In this fall-themed episode, hosts Alexis, Brett, Jessica, and Ray (the “Plant People”) celebrate the season with a mix of food talk, laughter, and horticultural insights. They kick things off sharing their favorite pumpkin-inspired treats— from homemade pumpkin bread to smoked butternut mac and cheese and even pumpkin tortilla chips.

The conversation transitions into the episode’s main topic: fall leaf color in Kentucky and beyond. The group discusses the science behind color change — how cool nights, warm days, and moderate moisture bring out the best reds, oranges, and yellows. Ray explains how a good growing season followed by a slightly dry fall concentrates sugars in leaves, leading to vibrant anthocyanin-driven reds. They also talk about the impact of Kentucky’s record-dry August, wondering how it might affect 2025’s color display.

Listeners learn about useful resources like the ExploreFall.com foliage map and Kentucky Tourism’s fall color tracker, which show when and where to find peak color. The hosts share personal sightings — from maples just beginning to turn to the rich reds of burning bush and sassafras — and discuss how elevation, frost timing, and species type influence local color patterns.

The team also dives into some fascinating plant physiology, explaining how the green pigment chlorophyll fades to reveal yellows and oranges already present in leaves, while reds form later from sugar accumulation. Their side conversation about variegation and plant adaptation connects the science of leaf color to everyday gardening.

The episode wraps up with everyone’s appreciation for leaf-peeping season, favorite scenic drives, and plans to visit Kentucky’s Red River Gorge and other colorful fall spots.

Explore Fall

Kentucky Tourism Fall Color Tracker

The 2025 Fall Foliage Prediction Map

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