Yesterday I was thinking about Foliage Follow-up, hosted by Pam at Digging, and realized I hadn't taken pictures of any of the gorgeous fall foliage surrounding me. I hadn't even taken time to walk through Whitnall Park, practically across the road from my new flat.
Before I get to the fiery fall foliage, since I shared the blooms of some of my orchids, I thought I'd show that at least two of them are no slouches in the foliage department, either.
The foliage of Paphiopedilum Lynleigh Koopowitz always reminds me of a stylized climbing rose or vine pattern against the lighter background. Can you see the dark stems rambling along the surface of the leaf, and the round little flowers?
Paphiopedilum Stella Scope has a subtle silver tone over the entire leaf surface, with more-silvery highlights rimming the dark patches.
And before we move outside, take a look at Amorphophallus atroviridis 'Red Sox'. I'm really loving the skylight in my bedroom, because the natural light from above allows for the full purplish-blue sheen of these leaves show.
Another maple displays more red, lit from within by yellow.
One thing I'm glad grows in Milwaukee is tree lilacs (Syringa reticulata). I love the fragrant white flowers, but it's the peeling bark of a really good specimen like this one that really thrills me. I know, it's not foliage, but this one was just crying out to have its picture taken.
I think this next plant is some kind of Prunus sp. It caught my attention because of the slightly muted colors in the full spectrum of fall.
There was one area of particularly bright maples in shades of yellow and light orange. Walking just inside the tree cover revealed a golden cathedral that I stayed in for a few minutes just taking pictures and soaking in the honeyed light.
One thing that always strikes me about deciduous forests is how open some of them are on the forest floor. In the PNW I only ever see open areas like this under the densest tree cover, or to some extent in the Hoh Rain Forest in areas dominated by big leaf maples.
One last shot of the Church of Acer before moving on.
The green and russet leaves of this oak look like a painting to me.
Brilliant purple, red, and yellow leaves create a gorgeous display.
This big maple flared within a stand of pines. Another moment of sheer beauty that I just allowed to soak in for several moments.
Here's a tiny glimpse of Boerner Botanic Gardens, located within Whitnall Park. I didn't go into the garden today, but next time I remember to get a pass from work I'll take you for a tour.
One last shot of a particularly fiery maple behind a couple white spruces. Here's wishing you a colorful fall!
