Green-leafed branches under which we have sheltered in summer change into gleaming golds, fiery reds, deep maroons and delicate yellows.

When the rains start and chill winds blow, the branches are bared and those lovely leaves are scattered below like a colourful carpet.

If people lamenting autumn and “messy” leaves stop and look, they will see great beauty. Beautifully coloured trees are dotting the Donnybrook area at present. With the sun shining on them, many appear to be on fire.

Instead of just stopping to smell the roses, we should also take time to stop and dwell on the colours of the autumn trees. Soon it will be winter and they will be bare of their wondrous colours until spring brings new shoots in various greens and the cycle begins anew.