Just before Thanksgiving, I (Rob) was hanging out in the front yard with some of the kids and was struck by the textures and colors in the yard. I was drawn to document the contrast between the last vestiges of fall currently before my eyes and my memories of the yard plants earlier this year. All the plants in our yard are perennials and come back each spring, stronger than the previous year. Our yard had a fantastic spring and it warms my heart to think back to it.

The changing of the seasons echo birth and death, the renewal of spring, the opportunity for a fresh start, the unalterable passage of time, and the opportunity to come back stronger. Just the other night after seeing Knives Out with Julie (a fine film by the way) and doing a bit of late-night grocery shopping, I lamented to Julie that winter was so darn cold. I was missing the comfortable warmth of summer nights. Julie is no fan of the cold and instead of joining the chorus of souls lamenting the cold dark winter, she surprised me with an inspired reminder that without the cold winter, we’d lose the plants that evolved to take advantage of these conditions. Her words bring calm to my mind as I share these moments with you.

Remember to click on the photos if you’d like to see large versions.

The hosta plants in our yard are very remarkable. I love how big they grow and how much energy they seem to possess. However, as they fade through the fall, they completely deflate like a balloon. Here they are flattened and devoid of their former color.

The leaves of our Japanese Maple curl as they lose life and flexibility when winter sets in. These leaves are so different from the other trees in the yard and I appreciate their unique nature.

Our mum plants are fall favorites at our home and provide wonderful blooms each September through October. By the end of November, their vibrant colors were somewhat diminished and the petals were done.

I plan to enjoy the winter the best I can until spring arrives.