A Pictorial Tribute to Fall in Our New Mexico Landscape
When words fail and I’m simply whining too much about missing the garden or being outside, it’s time to shut my (virtual) piehole. Today, I wandered around our place on a gorgeous fall morning. With more rain and wind on the way, and planned garden clean-up this weekend, I realized some of the scenes I took in were surely fleeting.
I had to capture the sights, if not the sounds. So long to 2015 in the garden and orchard; here’s to next year and all of the challenges, fun and splendor of living and growing in New Mexico.
Missy and Buster wander the orchard with me as we first take in the crisp, damp fall morning and long shadows. Buster is a speck in the center distance. He likes to push the boundaries.And it is damp after a long day and night of clouds and what amounts to substantial rain for us, nearly a quarter of an inch.The late summer and fall rains have helped fill the river and our water table, so we’re pleased. Last summer, the Rio Ruidoso was completely dry behind our house.Here’s another shot, with plenty of fallen leaves from trees along the north side of the river.Here’s the muddy path to the river. Suddenly, we can see through all of the old, broken branches.I love red the best of all fall leaf colors. The pears and apricots are just starting to turn.One of the apricot trees is really looking nice. I love that the grass is still mostly green though.Here are leaves on that tree up close, with the shed and darkening sky. On the lower right, another apricot next to the house is just beginning to turn.Nothing compares to the bright red of pyracantha fruit, and the birds seem to be enjoying them already.Yellow is nice too, especially with the wet, dark branches.Back in the rock garden near the house, this cosmos flower supports a green grape tomato. The fruit won’t ripen, but I love how these look together!Storm clouds are gathering to the north, over the White Fire burn scar.And in the vegetable garden, this tomato looks as healthy as in summer up close. If only…Here’s to winter and enjoying grass seed heads that hopefully outcompete the weeds!And winter is nearly here. This shot is not from our place, but overlooks Cree Meadows Golf Course in Ruidoso. I took it just a few minutes ago. Fall leaves and snow on the mountain; that’s Ruidoso!