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Allen: This time of the year whether you are a gardener or not, you cannot help but appreciate the beauty of trees. They are spectacular with their tapestry of color. Some parts of the country enjoy more dramatic displays than the others and there are certain trees that just tend to show off a bit more like the maples.

In this country, we have many native maples like this red maple. This is an improved variety called red sunset. Then there are the classic sugar maples, the ones that are the source of that delicious maple syrup. Now while these are certainly brilliant, they are oriental cousins. The Japanese maples are equally impressive. Ewa Nelson has been collecting Japanese maples for over 20years and has assembled quite a collection.

Ewa: Japanese maples have been in cultivation for close to 400 years in Japan and of course some more recent for probably 100 or 150 years in Europe and in this country. I started collecting Japanese maples because of the unique beauty as a plant and there is such a diversity of characteristics. In different seasons of the year, it is really an exquisite garden plant.

Allen: One of the most attractive qualities of the Japanese maple is that many of the varieties are small so they are ideally suited for those of us who have limited space. They offer an opportunity to enjoy some of the most glorious colors of fall. From the garden, I am Allen Smith.

If you would like more information on this topic or any other gardening topic, just check out my website, www.pallensmith.com.

Allen: This time of the year whether you are a gardener or not, you cannot help but appreciate the beauty of trees. They are spectacular with their tapestry of color. Some parts of the country enjoy more dramatic displays than the others and there are certain trees that just tend... click to read more