The Joy of Leaves

Leaves fall softly, mimicking a butterfly

Sunshine warms the forest floor

Acorns are falling, watch your head

Squirrels scurry, 
chipmunks hurry down the hatch,

Birds flurry to the treetops

Golds, oranges, reds and purples wave

as the wind whispers sweetly 
Crunchy leaves underfoot

Life's ending 
or, is it
just the beginning

These are the words that fill my head as I stroll through the woodland garden. 

Humor me for I am not a poet.

 

November is peak color time in my garden and 

these sunny days we've been enjoying are good for my soul.

The hosta leaves are turning golden and furling up before they disappear 

amongst the carpet of leaves.

 They are especially stunning when the sun hits them. They seem to glow.

The imperfection of the dogwood leaves is nature's perfection. 

Oranges, reds and purples glimmer in the filtered light.

One of my favorite fall plants is the Sumac. 

How can you not fall in love with all the colors?

 My little forest of Sumac puts out an array of color.

The Japanese Maples that are scattered under the native canopy grow prettier by the day.

The Coral Bark Maple has turned a glorious amber that looks muted
against the bright reds and oranges.

And it won't be long before the bark shows its signature coral
that will brighten the winter landscape.

I am enamored with the orange of this lace leaf maple. It is really exquisite.

But among all this magnificent color the real goodness is right here under my feet. 

The fallen leaves will soon be decomposing and will make the soil rich and nutritious.

So what is a feast for the eyes now will soon be a feast for the plants.
These leaves are the building block of life in my garden.

I am linking to Growing the Home Garden for the fall color party where you can look at all the beautiful foliage around the country. Go take a look...