In the middle of October, snow scenes in the Garden are a bit unusual, but in 2009, here they are, thanks to a nice snowfall that occurred on October 12th, at the beginning of the final week of the season for the visitors shelter to be open. Prior to the snow were several nights of hard frost. Visitors on Monday found an unusual sign on the front gate - unusual for Oct. 12th that is. Visitors on Tuesday found un-trod snow on the paths and benches not so inviting to sit on. A fire in the shelter fireplace was most welcome.

Above: The closed Garden Gate and below, the steps from the parking lot to the front gate. Photos by Phoebe Waugh.

Below: Early snows are always picturesque as the world turns from full color to white and shades of gray. The fountain is running to keep the line from freezing. On Tuesday, maintenance staff was busy blowing the water out of the lines for the winter close-down. Photos by Phoebe Waugh.

Above and Below: The early season snow provided a contrast to the fall colors that were emerging in the Garden

Fall fruits, seeds and leaves make splendid sights by themselves, but more so with contrast of the snow. Above left: False Solomon's Seal. Above right: Joe-Pye Weed. Below left: Oak leaf with galls. Below right: Bittersweet.

Above: The colors of mature fruit on the ground and the full yellow color of a poplar tree. Above right: The last Black-eyed Susan of the season that has not yet abandoned hope. Below: The moisture from the heavy October rains earlier in the month brought out these mushrooms that remain brilliant in the snow cover.