Light

Living in the Pacific NW, one becomes highly aware of the subtle changes in light.  A ray of light becomes an exciting highlight of form, shape, texture... and perhaps one's day!

Liquidambar styraciflua

Today was a gorgeous day in Portland, OR. After 4-plus inches of rain this week, today was welcome break, sunny and calm...a perfect day for a leasurely walk around the hospital. 

Liquidambar styraciflua line the sidewalk paving around Legacy Emmanual. In my opinion, the Liquidambar's best attribute is its unusual Fall color.  For some reason, the foliage color change appears spotty or polka-dotted. Rather than one tree containing foliage with graduated color on each leaf, the Liquidambar foliage is a different color per leaf.

See what I mean? On this tree we see yellow leaves and green leaves.

Earlier in the season, many of the trees were pinkish-orange or Pink Lemonade, as I like to call it. Some of which is still evident on the sidewalk.

Beautiful mossy, craggy dark bark is a wonderful contrast to the pale foliage.

Many of the leaves fall on their 'faces' leaving their 'tails' or stems up in the air.

And HERE is the reason I'd never want a Liquidambar and I think a poor choice for a public pathway (or residence). These seed pods can twist an ankle lickity-split! 

There is a red polka dot! Perhaps more evident as a polka dot with some distance.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I am so thankful to have work that I love and to work with fantastic people in a meaningful way.

Thank you for your support!

Enjoy your holiday,
Lauren

A foot...

Sedum, Fungus and Weeds are a foot!

Sedum spathulifolium 'Purpurea' - from the original garden planting in 2005 - appears

Aleuria aurantia - Orange Peel Fungus

The potentially deadly Paxillus involutus - identity based on quick internet search.

Another Aleuria aurantia growing in the gravel pathway.

Weeds not pictured.

Foliage and Fruit

Bringing the green indoors...

Autumn Beauty

Everywhere I look, there is beauty... beauty in the changing leaves, the dew drops on the leaves and the fluffy moss growing on the trees. Change is apparent every day, reminding me to enjoy the moment to truly see all that surrounds me.

purple sweet potato vine

dew on Cyperus 'Giganteus'

dew on Arundo donax 'Peppermint Stick'

new foliage on Adiantum hispidulum

water in Musa basjoo

Mosses on apple tree

Edgeworthia chrysantha in bud

bloom of Hakonechloa 'All Gold'