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Ginkgo Trees Soon to put on Brilliant Display

University of Virginia

The watch is on at the University of Virginia's Blandy Experimental Farm, a 700 acre property about two hours north of Charlottesville. 

It’s the home of a giant stand of Ginkgo trees, at least 300 of them, and photographers come from around the world to see their leaves turn. 

Staffers at Blandy Farm are already getting calls from people wondering if the trees have turned yet.  Spokesman Tim Farmer tells them.  “Typically it’s about the third or fourth week in October that the Ginkgos hit their peak, and they turn just a spectacular golden color, just really amazing.  We’ve had national magazines come out. It's really a beautiful sight," Farmer says.

But, he adds, you dare not wait too long.

"It’s like they set their watches.  They turn this beautiful golden color and then all at once, over the course of a couple of days, drop their leaves."

The grounds are open every day, and admission is free. “People can bring their dogs.  You can even bring your horse and our bridle trail passes right past our Ginkgo grove.”

But bring your wellies if you plan to walk, as female Ginkgos produce a remarkably smelly fruit.

The grove is also wheelchair accessible.  The site is located between Front Royal and Berryville.

Sandy Hausman is Radio IQ's Charlottesville Bureau Chief