With the leaves starting to turn colors soon as we approach autumn, I discovered an amazing secret most people don't know. I became aware of this several years ago driving along Route 80 in New Jersey , but have also seen the same scenario along long Island . New York parkways during the overnight hours. WHAT DID I SEE ? you ask. Crews of workers, men and women were painting the leaves on the trees. I could not believe it. Shades of red and orange and yellow and everything in between colors are painted on the leaves. So don't think for a second that the change of leaf colors is all due to foliage. Sure .some of it is, but that's why these bus tours to see foliage cost so much. Someone has to cover the expense of these nocturnal artists.