Art Presson, Green-Wood’s superintendent of the grounds, shares his thoughts on fall’s retreat:
It’s almost over, but the maples lining Vine Avenue, south of Fir Avenue are on
fire- red.
Also one of the last gasps, which is a thrill, are the ginkgo biloba.
They will be at peak of yellow tomorrow. Then soon, within a 24 hour period,
they will drop the bright yellow dress and it will pool in a circle at the
ankles. The tree will be stark naked, the ground vibrant. All that will be left
are the pear and willows to fawn over. Many of the oaks hold on, not
attractively, dropping leaves through the winter. Some will actually have to be
forced from the branch by emerging spring buds.
The winter is a show of harsh, raking light. We admire shades of gray and
textures of bark. We hope that snow is scenic and not disastrous. It is a time
of clear air affording good views of structure. That is the best spin I can put
on this truly depressing time of the year when we start to think Florida is
actually a good idea and wax poetic about football.