Tag Archives: foliage

nature, Photography

It’s the Time of Year for …

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… yellow!

The autumn reds and oranges often get much of the attention during autumn but the overlooked yellows are often beautiful, too.

Lemony yellow gingko biloba leaves …

… and the whole tree. Once the gingko leaves turn, they don’t last long.

As I’ve indicated here before, I love the shape of the leaves; that beautiful fan shape is almost like a petal.

A beautiful yellow honey locust canopy …

… cottonwoods …

… big leaf maples with their lovely large leaves – almost large enough for rain protection – and a few more of them …

… still hanging on …

… and on the ground.

Have a happily yellow Wednesday.

nature, Photography

Japanese Garden Tour

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Not far from my home is a lovely Japanese friendship garden; Penticton has been a sister city with Ikeda, Japan – located in the Nakagawa District of Tokachi in Hokkaido – since 1977 and this garden is in honour of that relationship. I frequently walk through it as I like to see ongoing seasonal changes and it’s also a very comforting, peaceful place.

There are tranquil paths …

… a koi pond with a fountain …

… and best of all, it was painstakingly and artistically planned to ensure that it would be visually appealing all through the seasons.

Spring petals decorating the pond’s surface …

… and autumn leaves doing the same.

The garden abuts Okanagan Lake which even in summer can be seen through the trees and contributes further to the soothing atmosphere.

In winter, this garden is still serene and relaxing. If it’s warm enough, a little time on one of the benches can be a lovely way to decompress.

Right now however it’s displaying the best of autumn, including the fiery red lace leaf maple bushes that are at their most beautiful.

Happy Tuesday.

nature, Photography

Big Red

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This sugar maple tree has turned a very classic shade of red.

Since it’s the sugar maple leaf that’s on our flag, I would say that this tree is a rather iconic representation of Canadiana.

Besides gorgeous red leaves in autumn and beautiful lumber, the sugar maples are also known for producing another icon – maple syrup.

I grew up with it and have always enjoyed that luscious sweetness in cookies, cakes and on or in many other things, too.

Sugar maples provide us with so much, both practically and aesthetically, but at the moment, I’m enjoying the amazing gift of this stunningly gorgeous autumn colour.

Happy first Monday of November.

nature, Photography

October Vistas

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We have come through a stretch of rainy, very windy, coolish weather that at the higher elevations of the mountains, produced snow. Already! With better weather afterward, there were some good autumn scenes to be captured, though.

A warm sunset glow, despite the fact that we’re heading toward winter …

… was highlighted by mellow golden leaves …

… and fading orange light through red foliage.

Tis the season for colour.

nature, Photography

Grasses

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Although in the northern hemisphere many of the flowers are beginning to fade, there are so many interesting grasses now coming into their own.

There is a multitude of them …

… in so many shapes and sizes …

… and colours, too …

… so varied and pretty …

… as they go to seed in all their frondy, wispy glory.

Happy Sunday.

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.