Gardening Tips: The Many Uses of Fall Foliage

Fall is upon us and the leaves are quickly changing. Beautiful shades of red and orange are rolling across the Pennsylvania mountainside in every direction you look. Have you ever wondered how leaves turn from brilliant green to burnt orange and reds in just a few days. If you remember back to high school biology, the process of photosynthesis can take effect overnight. Before you know it, the trees are bare and snow is starting to fall. Before the leaves turn from red to dead, head out on a self guided driving tour of your area and enjoy the foliage.

Pennsylvania is known for its landscapes, but the fall brings a special treat to site seers. As the leaves begin to change to beautiful shades of red and orange, people from all around begin to take scenic tours of the Pennsylvania country side. Here are some of the best places to view fall foliage in Pennsylvania. For those in north western Pennsylvania, the best place to begin your tour is the Longhouse Scenic Drive. Named a national scenic byway in 1990, the scenic drive delves deep into the Allegheny national forest. Also included on the tour is the Kinzua Dam and the Allegheny Reservoir. If you are more of a southern Pennsylvania resident, then hop onto route 45 via the purple heart highway. This beautiful scenic road passes through Huntingdon county all the way to Mooresburg. If you want to mix a little college football with your scenic adventure then catch a Penn State game on your way through state college. Fall foliage is beautiful to look at and it doesn't stay forever. So get out there and enjoy fall, before you know it winter will be knocking on our doors.

After the fall foliage driving trips are over and the trees are nearly bare, the back yards all over the eastern United States are left with mound upon mound of quickly decomposing, brown leaves. Before you fill yet another pumpkin colored plastic garbage bag with pounds and pounds of foliage, think ahead. Those leaves you are so eager to rid yourself of can be used as compost in next year's garden. Simply cover the garden in an even layer with the leaves. You can add grass clippings also to make an even more nutrient rich compost. As the leaves and the grass decompose the soil is enriched and ready to produce the most healthy plants and vegetables in the neighborhood.