Fall in Florida is always interesting. We wait anxiously for cooler, drier weather, which has usually arrived by now. The trees that bloomed in spring and summer are losing their foliage, although often the new leaves appear almost simultaneously with the old ones dropping. The first of the winter bloomers have started to display their colors.
We have evidence of both in our backyard. The desert senna seems to have more flowers each day. Sometimes it’s hard to distinguish between the blossoms and the flitting cloudless sulphur butterflies for which it is a host plant. The tree is what I see from the window when I’m working in the kitchen, and it’s an absolute delight.
Next to it, the frangipani stands in stark contrast. Most of the leaves have fallen, although there are a couple of flower clusters hanging on at the very top of the tree. Soon it will be completely bare, and will stay that way until March or so. Much as I love the color and scent of the frangipani blooms, I’m intrigued every winter by the display of the tree’s intricate architecture.
Signs of fall are here. If only the weather would cooperate!
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