Greensboro Daily Photo

Robert G. Shaw Piedmont Triad Farmers Market

This past weekend, the Robert G. Shaw Piedmont Triad Farmers Market on Sandy Ridge was filled with beautiful plants and people were out getting flowers and vegetables to plant in their gardens. The parking lots were full; such a drastic change from this time last year. As you can see in the background, people were honoring the wearing of masks and making an effort to socially distance. As you can see in the foreground, the available plants are healthy and beautiful. 

This large indoor/outdoor market is one of five operated by the state of North Carolina. If you are in a farmers market sort of cook, here is a list of farmers markets throughout North Carolina. Every time you visit another community throughout North Carolina, a stop at the farmers market is a great way to get to know a community!

Happy Monday!

Lady Banks Roses In Full Bloom!

Today is our annual Lady Banks Climbing Rose Day. Every year around this time, we stop on Ridgeway Avenue to visit this prolific, thornless bloomer. While these roses are small, the clusters make a beautiful display. The beautiful evergreen foliage loved to climb on fences and arbors and will stay beautiful all year long. They are also disease and pest resistant. 

This little bush in Sunset Hills was first featured on Greensboro Daily Photo back in 2010 and, shortly thereafter, an NCA&T professor tracked town the owner to get permission to get a cutting off of this bush. Someday, we hope to know if that cutting has matured. After eleven years, it should be a beauty in its own right. It is one of the earliest blooming of all roses and it is always fun to record when they bloom. Mark these as blooming, in Greensboro, North Carolina in the first few days of April!

Happy Friday. It is going to be another great day in Greensboro! That link in the above paragraph will lead you to some Lady Banks fun facts, if you are interested.

Gaslight Apartments

The Gaslight Apartments are located in the 1100 block of West Friendly Avenue on the southern edge of Westerwood. The apartments/condos are part of a 16-unit complex, just west of the Friendly Avenue Baptist Church. They have twelve one-bedroom and four two bedroom units. They are owned by the Kairys Group, a commercial real estate company located in Chapel Hill. The Kairys Group purchased the apartments, renovated them, and have made quite a return on their investment. 

Also part of the renovation was painting the red brick and enhancing the landscaping. We always notice the Gaslight Apartments when the trees in front are blossoming. The pale pink blossoms really make the off-white, brick apartments stand out. Have a look next time you are driving by. And do hurry, the trees are greening out before our eyes.

Happy Easter 2021!

This hyacinth volunteers in a scruffy, unkempt flowerbed, coming back every year near Easter- a tangible reminder of the story of rebirth. The bulbs tolerate the Greensboro winters just fine, without any special attention. Nature just drops down a few leaves from nearby deciduous trees and, every spring, the bulbous fragrant plant pushes away the natural mulch and again shares its natural beauty. 

Today is the second Easter where Covid is affecting services. Some churches are open with social distancing measures in place. Others are still meeting online. Have you ever wondered how many churches there are in Greensboro? We have! The closest we can get to finding out is on Churchfinder.com (see HERE for Greensboro), where 300 churches are listed. So, that is a good place to start. We like to post something spiritual, reflective, or inspired by nature, every Sunday. We're going to review this list and try to find churches we've never featured over the last 13 years. Stay tuned...

... in the meantime: If you know of someone who is housebound for any reason, consider taking them a hyacinth today- little bit of spring. The scent of hyacinth is heavenly. If you receive one and are not in a position to replant it, find a friend with a yard to to plant it for you, and anticipate seeing it again next year! Let's fill our Greensboro yards with the bulbs!

Petals Lining East Lake Drive Leading to Music at 100 McIver St!

Today on this first day of April, we're featuring the petals that have fallen to the ground this week, in preparation for the leaves that are about to fill out on the trees. The petals reminds us that spring is the season of rejuvenation and abrupt change. There will be nothing subtle with what is about to happen to the landscape of Greensboro. From this ground level orientation, the eye moves to the horizon line. This view from East Lake Drive leads to Market Street and the UNCG School of Music is the brick building in the background.

The Music Building has been open since 1999- already 22 years ago!  As we enter April, many students will be holding concerts are part of their coursework and requirements for graduation. The concerts will delight you, if you get a chance to attend or to stream. UNCG is being diligent about following pandemic protocols and live concerts have very limited seating. Some can be watched online. Here is a list if you are interested. As a matter of fact, there are two tonight!

 

Heavenly View on Palm Sunday

This time of year, we always find outselves drawn to the area around Westover Church on Muirs Chapel Road. Trees in bl0om surround the church and the perimeter of the parking lot.  The above view is along Tower Road,  facing west. The pattern in the sky looks like rays of white radiating out from the horizon. In reality, the white stripes are probably contrails from jets heading into the airport. Regardless, they punctuate the view of the trees.

For Christians, today is Palm Sunday. While the above photos are not palms, they remind us of the road, the path of this first day of Holy Week. If you are interested in learning more about Westover Terrace, see their website here. If you want to see the above view, you'd better head to Muirs Chapel and Tower Road quickly as before you know it, the pink and white blossoms will be replaced by green foliage. Happy Palm Sunday!

 

Quiet Afternoon At Hamburger Square

Hamburger Square is located in the heart of downtown Greensboro. This view is at the corner of South Elm Street and McGee Street. Some days, this very space is filled with people and performers during downtown events. At times, a state is set up here for performers. Yesterday, all was quiet here and sometimes a quiet and peaceful walk is so meaningful, especially after a long day at work. In the distance, you can see the trestle bridge that was recently refurbished and repainted. It sees a lot of train traffic daily. Since 1851, Greensboro has been a big part of the NC Railroad Corridor, the very reason the city is nicknamed The Gate City.

There are many open spaces in Greensboro and remember there are many great shops, restaurants, and other businesses just waiting for you to stop in for a visit. We hope you have a great weekend and that you find time to head downtown. Just in front of the magnolia tree on the left are free-standing DGSO letters. They are perfect for a photo opportunity. No doubt where the photo was taken when you are in front of those letters.

Royal Star Magnolia

In Greensboro, spring is such a special season. The flora and landscape changes before our eyes. The above plant is a bloom on a royal star magnolia tree. The blooms of this tree were absolutely perfect last week. The royal star magnolia is an early blooming, fast growing tree. The white showy blooms come out before any signs of foliage. This specimen is at the Greensboro Arboretum and is clearly labeled as a royal star magnolia.

Plants have responded positively to all the rain we've had in Greensboro over the past several months. If you want to learn more about plants and plants that do well in our community, any of the local lawn and garden centers will be happy to assist you. If you want to be involved at a deep level, please visit the website of Greensboro Beautiful. Since 1968, they have been working diligently to conserve and enhance the beauty and ecology of the area. Perhaps you would be interested in volunteering with this group. 

Chalk Walk 2021

Last weekend, on Sunday, March 14th, the Greensboro Parks and Recreation Department hosted a Chalk Walk event in the Greensboro Arboretum. There were 33 participants. The above photo features the winning entry for the 18+age  category. The koi pond was drawn by Lauren Ward, a Guilford County Schools art teacher. How wonderful that the artist behind this beautiful drawing shares her talent with the children of Greensboro.

This scene is also an example of how Greensboro has gotten really creative about having events. The Chalk Walk got people out in a socially distanced way to enjoy a sunny afternoon. People walked through the exhibit and a few runners were seen along the way. With or without special events, The Greensboro Arboretum is a very special space in our community. Trees and plants have labels on them, so you can learn as you go. The day we visited, shadows added a lot of intrigue to the adventure. Happy Wednesday! 

The Beautiful Greensboro Arboretum

The Greensboro Arboretum is 17-acres of glorious green space between Ashland Avenue and West Market Street. According to the Greensboro Beautiful website, there are 14 plant collections at the Arboretum. From the Jim Gallucci arched entranceway to the butterfly garden, it is the kind of place where every time you go, you can see something different. One time you may focus on plantings, another, on the structural features. The Arboretum is a very different place when events are being held there, like Summer Solstice, Candlefest, or one of the art events.

Last weekend,  The Greensboro Parks and Recreation department hosted a chalk walk here, where individuals and groups made chalk drawings on the promenade and visitors voted through their phones. The above photo was taken from a bridge at the end of the Arboretum closest to Lindley Park- near the chalk drawings. As you can see, the forsythia have their yellow blooms now and it has been so rainy lately that the stream is full. If you are looking for something lovely to do this weekend, consider heading to the Arboretum. If you think this seen looks like spring, you should walk through the Arboretum and you will experience what spring FEELS like! This lovely space is now open from 8 am- 7 pm.

Yesterday Was a Rainbow Afternoon In Greensboro!

Yesterday's rainbow in Greensboro (and High Point) was glorious. At about 6:30, the sun came out, after a dark day with the threat of strong winds and a torrential downpour. The above view of the rainbow was just west of North Battleground Avenue. It is easy to focus on the bad, but we need to remember to look for the good. The rainbow is, perhaps, the most glorious of all weather events. 

Even though today promises to be a rainy day, remember to be on the lookout for the rainbow, even if it isn't a literal rainbow. If you are looking for something to do tonight, events are starting up again. Here is a list of some local happenings. There are options from Friday Nite Live with DJ Deron Juan at Boston's on Arnold Street to a performance of Porgy and Bess at the Well-Spring Theatre.

Happy Friday, Greensboro!

Stacking Wood: After the Storm

Let's hope the anticipated high winds predicted don't materialize in Greensboro today. The possibility of high winds got us thinking about our most recent storms. When we had the ice storm about a month ago, we were passing this house on Hedrick Drive and noticed this wood cut and piled ever so neatly. We started to stop and see if it was available for firewood, but didn't. That would be a nice gesture, though. If you have a branch that falls, to cut it up and, if you don't need it, share it with friends who have fire pits, fireplaces, or who like to grill with wood. If there is one thing we have learned in this pandemic year is that even when we are alone, we can find ways to be together and to help each other. Greensboro comes by its name honestly and we are a community with a lot of trees. Let's hope our trees weather this one with grace.

There are some fabulous places in the area to purchase firewood (like Ace Firewood in McLeansville and Storm-Felled Firedwoods in Browns Summit). You never know, they may also take wood off your hand. Be safe everyone!

Friendly Avenue Church of Christ

The tree with the pink blossoms in front of Friendly Avenue Church of Christ is so beautiful. We were driving along Friendly Avenue the other day, had just had to pull off and get a photo. Spring is like that. If you don't take a photo immediately, the next time you look, the landscape will have changed- especially if it rains. The church is at 5101 West Friendly Avenue, in the event that you want to attend, or simply to keep an eye out for this glorious little tree as you drive past.

Friendly Avenue Church of Christ is a dynamic church with English, Spanish, and Deaf Ministries. They offer sermons online and have a robust calendar of activities happening in the church. Music is an important part of the church and they have a very active Praise Team. Here is the website if you want to learn more about Friendly Avenue Church of Christ. They offer a hybrid worship service that you can watch through their Facebook page at 10:15 today. The stream opens at 10:00 in case you want to make sure your technology is working. We didn't see a church history online and couldn't find a cornerstone when we visited the other day. The church is a beautiful, expansive building- with plenty of parking.

Happy Sunday, however you choose to spend it.

Sunny Days

This week has been gloriously sunny in Greensboro. The above photo shows what we do in Greensboro when the sun is out! We head to a spot in nature to sit in the sun and read a good book. The above photo was taken at Peabody Park, a mixed hardwood forest on the north end of UNCG's campus. This 34-acre tract of land is billed as a pleasant retreat for students (faculty and staff, too). The above photo is evidence! The trees on the acreage range from saplings to mature, canopy trees. There are also perennial herbs, a small (small) pond, and two streams on site. 

If you are good at identifying plants and animals, Peabody Park is a great place to explore. It is one of only two known spaces in Guilford County where the horsetail plant if found. Read more about the park, here. Everybody deserves a "go to" place to enjoy nature and to escape the trappings of the digital area. It looks like the above student has, indeed, found just that space! Happy Saturday and, get ready for that time change.

Spring Is Almost Here, Greensboro!

Something about this glorious weather the last few days has everyone in Greensboro realizing it is almost spring! Today and tomorrow, it will be over 70ºF. Daffodils are popping up everywhere, including our own backyard. When these, reliable, spring flowering perennials pop up, we know winter is letting go. Daffodils are hardy, multiply quickly, are not fussy about soil and don't seem to be of interest to rabbits and deer. If you don't have some already, consider heading to one of our local garden stores and purchasing a container. Even grocery stores have them this time of year.

If you don't have a yard, there are so many public places to walk, including the parks in Greensboro, where you can see all of the changes nature brings forth this time of year. Hyacinths and tulips won't be far behind! Happy Thursday and happy nine more days until spring!

(And because we know some of our dear friends will ask, yes is was necessary to stretch out on the ground to get this photo).

Camellias

Yesterday we featured hellebores; today it is camellias. This northwest Greensboro camellia bush is blooming in full glory. It is fighting hard to keep its blooms bright as the ice surrounds it. This photo show the beauty of the Greensboro landscape. Even when trees have dropped their leaves, there are holly trees (to the left) camellias and other evergreens to add color and texture to the landscape. If you absolutely love camellias, many local nurseries sell them; however, there is also a nursery that specializes in them. Cam Too Camellia Nursery is located at 805 Oakbury Court. It is located off of Highway 150, just west of Northern High School and a stone's throw from Gethsemane Garden Nursery. Established in 1982, the nursery encompasses 60 acres. The excitement of a specialty nursery is that the owners work diligently to produce hardier, more resilient, and more beautiful varieties with a longer blooming season. When you go to these specialty nurseries in Greensboro, and you show a sincere interest in their product, you have a friend for life!

We hope you are warm, safe, and making the most of what Leslie Jordan calls "hunkering down"! 

Colonial Home on Bennington Road

Yesterday, we featured the historic marker for Guilford College Woods on Bennington Road. Today, let's have a look at a beautiful home on the same road. This home at 4902 was built in 1983. The 4 bedroom 3 bathroom home is such a beautiful home at the edge of the woods. This colonial brick home is known as a 5 over 4 for the number of windows on the second floor and on the first.

Everything about the exterior of this house is so well appointed. The cool, cloudy weather brings out a special glow in the house. The moss from the woods has spread across the street to this property and is especially beautiful on a rainy day. You can also see that tree that recently toppled in this yard. There were many trees down in the neighborhood. Fortunately, on this property, the tree fell away from the house and not on the house! Fortunately, there are still plenty of trees in their yard and in their neighborhood. As we learn about more bad weather on the way, let's hope everyone in the above neighborhood, and yours, remains safe!

Guilford College Woods on Fat Tuesday, 2021

Visiting the Jefferson Road and Bennington Drive yesterday, we noted several trees down as a result of the ice storm and extra soggy soil. Some people are still without power as a result of this recent bout of winter weather in Greensboro. The overcast, foggy weather seemed to highlight the beauty of the woods. The carpet of green moss is absolutely lovely this time of year. Notice how it appears at the edge of the woods, turns a vibrant green as it approaches the blanket of leaves, and then, just stops. Continue through that woods and you will come out at Guilford College. We will type what the historic marker says, as it can be a little difficult to read from the above angle."

"240-acre oasis of biodiversity. Land of Saura and Keyawee, settled by European American Friends (Quakers) in the 1700s. Site of encampment of British and American troops in the Revolutionary War. Refuge for enslaved Africans seeking freedom via the Underground Railroad and Quaker men escaping Civil War Confederate draft in the 1800s. Site of former college farm.Educational and recreational resource."

May it always remain this oasis of biodiversity! Happy Tuesday. Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday. Greensboro has never been a big Mardi Gras town; however, since tomorrow Lent begins and if you prepare for Easter through self-denial during Lent, today is your last day to live it up, hence the name Fat Tuesday. Have a great day, whether you decide to take a walk in the woods or to don some purple, green, and gold beads and join some virtual revelers in celebration.

Great Blue Herons of Greensboro

Spending time in nature has its surprises and benefits. Yesterday, we were walking near Lake Higgins, and in an isolated shallow area we happened upon this blue heron. We got so close we could even see the frayed feathers on its chest. We were lamenting the low light of the very gray day and also being without a quality camera in hand.  While the  heron is the obvious focal point of the photo, perched in the shrubs, it was actually rather camouflage and at first we didn't see it. The chest frayed chest feathers look like the sticks and twigs surrounding the heron. Beautiful creatures like the great blue heron have a way of reminding us to appreciate nature and the beauty all around use- when we have the time to look.

Seeing the heron reminded us we need to explore Blue Heron-Kingfisher Trail off of Yanceyville Road in Browns Summit. There is also a Blue Heron Trail, which is an extension of the Reedy Fork trail, accessible from North Church Street. The Blue Heron Trail was constructed by the Greensboro Flat Tire Society. We must not be the only ones being inspired by the herons. This giant bird can grow to 4 1/2 feet, but usually only weights about 5 1/2 pounds. Herons are year-rounds residents in North Carolina, and if you want to see them, it is a pretty good bet you will  simply by traversing the trails along the lakes. Happy Thursday!

The Very, Very, Light Dusting of SNOW

Early Thursday morning, the rain turned to snow in Greensboro.  While roads weren't bad, snow was melting snow and refreezing with the the temperature holding remaining near 32 degrees. The above photo shows the light dusting of snow in the northern end of the city. As you can see, the morning sun was shining brightly. Today and tomorrow are predicted to be  sunny, with temperatures ranging between a low of 21 and a high of 42. Enjoy the sunshine because there is a good chance it will snow again on Sunday. December-January are predicted to be the coldest months here. However, in Greensboro, there have been so few bad weather days this season, we really can't complain. And, just think, Monday is already February 1 and Tuesday is Candelaria/Candlemas on the Christian calendar,  and Groundhog Day on the calendar of lighthearted fun calendar. Do you celebrate either? Both? If you celebrate the former, buy some candles this weekend. As for the latter, if you want spring to arrive early, hope the groundhog does not see his shadow.

Guilford County Schools posted that all school would be remote yesterday. People on social media sites were lamenting the end of "snow days" as we have known them. Now, when it snows, instead of having no school and needing to make up a day, students simply have a day of learning remotely. The pandemic has really taught us the importance of being connected to the digital world and it has also taught us how much we enjoy being together. Have a great weekend and may you find things to do that afford a little (safe) fun.

Guilford College Lake

The Guilford College Lake dates to the 1950s when a creek that runs through campus was dammed to create the above water feature. Originally, there was a pier on the lake and it was used for swimming and boating. For college students, the lake was a real destination. Over the years it has suffered from build up of sledge and the pier, boats, and swimmers are long gone.* However, the beautiful lake still serves as an appealing campus attraction. Couples hang out there, the Class of 2012 & the Community Senate built a bonfire pit by the lake. There is playground equipment, and perhaps best of all is the flora and fauna it attracts. 

There is at least one cypress tree with "knees" poking out of the water. The above tree appears to be a cypress and the scene is reminiscent of a swamp in Charleston or Savannah. Perhaps the tree is a bald cypress and it has dropped its leaves. We'll check back in the spring to see if it greens out. Equally exciting is the male muscovy duck who lives on the pond. The muscovy duck is one of the oldest domesticated fowl species. The male of the species is the largest duck in North America.**  Hopefully there are more of these ducks. However, the day we were there, we only saw one. Beautiful views like the one above make walking and hiking so worthwhile. See you on the trails...  and who knows where else!

See this article we used for more information about the lake.

** reference and more information about muscovy ducks.

Underground Railroad in Guilford Woods

Yesterday was a beautiful, glorious day in Greensboro. With the temperature reaching 50 degrees and the sun out, it was a perfect day to take a hike. The above photo is on a nature path in Guilford Woods at Guilford College. In the 1800s, the woods was known New Garden Woods. The woods are a 240-acre, biodiverse area of land. The large tree in the center of the photo is a tulip poplar that dates before 1800; present during the operation of the Underground Railroad in Guilford County (1819- 1852).*  Also, the tree pre-dates Greensboro's founding (1808). The tree is 148 feet tall and 63.9 feet in circumference.** The peaceful seating area in front of it was provided by the Tannenbaum-Sternberger Foundation, Inc. in 2017. If you want to see the tree, it is about a .3 mile walk in from the road. But, be careful to find a legal place to park if you drive to the Guilford College Campus. Also, the terrain is very natural and uneven. You might want to take your favorite walking stick. Also note, there is a donation box near the sign at the entrance to the path. If you want to donate to a good cause, these publicly-accessible, natural spaces are treasures.

This week, we will feature a couple more photos from the walk in Guilford Woods. It was the first time we'd had a chance to explore this area and actually walked from behind the athletic facility, where it is OK to park on the weekends, through the woods, and ended up on Friendly Avenue. It is pretty easy to walk with confidence with the sun low to the horizon on these winter days. Plus, it is easier to remain oriented when there are no leaves on the trees. As a very last resort, the online directions available through our cell phones can help us find our way out. We hope you have a peaceful place to walk, whether your are in Greensboro or beyond! Happy Monday! 

• reference and more information here.
• ** see here if you are interested in learning the location of all the mighty trees in Guilford County.

The Snowy Day

Yesterday, in Greensboro, as the sun was setting, the snowflakes started sticking. The above photo shows the intersection on West Market Street, where it intersects with Friendly Avenue. Temperatures hovered in the low 30s. For a few hours after dark, it started raining melting the snow that was sticking. Then about 10pm, it started getting colder again. GCS schools were 100% remote today over concern of the impending inclement weather. It did arrive, albeit a little later than anticipated.

Usually, when the first snow comes, regardless of how short-lived, people rush out to get sleds. A good place to look is at any hardware store. If you are downtown, last time we checked, Hudson's Hill (527 South Elm Street) had them. Do you have a favorite place to sled ride in Greensboro? We often see children on the hill at Brittish Woods, near the pond at Battleground Avenue. In the event there is enough snow for sled riding, here is a 2015 News & Record article about some other good places to go sledding in the area.*  If there is a snow day and you can't get out, consider listening to this classic from 1962, written and illustrated by Ezra Jack Keats, 

 

*Terrific Sledding.

 

Sunset Over the Wells Fargo at Friendly Center

Yesterday, the sunset was glorious. Perhaps it was just because the day was a warm, bright, and sunny. The above photo was taken at Friendly Center, just off of Northline Drive near Benjamin Parkway. The façade of the Wells Fargo Bank building seemed to glow under the setting sun. Wells Fargo is actually a multinational financial services company that was founded in San Francisco, CA in 1852. However, it has several branches in Greensboro.

In searching for a local connection, we learned that Wells Fargo merged with the more-local Wachovia in 2008. By way of that merger, Robert "Patt" Patterson began working at Wells Fargo.Mr. Patterson, an NC A&T graduate, was the first Africa American in Greensboro to hold a management position at a major bank. We also learned that Wells Fargo has a Corporate Historian for the company. Two years ago, this historian, Alyssa Bentz wrote a very nice article about the now-retired Mr. Patterson. (reference, here). We hope to interview Mr. Patterson for GDP, which might be possible since he still lives in Greensboro.

For today, we'll just have to settle on enjoying this beautiful sunset.

Longer Days & Shorter Nights!

Yesterday, the winter solstice, turned out to be a glorious day in Greensboro. The temperature was well into the 50s and remained above freezing.  The above photo was taken yesterday, from the bridge at Lake Higgins. It was just before 5:00 pm and the sun was ready to dip below the horizon. The sky was minimally cloudy, meaning good visibility for The Conjunction of Jupiter and Venus-  or the Christmas Star as it is also called. Many people in Greensboro and in the Triad got photographs of that event. The best photos were taken through telescopes and the moons of Jupiter and rings of Saturn were visible. What a treat to have clear skies last night.

Yesterday, social media was buzzing about the fact that Air Force 1 was touching down in Greensboro. It is not uncommon for the US President's plane to fly into Greensboro. PTI Airport is close to Washington, D.C., the air port is not very busy, there are multiple runways, and they are long. This makes conditions ideal for approaches, landings, and take offs of the President's plane. Indeed, December 21st, 2020 was a busy day in the skies above Greensboro. On the shortest day, meteorologically speaking, conditions were perfect for landings, take offs, sunsets, and viewing planets! Now, today, days start getting longer and it should be sunny.

Life is good in Greensboro!

Beautiful Star

Tonight is the night that Jupiter and Saturn should align in a way to create a "beautiful star". Together, they will reflect light in a way that has not been seen for centuries. It might be partly sunny in Greensboro. However, maybe we will get lucky and be able to view this phenomenon just after sunset and in the southwest sky. In the above cell photo from last week, you can see the moon to the left and the tiny speck between the trees is Jupiter up front and Saturn, faintly visible behind it. If you look to the horizon, you can see that that the horizon still had a little glow from the recently setting sun.

Tonight, the moon will be a first quarter moon. If you know of a "best viewing spot", please let us know. There will also be 5-10 shooting stars per hour, if visibility is on our side.

Night will come in Greensboro a little after 5pm. See you outside!

Sunny Winter Days

Although it is still technically fall, some of these days in November and December have already started to feel like winter. Before you know it, hours of daylight will start getting longer, minute by minute. Yesterday morning, the rains in Greensboro were intense. However, by early afternoon, the clearest, most beautiful light was shining and the city was glowing. 

The above photo was taken at the little pond by the silo on Carlson Farms, which is not a part of the farm course of the Greensboro Country Club. This is an example of how glorious a fall/winter day can look. If you notice, the browns and blues just seem to go together. So many months of the year, the color green is the dominant one in our landscape. We should all have a day where we dress in the blues and browns of winter, with of course, a pop of frosty-the-snowman white- maybe in January. It is anticipated that Greensboro will get some nasty weather this evening or in the morning. If that is the case, just look at this beautiful scene above and be remind that the sun will shine again. Have a great Tuesday.

Pink Sky over Reconsidered Goods

Yesterday, early evening, fluffy pink clouds were swooshing along above Reconsidered Goods. This creative, reuse center is located at 4118 Spring Garden Street, very close to West Market Street. Reconsidered Goods has really perked up this block of Spring Garden. While there are several great restaurants and businesses in the area, RG is one of the few places where people from all walks of life come to shop. The diverse and creative types that RG attracts is heartwarming. RG is part thrift store, part store for people in need of home goods and the perfect pace to pick up arts and craft supplies. Today we got 3 strands of holiday garland, 3 calendar prints a vintage card, a bone and wood bracelet, and an unused rubber stamp that says "So many thoughtful things you do... I'm glad I've got a friend like you." The saying is perfect for stamping a heartfelt message on cards to friends. Prices start at 25¢ and everything is sold below market value.

Even better than the items we found at Reconsidered Goods was the great pink sky that greeted us as we left the parking lot. Sometimes after a long day of working from home and trying hard to self isolate, a little drive or walk, with an opportunity to see the beautiful gifts of nature, is heartwarming. Look at that beautiful sky and how it frames the store and matches the pink door!

Wear your mask, be careful out there, and take time to admire the beauty of nature! And, donate your really cool items to Reconsidered Goods. Check for store hours and their donation schedule HERE. Happy Friday! 

The Beauty of December Skies

In Greensboro, skies can be pretty gray in winter, and with not much blooming, it is as if everything is dormant and hybernating. However, when the skies are blue, the clouds low, and the sun approaching the horizon, the views are spectacular- almost dizzying. The above photo was taken off of Carlson Dairy Road, looking on to the Farm Course of the Greensboro Country Club. It is as if one is seeing the moors of Scotland. 

Sometimes it is nice to simply stop and admire the beauty surrounding us. As many people enter the busy season of the December holidays, a good view of open space in Greensboro is just plain palate cleansing. Happy Wednesday!

Landscaping and Preparing for Colder Days

Thanksgiving week, there were some beautiful, fall days, and, it was as if all of Greensboro were out working on their yards. Leaves were being raked; dead branches bundled; beds were getting mulched, and more. The above photo features some holly trees being shaped. The crew working on this project in northwest Greensboro was from Benitez Landscape Lawn Services. They were working hard, taking great care to be safe and to get the holly trees balanced into a conical shape. The crew had not finished the crowns of the trees at the time of the photo. With all of the rain this year, the female hollies have really produced a lot of berries and the leaves are especially green. The texture of the foliage was especially vibrant against the cloudless, blue sky.

Today is predicted to be cold in Greensboro ranging from a low of 25°F to a high of 45°F. However, given that today is the first day of December, 'tis the season for cold weather. Happy December 1st; Happy Tuesday.

By the way, if you don't feel like doing those landscaping jobs for yourself, the number on the back of the green crew shirts for Benitez was 336-668-8076.

'Tis Camellia Time in Greensboro

'Tis the season for camellias in Greensboro. Camellias are sometimes known as Japanese roses. They were originally cultivated in Asia from the Himalayas to Japan and Indonesia. They are an evergreen shrub, known for their dark green, glossy leaves and their abundance of flowers. Did you know their is a camellia nursery in Greensboro? Actually, it is in Brown Summit, just north of Greensboro and is called Cam Too Camellia Nursery. It is a wholesale nursery started in 1982 (we're guessing by Ray Watson whose name is the only one we see on the website).

Cam Too is committed to advancing camellia cultivation, getting varieties that do better in the colder temperature ranges, bloom longer, and are more floriferous. Their nursery is on 60 acres of land off of Highway 150. We don't know if the above bush came from their nursery, but it is thriving and blooming in full glory at the corner of Mayflower Drive and Wright Avenue in Greensboro, at the edge of Sunset Hills and Lindley Park neighborhoods. The color is especially showy with the backdrop of healthy, green foliage.

Happy Almost Thanksgiving

Happy, almost Thanksgiving. There are two days of school this week for public school students who are learning in person or remotely. The colleges and universities are wrapping up their semester. It is a year to stick a little closer to home. If we pause and take time to appreciate the beauty all around us, we just may find deeper meaning in our upcoming holidays.

The above photo was taken in northwest Greensboro, at the end of a very long residential driveway in an area where there are a lot of trees. And, where there are trees, there will be leaves. The ground is full of them right now. The first round of leaf collection by the city began November 9th, with leaves to be picked up by December 23rd. If you missed having your leaves ready by November 9th, the second round runs from December 29th to January 29. However, best of all, you can mulch or compost your own leaves and find a way to leave them right where they are- even if you blow them into the beds around your house. Happy Monday. We hope you enjoy this view from the ground!

Letting Go of Fall

The red leaves seem to be the last ones to get their full color in the fall. The above maple in northwest Greensboro was holding on to a few red leaves until the recent rains. Quickly fall is changing to brown and we will depend on the sky on sunny days to add some color. Greensboro is so lucky to have four distinct seasons and fall is so special. The coolness of the air, colors in the foliage, and the scent of backyard wood fires are a delight to the senses. 

The weather is scheduled to drop to the 20s tonight. You still have time to bring your plants in. It is beginning to feel a lot like winter in Greensboro. We need to remember that each season has its beauty, and each season has its purpose. May we all be ready for winter, but enjoy the last little bit of fall that is left. Happy Tuesday.

Good Samaritan's Mitzvah

Sunday's, on GDP, we post something spiritual, religious, or heartwarming; often a church. Today, we post the good samaritan's mitzvah. What could be more spiritual than to take the time to do a good deed for someone? The above photo was taken on the Atlantic & Yadkin Greenway Trail near Strawberry Road, just north of Bur-Mil Park. Somebody lost their car and office cabinet keys on the greenway. An unidentified person took the time to craft a tripod out of a stick and balance the keys on top- in plain view. Hopefully, when the person realizes they lost their keys, they will retrace their steps and find them waiting.

If you know of someone who lost their keys yesterday, as of about 4pm Saturday, the keys were waiting for them. This gesture speaks volumes about the character of the people of Greensboro. Taking time to do something for someone else, is second nature around here. ! If the weather is nice, you might want to get out and enjoy the greenway. It is a special feeling to be out there with nature and seeing others enjoying themselves. Happy Sunday

Guilford Quakers

Guilford College was founded by Quakers on 349-wooded acres in 1837. The college is located at the corner of West Friendly Avenue and Guilford College Road. It is one of 15 Quaker colleges, universities and study centers in the world (see list here) and the only one in the southern region of the United States.

Guilford College has always been known for its strong liberal arts education and the core values of community, diversity, equity, excellence, integrity, justice, and stewardship. At least in the pre-COVID era, one could stroll along campus and learn about the school's role in the Underground Railroad and other activities centered around the Civil Rights Movement. You could see a greenhouse, young farmers, and sustainable agriculture practices. 

Financial hard times are causing the administration to cut costs and eliminate positions and academic programs. Nineteen of its 42 academic majors are recommended to be eliminated (reference). If you are in the financial position to do some good in the world, here are some ways to give to Guilford College. This institution, with an 183-year history of academic greatness in Greensboro, deserves not only to be around for its bicentennial, but to be thriving in 2037. Let us know if you are able to donate. While Greensboro Daily Photo doesn't generate revenue, we would love to know we played a part in keeping the Guilford Quakers in Greensboro! Happy Tuesday.

Moonrise Over Horse Pen Creek

Happy Halloween pre-eve! Today's photo features the almost-full moon that rose last night over Horse Pen Creek Road. It rose at 6:16 pm at 80º east. In Greensboro tonight, it will rise at the same time tonight and in the same location in the sky. While the North Carolina Department of Health strongly recommends people not participate in door-to-door trick-or -treating, it hasn't been cancelled. Many people are devising creative ways to make it safe: putting candy in baggies; shooting candy down PVC tubes; wearing masks and handing out candy wearing rubber gloves.  If you elect to go out with children, please be safe and honor social distance.

If you are not participating in Halloween, please try to get out and see the full moon. If it is as pretty as last nights 99% full moon, it will be a sight to behold. Plus, it is a blue moon, meaning that it is the second full moon of the month. Today should prove to be a glorious day in Greensboro! Happy Saturday.

Barns of Summerfield

This barn is very near where Pleasant Ridge Road intersects with Meadowview Drive. It represents Greensboro and its environs from years gone by. At one time, the county was full of barns for animals, tobacco barns, and other outbuildings that were necessary to keep a farm thriving. Slowly, the parcels of land  with these buildings are being sold off for subdivisions. However, another movement is taking hold in recent years in which young people buy land to farm.

The above barn may actually be part of Summerfield Farms which is a working, thriving, 600 acre farm with the main building just across the road from this barn. The above barn is a lot more humble than "THE" barn at Summerfield farms; however, the above structure holds quite a link to the past. If you want to read more about Summerfield Farms, read their story, HERE. If we happen to see the owner of Summerfield Farms, David Couch, we'll ask him about his building. In the meantime, we hope you will notice it, next time you drive by. Happy Wednesday!

Fall Lewiston

Fall is such an absolutely glorious time in Greensboro, North Carolina. The above photo was taken on Lewiston Road as the sun was low to the horizon. The grasses in the field are partly glowing and partly shaded. The cloudless sky is sporting a waxing gibbous moon and waiting for the full moon in five days, on Halloween. The purple Martin gourd houses are noticeably the whitest feature of the photo. The little abandoned building hiding to the right of the birdhouse post is a weathered gray that almost looks white. 

While the Purple Martins have already headed south for the winter, it would be a perfect time to install a gourd system for them as they return as early as February and sometimes the ground is still frozen. They do like to be around a water source and are one of nature's best bug busters. If you want to learn more about Purple Martin Time in the Carolinas, here is a wonderful place to start. You will even learn about their mass migrations. While you won't see Purple Martins, today should be a sunny day; perfect for taking a little time to go outside and explore nature. 

Fall Fun at Lake Brandt

Lake Brandt is one of three Greensboro Lakes. It is named for Leon Brandt who was mayor of Greensboro at the beginning of the 20th century. At  816-acres, it is the second largest of our municipal reservoirs. It was built in 1925, making it Greensboro's oldest lake.*. If you go there on the weekends, you will see it in full use. Also, the trails around it are lovely this time of year. It is also a lovely place to go bird watching, especially if you can beat the boaters.

Today's photo was taken on Saturday when the weather was absolutely beautiful, the quintessential, fall day.

 

*reference and more information at the Greensboro Parks and Rec site, here.

It's Pumpkin Patch Time at Guilford College UMC

Yesterday, the Pumpkin Patch at the Guilford College United Methodist Church attracted people all day long. The weather was lovely and the selection was plentiful. The Pumpkin Patch is a fundraiser for the youth groups at the church. It was nice to see teens helping at the event and gaining an appreciation for how much work goes into raising money for their group. 

At the Guilford College UMC, the selection is plentiful. The tiny white pumpkins were running out as we were there yesterday, as were the ones with "character"' in other words, the non-traditional pumpkins. However, the traditional orange variety were plentiful- in all sizes. Almost every family with small children took lots of photos. Some families even dressed up so that baby's first, fall pumpkin patch photos would be just perfect.  To be sure, many memories are being made in this pumpkin patch and the youth group is making money. The church is located at the corner of Fleming and Guilford College Road. They are open Monday - Saturday from 10am-7pm and on Sundays from 1-7pm. Stop by if you want to get in the spirit of  the season. Happy Sunday!