Autumn colours

I was lucky today to go to a National Trust property known for its autumn colours but wherever you are, the change is staring to show.  The summer green colour of deciduous leaves is caused by the green pigment chlorophyll which is involved in photosynthesis (the process whereby the plant uses carbon dioxide to make sugars and oxygen.) In autumn, the chrlorophyll in the leaves decreases so the orange and yellow pigments that were already there show through. 

I think that the red pigments are made specifically in autumn by certain species, especially the maples. As an ecologist, I don't know so much about these non-native species but I do know that they look stunning at this time of year and I love them (but only in gardens: they do not belong in the wild in Britain!)

The orange looks pretty good too (this might just be an excuse for a photo of Chip!)

This can be a good time to go for a walk around the streets looking at people's gardens, spotting their autumn colours.  Once we have the forecast wind and rain next week, they will start to fall off!