There is a common misconception that California has no seasons. Local folks may laugh, but this is a very real assumption that much of the world believes to be true. Not so! The weather may be less harsh in the minimum temperature category, but the seasons certainly do shift. In central California, the rainy season is from mid-October to mid-May. Rainfall in the summer is rare. Here in Sacramento we can say with confidence that the weather will be fine for outdoor activities any time during the dry season.

In this part of the country, summer irrigation is the most important aspect of yard care. After the summer, the weather becomes balmy. By November, color shows on many of the deciduous trees and shrubs.

The pictures here should begin to dispel the myth that trees and shrubs in California have no autumn color. It may not be New England, but it certainly is pretty.

Liquidambar
varieties always
put on a
good show.

The foliage of
Nyssa sylvatica
is always brilliant.

The foliage of Pistacia chinensis changes color early in autumn and can put on a vivid show for 2 months.