Autumn Trees

Fothergilla gardenii - one of my favourite deciduous shrubs

Visually, autumn is my favourite time of year. The only thing ruining autumn for me is that it heralds winter. I hate the cold and damp. BUT - autumn is to be enjoyed while it is here - and here it certainly is.

Trees along our driveway - Claret Ash and Golden Elm

Claret Ash (Fraxinus raywoodii) and European Ash (F. excelsior)

Golden Elm, Ash, Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum)

I took the above photos this morning, of the trees along our driveway. Every time I arrive home, I am reminded that someone many years ago had the forethought to plant the trees, and for that I am thankful.

It made me think about the trees in our public parks - many of them war memorials. The people that planted these trees would never get to see them reach maturity, but many generations later, we get the benefit. In Masterton, the memorial trees are mostly English Oaks or Pin Oaks.

These trees above are at Queen Elizabeth Park. I used to have to rake up the leaves of these trees when I was doing my practical work there towards my degree. One of my favourite jobs back then. Still is - but on a much smaller scale nowadays!!

Younger trees at Henley Lake in Masterton

 To plant a tree requires a degree of optimism, I have decided. Optimism that it will grow, and that one day it will reach maturity, even though we probably won't live to see that. But our children and grandchildren will. Autumn is the trees way of reminding us how beautiful they really are, and how now is the season to plan to plant them!!! Get out there and do it.