These would be fall colors in the Midwest, where I grew up. Here, as seen from the Sam Merrill Trail, browns and golds are summer colors. Bits of gray, green and orange enhance the palette of the scrub's subtle beauty. It's not what I'd call a riot of color but it's hugely varied. Along the many nature trails here you'll also find wildflowers any time of year: red, yellow, even bright purple.In the background of the photo a path leads uphill through the area that burned almost a year ago. I don't know if the path is new or if it was always there and was revealed by the burn. Lately a man has been out there shoveling in the hot sun, making the path into a stairway. I tried to get a picture but he was far away, and it was crazy enough for me to be there. The scrub is beautiful but not as tall as trees, and it doesn't provide much shade.
16 comments:
California Buckwheat (in the foreground) is my favorite chaparral flower. It's fall color is blood red and when the setting sun casts the mountain in oranges and pinks, it takes my breath away.
The still-green tree on the right looks like a buckeye, with the flowers toasted up right on schedule. The ones up here are already starting to turn yellow and brown and drop their leaves.
This is lovely, Petrea. I've never been to this trail before.
This landscape has it's own inherent beauty. The trail looks interesting.
And there's cleveland sage and artemisia as well, looks like.
You know, nothing smells as good as our hills. Always sweet and a little dusty. I can never describe it but I always miss it when I'm away.
Beautiful! So many hiking trails around here, so little time!
Ah, this would make Lady Bird smile. Thanks for the Midwest reminder, Petrea. Takes me back to the days of bicycling throughout that grand state and also Wisconsin.
I find this very soothing. This is the real reason why California is the Golden State.
You're right! I looks like late November here in the Midwest. Although...we haven't had rain in so long that it might look like that soon!
I've been told the stairs were originally dug by the fire fighters several years ago. But my hat is off to the gentleman who is doing this renovation in the heat of summer. Wonder who he is.
Palm, I'm always so impressed by your knowledge. You too, Elaine and Elizabeth. I don't know any of these plants. I know sage and poison oak and that's it.
Top of Lake Avenue, Laurie. It's all you need to know. Oh--and sunscreen.
Jill, I'd tell you the same except it's a bit of a drive for you.
I know what you mean, Keith. I have a Monrovia Canyon Park Trail Guide I'm itching to put into practical use.
LadyBird! The young'uns won't get that, but I'll bet she could name more wild flowers than Palm Axis.
KG, I'm finding your new profile shot soothing as well.
Christie, no rain? You? Wow, there was so much rain in Chicago last Monday I thought surely the entire lake area was inundated.
Altadenahiker I've got a pic but it's from too far away. I saw him leaving; he threw his shovel into the back of his truck and drove off before I had a chance to tell him he was my hero.
Ahhhhh! The golden color just shimmers!
Did someone mention Lady Bird? (Born and raised in Austin here...)
I like the presence of a way behind the plants.
Valery
Barcelona Daily Photo
Nice shot.
Whenever anyone whines about the lack of fall color here I send them up Azusa Canyon or along the river by Duarte's Encanto Park. We have color, lots of it if one takes the time to look.
The color of light starting late October takes a very warm shift, very soft too which all make for wonderful photos.
Because our climate is so mild traditional fall color in the urban areas doesn't really show up until Nov/Dec when the liquid ambers change.
Is CA Buckwheat edible?
Vermont has its colors. We have ours. Our liquid ambers. Mmm.
Palm? California buckwheat for breakfast?
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