This morning there is patchy frost in open areas (a little late this year). The thermometer on the side of the house says 35, but although our heat is not on yet there is some temperature moderation from the thermal mass of the house. Out in the yard and on the ground it was cold enough to freeze dew.
This weekend should be spectacular for fall color, though there's still plenty of green. Many oaks are not yet turning gold and so their green makes a good contrast to the spectacular reds, orange, and yellow of red and sugar maples.
I was wrong in my prediction that fall color would be early and short. So far it is looking like it is long and late. Ash trees, always early, were disappointing this year, as was black gum, and hickory just turned brown. But the spicebush that kept its leaves in the drought now light the understory a clear yellow and the maple-leaf viburnum has turned unbelievably deep purple.
Combined with the good weather predicted this weekend now is the time to go outside and enjoy the fall color.
