cheers.

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