3 States With Fantastic Fall Foliage

 

Southeastern Growers: 3 States With Fantastic Fall Foliage

When the crisp breezes of autumn begin to blow, you know that beautiful fall foliage is on its way. The only question you have to ask yourself is exactly where you should go to view one of the most enchanting shows that nature has to offer. Here are a few of the best places that you can visit to surround yourself with the alluring colors of the changing leaves.

South Carolina

A harmonious blend of southern charm and picturesque views greet you in South Carolina. There’s no need to drive down some scenic route to view the leaves because there are a variety of outdoor activities that are perfect for immersing yourself in the colors of nature. Autumn temperatures in South Carolina tend to stay on the mild side, so it’s great weather for going on a picnic, hiking and camping. Surrounding yourself with the glorious colors of the state’s changing oak, maple and elm trees while enjoying outdoor activities is a great way to spend the day. Those that do prefer a scenic drive can enjoy the views from the Blue Ridge Parkway. The parkway stretches 469 miles, and it’s highest point, the Richland Balsam Overlook, tops out at 6,053 feet. This gives you a perfect vantage point to enjoy the autumn landscape.

North Carolina

Another great place to visit if you want more than a quick drive through the leaves is North Carolina. While you’re main purpose may be to watch the changing colors of fall, you can enjoy the view while hiking, mountain biking, or even whitewater rafting. One particular place of note in North Carolina for leaf viewing is the town of Asheville. They have one of the longest autumn foliage seasons in the world. This means that there is even more time for you to enjoy nature’s splendor. North Carolina is home to a number of deciduous trees, such as the white oak, sugar maple, and the quaking aspen.

Tennessee

Numerous species of maple, hickory, and birch trees paint a beautiful picture across the landscape of Tennessee. If you’re like a large number of visitors to the state you may enjoy the view of the leaves as you walk along the trails of the Great Smoky Mountains. The elevation of the mountains reach up to 4,000 feet, providing you with an astounding view of the surrounding foliage. If walking sounds a bit too tame for you, you can join the countless others who have enjoyed the autumn view from above the tree tops. Zip-lining is a popular way to view the fall colors when visiting the Smoky Mountains.

Best Plants for the Office

 

Southeastern Growers: Best Plants for the Office

Plants are the perfect addition to any work space. They can improve air quality by removing toxins from the air. They also are attractive and enjoyable to look at, and a great way to personalize your work area. Listed below are some plants that do well in a indoor office setting, and are easy to care for.

Spider Plant

A spider plant requires partial sunlight, and will grow in any soil type. This plant has arched green and pale yellow stems. It also produces tiny white flowers during the summer. It does well in a hanging basket or up high on a filing cabinet. Water when the plant feels dry.

Snake Plant

Snake plant’s have broad upright leaves that are marked with a pattern in a lighter color. They sometimes go by the name mother-in-law’s tongue, due to their sharpness. They also look like serpents rising from the soil. Water when soil is dry to the touch, and allow to dry out between watering to prevent the roots from rotting. This plant will tolerate low light, though it prefers brighter light.

Peace Lily

Peace lily’s do best in the shade and should be kept away from direct sunlight. They produce stunning white flowers that bloom in early summer and often stick around. Keep the soil moist at all times, but be careful to not over water.

Jade

Jade plants have thick branches with smooth green oval shaped leaves. They are shrub like in appearance. Allow the soil to dry out between watering, and keep the soil moderately dry. Over watering can cause root rot, and jades prefer drier soil. This plant requires medium light for a few hours each day.

African Violet

This plant type has fuzzy leaves with small colorful clusters of flowers. The flowers can be pink, purple or white and are eye catching. African violet’s do best in slightly acidic to neutral soil PH, with partial sunlight. Keep the soil slightly damp, but avoid getting the leaves wet while watering, as this can cause them to wilt.

Rubber Plants

The rubber plant has shiny leather type leaves. This plant grows well in low light, and should be kept away from drafts. It does well in full to partial sunlight. The soil should be kept moist.

How To Tell If A Tree Is Healthy Or Dying

southeastern growers dead tree

There are a number of factors to pay attention to if you are trying to determine if your trees are healthy or if they are on their way out. Take note of the following key indicators and Southeastern Growers assures you that your understanding of trees and the ecosystem that is located in your own private yard will expand tremendously.

Leader Of The Pack

Most trees, especially ones that are regularly used in landscaping, have one central trunk (the “central leader”). Trees should be pruned so the central leader can provide the entire tree with strength and stability. Failing to do this may cause the tree to split.

Annual Growth

New growth should occur on both the trunk and branches of a healthy tree. You can measure annual growth by noting the distance between this year’s current buds and the scars from last year’s buds. Average growth varies depending on the tree, so a little research is necessary.

Pruned Perfection

As soon as you notice dead or broken branches, they should be pruned away. If you do not do this, insects and diseases are more likely to infest the tree and cause irreparable damage. You can tell a branch is dead if you scrape it with your fingernail and the exposed bark is dry, brown, and brittle. A healthy branch would show green underneath. Also, a healthy branch is supple and can bend easily. If you can easily snap the branch, it is dead.

Tip-Top Trunks

Typically, bark should not be loose or peeling off of the trunk of your tree (with the exception of some trees like birches, eucalyptus, and maples). Also, fungi should not be growing on the tree. When using tools and gardening equipment around trees, be careful as to not leave any wounds in the trunk where insects and diseases will attack. There should also be no large cracks or holes anywhere.