Falling for the South: Sweet Home Alabama

The state of Tennessee borders eight states, Missouri and Arkansas to the west, Kentucky and Virginia to the north, North Carolina to the east, Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia in the south. About one third of the Tennessee River runs through north Alabama; we stopped at several ports-of-call when we cruised up here from Mississippi over a dozen years ago. Chattanooga is situated in the southeast, so we visit Alabama and Georgia quite frequently.

The first day of fall found us visiting friends in Birmingham. We love the Birmingham Botanical Gardens and always find an excuse to visit. Hoping to beat the lingering summer heat, we opted for a morning stroll at the garden. It seemed rather busy with construction going on here and there. They must be getting ready for fall planting and activities.

The Japanese garden is our favorite, and that was where we wandered around for a couple of hours.

traditional Japanese garden gate

We love watching the turtles and the colorful Koi fish swim so gracefully in the tranquil garden pond. Too bad we had nothing to feed them.

Do you see them turtles sunning on the rocks?

Pretty anemone hybrida by the iconic bridge

Japanese granite welcome lantern

Bamboo boardwalk

The bamboo forest was awe inspiring. These towering giants grow fast and are invasive. We have friends who had a hard time removing them from their backyards.

towering bamboos

Summer blooms are over at the Dunn Formal Rose garden.

Linking with Skywatch Friday

Getting lost in the 67 acres of beauty at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens on a nice day is relaxing and oh so peaceful. When fall finally arrives, the Japanese maples will take on a stunning color. Until then, enjoy the tour!

This post is shared on Image-in-ing and Through My Lens.

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