Fall Foliage

The high temperature here today (December 19th) was 77 degrees Fahrenheit.  It was quite warm.  Hard to imagine we had snow and ice not long ago.  Tricia and I sat on the front porch in rocking chairs and had afternoon coffee.  Quite relaxing.  I'm going to miss this life of leisure once I go back to work! 

As we were watching birds flying from tree to tree, we noticed leaves falling from the trees.  The pecan trees only have a few leaves left, but many of the water oak leaves have yet to fall.  The live oaks, being evergreen, replace all their leaves in the early spring.  They'll hold their green leaves all winter long.  One thing about fall in Louisiana, is that if you want to see beautiful colors of fall foliage, you'd better schedule a trip somewhere.  The changing colors just aren't that striking.  Of course the cypress trees turn a reddish-rust color, and you certainly can't forget the lowly "Chicken Tree" or Chinese Tallow Tree.  Those leaves get real pretty.  Other than that, I'm drawing a blank...

We do have some Japanese Maple trees planted in our landscaping and although my photos don't do it justice, the green leaves turn a beautiful red color around this time each year.  Check it out:

The red leaves contrasted against the bright green leaves of the citrus trees in the background make a nice showing, in my opinion.  If you look closely in the photo above, you can even see satsumas on the tree on the left behind the Japanese maple.

We have six of these trees in all.  Here's a smaller one by the front door with bright red leaves.

Our seasons don't last for long, though.  As soon as the leaves change color, they drop to the ground very quickly.  The red leaves that adorned the trees soon lay on the ground and fade away.

Some of the leaves also fall and get lodged in the bright green juniper leaves that grow at the base of the Japanese maples.

As it turns out, I guess we don't have to venture off the front porch to view fall foliage.

Observances from a Spring Walk

Mrs. Bennet, with great civility, begged her ladyship to take some refreshment; but Lady Catherine very resolutely, and not very politely, declined eating any thing; and then, rising up, said to Elizabeth,
"Miss Bennet, there seemed to be a prettyish kind of a little wilderness on one side of your lawn. I should be glad to take a turn in it, if you will favour me with your company."
"Go, my dear," cried her mother, "and shew her ladyship about the different walks. I think she will be pleased with the hermitage."  - Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Tricia loves books by Jane Austen and got introduced to the phrase, "take a turn" in the yard from the dialogue from Pride and Prejudice quoted above.  Taking a turn simply means to go out and take a leisurely stroll, enjoying the weather and scenery. We like to do that now.  Sometimes she'll ask, in her best English accent, if I'd like to go take a turn in the yard.  I'll always oblige the Lady.

So let's take a virtual 'turn' to see what's going on in our garden and yard.  First, many old timers will tell you that it is not Spring until the pecan trees have begun to put on leaves.  They're typically the last trees in our area to put out leaves. Well, it is officially Spring!  The pecan trees in the yard are putting out their leaves, signalling the arrival of Spring.

Ladies and Gentlemen: Spring has arrived!

Thanks to a load of composted chicken manure mixed with old wood shavings that was given to me and subsequently incorporated into the raised bed where I planted our potatoes almost a month ago, we have the most healthy potato crop we have ever had.  Just look at them grow!  Now, we don't want to count our chickens before they hatch.  With potatoes, it's what's under the ground that counts, not what's on top. But it certainly looks like a great start.

Here's an up close photo of a potato plant about to bloom.  When the potato plant blooms, it is a signal that tubers are forming.

Potatoes about to flower

The sugar snap peas are extending their tendrils and attaching themselves to the cattle panel that I have for them to grow on.  I did see one flower already which is good news.  Sugar snap peas do best in cooler weather, so they need to produce quickly as South Louisiana is not known for having a lengthy Spring.

Sugar Snap pea tendrils

This photo highlights the tendril, reaching out looking for the next thing on which to grab as it climbs upward.

Reaching out for something to hold onto

This is a weed that grows in the garden right next to our garlic chives.  I looked it up on the Internet and learned that it is called the Oxalis or Pink Flowering Shamrock or wood sorrel.  Although a "weed," it is pretty in the garden and this weed won't get pulled up.

Something pretty that came up on its own

As we move out of the garden and around the yard on the east side, you can see that the little peaches are already forming and have peach fuzz on them.  I hope this fella ends up in a warm cobbler with homemade ice cream on top!

Peach fuzz

Moving along, we come to the azaleas whose fuschia blooms light up the neighborhood.  This particular bush was at my grandmother's house.  We transplanted it in our yard and it seems to be very happy in its new location 30 miles south of Kinder.  If you look closely, you can see the barn and one of the cows in the background.

Azalea

How can one be depressed when standing next to this bush?  It is so bright and happy and cheerful that you'd have to really try hard to be melancholy in front of this plant.

Pretty in Pink

This is probably a good place to end our walk as the sun goes down and the setting sun sends out its last rays of light through the red leaves that the Japanese Maple is putting out.

Filtered light through the Japanese Maple

You don't have to be a Romantic or a fan of Jane Austen to enjoy "taking a turn" about the yard.  Anyone who appreciates just slowing down the pace and relishing the Great Outdoors and appreciating the sights, sounds, and smells of nature that we all overlook from time to time can do it.  Take hold of the opportunity that awaits you right outside your back door.