Fleeting fall colors

The only gardening discussions in Alabama these days are concerning the ongoing drought.  In my backyard, we are beginning our third consecutive month without rainfall and there is no rain in the immediate forecast.

The lack of moisture has affected my gardens in many ways.  Most of what I am doing now involves not doing things that might aggravate the stress such as pruning or transplanting.  Mostly, I'm just waiting for rain and spring to see what survives.

Even our normal fall colors have been seriously affected by the drought.  The arborists tell us that a dry summer often produces the most spectacular fall shows but this year has been different.  Yes, the colors are brilliant, but the leaves quickly wilt and fall to the ground upon their color change.  Even fall is fleeting this year.