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Photography by JoanneTaylor - Japanese Maple on the Main Line
There is no summer garden in full-bloom that can compare to what lies along the roadsides, hills, and valleys of the Delaware Valley, the entire tri-state, and well beyond right now. Time is running out to see fall foliage at its peak. The change began in late September and within two weeks, the show will be over and the colors will begin to fade. The trees are really showing off now with an explosive display like that of nature’s fireworks; and it seems as if the "finale" is taking place before the trees drop their leaves and take a long winter's nap in order to get ready for next year. The colors of fall foliage seem almost impossible to produce naturally. Adorning the decidious trees are leaves that bear brilliant colors of orange, peach, hot pink, bright red, cinnamon, maroon, bright yellow, many shades of gold, purple, as well as, multi-colored leaves.
Photograph by Joanne Taylor - Burning Bush on Fire in Chester County!
There’s not a lot to say, but lots to see. Do yourself a favor and take a ride this weekend. If you’re going to visit the pumpkin patch, be sure to take your camera for the ride. New England is not the only place to visit; New York and PA have gorgeous fall color as well. The website Fall in PA will give you the fall foliage areas best to visit.
Photography by Joanne Taylor - Old Maple Tree in Devon, PA
The reason leaves change colors in the fall is due mostly to lack of water getting to the leaves. The leaves change because of the cooler temperatures, wind, and lack of water. Fall foliage changes color in three stages. The succession is referred to as the color wave. In the first stage of development, the leaves turn yellow, especially in sweet gum, maple, birch, poplar, hickory, aspen and sassafras trees. During the second stage of fall color, foliage turns yellow to orange such as silver white oaks and various maples. The final stage is when the leaves turn red, especially in trees such as maples, sumac and oaks. Finally, after the third stage, the leaves turn to dreaded brown. Some leaves don’t change colors at all and merely fall off the trees.
Many times, the gardener forgets about deciduous trees bearing brilliant fall color, until they see the trees in fall. Honorable mention goes to the Burning bush, it's easy to grow and gives incredible fall color. Get ready for next year; if you spot a tree this fall that is so beautiful that you just have to have one, grab a leaf to identify the foliage and take it to your local nursery; trees are, for the most part, on sale now. You can also use one of the many fall tree leaf guides. There are tons of ideas for crafting with beautiful fall leaves. Take a break from your fall garden chores and get in your car today or tomorrow, and check out the brilliant display that nature has to offer, for free!
CLICK HERE FOR MORE ON AUTUMN LEAVES:
CLICK HERE FOR A COMPLETE GUIDE TO FALL GARDENING: http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-18980-Philadelphia-Gardening-Examiner~y2009m10d10-A-complete-guide-to-fall-gardening
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