This week we had our first frost of the season. And the second. It finally feels really cold with temperatures in the 20's one morning and I don't like it. But I guess I will adjust. It's always hard with the first cold snaps.
There were a few a casualties with the second frost, but there is still life in most of the plants. The leaves continue to change and fall, but the color is not at its peak yet. In fact, it's hard to imagine that there are so many green leaves left on the trees when there are some many brown ones on the ground.
As much as I don't like the coming of winter, I do love this time of year with the russet colors, crunching leaves, and the earthy smells. Autumn. Yes.
Here are a few things I saw this week
during a Second Look.
 |
| The sun came out and the bees were busy on the recent mum blooms. |
 |
| The nettle survived the frost and has an occasional bloom here and there. |
 |
| However, most of the marigolds were not so lucky. This is one of the few blooms that made it through the frosts okay. |
 |
| There haven't been any coneflowers blooming for several weeks now and the birds have been enjoying their seed heads. However, I found one more bloom this week. |
 |
| And speaking of birds, the gold finches have lost their brilliant yellows of summer when it was breeding season. |
 |
| Fleabane in the grass. |
 |
| Sweet gum leaves |
 |
| Grazing deer |
The colors are beautiful this time of year, aren't they? One of our trees, a birch, drops yellow leaves in a giant blanket, just outside the front door. The brightness of the yellow reflects back into our house, through the door window, and makes the inside of the house seem brighter, even on cloudy days.
ReplyDeleteThe yellow of the birch trees is very pretty. The reflection of the leaves is a good reason not to be in a hurry to rake them. :)
DeleteOur weather has finally cooled down too - though we still haven't made it into the 30's yet. But today it's 50 and raining, which is the coolest it's been since spring. At least it's finally cool enough to make soup!
ReplyDeleteUntil I started following your weather, I never realized that Denver could be so warm. I wouldn't be in hurry for a frost as long as it's cold enough for soup weather. I love soup.
DeleteWe also had our first frost this past week. My begonias finally bit the dust--they have done phenomenally well all summer.
ReplyDeleteThis is my favorite time of year--I think I love it because it is so beautiful and it's so short-lived--I have to really take the time to enjoy it because tomorrow the leaves may all be off the trees!
Our begonias survived, but that was probably because the were protected by mulch. Begonias usually do well along our front walk, but this year they did nothing. They didn't grow, they didn't die. Totally different than the other years. Not sure what was going on.
DeleteYou make a good point about enjoying fall while we can. One rainstorm and all of the leaves can be gone.
I heard the pioneers used fleabane in their mattresses to thwart the blood suckers. I'd never seen a photo of an actual plant before, however. It's getting cold nights here now too, but so far, no frost. Can't be far away though. Soon. I love fall also.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know that about flea bane. Maybe I'll take some next time I go camping.
DeleteVery pretty! Your fall is ahead of us, but I have noticed the beginnings of color change. I am wondering if this is going to be a magnificent color year here or one of those years where the trees lose their leaves and just go from green to brown with no vibrant colors. I guess a few weeks will tell.
ReplyDeleteThe colors don't seem as brilliant here this year, but maybe I'm just impatient. I guess both of us will see what the leaves decide to do.
Delete