By Stu Johnson
Richmond, KY – Since the first of the year, moisture in some form has been a fairly consistent visitor in portions of the bluegrass. Marge Bateman, Colorfall Cordinator with the Kentucky Department of Travel and Tourism says that's quite different from a year ago. As a result, Kentucky's fall colors could be quite vibrant.
"Last year we really had a drought and it did affect the color and it wasn't that well. This summer it was hot, but we did have rain off and on, so the trees and the leaves are really in good condition right now," said Bateman.
Much of the gazing this fall will focus on the leaves found in trees all over the state. But Bateman says the ground cover can be beautiful as well. It might be best to simply look and not touch.
"Some of the ground covers are really pretty like the goldenrods' blooming right now, the poison ivy turns a bright red, the iron weed and the sumac and the dogwoods are all starting to change already," explained Bateman.
The Kentucky Tourism web site tracks some of the most colorful spots in the Commonwealth.
"We have updated this in the last two years where our spotters which are mostly naturalists at the state parks can actually enter a blog report any time there is a change," added Bateman.
Bateman says the best recipe for colorful fall leaves is a combination of cool nights with sunny days.