There are still lots of late bloomers around.
They’re getting lost a bit in the abundant colour show that our trees and bushes are putting on right now, but they are still pretty and lovely to see.
These flowers were in a neighbourhood garden bed, many of which still look appealing despite their seasonal decline.
Happy Wednesday.
The sugar maples are such brilliant colour combinations right now. Enjoying a walk means also enjoying the glow from these trees – a wonderful autumn gift.
There are reds, greens, oranges and yellows on the same tree or a succession of trees – a stunning sight.
They don’t last long, but my, what a show!
Happy Tuesday.
Well, more accurately, leaving.
They are everywhere and in huge numbers, swirling and crunching.
I love this colourful ground detritus, a profuse panoply of underfoot leaves that bring a smile in the weather that’s beginning to turn a bit colder now.
It’s a lovely golden, red, orange and yellow mess that’s completely environmentally safe.
But good-bye summer; as we start to experience more invigorating temperatures, we’re looking forward to seeing you again soon.
Red is my favourite colour and I have enjoyed seeing a lot of it over the last month or so. Here’s a selection of favourites.
Have a good weekend.
I recently found a small group of red hydrangeas happily blooming in a protected corner spot next to a public building.
Red hydrangeas are not very common, but this little patch is very colourful. One bloom was a light purple, but all the others were raspberry red. I learned that this is likely a “red cardinal” hydrangea.
The soil in this particular spot must be quite alkaline, as that is what’s needed to bring out this bright shade.
The red and green almost looks a bit winter-seasonal, but I’m glad that in this hemisphere, we’re still enjoying autumn.
Happy Friday.
The honey locust or thorny locust tree is native to North America and in earlier times was an important food source for some indigenous peoples.
The flat bean pods that this tree produces contain a very sweet pulp and the seeds can be used to make flour.
This tree is extremely hardy and will survive droughts, poor soils and even the cold winters of the far north. The wood derived from them is also of good quality and high durability.
It has a mixed history however, as it’s invasive in Australia and has caused significant problems there as they will take over and choke river and creek beds and the open spaces near them.
Its home is North America where it should stay as it’s a good example of why a species works well in one location but not another. Despite problems associated with this tree, it does put on a very pretty autumn show.
Happy Thursday.
There are a mix of beautiful sights right now. Some are quite summery while others are decidedly autumnal.
The ninebark and garden grasses look very fallish, even though ninebark blooms very late in the season. One of the little pink blossom clusters is still visible.
A lovely variegated dahlia – a summery sight.
Dark red chrysanthemums lend an autumnal air.
Last but not least, a summer throwback: these roses are still vibrant and determinedly blooming away along with many others in Penticton’s rose garden.
Happy Wednesday.
The sugar maple trees are stunning right now.
Walking under them is like being enveloped in a softly glowing, gentle dream.
I took these photos during Sunday’s (October 15) evening walk when it was wind-still and fresh, and the world felt like it was taking a breath.
Standing among them and looking up into their reaches conferred a strong sense of our smallness, of the sweep of life and our little bit within it.
Happy Tuesday.
The Penticton rose garden still looks lovely, despite the fact that we are now mid-way through October and much closer to Halloween than Labour Day. Below is a photo progression.
The photos show that it’s fading, but I think it’s in the gentlest, loveliest way: the beauty in ageing.
Happy Monday.
Some of our national symbol maple trees are beginning their autumn colour-change ritual.
Many of the leaves are still green but others have begun their metamorphosis.
I love how the interior veins of the leaves turn red first, followed by the rest of the leaf as it becomes engulfed in colour before losing its tenacious grip on the twig and drifting to the ground.
I found this lovely example on the ground and decided to bring it home where it posed on my kitchen counter for a close-up.
Happy Saturday. 🍁
In the Net! - Pictures and Stories of Life 