Fall foliage of American Beech in a ditch along Plummer s Trail in Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park. Uxbridge, Massachusetts, October 30, 2004
Rusty cypress foliage in north area of Pedernales Falls State Park. Johnson City, Texas, November 2, 2008
American Beech tree with golden fall foliage on Plummer s Trail in Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park. Uxbridge, Massachusetts, October 30, 2004
Rusty cypress foliage on a river in north area of Pedernales Falls State Park. Johnson City, Texas, November 2, 2008
Red foliage of maple trees in Lost Maples State Natural Area, on East Trail. Vanderpool, Texas, November 7, 2008
Deep red to burgundy fall (autumn) foliage of Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia, Devichiy Vinograd in Russian) in Venera Garden in Lower Gardens. Peterhof (Petrodvorets), a suburb of Saint Petersburg. Russia, September 28, 2015
Red oak foliage on Post Oak Trail in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, October 5, 2011
Foliage on western section of East Trail in Lost Maples State Natural Area. Vanderpool, Texas, November 8, 2008
Orange oak foliage in Bee Creek Park. College Station, Texas, December 11, 2013
Fall foliage around Marble Bridge in Great Pond in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo), south from Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 24, 2015
Foliage on South Rim Road in Fillmore Glen State Park. Moravia, New York, October 23, 2005
Hemenway Hill Path with fall foliage of American Beech trees in Blue Hills Reservation. Boston, Massachusetts, November 6, 2004
Fall foliage of Chinese Pistache (Pistacia chinensis), on Hensel Drive. College Station, Texas, December 21, 2011
Red cypress foliage in north area of Pedernales Falls State Park. Johnson City, Texas, November 2, 2008
Foliage in a creek west from Todd Road. Catharine, New York, October 29, 2005
Fall foliage of berberry in Botanic Gardens of Komarov Botanical Institute. Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 18, 2013
Fall foliage at Upper Ponds in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 19, 2013
Fall foliage of bigtooth maple on East Trail in Lost Maples State Natural Area. Vanderpool, Texas, November 8, 2008
Red foliage of glasswort (Salicornia sinus-persica) on Purple Island (Jazirat Bin Ghanim). Al Khor, Qatar, December 20, 2015
Foliage on Bear Trail in Buttermilk Falls State Park. Ithaca, New York, October 13, 2005
Brilliant red and orange color fall foliage of Chinese Pistache (Pistacia chinensis), view from Hensel Drive. College Station, Texas, December 21, 2011
Golden-bronze fall foliage of American Beech tree near Goat Hill Trail in Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park. Uxbridge, Massachusetts, October 30, 2004
Fall foliage of an island of Chornoe Lake in Gatchina, a suburb of Saint Petersburg. Russia, September 21, 2013
Red foliage of bigtooth maple on East Trail in Lost Maples State Natural Area. Vanderpool, Texas, November 8, 2008
Foliage on Loop Trail in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, October 8, 2011
Orange foliage of Chinese Pistache (Pistacia chinensis), on Hensel Drive near a parking lot of TAMU Holistic Garden in Texas A and M University. College Station, Texas, December 21, 2011
Fall foliage north from Vittslovsky Canal in Aleksandrovsky (Alexander) Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 19, 2013
Red fall foliage of Chinese tallow (Sapium sebiferum) on a lake shore in Lake Bryan Park. Bryan, Texas, November 22, 2012
Fall foliage of Abbott Loop Trail, near Hill Road. Danby, New York, October 16, 2005
Red foliage of farkleberry in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, November 5, 2011
Trunk and fine greyish green needle-like foliage of Australian pine (she-oak, Casuarina equisetifolia) in Al Shamal City Park. Ruwais, Northern Qatar, January 16, 2016
Drying foliage in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, September 7, 2011
Dry oak foliage in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, October 5, 2011
Fall foliage of Chinese Pistache (Pistacia chinensis), on Hensel Drive near a parking lot of TAMU Holistic Garden in Texas A and M University. College Station, Texas, December 21, 2011
Red fall foliage of Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia, Devichiy Vinograd in Russian) in Venus Garden in Lower Gardens. Peterhof (Petrodvorets), a suburb of Saint Petersburg. Russia, September 28, 2015
Orange foliage of Chinese tallow in Alligator Branch of Lake Raven in Huntsville State Park. Texas, November 23, 2012
Fall foliage of spirea in area of Shapel Tower in Aleksandrovsky (Alexander) Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 19, 2013
Fall foliage of Lower Pond in the park. Oranienbaum (Lomonosov), a suburb of Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 25, 2015
Foliage of desert date (Balanites aegyptiaca) on roadside of Salwa Highway near Saliyah military housing south-west from Doha. Qatar, March 25, 2016
Foliage of desert date (Balanites aegyptiaca) behind a fence on roadside of Salwa Highway near Saliyah military housing south-west from Doha. Qatar, March 25, 2016
Fall foliage on Cayuga Trail east from Freese Road. Ithaca, New York, October 15, 2005
Dead wood and foliage on the ground in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, December 18, 2011
Fall foliage near extension of Zhaka Duklo Street in Sosnovka Park. Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 23, 2013
Dry tree foliage on Loop Trail in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, October 16, 2011
Dead wood and foliage in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, December 18, 2011
Foliage and hazel nuts on Cayuga Trail east from Freese Road. Ithaca, New York, October 15, 2005
Foliage of a dry oak in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, November 5, 2011
Fall foliage of Alligator Branch of Lake Raven in Huntsville State Park. Texas, November 23, 2012
Fall foliage of Third South Pond on Elagin Island. Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 23, 2013
Needle-like foliage of Australian pine tree (she-oak, Casuarina equisetifolia) planted along a fence in Al Shamal City Park. Ruwais, Northern Qatar, January 16, 2016
Red foliage of poison ivy near Lick Creek near Iron Bridge Trail in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, November 27, 2008
Red foliage of oak seedlings in Hamilton Pool Preserve, west from Austin. Texas, January 12, 2013
Fall foliage near Verkhovaya Road near a dam of Kuzminka River at Nizhne Lamsky Pond in Aleksandrovsky (Alexander) Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 19, 2013
Dark foliage of Acalypha wilkesiana in Al Shamal City Park. Ruwais, Northern Qatar, January 16, 2016
Yellow foliage of poison ivy under power lines in Lake Bryan Park. Bryan, Texas, July 16, 2013
Fall foliage of birch trees on Laskovy Beach in Solnechnoe, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, September 5, 2013
Fall foliage of Chinese tallow in Alligator Branch of Lake Raven in Huntsville State Park. Texas, November 23, 2012
Orange color of fall foliage of Chinese Pistache (Pistacia chinensis) in TAMU Horticultural Gardens in Texas A and M University. College Station, Texas, December 16, 2013
Tree foliage in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, October 16, 2011
Orange foliage of Chinese tallow in Alligator Branch of Lake Raven in Huntsville State Park. Texas, November 23, 2012
Marsh cypress with yellow foliage in TAMU Horticultural Gardens in Texas A and M University. College Station, Texas, August 16, 2013
Foll foliage of blueberry in Kannelyarvi, 45 miles north from Saint Petersburg. Russia, August 21, 2013
Cedar foliage (Thuja occidentalis) in Botanic Gardens of Komarov Botanical Institute. Saint Petersburg, Russia, August 30, 2013
Foliage of Robinia pseudoacacia tree in Botanic Gardens of Komarov Botanical Institute. Saint Petersburg, Russia, August 30, 2013
Foliage of Empty Island of Great Pond in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 19, 2013
Maple fall foliage at Elevaya Alley near a dam of Kuzminka River at Nizhne Lamsky Pond in Aleksandrovsky (Alexander) Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 19, 2013
Fall foliage in west part of Alexandria Park. Peterhof (Petrodvorets), a suburb of Saint Petersburg. Russia, September 22, 2013
Birch foliage in south area of Sosnovka Park. Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 23, 2013
Fall foliage near Toreza Street in Sosnovka Park. Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 23, 2013
Orange foliage of Chinese Pistache (Pistacia chinensis) near Hensel Drive in TAMU Horticultural Gardens in Texas A and M University. College Station, Texas, December 16, 2013
Yellow fall foliage on Starosylviyskaya Alley in Old Sylvia in Pavlovsk Park. Pavlovsk, suburb of Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 18, 2015
Fall foliage of ferns in Old Sylvia in Pavlovsk Park. Pavlovsk, suburb of Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 18, 2015
Fall foliage of Empty Island in Great Pond in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo), south from Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 24, 2015
Fall foliage of trees of Empty Island in Great Pond in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo), south from Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 24, 2015
Fall foliage near Empty Island in Great Pond in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo), south from Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 24, 2015
Redbud foliage in a forest south-east from Arsenal in Alexander Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo), south from Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 24, 2015
Fall foliage of coastal halophyte Al Kheriza beach plant (Halopeplis perfoliata, khurreyz, string of beads) on Purple Island (Jazirat Bin Ghanim). Al Khor, Qatar, December 20, 2015
Yellow fall foliage of mesquite (Prosopis juliflora, Prosopis chilensis, ironwood, local names meskeet, ghweif, al ghaf) east from Al Jebail water treatment plant. Al Khor, Qatar, December 20, 2015
Burgundy foliage of Bengal almond tree (Terminalia catappa) in a park at Al Intisar Street near a corner with Onaiza. Doha, Qatar, March 8, 2016
Foliage of Bengal almond tree (Terminalia catappa) in a park at Al Intisar Street near a corner with Onaiza. Doha, Qatar, March 14, 2016
Yellow foliage in Gatchina Park. Gatchina, a suburb of Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 12, 2016
Fall foliage near Svetlanovsky Prospect. Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 14, 2016
Orange foliage of Japanese garden in Botanic Gardens of Komarov Botanical Institute. Saint Petersburg, Russia, November 4, 2016
Orange foliage of rhododendron in Botanic Gardens of Komarov Botanical Institute. Saint Petersburg, Russia, November 4, 2016
Foliage of a cypress pond in D. A. Andy Anderson Brazos Valley Arboretum in Bee Creek Park. College Station, Texas, December 3, 2017
Purple leaf spots on foliage of Drummond s beeblossom (Oenothera xenogaura, Gaura drummondii) developed under cool growing conditions in Wolf Pen Creek Park. College Station, Texas, March 24, 2019
Yellow foliage in Botanic Gardens of Komarov Botanical Institute. Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 15, 2016
Dogwood foliage in Botanic Gardens of Komarov Botanical Institute. Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 15, 2016
Fall foliage in Novodevichye Cemetery at Moskovskiy Prospect. Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 18, 2016
Yellow foliage near Bublik Pond in northern area in Sosnovka Park. Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 8, 2017
Yellow foliage around demolished garages in area of former prisoner of war camps in Sosnovka Park. Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 8, 2017
Yellow foliage near demolished garages in area of former prisoner of war camps in Sosnovka Park. Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 8, 2017
Yellow foliage of oaks near Flag Pond on Lake Somerville Trailway near Nails Creek Unit of Somerville Lake State Park. Texas, November 21, 2020
Fall foliage in Wolf Pen Creek Park. College Station, Texas, December 13, 2020
Red foliage of Chinese tallow in Research Park on campus of Texas A and M University. College Station, Texas, December 13, 2020
Fall foliage of Chinese tallow in Research Park on campus of Texas A and M University. College Station, Texas, December 13, 2020
Fall foliage of sassafras on Richards Loop Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. Texas, December 15, 2020
Fall foliage of Chinese Pistache (Pistacia chinensis), on Hensel Drive. College Station, Texas, December 19, 2020
Brilliant red and orange color fall foliage of Chinese Pistache (Pistacia chinensis), on Hensel Drive. College Station, Texas, December 19, 2020
Arrow-shaped foliage of little brown jug plant (Hexastylis arifolia) under pines in Watson Rare Native Plant Preserve. Warren, Texas, November 27, 2021
Red foliage of Chinese tallow (Sapium sebiferum) from a bridge in Research Park on campus of Texas A and M University. College Station, Texas, December 2, 2021
Red foliage of Chinese tallow (Sapium sebiferum) in Research Park on campus of Texas A and M University. College Station, Texas, December 2, 2021
Orange foliage of bald cypress in Research Park on campus of Texas A and M University. College Station, Texas, December 2, 2021
Fall foliage of bald cypress in Research Park on campus of Texas A and M University. College Station, Texas, December 2, 2021
Bald cypress with orange foliage in Research Park on campus of Texas A and M University. College Station, Texas, December 2, 2021
Bald cypress with fall foliage in Research Park on campus of Texas A and M University. College Station, Texas, December 2, 2021
Orange foliage of bald cypress near a pond in Research Park on campus of Texas A and M University. College Station, Texas, December 2, 2021
Fall foliage of bald cypress near a pond in Research Park on campus of Texas A and M University. College Station, Texas, December 2, 2021
Fall foliage of Chinese tallow (Sapium sebiferum) near a pond in Research Park on campus of Texas A and M University. College Station, Texas, December 2, 2021
Rusty foliage of bald cypress in Research Park on campus of Texas A and M University. College Station, Texas, December 2, 2021
Green and brown foliage of bald cypress in Research Park on campus of Texas A and M University. College Station, Texas, December 2, 2021
Orange foliage near a pond in Research Park on campus of Texas A and M University. College Station, Texas, December 2, 2021
Silvery-white foliage and vivid green veins of Caladium in Antique Rose Emporium. Independence, Texas, March 29, 2023
Brown foliage of swamp sypress trees in Research Park on campus of Texas A and M University. College Station, Texas, December 6, 2023
Fall foliage of aswamp sypress tree near a creek in Research Park on campus of Texas A and M University. College Station, Texas, December 6, 2023
Fall foliage of Chinese tallow near a pond in Bee Creek Park. College Station, Texas, December 8, 2023
Fall foliage of trees near a pond in Bee Creek Park. College Station, Texas, December 8, 2023
Fall foliage of sweetgum on Sand Branch Loop Trail in Sam Houston National Forest near Montgomery. Texas, December 22, 2023
Red foliage of sweetgum in a pine forest on Sand Branch Loop Trail in Sam Houston National Forest near Montgomery. Texas, December 22, 2023
Burgundy red foliage of sweetgum in a pine forest on Sand Branch Loop Trail in Sam Houston National Forest near Montgomery. Texas, December 22, 2023
Dark red foliage of sweetgum on Sand Branch Loop Trail in Sam Houston National Forest near Montgomery. Texas, December 22, 2023
Brilliant red foliage of fragrant sumac on Sand Branch Loop Trail in Sam Houston National Forest near Montgomery. Texas, December 22, 2023
View of Istok Lake at sunrise ("Golden Hour"), when the sun barely clears the horizon. Its rays strike the trees almost horizontally. This low angle filters out blue light, intensifying the warm yellows, oranges, and reddish-browns of the remaining foliage and tree trunks. Kannelyarvi, north from Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 1, 2025
Alpine Hill (or Alpinarium). The large tree with vibrant golden-yellow foliage dominating the center of the hill is a Manchurian Walnut (Juglans mandshurica). Peter the Great Botanical Garden of Komarov Botanical Institute. Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 8, 2025
Vibrant "Golden Autumn" (Zolotaya Osen) palette of Norway Maple (Acer platanoides) from a house on Svetlanovsky Peospekt. The dominant colors are: Golden-Orange (~32%): A rich, warm amber color (RGB: 138, 98, 28) covers the largest portion of the canopy, particularly on the sunlit tops of the trees. Deep Greenish-Bronze (~19%): Shadowed or transitioning areas (RGB: 94, 74, 13) add depth. Muted Yellow-Ochre (~15%): The mid-tone of the foliage (RGB: 186, 124, 46), creating the classic "golden" look. Green (~15-18%): Visible on the left side (likely a different tree species or a shaded branch), showing that the transition is not yet 100% complete for all vegetation. Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 8, 2025
Yellow maple foliage in a yard at 13 Gavrskaya Street in area of Udelnaya. Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 9, 2025
Fall colors of green area between apartment houses near Svetlanovsky Prospect from a balcony on the third floor. The colors are predominantly earthy, muted golds, and olive tones, reflecting the transition of the foliage from late summer green to autumn dormancy. This palette creates a cozy, nostalgic mood, characteristic of a quiet residential courtyard in autumn. Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 9, 2025
Children s Island (Ostrov Detskogo Domika) of the Great Pond concealed within the dense autumn foliage in Catherine Park. Built in 1830 by architect Alexei Gornostayev, it was a playhouse created for the children of Emperor Nicholas I. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025
Oak foliage near Marble Bridge in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025
Red Cascade or Turkish Cascade in Catherine Park. The Rust Red (8A611E) of the brickwork complements the surrounding Golden Orange (BB812a) foliage perfectly. The rough texture of the brick and the stepped stone cascade creates a rustic, "ruin-like" aesthetic that was highly fashionable in 18th-century landscape design. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025
Foliage near Red Cascade showin "Golden Autumn" in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025
Fall foliage of Children s Island (Ostrov Detskogo Domika) of the Great Pond concealed within the dense autumn foliage in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025
Reddish foliage of Children s Island (Ostrov Detskogo Domika) of the Great Pond concealed within the dense autumn foliage in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025
The view through the porticoes of one Small Chinese Bridge (often called the Second Small Chinese Bridge) that frames the Cross Bridge in the distance. The twin porticoes, with their "Chinese" peaked roofs and paired columns, create a natural proscenium that directs the eye straight down the canal. The foreground showcases the bridge s vibrant ironwork--geometric lattices and gilded details--contrasting with the brick arch of the Cross Bridge and the soft autumn foliage beyond. This alignment exemplifies the park s deliberate theatricality, using architectural "wings" (the porticoes) to stage the view of the central pavilion. Aleksandrovsky (Alexander) Park in Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025
Naturalistic style of the English landscape garden, which dominates the areas surrounding the formal canals, with rich textural contrast between the golden maples and dark evergreen firs, creating a painterly composition typical of 19th-century Russian park design. The untamed, wilder growth of the underbrush and tall grasses contrasts with the manicured lawns found elsewhere, evoking a sense of romantic melancholy suited to the "golden autumn" season. The dense, layered foliage creates an intimate, enclosed space that feels removed from the grand palace architecture, focusing entirely on the mood of the forest. Aleksandrovsky (Alexander) Park in Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025
Romantic melancholy of the Russian "Golden Autumn," a recurring theme in both landscape design and literature. The dark, still water acts as a "black mirror," doubling the impact of the golden foliage while adding a somber, contemplative depth to the scene. The contrast between the fading green aquatic grasses, the rusty-red dogwood underbrush, and the bright yellow canopy creates a rich, painterly texture reminiscent of Levitan s landscapes. The framing of the water by dense, encroaching vegetation emphasizes the "wild" nature of this park section, moving away from the formal geometry of the canals toward an intimate, secluded atmosphere. Aleksandrovsky (Alexander) Park in Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025
Wild, impressionistic beauty of Alexander Park s naturalistic sections. The image is dominated by the rough, dark bark of mature oaks (likely Quercus robur) in the foreground, which contrasts sharply with the soft, hazy backdrop of golden maples and underbrush. The dense layering of vegetation--from the grassy forest floor to the tangled mid-story shrubs (like hazel or dogwood) and the towering canopy--creates a sense of enclosure and depth, reminiscent of a Levitan landscape painting. The scene captures the full richness of the "Golden Autumn," where the vibrant yellows and russets of the foliage seem to glow from within the forest, creating a warm, immersive atmosphere despite the overcast sky. Aleksandrovsky (Alexander) Park in Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025
Layered complexity of the mixed deciduous forest in Alexander Park. The image is a study in yellow, dominated by the luminous canopy of Norway maples and silver birches. The rough, dark bark of the oaks and maples provides a strong vertical rhythm that cuts through the delicate, hazy texture of the foliage. The white, paper-like bark of the birch trees adds a secondary visual accent typical of the Russian landscape. The composition includes a rich understory of turning shrubs--likely hazel or young rowan--which adds density and depth, grounding the soaring trunks in a thicket of earthy reds and browns. Aleksandrovsky (Alexander) Park in Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025
A birch grove in Aleksandrovsky (Alexander) Park. The composition is defined by the striking, repeating vertical lines of the white birch trunks. This "bar code" pattern creates a strong visual rhythm that cuts through the soft, chaotic texture of the foliage. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025
Chromatic diversity of the understory, where native and introduced species create a vibrant tapestry, with complementary contrast between the brilliant, flat yellow of the maple foliage (likely Acer platanoides) and the deep, rosy-pink to burgundy hues of the Siberian dogwood (Cornus alba). Aleksandrovsky (Alexander) Park in Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025
Maple tree near the pond by Feodorovsky Gorodok, with juxtaposition of the maple s broad, saturated yellow leaves against the fine, silvery-grey foliage of the willow (Salix species) behind it. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025
Eastern gates of the Feodorovsky Cathedral (Fedorovsky Sobor), framed by a magnificent display of autumn foliage. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025
Saint Petersburg courtyard near Svetlanovsky Prospekt during "Golden Autumn" (Zolotaya Osen). The foliage is in a transitional phase where the trees are displaying their most vibrant colors (bright yellows and oranges) before shedding completely. The area around Svetlanovsky Prospekt (Vyborgsky/Kalininsky districts) is characterized by residential blocks from the 1960s and 1970s. Unlike the dense city center, these blocks were designed with large, open courtyards (dvory) intended to act as "green lungs" for residents. Russia, October 10, 2025
A carpet of yellow leaves on a lawn. The fallen foliage belongs primarily to Norway maples (Acer platanoides), which, along with linden and oak trees, dominate the Upper Park s romantic landscape. These maples are responsible for the intense yellow and golden hues visible in October. Oranienbaum palace-and-park ensemble in Lomonosov (a suburb of St. Petersburg), Russia, October 13, 2025
Majestic, mature trees in the Upper Park that define the landscape s romantic character. The massive, gnarled branches of an old oak tree dominate the foreground, framing the view with their dark bark and patches of green moss. Its remaining leaves are a mix of rusty orange and brown, contrasting with the brighter yellow foliage of the surrounding maples. Beneath the trees, a dense thicket of shrubs (dogwood) creates a vibrant layer of red and pink tones. This rich undergrowth adds warmth and complexity to the autumn palette, which is primarily golden-yellow. Oranienbaum palace-and-park ensemble in Lomonosov (a suburb of St. Petersburg), Russia, October 13, 2025
Petrovsky Bridge in Oranienbaum Park. The bridge is a three-arched stone structure built in 1910 (designed by O. Paulson) to replace an older wooden one. It features rough-hewn stone masonry on the lower arches contrasting with lighter brick detailing and white balustrades along the top. It spans the Karasta River, which flows through a valley currently filled with vibrant orange and golden foliage from the surrounding maple and oak trees. Oranienbaum palace-and-park ensemble in Lomonosov (a suburb of St. Petersburg), Russia, October 13, 2025
Rustic, three-arched stone bridge (often referred to as the Ruin Bridge or simply the stone arch bridge) in the "Russian Switzerland" area in Oranienbaum s Upper Park. Built from rough-hewn boulders to mimic a natural or ancient ruin, it harmonizes perfectly with the wild, rugged aesthetic of the Karasta River valley. The bridge spans a small ravine or tributary, surrounded by a golden forest of birch and maple trees that soften the stone s heavy appearance with delicate autumn foliage. Oranienbaum palace-and-park ensemble in Lomonosov (a suburb of St. Petersburg), Russia, October 13, 2025
A scene of the Karasta River in Upper Park. The shallow, rocky river flows gently towards a rustic, arched stone bridge in the background, which acts as a romantic focal point nestled deep within the foliage. Oranienbaum palace-and-park ensemble in Lomonosov (a suburb of St. Petersburg), Russia, October 13, 2025
Leuchtenberg Palace, designed by architect Andrei Stackenschneider and completed in 1842. The facade reflects the Late Classicism style (resembling a Roman villa), characterized by a grand portico with Corinthian columns, symmetrical window arrangements, and a pediment that gives the structure a noble, temple-like appearance. The palace s yellow stucco walls show signs of weathering and peeling paint, contributing to the estate s romantic, slightly melancholic atmosphere of a "forgotten" royal residence. The palace is situated on a terrace overlooking the Gulf of Finland, with its color palette harmonizing with the surrounding golden autumn foliage, reinforcing the seamless blend of architecture and nature intended by its designers. Sergievka Park, Old Peterhof, west from Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 13, 2025
A gently rising road leading toward Leuchtenberg Palace, drawing visitors uphill through a tunnel of golden autumn foliage in Sergievka Park. Old Peterhof, west from Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 13, 2025
From the elevated terrace of the Leuchtenberg Palace, a thoughtfully designed "prospect" (vista) opens up towards the Gulf of Finland, offering a serene coastal panorama framed by autumn foliage. This clearing was intentionally cut through the forest in the 19th century to create a direct visual link between the palace and the sea, a common feature in romantic landscape architecture. The busy road visible in the middle ground is the Oranienbaum Highway, which separates the upper park from the lower coastal meadows. In the distance, the grey-blue waters of the Gulf of Finland merge with the overcast sky, creating a vast, moody backdrop that emphasizes the estate s prime coastal location. Sergievka Park, Old Peterhof, west from Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 13, 2025
From this more distant perspective, the bridge serves as a gateway through the dense "Golden Autumn" forest, its dark iron silhouette creating a strong focal point amidst the vibrant foliage. Sergievka Park, Old Peterhof, west from Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 13, 2025
Mixed forest path, where the untamed woodland creates a natural tunnel of "Golden Autumn" foliage. Sergievka Park near Universitet, Old Peterhof, west from Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 13, 2025
Lai Street in the Old Town. The row of gabled buildings on the right is known as the "Three Brothers". These medieval merchant houses are less famous than the "Three Sisters" on Pikk Street but are equally historically significant. The white facade in the immediate foreground (right) features a neo-Gothic or historicist style, likely dating from a later renovation (potentially 19th or early 20th century) that unified earlier medieval structures. One can clearly see the transition from the plastered, light-colored facade in the foreground to the simpler, pastel-yellow medieval warehouse-style building next to it. These buildings often retain their original "diele-dornse" layout (a large front room for business and living quarters behind). The perspective highlights the massive scale of St. Olaf s Church (Oleviste kirik) at the end of the street (Lai 50). The tower s copper spire, weathered to green, creates a striking contrast with the red tile roofs and the autumn foliage on the left. Tallinn, Estonia, October 16, 2025
Showy fall foliage of Carolina buckthorn (Frangula caroliniana) on Richards Loop Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. Texas, November 15, 2025
Fall foliage of seedlings of poison ivy on Richards Loop Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. Texas, November 15, 2025
Fall foliage of blueberry in Watson Rare Native Plant Preserve. Warren, Texas, November 16, 2025
Fall foliage of sweetgum in Watson Rare Native Plant Preserve. Warren, Texas, November 16, 2025
Bald cypress with orange foliage in Research Park on campus of Texas A and M University. College Station, Texas, December 11, 2025
Fall foliage of Sassafras albidum on Richards Loop Trail in Sam Houston National Forest near Montgomery. Texas, December 12, 2025
Fall foliage of of sassafras on Richards Loop Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. Texas, December 12, 2025
Fall foliage of of sassafras and pine trees in mist on Richards Loop Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. Texas, December 12, 2025
Red foliage of Chinese tallow (Sapium sebiferum) on Richards Loop Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. Texas, December 12, 2025
Fall foliage of Carolina Buckthorn (Frangula caroliniana) on Richards Loop Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. Texas, December 12, 2025
Fall foliage of dogwood (Cornus florida)(?) on Sand Branch Loop Trail in Sam Houston National Forest near Richards. Texas, December 17, 2025
Fall foliage of sweetgum on Richards Loop Trail in Sam Houston National Forest near Montgomery. Texas, December 18, 2025
Colorful fall foliage of sweetgum on Richards Loop Trail in Sam Houston National Forest near Montgomery. Texas, December 18, 2025
Fall foliage of fragrant sumac (Rhus aromatica) on Sand Branch Loop Trail in Sam Houston National Forest near Richards. Texas, December 20, 2025
Focusing closer, the photograph reveals the intricate, densely packed structure of the cursed buttercup (Ranunculus sceleratus) as it colonizes the dried mud. The plants exhibit a vibrant, fleshy appearance, characterized by deeply lobed, shiny green leaves that vaguely resemble flat-leaf parsley or young celery--giving the plant its alternate name, the celery-leaved buttercup. In this dense thicket, the stout, hollow stems branch frequently, creating a tangled, multi-layered canopy. Tiny, five-petaled pale yellow flowers dot the upper stems, standing out brightly against the dark backdrop of the soil and the deeper green foliage below. Flag Pond near Nails Creek Unit of Somerville Lake State Park. Texas, March 14, 2026
An isolated cluster of cursed buttercup (Ranunculus sceleratus) emerges from the deep, jagged fissures of the heavily caked mud. Unlike the healthy, spreading vegetation seen elsewhere, this specimen exhibits bizarre, highly abnormal growth, with its thick main stems aggressively twisting and winding upward in a chaotic tangle. The plant s leaves appear curled and irregularly cupped, while its reproductive stalks terminate in bare, green, thimble-like floral heads entirely devoid of the plant s characteristic yellow petals. The dramatic twisting, sudden elongation, and stunted foliage seen here are textbook symptoms of exposure to a synthetic auxin herbicide, such as 2,4-D, triclopyr, or dicamba. These systemic chemicals are frequently used in park maintenance or nearby agricultural areas to control broadleaf weeds. When absorbed, the herbicide mimics the plant s natural growth hormones and triggers uncontrolled, rapid cell division and elongation. This chemical overload forces the stems to bend and coil unnaturally--a severe stress response known as epinasty--while causing the leaves to become strapped and deformed. Near Nails Creek Unit of Somerville Lake State Park. Texas, March 14, 2026
Several rust-colored, spiky-bodied ants can be seen navigating the deeply furrowed bark of an oak tree, acting as a miniature logging crew. Some of the ants are carrying entire green, beaded oak catkins--the tree s string-like flower clusters--while one prominently hoists a freshly cut, bright green section of an oak leaf in its jaws. The ants carry these heavy loads hoisted high over their heads, a posture that resembles someone carrying a sunshade. These are Texas leafcutter ants (Atta texana), a highly destructive but fascinating native species also known as the "town ant" or "parasol ant" due to their unique carrying technique. They climb high into the canopies of oaks and other trees to use their powerful, scissor-like mandibles to slice away fresh foliage, preferring new, tender, high-water-content growth like young leaves and spring catkins. Working in massive, organized trails, a large colony can entirely strip the leaves from a small- to medium-sized tree in a single night, and they frequently travel hundreds of feet from their underground nests to find a suitable harvest. Lake Somerville Trailway near Nails Creek Unit of Somerville Lake State Park. Texas, March 14, 2026
A miniature procession of rust-colored ants traverses the deeply grooved, dry bark of an oak tree. In the center foreground, one ant acts as the focal point, hoisting a freshly cut, bright green slice of an oak leaf high above its head. Because the leaf fragment curves directly over the ant s body like a small green canopy, it perfectly illustrates why this species is often nicknamed the "parasol ant". Surrounding this central figure, three other ants march in the same direction, each carrying large, beaded green oak catkins gripped tightly in their mandibles. These are Texas leafcutter ants (Atta texana), a native species famous for its highly organized and destructive foraging behavior. Working in massive, coordinated trails that can span hundreds of feet, worker ants climb into the canopies of oaks and other trees to systematically slice away fresh, tender vegetation. The workers possess powerful jaws capable of cutting through leaves and flowers with remarkable speed, allowing a large colony to completely strip the foliage from a small tree in a single night. Lake Somerville Trailway near Nails Creek Unit of Somerville Lake State Park. Texas, March 14, 2026
A pair of fresh, newly emerged leaves from a rusty blackhaw viburnum (Viburnum rufidulum). The image was captured with strong backlighting against a completely black background, which effectively isolates the foliage and acts like an x-ray, illuminating the intricate internal structure of the plant. This bright, glowing green display highlights the vigorous seasonal flush typical of native Texas understory trees breaking dormancy in the spring. Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, March 25, 2026
Early spring growth of Berchemia scandens, commonly known as Alabama supplejack or rattan vine. The backlit perspective isolates the young foliage against a dark background, highlighting the bright, translucent green of the newly emerged leaves. At this time of year, these native vines are actively putting out fresh growth as they begin their seasonal climb through the local understory. Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, March 25, 2026
Fresh, newly emerged foliage of Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) in Bee Creek Park. College Station, Texas, March 26, 2026
Fresh foliage of an oak tree in Bee Creek Park. College Station, Texas, March 26, 2026
Delicate, fuzzy emergence of new oak foliage in early spring, backlit to highlight its soft pink and green hues. Below the newly unfolding, distinctly lobed leaves dangle the tree s string-like catkins--the male flower clusters that release pollen just as the canopy breaks dormancy. Lake Somerville Trailway near Nails Creek Unit of Somerville Lake State Park. Texas, March 29, 2026
