Autumn is the time of year that I like to wander around gardens, parks, and nature trails to “paint” with my camera. I love to capture nature as it is changing from one season to another, specifically summer to autumn. I don’t necessarily look for startling colors, but more so in textures and variations in color that depict the change in season. Capturing leaves in various stages of decay is beautiful to the eye, if presented properly.
Today I returned to a favorite place of mine—the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden, located in Federal Way, Washington. It is an outdoor garden located on acres of a natural wooded area of native Pacific Northwest foliage. It is bursting with color during the spring months. But the fall season offers up its own display of color, albeit a bit more subdued in fanciness. One needs to seek out the jewels of the season and pay close attention to detail. Walk slowly through this garden, paying attention to everything around you, both above and below, and you will find many jewels of nature.
All images property of Peggy A Thompson
northwestphotos 
Love this season and love the way you present it! Beautiful as we slide into autumn.
Thank you, Gunta! Yes, always beautiful this time of year!
Wow, I do not remember so many magnolias there. I do remember the bigleaf maples. they happen to be one of my few favorite trees. I used to grow rhododendrons, and hope to go back to it.
There are a several species of Magnolias in the garden. The Japanese variety has such huge leaves that are so beautiful!
Magnolia macrophylla has humongous leaves. It actually looks rather silly. They might be the biggest magnolia leaves of all. I do not remember Japanese magnolias with leaves as big.
Yes, the Magnolia species I am referring to is the macrophylla species, and the specimen I photographed is from Japan.
Beautiful fall shots!
Thank you, William!