Patches of old snow and other winter colors

It’s snowing again in New Jersey. I am happy for the bright spot of color the snow will add to the winter landscape. More accurately, the snow will add natural color to a mostly grey and brown world. Winter, especially at night, is not wont of color; doors decked with wreaths and evergreens with lights brighten streets and neighborhoods.

The evergreen wreath is a symbol of life in long, dark winters. Even house paint can be used to great effect.

A few days ago, with only “patch[es] of old snow”* on the ground, I went looking for natural color. Strolling through the Fairmount neighborhood of Hackensack, here is what I found:

• Brilliant green moss in a parkway



• Young beech trees in the understory of a remnant oak woodland



• Festive orange rose hips and canes



• Hydrangea flowers dried to the color of wheat



• The classic white bark of a birch

* From Robert Frost's poem titled "A Patch of Old Snow" here.