In Search of Fall Color

One thing I usually miss at this time of year is fall color, the changing of the leaves.  It seems that the climate down here in coastal Texas is not conducive to the brilliant color usually seen up in New England and other places.

However, as my husband and I were driving around town with my parents, who were visiting for the Holiday from England, we noticed there was a lot more fall color than there normally is.

Now granted, most of it seemed to be courtesy of the obnoxious, invasive China Berry tree. But even as much as I despise China Berry, I forgave it a bit, as it was fulfilling my need for fall color.

 This first photo is taken of the hedgerow on the other side of the road that runs behind our house.

More color as we look over our wall and down the road :-)

There's even some fall color in our garden -- I don't think I have ever seen this crepe myrtle change color before!

But when we took mum and dad up to Davy Crockett National Forest and, quite by chance, found Ratcliff Lake, we hit the motherlode.

Not only did we see some lovely color on our drive up there, but the lake itself offered some wonderful views, with reflections of the fall colors in the lake. The maples, oaks and other trees were changing leaves in ways I really just haven't seen down here.  I was thrilled!

We had never heard of Ratcliff Lake before and we found it quite by accident, but it's a delightful place and, in the summer offers paddleboats and a swimming area, as well as hiking and fishing. 

There's a concession stand (closed for the winter now), picnic tables and barbecue pits.  Eric and I are looking forward to visiting again next year, during the season, and perhaps take a dip.

But there's always those pesky alligators to think about....

Fall Colors of East Texas

Fall Foliage in Texas State Parks
Texas Fall Foliage - Texas Tripper


Words and photographs by Jayne Wilson, Green and Serene, Jayne's Country Garden.