After taking its time with the warm temperatures of October, autumn has finally taken up residence in the countryside. The most pressed trees are bare, the others have adopted their beautiful colors, the venerable oaks, ever slow, gradually change their leaves from green to yellow. Despite the years, this season never ceases to amaze me and reveal new discoveries.
So, this weekend, I would like to invite you to come and walk with me in the countryside and in the woods, for a botanical walk that highlights the little beauties of autumn. You can find more information in the November 2022 botanical walk if you want more. Come, let’s leave in broad daylight, under a beautiful autumn sun…
Botanical Walk – Autumn Colors #2 (November 2023)
We begin in the forest where, however greedy we must be, we naturally go searching chestnut trees and chestnuts. These trees are quickly recognized in autumn with their yellow, elongated and toothed leaves. If the chestnut tree were in a favorable area, it would quickly cover the ground with fruit and satisfy our desires.
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Trekking in the Viaur valley (Tarn)In the exposed corners, next to the chestnut trees, it is not uncommon to see them alisier torminaux follow in the footsteps of the colors of gold and ocher. The fruits of torminal trees (known as Alice) are less known and appreciated than chestnuts by humans, but more appreciated by birds.
If we continue the walk towards a cooler corner, other large trees appear showing a sort of dry tassels. These are the common spells and the “tassels” are the protective elements of the fruits. Under each tassel hides a “petal” in the first season acne that is, a seed carried by a feathery element (such as those of the dandelion). Note that the charm identifies with beech (which we find mostly in mountainous areas) by its toothed leaves while the beech has hairy leaves!
If we continue among the golden trees, it is impossible to miss it field maplesthat illuminate the countryside. This not very stable variety is unmatched when it comes to drought resistance and golden autumn color.
The diversity of maples always amazes me. If you take our usual gardens or in cities, it is rare to encounter country maples and we come across them more often flat maples. Flat sheets, well cut, sometimes very colourful, who didn’t play with them as a child? An illustration with a maple tree growing in my land.
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How to cook green beans?We looked at the trees, looking down a little towards the hedges where the viornes lantane have now adopted bright colors. They are quickly identified by their oval, thick, fluffy leaves. We saw it flowering in spring, forming its fruit in early summer, here it is in its autumn colours.
Not to be confused with blood dogwood which sometimes has the same colors (and is often paired with viburnum) but has non-hairy leaves, fine and transparent to light. 😉
I suggest you end the walk on my land and more specifically in my orchard. As the small fruit trees grow and branch, they offer an increasingly joyful spectacle in autumn. Some surprised me with their color.
Let’s start with the best troublemakers of the gang: i persimmon trees (fruit trees that produce persimmons) which have an increasingly bright red color.
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How to cook artichokes? -Au fil du thymeNot too far away, I have a(d)narcotic “Griottier de la Toussaint” cherry tree which is distinguished from its congeners by its small red-orange leaves. This ancient variety is believed to produce cherries around All Saints’ Day (and not in spring). The tree is still too young for this and we will see it in the next few years.
Next to it, the brugnons they also adopted red-ochre colors, as if copying the colors of summer fruits.
And I would end up with a pit stop apricots, where I admit I was amazed by the red-ochre autumn colors adopted by the leaves. I can’t imagine the beauty of the sight in the apricot fields of southern France.
I’ll take you back to the parking lot and leave you here. I hope you enjoyed this botanical walk in autumn colors, interested you and showed you something more about Nature. I wish you a good weekend!
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Stewed aubergines, peppers and sausagesConlusion
Although summer has finished, the garden does not have to lose its brightness or energy. Late-blooming asters arrive as true stars of autumn, adding lively colors of purple, pink, blue, and white to the scene. When many plants start to wither, asters make sure the flower garden stays cheerful, inviting, and full of character. Their ability to light up the yard stops the area from feeling dull or overlooked as the seasons shift.
Asters are cherished not only by home gardeners but also by famous landscape designers. Their flexibility enables them to fit beautifully into natural plant groupings, cottage-style borders, and even more organized garden plans. They work well with ornamental grasses and other fall perennials, adding texture and movement while assisting pollinators that remain active late in the season.
One of the biggest benefits of asters is their ease. They are fairly simple to grow, suitable for different soil types, and usually low-maintenance. With enough sunlight and regular watering, they reward gardeners with plenty of blooms year after year. Dividing mature plants every few years helps keep them healthy and encourages even more blooming displays.
In the end, asters show that autumn gardens can be just as impressive as those in spring or summer. By adding these reliable and beautiful blooms, you prolong the charm of your outdoor area well into the cooler months. Their strength, appeal, and rich hues make them an excellent option for anyone wanting to keep the garden lively long after summer has passed.
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