Blazing November

Japanese Maple "Boskoop Glory"

Before we left for Florida last week, there was practically no fall color. I kept apologizing to a garden group from Huntsville because color-wise, there wasn't much to see. I guess you just have to be patient. Like last year, the color comes in November. I don't think this has always been the case but perhaps it is a result of the changing climate. When it happens though, it seems to occur overnight. 

"Boskoop Glory", the Japanese Maple at our front door. Notice on the opposite side how "Bloodgood" pales in comparison. It makes you wonder why "Bloodgood" is so preferred in nurseries?

Another famous Japanese Maple is "Sango Kaku". The bark turns red in the winter and is spectacular in all seasons.

This maple is in our neighbor's yard. Not sure what kind it is. It is massive and the color is usually prettier than this.

The maples are not the only tree with beautiful color this time of year. This is a Star Magnolia.

Trees are not the only colorful plant - there are also shrubs with beautiful color. This is Fothergilla.

Oakleaf Hydrangea

Angel's Trumpet

Looking up - dogwood in the foreground, sugar maple behind it and crape myrtle on the far left.

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy