As everyone knows, our changing weather patterns are becoming more and more prevalent. In fact, we’ve just sweat through one of Georgia’s hottest summers to date. However, one seasonal ritual remains the same…the changing of the leaves from green to red…and yellow, orange and pink.
Every spring and summer, leaves produce their own food by using chlorophyll (a chemical produced within their very own cells) to break down energy from the sun. Plants’ green color is a direct result of this wonder chemical. However, in the fall, the food process comes to a halt as a result of cooling temperatures and a decreased amount of daylight. Thus, the chlorophyll breaks down, the green color disappears, and beautiful warm leaf colors appear to warm us up (much appreciated by those in skimpy Halloween costumes).
Moreover, temperature, light, and water supply affect when and how the leaves will change each season, and as previously mentioned, the weather in Georgia has been about as predictable as a David Bowie album. Because we have not seen much rain so far this season, we can expect a slightly less-intense fall show. So when is the best time to witness Mother Nature in all of her colorful glory? Depends on where you are. (HINT: if I were you, I would head to the north Georgia Mountains the last week of the month.) Not willing to sacrifice a rowdy Halloween weekend in the city for a little R & R? Plan to be in Atlanta the first week of November.
As Mr. Bowie croons, we we can’t change time, but we can change the way we view the natural world. This fall, slip off your Halloween mask and experience the seasonal rituals we so often take for granted. After all, they will continue to change.