As October comes closer to an end, there are still several places to get a good view of the fall foliage and vibrant colors in Central Massachusetts.
BOYLSTON – As October comes closer to an end, there are still several places to get a good view of the fall foliage and vibrant colors in Central Massachusetts.
Joann Vieira, horticulture director at Tower Hill Botanic Garden in Boylston, said usually beginning on Columbus Day people see the leaves beginning to show the vibrant reds, yellows and oranges on the leaves.
“Usually we get a couple of peak weeks,” she said. “Mother Nature really rules how and when the colors change, but if your plants are healthy that contributes to having great fall colors.”
Joann Vieira, horticulture director at Tower Hill Botanic Garden in Boylston, said several factors contribute to the leaves changing color. The change in the colors is because the chlorophyll in the leaves is masking the other colors, Vieira said. When the temperatures begin to drop and the days shorten, plants reduce chlorophyll production and the green pigment fades out.
The starches found in the leaves contribute to the variation of colors, but weather conditions also play a role, Vieira said. To ensure the colors come out, it is important to keep the plants healthy and well watered especially during summer drought seasons, she said.
Here in Central Massachusetts there are several places to visit to see the fall foliage. Tower Hill Botanic Garden is one spot, but Vieira said people could also enjoy the views around the Quabbin Reservoir, Wachusett Mountain and Moore State Park.
Vieira said people will mainly see the red leaves on the red maples in the area. The leaves on Norway maple and birch trees usually turn a yellow color. Oak trees tend to have the leaves change color later and although the colors are not as vibrant, it does add to the beauty of fall, Vieira said.
“In New England I think we kind of take this for granted, but it is such a rich season here,” she said. “It is just nature in her glory. The colors are just amazing.”
Source: MassLive Worcester http://masslive.com/news/worcester
