Flower Gardens of Interstate 40
Along Interstate 40 in Western North Carolina between the towns of Morganton and Marion, as you approach the Mountains, are two interchanges that rewrite the term, Highway Beautification. On the approaches on both sides of the overpasses, meticulously cultivated flower beds cover the meadows along the highway.
In one area, Zinnias, Marigolds, Poppies, and a diverse mixture of annuals have been creatively mixed to be balanced and colorful. On the south side of the interchange is a garden made entirely of Marigolds.
At the next interchange heading west, rows of Poppies are a tribute to the highway workers who created them…
Lady Bird Johnson’s legacy is alive and well in the North Carolina Mountains.
Living in The Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina- A Blog 
So beautiful…….thank you for sharing. Patsy
Governor Jim Martin promised to finish I-40 during his tenure. He delivered on that promise and his wife Dorothy “Dottie” Martin was largely responsible for the beauty and quality of the wildflowers planted along I-40, They both received awards for their work in beautifying the state. Lady Bird Johnson contributed but she was not solely responsible for the flowers on I-40.
We need more active First Ladies like Dottie Martin. Her work can be seen from Asheville to Raleigh. Thank you for letting me know.