9 ways to rejoice in fall color in Delaware when it peaks the third week of October

The News Journal

Pierce Woods at Longwood shows off peak autumn colors; they are expected to return the third week of October 2018.

Fall leaf color is expected to peak in Delaware the last two weeks of October into the first two of November.

No one can predict exactly when it will hit, because it depends on the weather.

"The more sunny, cool days the better," says Sue Barton, a University of Delaware professor and New Castle County Extension Service specialist. "Rainfall, day length and temperature all play a part."

Anybody whose been tracking the recurring daytime temperatures in the high 80s will realize there could be a glitch with that "cool days" part.

Even so, Winterthur Museum garden director Chris Strand anticipates a colorful season at the former du Pont estate in north Delaware. It already has plenty of goldenrod blooming around the ponds, but the leaves are just starting to change.

“This will be a great fall for color,” Strand predicted in a press release.

He recommends looking for the reflections of the Needle’s Eye garden folly at the entrance pond against the whites of woodland asters and Queen Anne’s Lace, the purples of New England asters and the other colors of native grasses along the shore.

Peak fall colors are expected at Winterthur the third and fourth weeks of October 2018 when the russets, golds and oranges of red oaks, black oaks, poplars and beeches will show at their best advantage.

Bright orange leaves of shadbush will frame views of the Brick Overlook and Bristol Summerhouse follies on Sycamore Hill, and the saffron color of the Ottoman Tent on Oak Hill will be juxtaposed against magenta blossoms as 4,000 Autumn crocus burst into bloom, and then the orange of neighboring Black Gum and persimmon trees.

Longwood Gardens, another former du Pont estate just over Delaware-Pennsylvania state line, expects peak fall color on the 86-acre gardens the third week of October, said spokeswoman Abbey Gau. She recommends a look at their meadow and its changing tones.

"Fall is a bit slow in arriving in Delaware sometimes, in spite of pumpkin spice everything madness," says April A. Abel, a photographer for the Delaware State Parks.

In the First State, the final weeks of October and first two weeks of November are traditional peak times for fall color, she says after looking through her park photos.

You can track the changes of leaves here.

But early or late, it's easy to find pretty views, from the rolling hills of North Delaware, to the beach and marshy flatlands of southern Delaware.

Here are some places to explore:

1. Delaware State parks. Virtually all of Delaware's parks offer great views of masses of trees, many of which can be seen from the shores of a body of water — or floating on the body of water. www.destateparks.com

2. Area public gardens, including Winterthur Museum, Gardens and Library; Mt. Cuba Center, Longwood Gardens and Nemours Estate, all of which feature heavily wooded grounds.

Paddling along at Trap Pond State Park in Fall 2017.

3. The Brandywine Valley National Scenic Byway, which you may know largely as Route 52. It runs for about 12 miles from Rodney Square in Wilmington along Routes 52 and 100 to the Delaware - Pennsylvania state line.

4. Interstate 95 between Newark and Wilmington is also great, recommend Sue Barton. "I really notice the fall color the most when I am driving,: she said.

5. The Green at the University of Delaware in Newark. Surrounding by academic architecture and filled with students, it's a nice view.

6. The Green at Dover. Part of both the First State Heritage Park and First State National Historic Park, the oblong of grass and trees is flanked by old home and state buildings. Drives up State Street and others dotted with period homes also are charming.

7. Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge in Milton. With thousands of fall flowers and background tree stands, the refuge offers a look at both plant and animal life on the coast.

8. Bombay Hook National Wildlife in Kent County. This midstate park offers a wildlife drive, as well as trails and more. Check the date before going, because the drive is closed sometimes for special hunting days.

9 Old New Castle. The town with period Federal and Georgian homes, cobblestone streets lined with mature trees and the river-side Battery Park offers a great way to stroll quietly through fall's splendor.

High school homecomings in Delaware: the photos, the fashions

This Delawarean wrote 'A Star is Born' with Bradley Cooper

Contact Betsy Price at (302) 324-2884 or beprice@delawareonline.com.