When Winter Comes Early

Although it’s still officially autumn in the Southern Hemisphere, winter has already struck in many rural parts of New South Wales. In my town it’s a truism that winter starts on ANZAC Day and finishes in September. This year we’ve already had several overnight minimums below zero and a series of damaging frosts. Fortunately my trees seem to be in a hardy mood and have survived intact so far, even the new orchard of apple saplings planted between the house and the creek.

Here are some pictures I took last week of the autumn colours. It might not be as spectacular as ‘fall’ in New England but it’s still rather beautiful.

This gorgeous birdhouse was made for me by the same friend, who painted the Santa gourd in my Christmas article and stitched the wall-hanging. What a talented lady she is. 

Deborah O'Brien

May, 2013