Leaves are such a gift. We anticipate their presence in midwinter. We often take note of the buds on trees and shrubs in late winter. Watching them swell with the energy, these buds offer us a lesson in diversity. They produce leaves in all shapes, sizes, or colors, such as chartreuse, brightly colored, or variegated. Other tree and shrubs will produce blooms before the leaves. The first lesson nature teaches us is patience. Patience is shared as we anticipate what will evolve from the buds of late winter.
Leaf canopies offer our gardens a buffer from the strong sun, especially as our climate continues to evolve. Many appreciate the shade from overhead tree canopies, encouraging us to create shade gardens. A strategically placed garden room in dappled shade is akin to an outdoor living room. As homeowners, we should consider incorporating elements that cause us to pause and experience nature. A few chairs, a loveseat, or perhaps a table to rest refreshments, nosh, or a book will add ambiance. Leaf canopies invite the breezes to waft through and create a sense of peace.
We know that as summer ends, lighting throughout the garden changes as the leaves begin to fall. Before they fall, many trees offer a kaleidoscope of color. This colorful array of leaves changes the feel of the garden as the cooler temperatures arrive. Crepe myrtles, fothergilla and oak leaf hydrangea offer some of the richer shades of the season. I look forward to the gold, rustic burgundy, and even red in my garden. It is delightful to notice colorful changes to our familiar trees, such as redbuds, oaks, and maples. The bright gold foliage of Amsonia, adds a bit of whimsy to my garden. Perennials with structure, form, and color, often demonstrate how the garden can be beautiful, even as it wanes. The second lesson leaves teach us it to appreciate fleeting moments.
As I walk my dog at the break of dawn, finding the perfect leaf of the day brings me joy. It is during this quiet time, when the day slowly reveals a fresh batch of leaves littering the landscape. There is always one leaf that glows in its near perfect color or form. Reaching down, gingerly embracing my special daily find, a leaf finds its way into my pocket. When I arrive at the Cottage, the leaf is eased between the pages of a book. Many times, I simply place it on the glass top of my curio cabinet by the front door. By the end of the week, a stack of crumpled brown leaves causes me to smile. It is then when I am reminded how quickly we move from season to season.
Do I simply discard the now crumpled brown leaves in the trash? Is there another purpose they can serve? The third lesson leaves teach us is the art of repurposing. At this time of the year many rake leaves, removing them from every inch of the landscape. Science teaches us that we should consider repurposing at least some of the leaves back into our gardens. Leaves drop from the trees above as a way of shedding the prior season’s growth. This has happened since the beginning of time. In doing so, leaves break down and feed the soil. This is the cycle of nature. Nature has always found a way to be self-sufficient. Some plant material is more prone to disease or cannot tolerate our changing climate. Other plants simply cannot survive various types of human interference. Choosing the right plants makes more sense than ever right now.
Leaves offer us so many lessons, we just need to pay attention. Simple leaves are truly life lessons we can use. Paying attention to nature is such a beautiful thing.
Waiting patiently for the golden gingko leaves to fall…in due season of course.
Teri, Cottage in the Court
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