Pumpkins on the Porch

Painted porch steps are lined with pumpkins in orange, cream, sage green and narrow stripes. Pots of burgundy, yellow and rust-colored chrysanthemums fill the corners, with crisp maple leaves scattered across each tread. A plaid wool blanket hangs over the old chair beside the door, where warm lamplight glows through black-framed glass.

Color does much of the sorting here, but shape carries just as much information once the large flowers are together. Round pumpkin ribs, crooked stems and straight porch boards divide similar autumn tones into distinct pieces. Railings, window panes and blanket checks provide firmer geometry, leaving the loose leaves and small gourds as the more careful final work.