As I looked out
my front door, the first day of fall provided quite a surprise. We had planted a dogwood tree about eight
years ago. It’s been so much fun to watch it grow and change each season. It’s
a Kousa Dogwood, which has lovely white blossoms in spring. Summer brings out
its full shape as it leafs out and provides some shade. The best is saved for fall. It’s a gift of
red pods amongst the green, lending an appearance of Christmas ornaments. Standing
proud and tall in my front yard, the dogwood almost seems to be out of place,
confused as to which season it is. Of course, it belongs here. This is fall in
New England. It’s all about color. While the Kousa’s leaves may not put on much
of a display, those bright red and deep fuscia pink pods make up for it.
Also, in front of
my house, are a Redbud tree and a Limelight Hydrangea tree. The Redbud is now two-three times the height
it was when we planted it nine years ago. Despite the name, its spring time blossoms
are lavender. When they fade, heart shaped leaves take over. They flutter in
the wind, providing an ever changing scene of dappled light.
Directly across
from it, blushing hydrangea blossoms cover the hydrangea tree. While the
blossoms are white with a touch of lime in the summer, the first hint of cool
weather sparks the beginning of their transformation. The flower tips start out
with a delicate pink, and by mid fall they turn a deep mauve. While many people
look forward to Christmas as the gift giving season, I love this time of year. I look forward to opening the shades each
morning to see what gift of color has arrived in the frosty night. I can’t say
it enough, I love fall!
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| Those aren't Christmas ornaments you see! |
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| Redbud is the first tree we planted. |
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| Limelight Hydrangea has its pink on! |
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