Fallen sunshine

The predicted rain for the valley never materialised this past weekend. Further, the weak winter sun could not provide enough warmth to heat up all the corners of the house. We found solace in the lounge, on the chesterfield and in front of the heater.

The winter day was bright and hued in browns and yellows. This was comfortably observed through the window panes of the shut French doors looking towards the cottage. The garden colours were warmer than the winter air. The orchard floor provided for a feast of yellow and red, where fallen bougainvillea flowers joined the yellow leaves from the fruit trees.

The oaks are losing more of their leaves, allowing the weak winter sun to penetrate the bare branches. In the parking area, the filtered sun awakens the narcissus below the oak.

A walk along the irrigation canal and vineyards was punctuated by the reds and yellows of aloes, poplars and vineyards. With so many yellow leaves on the ground, it was as if we were walking on sunshine.

Soon we will have no more leaves. The trees, roses and vineyards will be completely bare. The leaves that brighten up the ground and find their way into the compost bins, will decompose to a black colour. They will echo the branches and stems of trees and plants to which they will once again add sustenance in the spring.

The rose blooms seem to be fewer than last year. However, the ‘Wedding Garland’ provided a surprise bouquet where it hung fragrantly alongside the irrigation canal. There is no sign of the daffodil bulbs as yet. I will give them one more week to show me what they are going to do. I decided to put in more of the bulbs either way.

With the last of the yellow leaves of autumn floating earthwards to join the carpet of sunshine colours on the ground, I pull my coat closer and enjoy the fallen sunshine on the orchard floor.