Helen, I loved both pictures. Mr. Sun looks a bit grumpy.

My fall picture taking is about over; the leaves are falling faster than I can get the camera out.

My sweet shrub is almost leafless now - not nearly as pretty as yours.
My fall color is almost gone too.
I took these pictures this morning of fothergilla, a viburnum, and oakleaf hydrangea.

I tried fothergilla but couldn't keep it wet enough in summer. Mine never did do anything. Yours is very nice. Oakleaf hydrangea is one of my favorite shrubs. I think you have very nice fall color.

christie, those shrubs are really nice. I can't wait for my Oakleaf hydrangea to get some size. It is just about 18 inches tall. The new viburnums are small too. I thought fothergilla needs acid soil so I have always avoided it. Do you do anything special for it?

I don't remember amending the soil for my fothergilla but it was years ago when I planted it and I may have forgotten. It's been slow growing but I haven't noticed the leaves looking chlorotic so I think it's pretty healthy.