When you think of botanical photography, you think of summer, right? Well, I prefer fall, and for many reasons.

You would be amazed at the flowers still blooming: asters, anemones, chrysanthemums, Joe Pye weed, goldenrod, perennial sunflowers, coreopsis, zinnias, snakeroot and sedums are just a few. Even the dahlias hang on until frost and ornamental grasses are at their peak. Of course, it’s not just flowers sporting color. Deciduous trees and shrubs, along with many perennials sport colorful leaves—whether bright reds, rich yellows and brilliant oranges, or more muted earth tones in shades of burgundy and brown. As a bonus, many trees and shrubs offer up colorful berries and other fruits for both wildlife and photographers. Even the sky puts on a show—replacing summer haze with dramatic clouds rolling across fields of clear blue.

As the leaves begin to fall, trees reveal the unique branching structure they’ve been hiding all summer. Fall is also the time for gathering seedpods, seed heads, cones and nuts.

Did I mention that the weather is cooler? That there are fewer bugs to contend with? That birds are migrating again? That your odds of encountering fog in the garden go up? And that you don’t have to get up as early for sunrise shoots? All good reasons to get out and enjoy the fall garden, with or without a camera.