Autumn joy

When trees are freshly painted in their burnished fall hues, take advantage of their splendor. Harvest some leaves or branch clippings to create wreaths or swags for hanging on gates, doors, or mantels. Or, for a quick update on your porch, fill a pot or window box with the colors of the season.

Gathering fallen leaves makes a great family activity, and it’s a fun thing to do during a Sunday walk with friends or on a picnic in the country. If you grow trees whose foliage colors up in fall you can clip small branches, leaving leaves attached.