Japanese Maples at Autumn's End

It is not too cold outside, but it looks like it should be. Rain earlier in the week knocked many leaves to the earth, where they lay in sodden, though often colorful layers. The atmosphere forebodes of barren trees and the icy breath of winter, and already a fire blazes in our hearth against the chill.

Japanese maples are in their final flush of autumn splendor, even as leaves are falling to the ground. These trees are fabulous throughout the year, and I am reminded once again why I love them. There is almost too much saturated color, but I drink it in, against the dreariness of the coming season.

I can't imagine my garden without Japanese maples. There are many cultivars with different types of leaves and growth patterns. I am fortunate that my garden can accommodate a nice variety, but if ever I move to a tiny house with a tiny garden, I still will need to have at least one! 

For general information about Japanese maples read Japanese Maples in my Garden, and if you are still hungry for fall photos of Japanese maples you may enjoy last year's post, Brilliant Japanese Maples.

Glorious Autumn Light

I almost missed it. The day was old, and I was busy. I had not been out to walk in my garden or to take photos, as I like to do. I already had plenty of fall photographs. I wasn't planning to publish another post featuring autumn colors. So I was tempted to skip my afternoon stroll.

But I never know what I will see out there, and I like to take pictures for my own use. A good shot will often point out gaps and errors in the garden. My eye sees the big sweep of things and can miss details picked up by the camera. If I look at a photo and decide I can't use it on my blog because item X is spoiling the shot, I know I need to do something about item X. So I grabbed my camera and hurried out before the sun set. 

I was stunned. Overnight the fall foliage had intensified. Golden light was glittering over the leaves, and I was looking at a stained glass wonder of colors. Was this my garden?

I walked to the wooded area down from the patio. This year I added an arbor to the entrance of the Lady Garden, and I noticed that it was the perfect frame for the wondrous fall foliage:

I took these shots in and around the hydrangea walk, adjacent to the Lady Garden:

Some photos in the woodland garden:

More trees: The blue coloring of  Deodar cedar 'Feelin' Blue' is especially vivid this time of year. The brilliant yellow tree is a Japanese maple, which once upon a time was an unnamed seedling:

And a few closer shots:

Top: Heuchera leaf. 2nd row: Japanese maple. 3rd row: White pine; Japanese maple 'Waterfall'. 4th row: Hydrangea 'Lady in red'; Variegated Solomon's Seal.

The glory of the autumn light renewed my spirit and my energy. I am humbled to think I almost let the stress of a busy day steal this gift from me.

May each day offer blessings to you, and may you find time to receive them.     Deborah