Thursday, March 27, 2014

The Magic and Wonder of Leaves


Leaves sprinkle across the landscape, unmistakable and established. They are a token of most landscapes, providing the backdrop for a pleasant view or gorgeous vista. Beautiful alone, in pairs, or in groups, they hold the dazzling charm of nature's breath.





Draped over a fence or resting on the snow, they often go unnoticed because they are seen by many each day.

They hold water...



and ice.



They gather frost...



and find respite.


They catch the sun...



and drift across water.


Some Facts About Leaves

1. Leaves use photosynthesis to convert energy from sunlight to feed the tree or plant.

2. The green in leaves is the chemical, chlorophyll, which allows leaves to perform photosynthesis.

3. Leaves provide nesting material for animals and birds.

4. Veins in leaves transport food, water, and minerals to the tree or plant.

5. Leaves on trees provide shade to animals, plants, people, and buildings.

6. Each leaf has a waxy coating for protection called a cuticle.

7. Leaves change color in fall because the cooler temperatures signal trees and plants to store food. The chlorophyll breaks down and creates the beautiful golds, oranges, and reds of autumn.

8. Leaves that have fallen in autumn provide coverage for the forest floor, protecting roots and providing refuge for animals.

9. Leaves break down and eventually provide more nutrients for plants and trees in the form of compost.


© copyright 2014 Michelle A. Potter

42 comments:

  1. Lovely theme. Each is a beauty! :)

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Indrani. Leaves are often overlooked, but they have such beauty.

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  2. Beautiful :)

    Are the purplish heart-shaped leaves in the second photo from a redbud tree?

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Aaron. Yes, that is Forest Pansy Redbud...one of my favorites.

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    2. mmm I was also caught by the purple hearts. Redbud is exotic to me.

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  3. I too like to photograph leaves like you have shown in so many ways. The form and variety is interesting and catches my fancy all the time. You took wonderful photos. The facts you listed makes them pretty fantastic in their own right. Amazing world of nature...

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    Replies
    1. They are so amazing, and I don't ever want to take them for granted. Thank you, Donna.

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  4. I liked what you've written in # 9 : they provide nutrients for other plants, or compost.
    I love leaves in fall when they are yellow-red.
    Wonderful photos, Michelle!

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    Replies
    1. The fall leaves are certainly beautiful. I like when they first emerge, all shiny and new. Thank you for stopping by, Nadezda.

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  5. An exquisite set of photos, as always!

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    Replies
    1. Many thanks, Michelle. So glad you stopped by. Some of the trees are beginning to bud, so leaves are not far away.

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  6. Oh, you take the most wonderful pictures. The photos of the leaves are amazing. I especially love the one with the rain drops because it has been raining here the last couple of days. These are interesting facts about the leaves - thank you for sharing.

    love,
    ~Sheri

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    Replies
    1. I like leaves with raindrops, too. They seem to shine even more. Thank you, Sheri.

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  7. After raking up many leaves from one part of my garden to put in my woodland garden it is nice to see them through your lens. Beautiful! They really are gold for the garden!

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    Replies
    1. Aren't they? They have so many facets and are wonders in nature. We still have quite a bit of them on the ground protecting the plants as they emerge.

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  8. The is perhaps the loveliest ode to leaves that I have every seen. Wonderful combination of words and incredible photos that show the many faces and seasons of foliage. Lovely!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for your kind comment. Leaves bring us so much beauty and are a wonder in nature.

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  9. Thank you for really showing us LEAVES! Beautiful work!!!

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    Replies
    1. Their value in nature is a gift to every gardener. I am so glad you enjoyed the post.

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  10. Nice post and very lovely photos. Leaves are pretty amazing and very photogenic,

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    Replies
    1. I do love photographing leaves. They offer something different in each season. Thank you!

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  11. Beautiful and so informative. Thanks for sharing

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  12. I love the many looks of leaves and miss them right now. I leave them on the beds and the plants push through them. The birds are foraging under them for food and finding many tasty morsels.

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    Replies
    1. Birds find all kinds of things under those leaves. We still have quite a few on the ground as well.

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  13. They are all so beautifully presented, like colourful gems, so different and so lovely. Thanks for sharing!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Helene. They present so many wonders for us all.

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  14. Very beautiful capture of the leaves!

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  15. Beautiful! They are the life source of everything in the garden.

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  16. Wow! Great varieties of leaves. I loved all these. Thanks for sharing such a nice blog.
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'I see trees of green, red roses, too
I see 'em bloom for me and for you
And I think to myself, what a wonderful world'
--What a Wonderful World

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