It is remarkable, how one little patch of God's green earth
changes its wardrobe from a summertime riot of silky fresh color . . .
. . . to the crisp and crunchy textures and colors of Fall.
All in the blink of an eye.
I learned just a few years ago that the autumn colors of leaves --
those russet reds, those golds and browns and yellows -- are actually the real colors of the leaves.
Those colors have been there, lurking, all along.
Those colors have been there, lurking, all along.
The green is a costume.
A chlorophyll phantasy.
(Our forsythia in autumn. The only time it's as beautiful is in bloom.)
(Our forsythia in autumn. The only time it's as beautiful is in bloom.)
Knowing this has changed how I look at autumn color.
Now, I look at an Autumn hued tree and think, "Ah-ha! I'm seeing the real you!"
That maple tree in the corner of your yard?
She's been hiding her glorious Titian hair under Plain Jane green all summer.
How kind of Mother Nature to clothe her jewel-colored trees and bushes in quiet green
for the summer, leaving the glory to the flowers.
And how kind to give the trees and bushes a last chance to shine before winter.
Enjoy the color in your own backyard! -- Cass
P.S. My apologies to the science teachers out there. Yes, I should have paid attention in class, lo those many years ago, and yes, this is a very simplified "science lesson." But I'm afraid I'm pretty simple when it comes to science!
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Mary at Little Red House is hosting Mosaic Monday. Click here!
Susan of Between Naps On The Porch is celebrating another Metamorphosis Monday. Click here!
And at The House In The Roses, Cielo is hosting Show Off Your Cottage Monday. Click here!
Well my goodness Cass you are a garden poet. Well stated. hugs♥olive
ReplyDeleteI did not know that! I LIKE it. Love how you did your mosaics - Beautiful. **kisses** Deb
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post. Loved it. I never knew that about the leave colors, very interesting and eye opening. We just planted forsythia this spring, so I will have to run out and checl the foliage now.
ReplyDeleteHow very fascinating! I will forever look at all autumn foliage differently now. Thank you so much for sharing.
ReplyDeleteCindy
I like your outlook on the seasonal colour change. Perfect, thanks for sharing that idea. Stunning mosaics. Enjoy your week.
ReplyDeleteInteresting about the leaves. I do love the fall leaves very much. Your photo and mosaic are both so delightful.
ReplyDeleteHugs, Jeanne
Thank you for this new perspective!
ReplyDeleteHi Cass,
ReplyDeleteGreat mosaics. I like how spring is busting out all over and fall is more laid back and relaxed. I also think chlorophyll phantasy is worthy of a hearty guffaw!
Valerie
Thank you for visiting my blog. I love reading yours. Thank you for the "science lesson". I had forgotten it all. And the your autumn thoughts are precious, I so agree. Thank you for sharing. Karie @ karieschiccreations.
ReplyDeleteThe Science of Leaves, by Cass of That Old House! Yes, I pay more attention now than I did back then to biology class...don't even remember this factoid at all! Blogging is GOOD for the brain AND the soul ;o)
ReplyDeleteReally enjoyed your thoughts about the possible reason for it (besides chemistry and chlorophyll), linking the end of the flower blooming season with the vibrant color of fall leaves. Then all will be a quiet grey and white, only the pines of green, the holly and some red berries that hang on.
Thanks again for a great post.
Thanks for sharing your little spot with all it's pretty colors. I have heard that about the leaves before, but guess it does not sink in since it is for such a short period of time. The forsythia bushes in my neighborhood don't turn different colors like that.:( They are kinda yellow/brown now and ready to lose their leaves.
ReplyDeleteYou know it seems so much easier to learn something we may have been supposed to learn, when we are older and have more of life's experiences to help make that learning make sense ,,, if this makes sense!
ReplyDeleteBeautifully said, Cass. I'd rather have poetry than scientific facts any day.
ReplyDelete~ sarah
Lovely thought, for those of us who love autumn/
ReplyDeletejust beautiful. It makes me want my new camera (coming in January...) all the MORE! Love your mosaics! Thanks so much for stopping by my page this weekend! -diane
ReplyDeleteCass,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this post; especially:
"How kind of Mother Nature to clothe her jewel-colored trees and bushes in quiet green
for the summer, leaving the glory to the flowers."
What a wonderful way to look at it.
Question: In your summer mosaic what do you have strung across your porch? I can't make it out.
As always beautiful photographs.
Your Friend,
Deborah
Science is cool. Did you know that blue jays aren't really blue?
ReplyDeleteI love that your forsythia turns colors in the fall. What variety is it? Very fun post, like all your posts!
-Pam