Each year, as autumn approaches and the leaves begin to change colour, I think that this tree on the corner of Oak Bay and Hampshire in the Village (and its pal across the street) can not really be as spectacular as I remember them from the previous year.
But they are! They are!
For one thing the other trees have lost their leaves.
These haven't. And the leaves on the trees are still in stages of green with touches of yellow and red and mauve.
It's as if each leaf is 'painted', assessed, then considered 'perfect' and 'unique' and – released.
And joins the other masterpieces on the ground.
An ongoing parade of art.
I have a memory of some leaves remaining well into spring – amber in colour.
That's the name of the tree. Liquidambar.