First Signs of Fall

I'm not very good about getting my yard work done in late summer and early fall, despite the fact that I adore the more moderate temperatures. No, as the summer wanes, I tend to be too busy keeping an eye out for the first signs of fall. What can I say? I love seasonal transitions (except for the transition from fall to winter!).

But if you're more ambitious than I, what should you be doing in the yard during September? Well, that depends on what region you inhabit. Consult this September yard to-do list compiled by Marie Iannotti. About.com's Gardening Guide organizes her tips according to whether you live in a cool climate or a warmer one.

Here are some of the first signs of fall that I've already witnessed:

• My hardshell gourds are mature enough to tempt me to pick them and turn them into gourd jack-o-lanterns
• Sumac is starting to turn shades of pink and orange.
• The husk on the bittersweet berries is starting to yellow.
• Virginia creeper leaves are becoming reddish.
• The volunteer butternut squash in my compost bin is turning tan.
• The fruit on my neighbor's apple trees is ripening.
• Yellow jackets are stepping up their activity, putting me on the alert against yellow jacket stings.

How about you? If you've seen some of the first signs of fall already and you'd like to report them, please use the Comments section below.

_{Photo of bittersweet berries ©2006 David Beaulieu (licensed to About.com)}