Cuba Marsh that is, for the Fall Color Project, brought to you by Dave of The Home Garden. I was going to take photos of the same things I did last year for a color comparison, but the path along Baker's Lake was closed and I was able to get only this photo.
Unfortunately, it doesn't make a good comparison with last year's photo here, as that one was taken a week later and apparently past peak of color. I think this time I got it on time, but it's hard to tell when the color is as pathetic as it is this year. So this morning I went in search of color to Cuba Marsh, where I managed to find some.
Sunny days have been few and far between this October, which is why the color isn't as vibrant as last year. Highs in the 40s haven't helped either. Today was an anomaly: sunny and nearly 70F/21C.
This trail winds around to the boardwalk over the marsh.
Out on the Marsh itself:
Not a complete washout:
After my walk at Cuba Marsh, I needed to stop off at the library, where I found this.
Better than anything in Cuba Marsh.Back at Squirrelhaven, the best color is from the Pagoda Dogwoods (Cornus alternifolia).
With color like this, why did I bother to go looking for it?
With color like this, why did I bother to go looking for it?
'Black Beauty' Lilies
The evil Burning Bush Euonymous alatus, with the red foliage of Geranium maculatum
The purple foliage is Cotinus coggygria 'Nordine,' and the yellow-orange on the right is Porteranthes/Gillenia trifoliata
Even the Magnolia has turned
'Prairiefire' CrabappleThere's no place like home, there's no place like home....
Physocarpus opulifolius 'Monlo' (Diablo) with Cotinus coggygria 'Ancot' (Golden Spirit)And that's as good as it gets.
23 comments:
You're right, Dorothy. There's no place like home. I have to say, your off-year fall color is better than a peak year in Austin.
Loved the title MMD. Yes, there is no place like home especially when you have a 'Prairie Fire' crabapple to enjoy.~~Dee
Makes me want to simmer spices on the stove and watch embers glow by the hearth. I love this time of year and you've done it proud.
The color around you is always more special than the borrowed color of other landscapes. Your garden's fall color definitely steals the show. I'm a big fan of the purple foliage plants like the Ninebark and your Cotinus. We have 'Grace' in our garden. I had to buy it, it's named after my daughter ;).
What is that magnificent tree at the library, a sugar maple? You have a lot of beautiful fall color in your garden -- I love the range from deep purple to butter yellow.
Yes, I like the color around your house better than what you found at the park.
I agree with the others, while the Marsh is a great place, your garden has the best color and it's YOURS! You can sit there and enjoy it up close and personal. Nice post, B!
Saw your tweet about Cuba Marsh and tweeted back... I'm unfamiliar with this spot, but enjoyed these vignettes. I took a bit of a walk today around a salt marsh not far from here, one that's not nearly as lovely as Cuba Marsh.
Squirrelhaven is looking vividly, richly Autumn bright! Someone (!) must be tending to it with plenty of TLC.
That Wicked Shrub of the East sure looks brilliant ruby red! MMD, your garden looks wonderful in it's fall colors...sometimes we have to leave home to realize, there is no place like home. gail
Hasn't this been the most disappointing year for fall color? A lot of trees went from green to brown to bare. The old reliable maples are turning but nothing like last year. Bummer!
Marnie
Pam - well, that does make me feel a bit better.
Dee - The Crabapple is what I see when I look out the patio doors during meals. Well, except for dinner now, as it's dark by then.
FGG - great idea. Think I'll make some hot mulled cider today.
Dave - I wish there was a shrub with my daughter's name. I suppose I could start calling her "Nordine."
SB - Yes, it's a Maple. The Maples are about the only colorful large trees this year.
Kathy - but good color at home makes it too easy to stay home.
MA - sitting generally doesn't come into it. But I do enjoy working in it.
BATGT - sorry, I wasn't able to get back on Twitter yesterday until very late. The bridge across Cuba Marsh was put in only a couple of years ago, and it's been a forest preserve site for about 15 years.
Gail - "If I ever go looking for my heart's desire...I won't look any further than my own back yard."
Marnie - The Maples are like torches shining out in the darkness. I knew it last year that it was an autumn to savor.
MMD, beautiful, simply beautiful color and photos!
Lovely fall color. It is important to go in search of it to uncover the riches.
Oh for some beautiful leaves on my crabapples like yours, MMD! Too bad my in-laws didn't plant "Prairiefires" instead of whatever variety we have. And you gotta love that "evil" burning bush for its impact!
I've noticed the trees have really turned in the past week, but they're also dropping leaves like crazy. If I don't get out and take some photos soon, there will be nothing left to show.
Your garden's fall color is beautiful. We are having a golden year here, and it is beautiful - at least when the sun shines. Which does happen occasionally. We are drawing to a close, though.
Your garden has fantastic fall color; it's too bad Cuba Marsh couldn't measure up equally! It's nice you got to get out there on the only one nice day we've had. And I love that 'Prairie Fire'!
INCREDIBLE fall color! WOW! WOW!
Cameron
Love the pictures of the Marsh walkway. You have some great color there and I am hoping for sunshine for a full week for both of us.
Beautiful photos, stunning colours and a great read! Thanks for a lovely blog :)
Our color has been more washed out this year too but better by water and in the mountains. Your photos are still lovely. Nice to catch up with you!
Your autumn color is so much richer than what we've had in my neck of the woods. I've seen a few trees that made me wish I had my camera with me...but for the most part, it hasn't been spectacular. Your photos are gorgeous. That boardwalk over the marsh is beautiful! I enjoyed the color--and your post!
Nice post, MMD! I'm wishing I'd waited until now to make my Fall Color post, as there is much more out there than I thought there'd be. :-)
I'm concerned about my Pagoda Dogwood. This Spring will be the proof as to its condition. I gave it too much "goody" late this Summer during a dry spell. I'd created some compost tea that may have been to sweet and rich...
What absolutely gorgeous colour -- I especially love the shot through the arbor. That red is stunning!
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