Tag Archives: Trees

Commentary, nature, Photography

Morning Walk

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I took stock of the deciduous trees while crunching through yesterday’s lovely leaf-strewn morning walk. The ash, maple and aspen trees are for the most part taking their rest now and the tamaracks aren’t far behind. Many others are still mostly green but are inevitably tilting toward yellow.

These are cottonwoods.

While living in southern Alberta I grew to appreciate the cottonwoods a lot. They thrive there and provide many advantages to humans, birds and animals alike. On the prairies they drop their leaves much earlier, so it’s lovely to see them wearing their summer garb well into November.

Happy Friday.

nature, Photography

Maple Tree Brilliance

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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.

nature, Photography

Honey Locust Trees

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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.

Honey locusts lining a path next to Okanagan Lake.

The flat bean pods that this tree produces contain a very sweet pulp and the seeds can be used to make flour.

The dark-coloured bean pods are long, flat and curly.

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.

A photo from ten days ago shows this tree in transition.

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.

A more recent photo shows an almost completely golden honey locust.

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.

nature, Photography

Maple Leaves

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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. 🍁

Commentary, nature, Photography

Autumnal Red

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The autumn reds are beginning to come into their own. During a break between rain showers, I stopped to take a few pictures of this arresting tribute to the season’s beauty.

This “winged euonymus” or “burning bush” is turning a brilliant colour.

This particular bush was of interest to me since about four or five days ago, it hadn’t started to change at all.

It won’t be long before it is entirely afire and likely causes others to stop and admire, a good thing in our busy world.

Happy Thursday.

nature, Photography

Metamorphosis

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Autumn is here with its colour and drifting coolness and many of the trees are beginning to change.

Some quickly turn yellow all at once while others hold off; they hang on to their green finery as long as they can.

Others turn an impressive red.

The orangey-yellowish-red ones look very showy in the sun.

Whatever your colour preferences, it’s a very pretty interval as we enjoy this precious time before winter’s arrival.

Happy Thursday.