Are you seeing signs of fall in your area? Even though it’s still hot here and flowers are blooming everywhere, still — there are unmistakeable signs that summer is nearing an end. We have way too many tomatoes and peppers every day now, the blueberry bushes still have tons of berries (even though I’ve long since tired of picking them), and the fall wildflowers are beginning to bloom. Click any photo in this post to view a larger version.
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Sourwood trees are blooming,
and the leaves are changing to bright red
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Spicebush trees and dogwoods all have red berries right now
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Along with the annuals and shrubs still flowering all over the yard, Autumn Joy Sedum, Mums and Asters are all coming into full bloom now.
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In addition to all the flowers in my yard, the woods are filled with many types of asters and other wildflowers blooming right now… including the dreaded ragweed, which is also blooming everywhere here.
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A bumblebee visiting a fall wildflower
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There are tons of these wild purple asters in bloom
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My Burning Bush shrubs are starting to turn red. Soon, they will look like bright red clouds on the slope behind the house and along the edges of the driveway. The two old crabapple trees that we have are filled with fruit right now, useless to me but maybe something will eat them. :)
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All along the edges and throughout the woods, we have small native, almost-evergreen shrubs (Euonymus americana) known as “Strawberry Bush”, “Hearts-a-Burstin'”, or “Bursting Hearts”. These small shrubs have inconspicuous white-green flowers in late spring, and bright green branches and twigs. The seedpods ripen throughout the summer and resemble strawberries. In the fall, these strawberry seed pods burst open to reveal bright, shiny red berries dangling from threads out of the pods. They are very striking and stand out amidst all the green.
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Bright seedpods of Strawberry Bush
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The woods are getting darker, earlier, and the shadows are deepening. It won’t be long now before the nights get cooler and the leaves all change to their bright fall colors. I look forward to the leaf color and the more comfortable weather, but that’s all. Even with all the work and the heat, I much prefer summer. :)
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Earlier sunset over the mountains
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Another awesome post filled with amazing colors! Beautiful post!!
fabulous series of photos! very beautiful…
Hi Michele, thanks. I’m hoping we have a pretty fall here too — lots of color then!
Hi travelnorms, thank you! I’m glad you visited.
Beautiful post! Fabulous colors! Fall is my favorite time of year…but I have to admit that I really enjoyed our summer this year.
Hi Kerri, I like fall color, but summer is definitely my favorite time of year. :)
Fall is just around the corner. All of your photos are beautiful.
Hi Shimmy Mom, summer has flown by! It’s hard to believe it’s fall already.