The snow swirls outside as I write this. Memories of summer flowers and the fall's display of color are fast fading. The flowers indoors on some Begonias, Spider plants and Papyrus (you need a magnifying glass to appreciate them) hardly compensate for what is gone. I do have to admit that what is gone went in a blaze of glory. This fall the color was outstanding. Despite the summer's drought, we exited the season in glorious fashion. One of the things that keeps us in the northeast despite the winters (although I have to admit that Kay loves winter) is the beauty of fall. It sustains us throughout the winter if we keep repeating the proper mantra.
The hill behind our house presents one of the better displays of color in the fall. Although it is just outside the boundary of a state park, it is too steep to build on. This would not be so in California but serves us well in New York State. This park contains a unique form of lake. Green Lake is meromictic, the bottom and top waters do not mix which accounts for its color and name. It is the place where I have introduced all four of our children to fishing. I remember the times I have cleaned and cooked many miniature Bluegills they have caught. A labor of love.
Take a look at some of the color on the hill behind our house. You can not beat this area in the fall. Look and weep you denizens of the south.
Another winter escape I indulge in is to turn to the articles our friends from "down under" have in Suite101 Gardening. Knowing that there is somewhere in this world where the breeze is balmy and the sun shines warmly gives me hope that someday we too will emerge from winter's desolation. Gardens in Australia, New Zealand and Australian Tasmania are blooming right now. I especially turn to Gay Klok's Tasmanian articles with the beautiful photographs of her gardens. I am glad I have a cable connection to the Internet as I get almost instant gratification in rapidly downloading the many superb images she has posted of her extensive gardens.
During the months we had spent in Australia and New Zealand I was struck by
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