#354 - Rain on Leaves

The end of October and let the rainy walks begin. I was trying to take a different picture, blue sloes against a gold and russet beech tree, when I saw these rain-silvered, ghost leaves lying in the grass. The season changes and the world is unrecognisable, almost. Each year,  I re-remember.

#353 - Rosebay Willowherb tops

Strolling past the great bank of weeds that border one side of the stream, I noticed that the leaves at the very top of the Rosebay Willowherb plants were like fiery chrysanthemums.

#352 - Ragged leaves in the sun

Spotted these threadbare Maple leaves low down in the hedgerow and held them up to the afternoon sun. Made me think of these lines by Shakespeare: 

"Till whatsoever star that guides my moving
Points on me graciously with fair aspect,
And puts apparel on my tattered loving..."
(Shakespeare, Sonnet 26)

I love the phrase, 'tattered loving' and these worn leaves reflect too, the wearing on of the year and how winter will soon be upon us.

#351 - Brown Mottlegill fungi

I think Autumn might be turning out to be one of my favourite seasons for taking pictures. Or perhaps it's the turn of a season I like, as all the plants change over there seems to be so much to see: new Autumn crocuses, a pool of lilac under the grey skies; the trees beginning to blaze on one side, as if we are waiting in that breathless moment after you place a match and wait to see if the fire will catch; the berries, red and purple... and green apples. And of course, mushrooms in the grass. 

#250 - Narrow-leafed Ash leaves

Some slim purple and scarlet leaves we found scattered in the grass under the ash tree. The cold weather is coaxing all the trees into flame.

#349 - Autumn palette

Mild autumn days with soft rain... I'd forgotten how much I like these. The children and I put on our rain coats and collected leaves from the Maples in the park. Looking back, as we headed home for tea, we could see our decorated log from across the park, a splash of colour under the sombre, dripping trees.