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Monday, September 26, 2016

Dogwood Tree Provides a Touch of Christmas in Fall

     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!

Those aren't Christmas ornaments you see!

Redbud is the first tree we planted.

Limelight Hydrangea has its pink on!


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©2016 Laura S. Pringle. All Rights Reserved.

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