It has been a regular complaint that we do
not actually have seasons here in California. While I agree that they are not as
sharply demarcated as those of some other regions, we can still get a spectacular fall
display if you look in the right places. And we can enjoy it while we are wearing shorts and tee shirts flipping
burgers on the BBQ. Many of the deciduous fruit trees have great color. My
apples and apricots look great with a carpet of fallen yellow leaves. One often
thinks of trees when the subject of Fall Color is mentioned but there are a number of
shrubs with great foliage and berries, and bulbs as well. The narcissus have started
in earnest in early December. And one should not forget that the rosehips can be
spectacular if they are left on the bush. This also helps these plants go
dormant. They do much better with their winter's rest.
While we don't get much (like none) snow here picking up leaves can be made
much easier by using a lightweight snow shovel. I use it as if it were a
giant dust pan with a long handle. Then I sweep or rake the debris into
the shovel for a quick cleanup. When there are massive amounts of leaves
I use the snow shovel and a rake as large extensions of my arms and clamp the
leaves while lifting them into the waste can.
