“ November comes
And November goes,
With the last red berries
And the first white snows.”
– Clyde Watson
This fall was spectacular in its color displays both in the leaves and in the skies.And we are not done yet. A relatively indifferent landscape can turn charming or spectacular when autumn colors abound as they have this year. Since a pictures is said to be worth a thousand words, I will save you much reading…

American Lady butterflies migrate south for the winter, along with sulphurs, monarchs, cabbage whites and red admirals

Old house in the background with Oriental bittersweet on the left and an old Japanese maple on the right . Location is heading south from the Goodspeed Opera House on Rte 154

Mourning Cloaks overwinter as butterflies and may be seen flying about near or in the woods on warm winter days

Honey bees are visiting mums and witch hazel this week, as well as any Montauk daisies that are still blooming

Here is a good example of thinking ahead when planting. A sugar maple on the left and a Japanese maple on the right were probably planted over 30 years ago and are the perfect companions for great autumn color.
Take some little trips this season in our little state. There is still some good color out there, but it may not last much longer. And you may not have to go very far to get some great visual compositions. Perhaps just as far as your own back yard.
Pamm Cooper All photos by Pamm Cooper