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Milkweed at the Audubon Fairchild Wildflower Garden (Greenwich, Connecticut)--September 26, 2009.

Already, the change in seasons has witnessed the fading of summer’s brilliant colors. Not too long ago, this milkweed was cloaked in majestic purple blossoms. From all around, monarch butterflies fluttered to its blossoms and delighted in its nectar.

Now, as summer’s long, warm days continue to yield to lengthening nights and falling temperatures, its royal color is gone. In coming weeks, in the wake of a still, crystal clear night, the season’s first frost will glisten like diamonds on grass, fallen leaves, and low-lying plants.

In coming weeks, the trees will carry out their annual fireworks extravaganza in dazzling hues of yellows, oranges, reds, and browns. Around that time, a temporary spell of Indian summer weather may seemingly turn back the clock on the changing seasons. Its warm breezes could rekindle summer’s fondest memories and give rise to hopes that the coming winter could be a gentle one.

Hopes and memories aside, beyond the trees’ explosion of color, winter will loom. While one will still be able to recall the summer in vivid detail—the things one did, the places one went, the people one met--one may also experience a sense of excitement about what the approaching winter might bring. Perhaps, it might be the kind of “old fashioned” winter of lore where the cold was persistent and often severe and the snow lay deep for long stretches of time. Perhaps its highlight will be a great snowstorm that will block the streets with mountainous drifts piled high by an icy wind. Of one such storm in the early 19th century, Amherst, New Hampshire’s “Farmers’ Cabinet” wrote:

“It is cheering to see the towering bank in a sunny morning, gemmed like the crown of a monarch, with jewels that receive their splendor from the sun’s rays, and reflect them back to ornament the cold white hillock, which the clouds have bestowed upon us to awaken recollections dear, and sensations as cutting as the winter.”

But that is getting too far ahead. For now, the faded milkweed is a reminder that sunny summer brought warmth and much beauty to the landscape. Summer provided the gift of opportunity for people to build wonderful memories. May the memories of the most recent summer be cherished.

ok so summer is coming and going at the mo - but the sun is out now so here’s a bright colourful summery mid-week shot!

taken at the gardens at temple newsam on our annual photowalk and flicnic last weekend

(PLEASE NO AWARDS OR PICTURES OR FLASHY BADGES)