Fall is in the Air

It may be difficult to tell when fall comes to the San Francisco Bay Area, especially if you are from a region of the country where seasons are very distinct. In the Bay Area the change is more subtle – plants have a spent, dehydrated look, the hills are golden brown, leaves turn brown and wither, different types of flowers bloom, dry-deciduous trees drop some leaves to conserve water after several months without rain.

But to the seasoned Bay Area resident, the air does seem different as fall approaches. The days grow shorter. On the coast, the air is a crisp 60-70 degrees; inland it is typically closer to 90 degrees. The fog lingers in the trees and sheltered canyons a little longer in the morning, and rolls in as a high wall in the evening. Grasses and late-blooming flowers go to seed. The garden continues to produce lettuce, beans, peas, and tomatoes, but the leaves start looking weathered and a bit mildewed. Liquid Amber leaves start turning gold and red. Fall is here.

In fall, the Crape Myrtle blooms with vibrant
purple, rose, and crimson blossoms.