"Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been." Mark Twain

"Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been." Mark Twain, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.


If you're from an area where seasons are distinct and easily recognizable, visiting Southern California will make you feel as if you're not having seasonal changes at all.  But if you look closely, you can find it.
Location: Terrenea Resort - L.A.'s Oceanfront Resort
http://www.terranea.com/

If you visit Terrenea Resort, they grant oceanfront access to all California residents, as well as, a professional Falconer who meets up with his magnificient birds of prey daily.  I met this lovely Eurasian Eagle Owl there, on Halloween morning.  This to me was certainly a sign of the season, as well as a fortunate event.  The falconer keeps them there to detract pigeons and rats from moving into the resort.

My gardening mentor, Florence Sullivan, told me she was convinced that even the plants are slightly confused and bloom when they shouldn't.   In any case, if you're used to extreme weather changes, and predictable patterns in nature, Southern California Fall will certainly make you realize you have to open your mind and awareness, and look for the changes.

I suggest you carry your camera, and keep your eyes open.  Opportunities to spot fall in Southern California are everywhere.  One of my favorite places to visit, is Descanso Gardens, in La Canada Flintridge, CA.  

http://www.descansogardens.org/

And although every leaf won't be falling or changing color, even the green leaves give hints of Fall.

It is a wonderful time of year here, so do come for a visit, and enjoy the subtle changes.

Fall in Southern California

The Color Purple, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

Southern California suffers from overcrowding, and here's the reason. Fall in California comes shades of purple...



...fading pink hydrangeas...

...and seashells lying about in your cottage garden...

But before you move here, ask yourself, can you handle the traffic, the multi-cultural diversity, and the expense. I moved away once, briefly, and I don't think I'll do that again. Yes, I'll stop my whining, and stay right where I am. Southern California is a gardener's paradise.