I loved the fall season when I was attending college because the trees came alive. Growing up in Southern California, I had not truly experienced the changing of the seasons. I was delighted by the fiery autumnal colors of the fall foliage. The canyons were landscaped with vibrant yellows, oranges, and reds, not just the usual green. The vivid colors lit up the hillside and decorated the winding roads. It was breathtaking.
When I returned to California after graduation, I longed for those beautiful fall colors. So, we purchased a liquid amber tree, also known as liquidambar or sweetgum tree. The tree is purely ornamental and its star-shaped leaves turn brilliant shades of yellow, orange, red, and purple in the fall. We planted the tree in our backyard and eagerly awaited the magical transformation. The fall colors were indeed beautiful while they lasted, but our pleasure was offset by the chore of raking leaves…lots and lots of leaves… and the spiky balls that prickled our feet. The changing leaves were a harbinger of the fall and a reminder of our college days.
We recently visited our son and his family in Boston. It was fun to go leaf peeping again. The colorful foliage is amazing. We enjoyed scenic drives with stunning views of nature. We walked in the crisp cool air, marveling at the spectacular setting. I know there is a scientific explanation for the phenomenon: shorter days and cooler temperatures signal trees to halt chlorophyll production and the photosynthesis process. However, I prefer to immerse myself in the magic of the moment.
