If you are one of the many, like myself, who trek up into the hills every fall to see the changing leaves then you know that it is that time of the year again. I was up on the Blue Ridge Parkway last week and it was beautiful. I hiked a short trail to the top of a small hill over-looking a beautifully colorful section of the Appalachian Mountains, and met a lovely older couple from Houston who had just flown into Asheville the day before to see the leaves changing. It's awesome how some events can still bring us all together.
Fall foliage interest is also a hot topic in garden design right now–this season peaks our interest in maples, oaks, willows, and deciduous fruit trees. Some of the most interesting fall foliage comes from Japanese maples–Acer Palmatum and Acer Japonicum. If you are looking to have some bright colors in your garden next fall, plant now, fall is the best time for planting trees and shrubs. They will establish over the winter and grow stronger next spring. Have your own amazing show next fall.