Some autumn color (and llots of leaf litter) in the garden
One thing I have noticed this year is that the shedding of the leaves of most deciduous trees and shrubs seems to be a bit more gradual and spread out for a longer period. Unlike in previous years when most of them do their blaze of colourful glory within a two week period (could be more, haven't really taken any semi accurate mental records) then shed their leaves and that's it, all is barren and skeletal. This year autumn seems, well, longer in that manner, and more colourful too which is a wonderful bonus!
Autumn sunshine is always appreciated!
Autumn is a very messy month for the garden and any outdoor space for that matter. You either don't mind it and accept that it's all part and parcel of what characterises this season; or hate it for making the garden look messy and for giving you extra chores when its cold outside (or perhaps knowing that autumn is just a prelude to colder months about to come).
Looking graceful and elegant even if it's about to be shed off...
Ginkgo biloba 'Variegata'
This Euphorbia is giving its fair share of autumn color too! - Euphorbia deflexa
I don't mind it personally but to be honest it's as if I have a choice. There's no point disliking and having emotional fights with any particular season just because it's not my favorite. Disliking a particular season will just give anyone misery for months on end and can potentially wipe out significant chunks of your yearly life, not to mention feel dread whenever that season is about to come. There's always something nice to do for every season, and each has something nice to offer believe it or not. Just regard that one season will be your favorite over the other.
Dead leaves here, there...
and everywhere. Even here.
Anyway, back on topic, because the shedding of leaves seems more spread out this year means we can't tidy up in one short swoop. I did do some sweeping last weekend and pondered doing some more this weekend but opted to skip it this time. I thought what for? I may clear out an area now only to be filled back with dead leaves again within hours and for the next few days. I might as well wait till most of the leaves about to be shed have been shed, then I can do a larger tidy up session.
Still hanging on to its brown leaves - Magnolia officinalis
This huge tree at the bottom of our garden is the biggest culprit of leaf litter, and it's only halfway through shedding them - Acer pseudoplatanus
With the shedding of leaves actively happening at the moment, it is the evergreens that really take the brunt of having to carry the mess their deciduous counterparts make. I find it fascinating seeing how some of these evergreens look like with their crowns, leaves, and branches filled and carrying leafy debris. Some of them look quite pretty like that, in a strange sort of way but I know they shouldn't be left like that for long. Us gardeners will have to help them later on and clear off most these debris. Otherwise these debris will just rot in situ and will make the evergreens look unsightly, or could even be detrimental to them especially if it's in their crowns.
If you're an understory then you're bound to get some from the one on top of you...
Fatsia japonica smothered...
And so is this Trachycarpus fortunei
All part and parcel of autumn maintenance this leaf clearing business. If I can be bothered later on I may even make gather some in bags to make leaf mold out of them, which the garden will appreciate much later on. Hopefully by early December most of the deciduous leaves have fallen, and on milder days that month I can spend some time gathering them up, an activity I find rather relaxing. One of the little joys of winter even.
