St Peters RC Church Hamilton

What is the predominant colour in autumn?

It is difficult to make a decision!

Some would say orange and red,

Not met so much in the flower bed,

Although some dahlias still bloom in bright, bright colour,

But in rich, rosy, ripe berries mainly

Or some coppery orange of tree bark colour is found.

Then again, look at the pyracantha or cotoneaster colour,

Or the iconic acer palmatum,

An orange yellow dazzle prior to leaf fall.

Cotinus Grace certainly fit the bill,

Summer’s hazy plumes of soft pink flowers,

Appearing as the name suggests ‘Smoke Bush’.

Turns into a spectacular autumn shrub, brightly coloured.

Absolutely stunning if planted in bright sun,

Although some would claim their regal colour

Is more purple to pink than red or orange!

Their summer smoky colour would actually be nearer

The Photinia, popularly known as ‘Red Robin’.

This is ideal for a colourful hedge, a striking bright red

But that is in spring! Come summer and green

Will have the edge, glossy, bright and verdant,

With merely a hint of red at the tip of its elliptical leaf.

So this too, is not a serious contender for becoming the winner.

What about the heuchera?

These most attractive scalloped leaves come in almost every colour,

Purple veins running throughout the leaf,

Stand out in vivid relief against the orange and red.

Heuchera are a notable addition to any flower bed.

Red crocosmia together with orange sedum

Turn up the heat when they meet together!

But possibly the most intriguing, eye-catching specimen of all

Is the amazing Physalis Alkekengi,

Such a mouthful, it is more helpful to call this herbaceous perennial

With orange papery bracts, ‘Chinese lanterns’.

For all the world they look like tiny pumpkins!

Their outstanding attraction is when wintery, being skeletal,

An intricacy of lacy, fine, sinewy veins

Through which glows a scarlet inedible red berry,

Like a lantern glow on timely show.

Orange and red the bright stems of the October flower bed.

Let us enjoy them, soon now to pass over.

Winter will have its own range of colour.

Lord, ever we will praise You for all colour. Autumn is a time of particular glory. Thank You for the predominance of red and orange with plenty of yellow as well! Amen.