Autumn in Minnesota is tough to beat. Armed with our pumpkin-flavored everything, we flock to all corners of the state for breathtaking views of the changing landscape. But sometimes the beauty is in the details, as these readers discovered. From busy bees and butterflies to raindrops — or frost — on leaves, here's a reminder that fall, while certainly spectacular, is also fleeting.
Top: A ghost plant lends a spooky look to the landscape, from Ann Woodbeck, Excelsior. Stephanie Yant of Andover captured sunlight shining through the petals of a flower and bugs at work harvesting pollen. Ann Beadle-Reinitz of Mound saw autumn’s beauty in raindrops on newly fallen leaves. Center: The first frost on a maple leaf, by Michael Grabner of Chanhassen. Jerry Lasster of St. Louis Park snapped a photo of one of fall’s final flowers. Milkweed spreading seeds by Ted Knudson, Harris, Minn.
Bottom: Sarah Lilja of Maplewood got up close with a butterfly on a sedum plant in her yard. For Kara Rowan of Woodbury, nothing says fall like buckeyes and acorns collected by hand. Stu Bernu of Brooklyn Park showcased colorful leaves that were caught in a backyard garden fence. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Ann Beadle-Reinitz, Mound. Raindrops on fallen leaves. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Jerry Lasster, St Louis Park: Bee a Honey, the gathering of pollen in autumn (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Sarah Lilja, Maplewood, took this shot of a painted lady on Autumn Joy sedum in my yard on Sept. 20. The butterfly’s “fur” and “beak” are wonderful details not typically visible on these fluttering creatures. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Ted Knudson, Harris MN , milkweed spreads new seeds. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
First frost on a Maple Leaf, by Michael Grabner of Chanhassen (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Stu Bernu, Brooklyn Park; backyard garden fence (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Kara Rowan, Woodbury; What is more fall than buckeyes and acorns collected by hand? (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
