The Language of Leaves: The Not-So-Secret Science Behind Fall Foliage

Few can argue that there's anywhere more beautiful than New England in Autumn. With air as crisp as a freshly picked apple and scents of wood smoke accompanying a crimson, orange, and gold horizon... really, how lucky are we to experience such idyllic fall feels? But why is that the maples, oaks, and aspens (to name just a few) put on this stunning show? What is the purpose behind the carnival of leaves destined to drop? Let's discover the not-so-secret science behind fall foliage as we tap into a bit of basic botany before experimenting with pigments as we learn about, and try to replicate, the colorful language of leaves.