A Photographer Looks at Hoyt Arboretum

Fall color on Cotinus 'Grace' tall shrub underneath looking up, Hoyt Arboretum
It is way too easy to forget that Pacific Coast gardens can have wonderful fall color. But not after my visit to Hoyt Arboretum in Portland, which becomes a wonderland in autumn. Hoyt Arboretum’s collection of trees and shrubs, began in 1931, is a living museum for conservation and research. Much of the Arboretum features conifers so it’s easy to find the colorful deciduous shrubs along the 12 miles of trails.
Crossing the garden I found myself drawn, like a moth to light, to a large grove of smoke bush, Cotinus ‘Grace’. These plants don't get this big in California. I took this photo from within the grove looking up. The leaves are backlit and the carefully composed dark branches created a framework like that of an abstracted stained glass window. It was exhilarating to be bathed in that golden light while I worked.

Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina) fall foliage and branch pattern, Hoyt Arboretum
Staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina) is a reliable shrub for fall col...