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It’s amazing to see how much difference some sunshine makes to the garden in autumn. After days of smothering grey, we suddenly have an airiness and brightness that brings out the best in the leaves that are turning yellow and gold. For a while, the outdoors feels welcoming again, and thoughts of the approach of winter can be set aside.
There is still some warmth in the sun, enough to entice me outside to work in the garden. This year I have been making lots of changes to the planting here. New plants have gone in and others moved to places where they will grow better or look more at home with their neighbours. (If only moving plants was as easy as moving furniture!)
As they become dormant for winter, plants can be moved to more suitable sites. Theoretically, I have plenty of time to get it all done before early spring, but it would be good to get it finished before the weather gets really cold or wet. So these sunny days have been ideal. At the same time, the low sunlight is reminding me to think about the effects of sunlight streaming through foliage and to look for ways to take advantage of it. It is, after all, primarily a photographer’s garden!
Images: top – Wisteria sinensis, below – Cotinus coggygria (smoke bush)
Ann Mackay: Inspired by Nature 
Very interesting light and shadow on bothe of these shots, Ann. Nice work!
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Thank you! 🙂 I do love to take advantage of low-angled light when I can and this is a great time of year for it.
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Beautiful. When I was out the other day it was actually quite warm in the sun. Then it became gloomy again. I love the idea of a photographer’s garden.
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I love the idea of a photographer’s garden too, especially if I could get the effects of light I want and, of course, the right plants together to look good. Maybe I’ll get there eventually, but it may take me a while!
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Beautiful, what a difference a bit of sunshine makes! The colour in those leaves is so uplifting and the perfect antidote to the oppressive grey. I’m so glad you’ve managed some time in your garden, it really seems to shorten the winter when the gardening season stretches late into the year. I’m looking forward to seeing all the gorgeous photos to come! 😊
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I think there may be some frosty photos soon as there are some very cold temperatures to come in the next week or so. Meanwhile I need to get on with more work outside before it gets too chilly! ❄ 🙂
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Both photos are lovely, although I’m especially taken with the bits of green, red, and orange peeking through from the background in the second. In both instances, it’s that lovely autumn light that makes the difference. Looking out at the sea of green still surrounding us, it’s especially pleasing to see these fall colors. I’m glad the sun found a way to shine for you!
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That sunshine has felt wonderful. It’s easy to take it for granted in summer, but not at this time of year. Lots of work to do outside still and it’s good to be able to enjoy the autumn colours at the same time. 🙂
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You’re sure right about the effects of sunlight streaming through foliage, and you took good advantage of it here, particularly in the top photo. Having the sun at a low angle can be highly productive.
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I feel that I need to think more about the effects of light when I’m placing plants around the garden. Some things really look their best when they’re caught by low-angled light. I’m hoping for some frosty mornings soon, possibly with some sun too… 🙂
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