It seems to have happened almost overnight. Autumn arrived in Toronto in all her blazing glory. I've been going for long, slow walks with my camera, exploring neighbourhoods, park gardens and an old cemetery. In sunshine and shadow, the colours are amazing! Nature combines colours brilliantly!
I love these grape vines growing on a weathered cedar fence, along a neighbourhood laneway. The tiny grapes were barely visible behind the wall of grape leaves. It was only when I came across a bare patch of leaves, that I noticed the deep blue-black of the fruit.
The leaves are broad and thick like grape leaves, however, the grapes are so small, they look more like blueberries. It's possible that they are Champagne grapes.
The leaves are broad and thick like grape leaves, however, the grapes are so small, they look more like blueberries. It's possible that they are Champagne grapes.
Around the corner, and down another street, Virginia Creeper has crept up a utility pole, and is beginning to form an arch on overhanging electrical wires. The vibrant, fiery oranges and burnt sienna, highlight the buttery yellow of the smaller leaves.
Colour isn't the only contrast with this plant. While its flowing vines of delicate leaves may appear fragile, this is a very hardy plant, which will grow anywhere - facing North, South, East or West - in the coldest of climates. Also known as American Ivy, the vine will grow as high as 15 metres, or 50 feet, and is often seen on the sides of buildings, or on trellis gates.
Between people staring down at Autumn photos on their iphones, and everyone else staring up into the trees, I'm surprised that Fall isn't the peak time for falls! On my walks, I've seen many others capturing their own version of an iconic Fall image: the yellow, orange, and green leaves of an aging tree, against a clear blue sky.
The late afternoon sun is a little lower on the horizon, but the light through the Maples is spectacular! As every Canadian knows only too well, despite the song, the maple leaf ain't forever. November's winds will blow the leaves from their branches. Then, everything will be covered in a white blanket of snow, and Torontonians will be curling up with their heirloom Hudson's Bay blankets, and mugs of hot coffee...For now, I'm enjoying my urban nature walks in the land of the Maple leaf!
Photographs Copyright of: Ruth Adams, Widow's Endorphins Photographic Images Incorporated.
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