The leaves have been especially colorful this fall.  Possibly the drought has intensified the pigments in the leaves.  Just the right temperatures have been in place with a cold snap followed by mild weather.  And the rains have come just in  time.  It is the last call for many of these colors as it is raining leaves.

    For those who live in Fredericksburg, there are two hugh Gingko biloba on William Street beside Marye Heights Apartments.  Approximately 40 feet tall, these trees now show there open habit as they shed the most beautiful golden, yellow leaves to the ground.

    The Japanese maple variety "Osakazuki" has electric red orange leaves.  This particular maple's fall color is what is its best known quality.  And Crape myrtles are great for summer blossom, so we don't always consider the vast array of the beautiful fall color of the different varieties.  Also, the fruits of the Washington Hawthorne and the crabapples have the wild birds jumping for joy.  Can clusters of ripe, red Nandina berries be far away!

    Maple trees adorn our streets.  At one point, it was suggested that we refrain from planting maples as street trees because of their vast root systems and occasional wooly aphid problems.  A drive down any maple lined street certainly makes one feel it is worth the bother to plant these stunning creatures.

    Fall is certainly a beautiful time.  Now where did I put my rake?

    Next week - Putting Roses To Bed For The Winter.

Andy Lynn