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Red maple leaves on snow

We’ve enjoyed our bright red maple tree with sun through its leaves, and also after a snowfall. However, after our recent cold temperatures, the leaves fell and mingled with snow to create a colorful autumn carpet.

red maple leaves on snowThe snow is now gone. but the colorful leaves remain. We will soon collect them and use them as mulch for the garden. They will gradually become part of yet another growing season.

As we approach Thanksgiving, I’m grateful for our backyard, the change of seasons and many, many other blessings. I hope the same is true for you.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

November backyard with snow

What a difference a week has made! It seems our autumn has suddenly turned to winter. The red maple (Acer rubrum) leaves, back lit by the morning sun, look much the same as last week. However, an inch of snow has given the garden an entirely different look.

Red maple leaves and snow

I ventured out long enough to get this photograph. Since our outside temperature was 15° F, I was soon glad to enjoy the view from inside.

It’s still autumn. Can we hope for some mild November days? Or is this the beginning of a long, hard winter? Only time will tell.

Colorful sassafras

I love autumn, especially watching the magic as leaves change colors. On a recent walk at our local arboretum, this patch of leaves on a sassafras tree (Sassafras albidum) grabbed my attention.

Sassafras leaves in October

The brilliant leaves were back-lit by the sun and reminded me of stained glass. Our parade of fall colors has definitely begun and I look forward to watching its progress.