Why I love Autumn!

There's something so complicated about Autumn.  On the one hand, I see plants visibly dying in front of my very eyes and even though I know most will return again next year, revitalised by months of dormancy, there is a short period of mourning for friends no longer here.  But the feeling is offset by the knowledge that there will either be a return or annual replacement - both of which is part of the excitement once snowdrops begin to appear in the new year.  Who would put off that anticipation?

Autumn has a beauty, though, all of its own.  Berries and hips begin to ripen, birds move in for the feast and trees, hitherto verdant, green but unshowy strut their stuff in new ways.  Sometimes we get unexpected late shows like this clematis that, struggling against the old apple, gave us a last minute show.

I painted the fence in the HastyTastyGarden deliberately with autumn in mind.  I chose a colour I had for many years avoided, wanting the fence to blend in as if it wasn't there.  However I have no regrets because the clear boundary it gives, provides important structure and in all months of the year - but never more so than in Autumn - a definite colour.  Just look how it complements the rowan above and the fading fuschia below.  Soon the dogwood on the left will become fiery yellow.  That's another beautiful thing about autumn, the colours return like other old friends.  Steady, predictable and welcome.