I think it's safe to say that Fall is upon us. We haven't had the scent of burning leaves, or the crispness of an early morning yet, but you can see the changes just starting in the plants.
Our road has fields of soybeans on either side of it to the east. About a week ago, I noticed the very first signs of change of color in the field. It was subtle, but yesterday it had become more pronounced. Those particular fields must have had enough rain to make it through the summer. The plants were vigorous, so I think this is most likely not a response to drought, but rather, the end of the growing cycle. The field is mottled with dark green, and shades of lemon yellow to tan sprinkled throughout.
We have a tree that lines several of our streets. I don't know what tree it is, but it looks like it could be related to aspens. These trees are beginning to drop their leaves. Last week the dead leaves were dancing across the road as the wind from the coming cool front moved in. Tomorrow, they'll be glued to the ground from the rain.
We have black walnut trees that line the eastern edge of the property. The walnuts have begun to drop. I suppose you really need to wear a helmet to walk near them! *G* The leaves have been on the ground for several weeks. They are the first sign of impending weather changes, to me.
It's raining today. Should I count that as another sign? We haven't had the burning drought we had last year, but I suspect we are behind in precipitation. EVERYTHING says "AAAAhhhhhhhh" when we get the least bit of rain.
I'm ready for cooler weather, but I can't help wondering where the entire year has gone. Elegante Mother is correct when she says that the older you get, the faster the time flies.
Comments (7)
Trees have been turning here for the last couple of weeks. Almost time for the "leaf peepers" to make their annual migration.
Posted by bogie | September 11, 2006 4:22 AM
Posted on September 11, 2006 04:22
Do you get the wonderful drifts of red and orange and yellow as the trees change in New Hampshire? I've never visited NH, so I don't know what kind of trees you're likely to see.
Posted by buffy | September 11, 2006 10:46 AM
Posted on September 11, 2006 10:46
It is very colorful, with reds, maroons, yellows, oranges interspersed with green (evergreens). This is one of the states that gets over-run by people that aren't as fortunate to have the amount of trees that we do.
Posted by bogie | September 13, 2006 4:17 AM
Posted on September 13, 2006 04:17
Well as yet Autum colours haven't appeared over here but I suspect that it won't take long. as it is the Laburnum still has its leaves a sure sign it has finally really established itself. Until 2 years ago it sheds its leaves in August - which I always felt was far too early. Last year though they dropped in October, a far more civilised time for leaf fall.
Posted by Adele | September 13, 2006 4:55 AM
Posted on September 13, 2006 04:55
I bet it's gorgeous, Bogie. I wasn't sure if New Hampshire was mostly evergreens, or whether you had the hard woods that have the beautiful leaf colors. Now that I know, I'll have to plan to be one of those darn tourists who visits in the fall! *G*
Adele, most of our leaves fall in mid to late October with the exception of the black walnut trees. When I saw them drop leaves in August the first time, I thought the trees were dying!
The "burning bushes" that are along the east side of the drive haven't begun to turn yet....or hadn't the last time I looked. I'll have to check this morning.
Posted by buffy | September 13, 2006 10:01 AM
Posted on September 13, 2006 10:01
So far none of the deciduous trees in the local area have shown any sign of turning colour, let alone shedding leaves. Long may that continue. But Christmas is heading at a rate of knots. Two of London's major Department stores, Selfridges and Harrods have both had their Christmas stuff for sale for weeks. Too early!!!!
Posted by Adele | September 18, 2006 3:41 AM
Posted on September 18, 2006 03:41
I SO agree!! Right now I want to wallow in Fall and Halloween decorations. In six weeks, I'll adjust those to reflect Thanksgiving. It won't be until the very end of November that I begin thinking of Christmas, and I don't want to see one ad, or one sale, or hear one Christmas carol until then!
Posted by buffy | September 18, 2006 1:13 PM
Posted on September 18, 2006 13:13