Fall Colors at Gibbs Garden

“To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.”
― Audrey Hepburn

Gibbs Garden, located in Ball Ground, Georgia, has become a must visit location for me two times each year.  I first visit Gibbs Garden in March for the daffodil bloom to see millions of daffodils cascading throughout the garden.  For the past three years, I also have been visiting the garden 

in the fall to see the incredible colors of the Japanese Garden.

The colors in my area have been very muted this autumn.  I was absolutely amazed by the vibrant colors that met me at every turn as I entered Gibbs Garden this past weekend.

There are many ponds in the Japanese Garden.  The colors reflecting in water fascinated me and captured my attention during most of my visit.

I imagined God, using his paintbrush, to add color to the world as I observed these abstract of the colorful leaves reflecting in the water.

Grand landscapes were displayed, in mirrored form, in the ponds.

The reflections were so vivid, it was difficult to choose whether to focus on the scene, or its reflection as it danced across the water.

Usually, I prefer overcast days for photographing nature.  Overcast days would not have allowed me to capture all of the reflected beauty that met me both Saturday and Sunday.

Many leaves were falling from the trees and creating additional elements to add to each scene.

Although all of the colors were mesmerizing, the bright reds of the Japanese Maple trees were holding my attention the most.

I used to only photograph nature during early morning or late afternoon light.  I have recently been working to challenge myself to photograph at any time of day in all kinds of light.  I have found that it is all about how you use the light that is available and learning what works and does not work with any type of light.

This was my last photographed scene of Gibbs Garden this fall.  It will not be my last photograph taken at Gibbs Garden.  I know I will be back when the daffodils begin bursting forth.  Perhaps I will also have a chance to visit during other times of the year this year.

As I drove home from Ball Ground, Georgia, I thought about how thankful I am for the changing of the seasons and the beauty and wonder that can be found in nature.