As happens in many years where I live, late August was a sneak preview of fall, the year’s best season. Days were still too warm, but more were dry and breezy while fewer were hot and humid. A few cool nights led to chilly mornings, and I suddenly noticed that my garden flag with a picture of phlox was out-of-season. The roadsides have goldenrod and purple loosestrife now.

Virginia creeper is turning, as are some red maples in wet areas. Nearly all the healthy trees are still green, but there is a hint of yellow in many of those greens. The process will slow to a crawl in September; I will spend much of that month grumbling when the weather backslides and thinking “C’mon! C’mon!” when I look at green leaves.

October

Bright sun and cool air;
azure skies and pumpkin pies.
Leaves fall in glory.