Flora and Fauna of North Carolina

We noticed in Tennesseee and now in North Carolina that the "ivy" (we assume that is what it is!) will climb up anything. There are areas where the ground and bushes and trees and even light poles are covered with it.

They have a lot of trees that flower here too. Quite pretty.

Thought at first these were lilacs, however, they have bigger and bushier flowers. Plus, the stay blooming for months. Saw these in Tennessee too.

In this area of North Carolina (we are southwest of Fayetteville NC) the long leaf pine trees are abundant. Also, the names using pine are abundant -- Pine Hurst, Southern Pines, Pine . They actually farm pine trees for their needles which are called pine straw here for mulch as well as for beautiful baskets.

Here are some of the flowers. Not so different than Washington's.