Fall Textures in the Garden

My amazing husband bought me a (very) early birthday present in anticipation of my trip to Portugal next Friday...a new lens for my Canon - it's a 24-70 mm zoom, so of course I had to immediately go outside to play with it. I've been using a 100mm macro...both the body and macro were new early this summer, but the macro is not a great all-purpose lens (as much as I love it!) 

I found some lovely textures in the garden this afternoon. The blip is Oak Leaf Hydrangea, dressed in fall colors.

The first extra is an image of very faded Solomon's Seal with an Autumn Brilliance Fern...neither looking terribly brilliant, but I do love the textures. The other is an annual called 'Blood Leaf' - scientific name Iresine herbstii. I really enjoy the autumnal textures in the garden!