#autumn #leaves #gardening ☀️During photosynthesis, plants use sunlight energy to convert water and carbon dioxide to produce glucose, a type of sugar that plants require to survive.🌱 🌄With shorter days and less daylight, photosynthesis stops. ❄️As plants prepare for winter dormancy, the green pigment chlorophyll breaks down, but some are absorbed into the stems, trunks, and roots as reserved energy. 🌳 🍁🍂This process reveals the red, yellow, orange, and purple hues which were there all along obscured by chlorophyll. 🖍The pigments that give leaves these colors are called carotenoids and anthocyanins – which are known as antioxidants and protect plants from oxidative damage that can lead to plant stress. 🌈These pigments filter sunlight radiation on plants’ leaves which help tolerate environmental stress. Happy Gardening!🍁🍂 Estepona Gardener Estepona Gardening