Autumn Has Fallen
Autumn has fallen, like a cool breeze wafting over the Pacific Northwest. I can feel it when I step outside, summer defiantly left, giving it up until next year. The trees are showing their real colors as the chlorophyll green takes its leave and all that is left is true color. It is like a removal of veils and the truth revealed in a blaze of color. Perhaps that is appropriate for this time of year, as we get ready for an election. What we need is the dropping away of the chlorophyll to get down to the real color of the party line. This is the time we most need to be able to see the truth in order to make good choices. If only it was that simple and colorful!
I am amazed at the gold, russets, reds, bright crimsons and even scarlet that blaze across my neighborhood. I recently went to two local nurseries to check out the autumn colors of the trees and shrubs. Both had great selections of maples and others, all decked out. If you have not visited your local nursery in fall, perhaps a visit will surprise you. How many colorful plants there are, besides the chrysanthemum, cabbages and pansies! Go take a look at the colorful berries, foliage and flowers that can grace your garden this season. A colorful fall garden can put any other season's garden to shame. Many maple trees are a good choice for bright-hued leaves, from blazing crimson colors to more subtle, soft yellow and apricot, as you can see in this extensive list of maples.
Do not forget to go out and exercise your right to vote!
by Debbie Teashon
Photographed at Savage Plants & Landscape, Kitsap Peninsula.
Gardening for the Homebrewer: Grow and Process Plants for Making Beer, Wine, Gruit, Cider, Perry, and More
By co-authors Debbie Teashon (Rainy Side Gardeners) and Wendy Tweton
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