Greensboro Daily Photo

Fall Is Pumpkin Time!

Tis fall and pumpkin season is upon up. It seems like every few years a new variety of pumpkin is trending. This year, it seems to be the striped ones. Traditionally, the first pumpkins of the season we saw were the ones at Centenary UMC on Friendly Avenue. Now that that congregation has been dissolved, the first pumpkins we've seen this year are at Fresh Market. They have a lovely display in front of both stores. The above photo was taken at the Jefferson Village store. The sky was so beautiful, we just had to capture a photo.

Unless they are already on shelves in Greensboro, pumpkins may be a little harder to come by this year. According to the NC Cooperative Extension, most of the pumpkin production in North Carolina takes place in the western counties where  disease pressure is lower (reference).  The you pick option is open for pumpkins at Rudd Farm and some of the proceeds from sales the weekend will go to Hurricane Helene relief. If you are able, consider buying from local farmers. As the weather cools, nothing says fall more than pumpkins... oh, and pumpkin spice. Speaking of fresh market, they even have pumpkin spice popcorn, "Poppy" brand from Asheville. (We only found it at the Jefferson Village location).

Happy Friday from the Great pumpkin lovers at Greensboro Daily Photo!

Jelly Fungus Among Us

North Carolina, including Greensboro,  has been experiencing a lot of rain lately. During all of that wet weather, mushrooms were popping up everywhere. The above variety is known as Trumella mesenteric, or common jelly fungus. Another name, perfect for this time of year, is witch's butter. The gelatinous texture is a sight to behold and feel. The lobed surface feels greasy and slimy when damp. This jelly fungus can dry up and then swell back up when it gets wet again. The above piece of dead wood, that fell from a mature tree during the recent storm,  is the perfect host for this fungus. According to Wikipedia it is edible, but tastes bland.  As for us, we'd want it approved by an Eastern European, German, or rural North Carolina mountain grandmother before we tried it.

If you look closely, you can see that there is another type of mushroom also growing on the tree branch. Jelly fungus seems to be attracting interest. The study of mushrooms in general due to health benefits and therapeutic uses.  Locally, we need to interview Dr. Omon who is one of the nation's leading authorities on mushrooms and is a professor at NC A&T University (read more HERE). He is originally from Nigeria; so, we need to add Nigerian to that list of people we would trust regarding the edibility of mushrooms! Nature is amazing and there is so much to explore right here in Greensboro- especially on lawns or fields that are not excessively groomed.

Happy Thursday!

Tree Down On Bald Eagle Trail at Lake Higgins

After all of the recent rain, we were eager to get outdoors on one of the trails around one of the Greensboro Lakes. We selected the Bald Eagle Trail around Lake Higgins as it has short segments and parking is easy. Here, we were about half way through the hike (between the Lake Higgins Marina and Carlson Dairy Road) when we saw this felled tree. It had been uprooted and knocked down by the high winds and muddy terrain. The base of the hardwood tree was quite large and this usually-fearless terrier was hesitant to jump back down onto the trail. In the background, you see one of the two people out trying to cut the tree so people could walk and bike on the trail.

We could hear the buzzing of the chainsaw near the beginning of the hike. By the time we reached the course, we couldn't even see the person with the saw. At the rate one person can work, it will take a really long time to get this trunk off the trail. However, we sure appreciate his effort. In the meantime, everyone will have to climb up and over. Minor inconveniences like this pale in comparison to what the people of Western North Carolina are experiencing.

Happy Tuesday! Can you believe October is upon us?

Closed Due to Inclement Weather!

According to radar, it looks like Greensboro may be spared excessive damage due to Hurricane Helene. We sure hope so. Yesterday was rainy and precipitation is expected today. Temperatures will remain warm- between 69º- 81º.  The Asheville area of North Carolina has experienced significant flooding; however, high winds are predicted today. Unless the storm takes a significant turn, Greensboro should be spared. Regardless, concern about the weather was significant enough for school to be cancelled. The teachers we know have plans for catching up on grading papers today.

The above photo was taken off Tate Street in the parking lot of the Weatherspoon Art Museum. We were struck at how the museum visitor had a backpack matching the yellow parking lot cone on the left. Rain can do significant damage; however, it is incredibly photogenic- creating a mood that is very different from that of a sunny day.  We hope you are safe and, if you have children home today, may you enjoy every minute with them.

Happy Friday!

Frogs of Greensboro

For today's photo we only had to go as far as our backyard in Greensboro. We have a raised bed planter full of  mustard greens and chard and this tiny frog guards the box diligently. He is only about the size of a thumbnail. We have to watch that we don't disrupt him when we pick greens for dinner. We're not sure what kind of frog he is, but he isn't afraid of his humans.

Below the box, a toad sets up residence every night starting at dark and leaving before dawn. The toad is about the size of an adult hand. If it is indeed the same today we featured earlier (see HERE), he has grown and looks really healthy. It is so fun to stop and observe nature. We hope you have an opportunity to do so. Sometimes, it is just an issue of taking a closer look. Here is a list of amphibians and reptiles in Guilford County, if you are curious about these critters.

Happy Tuesday!

Fall in Greensboro (and) North Carolina

It is officially fall. Fall in North Carolina ranges from crisp weather in the 50s to mid-80s. The above photo is what we're using for a Sunday more spiritual post. The seed heads remind us of the life cycle and change. Within a few days, they open up and start blowing away, leaving nothing but the stem behind. During the first couple of frosts, the base plant will dry up. Next spring, if left unattended, new weeds will sprout wherever the seeds have landed. 

There are so many fall festivals in North Carolina. Today is the final day of Pow Wow in Country Park. Art in the Arboretum will be Sunday, October 6th. October 12th, Bur-Mil Park will host a fall festival. Soon, in Greensboro, leaves will change colors and the landscape is glorious. Nothing is more beautiful than nature and fall and spring in Greensboro as nothing short of spiritual.

Happy Sunday!

Early Fall in Greensboro

This is what "early fall" or, as some call it, "fake fall" looks like in Greensboro. If you are local, you can feel that big temperature drop to the low 50ºs and some days, not even reaching 80º. There has been less humidity in the air. When there is less moisture in the air, the skies aren't as hazy. At least, that's what treehugger.com says. And, when those leaves start changing, those blue skies are a perfect backdrop. Soon, if not already, the monarch butterflies will start their journey back to Mexico and the Blue Ridge Parkway will be the perfect place to go see this miracle of nature. Leaf viewing and visiting orchards are another reason to visit the mountains of North Carolina. For those of us who want to stay more local, on Saturday, September 21st, Karen C. Neill will give garden tours at the N.C. Cooperative's Demonstration Garden at 3390 Burlington Road (see HERE). Eventbrite has about 80 opportunities to celebrate fall (see HERE). And, of course, pumpkin spice everything has already hit the shelves.

In the meantime, we're going to keep taking those long walks to see what nature brings our way. The above photo was taken near Lake Higgins.

Happy Tuesday!

Nature + Cooler Temps + the NC Folk Festival = Fall in Greensboro

It is starting to feel and look like fall in Greensboro. Temperatures are dipping into the 50ºs and it is getting dark earlier. In the above photo, in northeast Greensboro, not too far from Lake Higgins, look at that copper tree bark. The sun is setting earlier, but as it lingers close to the horizon, it casts a breathtaking glow on the tree trunks. The changing, sweater weather is a big sign that fall is on the way.

Another big clue is that it is time for the North Carolin Folk Festival, which comes to town this weekend. Here is the schedule and here is the map. The footprint is a little tighter this year, which is a good thing. It is easier to get from Point A to Point B, yet the acts aren't so close together that they interfere with each other. There will also be lots of vendors and about 20 food trucks. If all the music, and dancing, and workshops kind you needing a break, head out to one of the trails near the lakes and scenes like the one above will reground you and energize you so that you can head back down to the folk festival. Out of all the cities in North Carolina, they chose Greensboro. Let's show our support. See you downtown tomorrow!

Deer

North Carolina's deer population is estimated to be at about 1 million. While you can't hunt in the city limits, the deer is the most hunted game in the state. According to Landwatch, there are 193 properties that are designated "hunting land" in Guilford County. For those in lands designated for hunting, it opens in most areas on September 7th. It is hard to believe that deer were once endangered in North Carolina. With all of the construction, It is more and more common to see deer practically living in suburban back yards, as is the case in the above photo. They are herbivores, so you can count on them eating hosta and other plants. Here, two bucks and a doe are openly grazing in the late afternoon sun in Northwest Greensboro. They are graceful and fun to watch. But they are agile; able to jump a 5 foot fence easily. Do you have them in your yard?

Happy Wednesday!

Passion Flower & Ailanthus Webworm Moth

Recently, when it was overcast and windy, we snapped this photo in an open field in northwest Greensboro. While it is grainy, it captures a little Greensboro flora and fauna at its showiest. The passion flower was in full bloom. That corona is breathtaking. The plant can exude a sticky fluid which traps insects. We're not sure if that is what is happening to that moth. It is an ailanthus webworm moth. It has the coloration of a monarch butterfly and actually likes milkweed, just like the monarch does. They are found from New York to Florida, although we haven't seen one before. But then, it isn't every day that we zoom in at the macro level where subjects are showcased larger than life. Indeed, this bug was hiding in plain sight. Passion flowers are edible; however, we couldn't bring ourselves to pick any. 

As we enter this fourth of five weekends in August, let's head out and take a close up look at the plants around us. Currently, mushrooms are a plenty on the trails around Greensboro's lakes. Monday, the traditional public schools will be back in session. And next weekend if Labor Day. Have you felt the fall weather beginning to sneak in? 

Happy, happy Friday!

Open Pasture on Highwoods Boulevard

We learned from a Triad Business Journal article (3/22/23) that a planned community of 136 single family homes will be built on the above 16.2 acres between Hobbs Road and Jefferson Village Shopping Center. Yesterday, we noticed that a road has been cut through and machinery is being put into place. This is one of the remaining undeveloped parcels of land that is part of the 414 acre property on New Garden Road.  The Jefferson-Pilot Club was located there for 73 years. All employees were entitled to use the club. It was open from 1924- 1997.*  Nearby Price Park and the Kathleen Clay Edwards Family Branch Library are two small parcels of the land that are open to the public. The public school, Jefferson Elementary, was also built on the Jefferson-Pilot land.

The road reveals the rocky, red clay soil so common around here. The land is fairly flat, so it should be relatively easy to build and homeowners will be surrounded by plenty of shopping.  It was such a beautiful day yesterday. Look at those clouds and notice, dead center in the photo, a bird is flying overhead.  As Greensboro, and all of North Carolina, really, continues to be developed. we hope there is some kind of master plan for green spaces and for land to remain undeveloped. Everybody deserves to sit and take in nature as seen here.

Happy Monday!

* see Jim Schlosser's article in the News & Record, HERE.

Monarch Butterfly on Milkweed

The above photo of a monarch butterfly on milkweed was taken at the Cole Family Monarch Conservation Center & Butterfly House at the Greensboro Science Center. That background is part of a mural painted on the wall. You can go to the science center to see the butterflies until mid-September, at which time, the net ceiling on the facility will be opened and the Monarch will begin their journey south to Mexico. In North Carolina, they like to travel at treetop level along the mountain ridges, especially near Asheville.* If you want to be part of helping save monarch populations, plan to plant milkweed next spring. This is the plant they depend on for the larval stage.  If you want to become involved in a monarch conservation project, see HERE.

Another option to learn more about butterflies and to see them are the agritourism farm and plant nursery  All-A-Flutter Farms between Greensboro and High Point, off of Highway 68. They are not open for visitors to tour now, but mid-September, they will open for groups. They are open for plant sales, however. Finally, here is a "butterfly atlas" for North Carolina.  As of the end of 2023, 177 butterfly species have been recorded in North Carolina. How many have you seen in Greensboro. Start reading about them now, if you want your yard to be a haven for butterflies next year!

Happy Tuesday!

 

* Reference and more information HERE.

Summer Sunset on Lake Brandt

Happy first Sunday of August. This is a recent sunset on Lake Brandt. By the time August is over, all schools will be back in session and summer will be effectively over.  Next time we are at Lake Brandt, we hope to head to nearby Lake Brandt Baptist Church at 1901 Trosper Road. Another church close to the lake is Covenant Church at 4600 Lake Brandt Road.  If you don't make it to an organized house of worship for service today, it is pretty spiritual to walk around the road in silent meditation. See the 10.9 mile Lake Brandt Loop trail HERE. August is supposed to be one of the driest months in North Carolina, so you'd think it would be a good time to plan outdoor activities. However, in Greensboro, August is off to a pretty rainy start. As a farmer would remind us, we need the rain.

Happy Sunday!

The Giving Tree

This past week, the above red oak tree at the southeast corner of Fernwood and Fairfield Avenue was removed. It carried with it a tremendous amount of church history for Guilford Park Presbyterian Church.  It was the location where the church first began. Members worshiped under the oak tree until McGinnis Hall was completed on the property in 1947. The oak tree has long been a symbol of Guilford Park Presbyterian,  appearing on church stationery and other church documents. Arborists determined  it couldn't be saved and it was not safe. The tree has meant so much to not only church members, but also community members. It carried with it church history and provided great shade for the park and the neighborhood.

The stump reminds us of the brevity, yet generative nature of life, nothing living lasts forever. But one living thing dies and another comes along. It also evokes the message of Shel Silverstein's, "The Giving Tree", reminding us of the gift of giving and loving. The old oak gave and gave for years and was there for the milestones of many people. When we were visiting it, just yesterday, an elderly woman who had lived in the neighborhood her whole life, stopped to tell us of how many memories the tree held for  her. She lives a few houses away on the same street and, a while back, had to have an even larger white oak removed from her yard.  Perhaps a new tree can be planted in its place and future generations can build memories around the new tree.

Have a lovely Sunday!

 

Hops Bine in Greensboro!

Last night, we were at our friends' house near Friendly Center and, upon leaving, noticed that they have a hops plant trellised in their back yard. Hops have been cultivated in what is now Germany since the 700's. Used for making beer and its citrusy, bitter, aromatic flavoring at one time was considered  a wicked and pernicious weed.  See HERE to read the Wikipedia site about hops. The NC State Extension Service can tell you everything you ever wanted to know about hops (see HERE). With all of the craft brewing in North Carolina, these has even been a hops project, helping find cultivars that are most conducive to being grown in North Carolina. Our state has come a long way in knowing the best growing practices for our area.  Greensboro has a rich history of breweries.  Triad Homebrew has been around for over a decade. While Greensboro has a rich history of brewing beer, it is still fun to see a hops plant thriving in someone's yard.  Do you see the hops flowers in the middle of the photo?

Hops bines (not vines) can grow up to 12" a day and only the female plant produces the hops cones. There are about 80 hops farms in North Carolina, or 4% of American production.* Our friends do not have a hops farm in the city, but we do want to go back and ask them if they harvest their hops. The United States has surpassed Germany in worldwide hops production.  While the ideal climate seems to be in the Pacific Northwest, it appears that we are making headway in North Carolina. Even if you don't drink beer or harvest the plant, it seems like it can be a nice alternative to kudzu!

Happy Saturday!

* reference and more information, here. 

Community Garden at St. Phillips AME Zion Church

Today's photo features the greenway side of St. Phillips AME Zion Church on 1330 Ashe Street in the Warnersville neighborhood of Greensboro. In the back of the church, they have a community garden. The garden is called the St. Phillips Garden of Peace and it was first started on 2/27/21. This is Year 3 of the garden, and it appears to be thriving. This garden is an example of the "un-lawning" initiative to replace manicured lawns with raised beds and edibles. It is also shows how churches work with community organizations to make great things happen. Read this article to learn more about the early beginnings of the garden. This YES! Weekly article talks more about the urban farm initiative to cultivate underutilized land. We also learned from YES! Weekly that the UNCG Communication Studies Department made this initiative possible. Read more here. If you can think of somewhere that would be a good site for a community garden, there are plenty of organizations willing to help. Thanks you St. Phillips for continuing this project!

Happy Sunday!

Carpenter Bee... Wondering Where You Live!

Tis the season for all the bugs and insects in Greensboro. Carpenter bees are going strong. They look like bumble bees, about the same size and some carpenter bees are yellow and black (some are all black). Carpenter bees have shiny abdomens, not fuzzy. This photo is a good example of those slick bodies. Carpenter bees bore holes in hardwood (in houses and trees) and lay their eggs in tunnels. If you see a hole, you have to cover it up, otherwise, they will reinhabit it and  nest there again. In the insect world, they are long-lived and can live up to three years. If you are in bed and hear your window buzzing or vibrating, check for these critters.

Above, you see a carpenter bee having a field day on our bee balm. Females can sting, usually only when provoked. This female was fed up with our taking photos of her and did follow us, but fortunately, we did not get stung. We absolutely love documenting the animals, insects, and reptiles we see around our yard in summer. How about you? Do you? What have you seen in your yard this summer? Tomorrow is Juneteenth and Thursday is the official first day of summer. The Fourth of July is in about two weeks. By Labor Day, students will be back in school. Pace yourself and enjoy every day of summer. Keeping track of critters is good, free fun. It can also help protect your house.

Happy Tuesday!

Missed MUSEP due to the Rainy Sunday Evening

Yesterday, during the day, the weather was lovely, warm and sunny. Then, just about 7:00 p.m., rain clouds started rolling in and shortly thereafter, it was raining throughout Greensboro. Above, you see rain in the distance over northwest Greensboro at the Carlson Farms Golf Course of the Greensboro Country Club. 

The first MUSEP (Music for a Sunday Evening in the Park) was to hold their first free concert of the season from 6:00- 8:00 pm, but it had to be cancelled due to the prediction of inclement weather. Indeed, it did rain yesterday evening. The concert series is presented by Creative Greensboro from June- August. Scheduled was Greensboro Big Band on the lawn of Greensboro College. However, it just isn't safe to have all of the electricity and sound system running when it is raining out.  MUSEP will not have a concert on Father's Day next Sunday. Weather permitting, they will return on Sunday, June 23rd at LeBauer Park. The schedule is HERE, in case you are interested. These free concerts have a way of bring the community together. If you like music, picnics, and fellowship, this series is for you. In the meantime, we have to admit, out garden loved the rain and the frog chorus put us to sleep!

Happy Monday!

Milkweed Garden in Peabody Park

If you want to know what milkweed looks like, head to Peabody Park on the northwest end of campus at UNCG. It takes milkweed a couple of years to bloom and when we visited this park a couple of weeks ago, the plants were full of blooms. Peabody Park is a 34-acre tract of land and part of the Piedmont Prairie habitat. There are many different plantings there, for the purpose of attracting pollinators.

According to UNCG's website, the original pathway networked of Peabody Park was designed by landscape architect Warren H. Manning who was an advocate of "wild garden" designs. Manning came to work at UNCG in 1909, when the school was known as the North Carolina State Normal and Industrial School. Manning worked with the landscape designer of Central Park in NYC (Frederick Law Olmstead) and Manning went on to design at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville.  The Internet is truly an amazing resource, where one can start out snapping a simple photo of milkweed, and wind up learning of a Central Park and Biltmore estate connecting to Greensboro. Check out Peabody Park this weekend and don't forget to head downtown to First Friday tonight. 

Happy Friday!

Eclectic by Nature (Formerly, My Secret Garden)

The other day we were walking along Bradford Street heading toward State Street, looked up and saw the above view. It is the house at 414 State Street which houses the business, Eclectic by Nature. It is a woman-owned store that specializes in spirituality products and gift items. If you want crystals, incense, journals, oils, candles, and more, this is your place to go. It is a house full of items and special events. There is always something on the event calendar. 

Not only is the shop beautiful, but the grounds are inspiring, as you can see from the photo above. They way the light shines on the redbud tree leave and the flag is so pretty. Had we panned out in the photo you would see wildflowers, a gate of lovers' locks and more,  all coming together in such a beautiful way. There is even a free little library in the front yard. We like this store, but are also nostalgic for the plant and yard ornament/statuary shop that used to be in this house. It was called My Secret Garden. These locally owned business are so fun to visit, especially in the summer.  If you want to read more about State Street, read this great "Yes! Weekly" article (see HERE).

Happy Tuesday!

Hydrangea Season on Walker Avenue

It is hydrangea season in Greensboro and 2017 Walker Avenue is in full bloom. This two bedroom one bathroom house is located just down from UNCG and across the street from the little log cabin*. Hydrangeas like a lot of water and the recent rains have kept these bushes in full bloom. This house was built in 1947 and, according to Zillow, last sold in 2013. This is a very walkable neighborhood, part of the reason houses around here hold their value. 

If you are in town this Memorial Day weekend, it would be a good time to drive around and admire the beauty of our neighborhoods. Another great event to attend is the Memorial Day observance today in Country Park at 2:00 pm. It will be held at the Guilford County Veterans' Memorial. Hope to see you there.

Happy Saturday!

* see our post from 2009 about the cabin (HERE).

Wendover Avenue at Rush Hour

Yesterday brought a lot of rain and temperatures hovering in the 60ºs. Today it should be warmer with temperatures in the 70ºs, but also rainy. We aren't on Wendover Avenue very often, but we were yesterday afternoon, turning on to West Wendover near the I-40 interchange. So often we opt for backroads when possible, but Wendover is very convenient to navigate east/west travel in Greensboro. 

This 15 mile stretch of road was completed in 1972. In the west, it ends at Eastchester. In the east, it changes to Burlington Road at O. Henry Boulevard. According to Brixmor, there are approximately 58,000 vehicles a day on Wendover Avenue. With a population of just over 300,000, that means that about 19% of Greensboro's population uses Wendover Avenue in a day. Of course not everyone on the road is necessarily from Greensboro, but that gives you an idea. The road has a personality all its own!

Happy Wednesday!

When the Northern Lights Came to Greensboro

May 10, 2024 was the night the Northern Lights came to Greensboro. We didn't capture the best photo on the internet, but last night, between 10:30pm and 11:00 pm, we did capture a photo of that strange weather phenomenon that extended into the south. We will always remember seeing them at night. Imagine what people thought in previous centuries without light pollution when the night sky lit up with a colorful show. We learned of this  remarkable experience when others started posting photos. Apparently, they are the result of a geomagnetic storm. 

We will head out again to have a look tonight. The best aurora is usually seen between 10:00 pm and 2:00 am. and visibility is best from higher altitude and in a place of low light pollution. We drove around in northwest Greensboro to take this photo. We hope you get a chance to see them and that we get an even better photo this evening. The blur to the right was a car coming along.

Happy Saturday!

Planting Season Is Upon Us

Planting season is upon us. The above photo was taken at the Greensboro Curb Market on Yanceyvillevduring the very-successful go-green plant sale on April 14th. This weekend, vendors will still have plenty of plants for sale. If you do buy a plant, know that as of 2023, Greensboro's hardiness zone is 8a (10ºF-15ºF). In 2012, it was 7B (5º- 10º)*

Also, on Sunday, the market on Yanceyville will have an arts and crafts, Made 4 Market Spring Sale. Buy something this weekend and be ready for Mother's Day on May 12th. Finally, tomorrow night is First Friday, so, you could take your mom, or someone special in your life, downtown to the shops, restaurants, and  houses of libation. Tis the season where there is so much to do and it is staying daylight longer.

Happy Thursday!

* reference and more information.

Dogwoods Are a Greensboro Tradition!

This photo was taken a couple of weeks ago. Greensboro is so pretty in pink and white in March and April. However, the dogwoods have already are now green. The bracts are gone. But, they will be full of color again in the fall. The above photo was taken at the corner of Hobbs and Jefferson Roads. The pink variety of these slow-growing trees are less common than the white. Dogwoods do well in Greensboro. They like a little shade, and need just the right amount of water- not too wet, not too dry. They look especially beautiful when planted around azaleas.

We recently learned that the largest dogwood in the United States- possibly the world- is growing in a small cemetery in Clinton, Samson County, North Carolina. If you ever want to go see it, Clinton is about 150 miles from Greensboro and it takes about 2 1/2 hours to get there. It would be fun to ride down and see it when it is at peak. For now, we'll just keep walking and driving around Greensboro's neighborhoods to see all of the natural beauty we have here.

Happy Wednesday!

High Pollen Index, a Sign of Spring

As much as we are enjoying this spring in Greensboro, we must acknowledge that pollen levels are high right now. People who don't usually have issues with pollen have reported being affected. As you can see here on pollen.com, the forecast for the weekend is high. According to WCNC Meterologist Brad Panovich, pole counts have reached record highs. The warm weather that came on fast and furiously has caused many plants to bloom and to emit pollen all at once. If is a symphony of pollen, of sorts.

The long leaf pine is native to North Carolina and is also known as the southern pine. According to NC State Extension, it yields many useful products: tar, pitch, pine straw (for ground coverage), resin, turpentine, and lumber. It is strong and durable. It has the longest needles of all conifers in this area. We think the above is a longleaf pine. If it is not, please correct us. Cones fall in the late fall. We'll head back to this stand of trees in northwest Greensboro and see if the large cones are dropping. At any rate after the next week or two, pollen rates should taper off. Check here for the bloom calendar for the area. Let us all remember that, in order to reproduce,  pollen is necessary for flowering plants and plants with pine cones. If you are looking for a useful tree to plant this year, consider the longleaf pine!

Happy Thursday!

Dogwood are Blooming

Dogwoods are starting to bloom in Greensboro. They are a harbinger of spring. The above tree is located in a yard in Hamilton Lakes, at 704 Lipscomb Road. This house sold in August 2023 with the owners inheriting this lovely dogwood. Dogwoods are a favorite in Greensboro, right up there with azaleas. There is a Dogwood Drive in Hamilton Lakes that extends arcs over Holden Road, almost extending to Friendly Avenue on both ends.  There is a 4.2 acre Dogwood Park located in Irving Park, between Sunset Drive and Meadowbrook Terrace. Native Americans made medicinal tea from dogwood bark.  Dogwoods were also a favorite of President Washington and President Jefferson. Are there dogwoods in your neighborhood? Have they started blooming?  

On another note, Garrison Keeler or National Public Radio fame will be in Greensboro at the Carolina Theatre tonight. He hails from St. Paul Minnesota. Today, in St. Paul, the temperature should rise to 33, just over freezing.  They grow well in Minnesota, but we're betting they won't bloom for at least another month If someone reading this is driving him around town, please show him some of Greensboro's  lovely yards.

Happy Thursday!

College Park Baptist Church

A few days ago, we were walking along Josephine Boyd Street at Walker Avenue and noticed how beautiful this redbud tree looked in front of the College Park Baptist Church. This sanctuary was built and dedicated in 1952. The church has a rich history, holding its first organizational meeting in 1906. Given their close proximity to UNCG (then the State Normal School for Women) there has been great appeal to college students.

College Park is a LGBTQ-friendly church and, since 1999, has not been a member of the Southern Baptist Convention. They are now affiliated  with American Baptist Churches, USA. College Park was the first church in Greensboro to have an ordained woman minister, further evidence of the liberal leanings of this congregation.*  It is a beautiful church and if you are looking for a liberal, welcoming congregation, this just may be the spiritual home for you.

Happy Palm Sunday!

* reference and more information HERE.

Happy Spring!

Spring is officially here. It is the season for Easter, which is early this year (March 31)  and Passover (April 22-30). However, Orthodox Easter is late- not until May 5th. Ramadan is happening now, but is not always a spring holiday. In Greensboro, spring is truly brings rebirth of the landscape with the greening of lawns and leafing out of trees and shrubs. It is a time to plant and celebrate nature. The above photo features a cluster of hyacinth in our yard. While not native to Greensboro, the bulbous, spring-blooming perennial does well here. We don't even take up our bulbs and they always return mid March, and their scent is heavenly. 

If you are looking for plants, the local farmers markets are a good start. When you buy locally, you help the local economy and you enter into a relationship with a grower who will probably be available to answer your gardening questions. The master gardeners will be set up to sell on April 14th at the Greensboro Farmers Curb Market and will hold their annual plant sale at the NC Cooperative Extension Guilford County Center at 3309 Burlington Road on May 3rd and 4th. This is the weekend before Mothers Day and, even if you don't have a green thumb, you can probably keep a plant alive for a week to give to mom!

Happy Tuesday!

Twilight in Greensboro

While the days have been sunny this week, we have experienced a cold snap with temperatures ranging from the 30s to the 70s. But, oh the sunshine, blue skies,  and seeing things blooming has been heavenly. In spite of all the sunshine, we feel compelled to share this twilight photo from Monday. It was way past sunset (8:10 pm daylight savings time, to be exact), and the crescent moon was so clear and bright in the sky. Even though we only had a cell phone when out walking, you have an idea of just how lovely the evening was. 

If you are local, you know we have a lot of golf courses and those golf course water features are fabulous for capturing reflections. This was taken from the outer perimeter of the Farm Course of the Greensboro Country Club, near Carlson Dairy Road. While this end of town is being developed before our eyes, it is still possible to find little pockets of nature and places where the stars shine brightly. The lighting glowing from houses at twilight can be so charming. On Monday, the moon was setting at 9:13 pm. Tonight, it will set at 11:40 pm. It seems strange to see the moon set, just after the sun did so. The next full moon will be on March 25th and the moon will rise at 8:09 pm. Oh, and the spring equinox is Tuesday, March 19th.

Happy Wednesday!

Saucer Magnolias are in Bloom

The deciduous saucer or tulip magnolias or are blooming now. They are some of the early spring bloomers and after they come out, so much more will start blooming. The saucer magnolias come in white, pink and purple and are actually deer resistant. The blooms don't last long once you pick them, but they are oh so beautiful. Also, as you can see, the daffodils are blooming, too. These perennial, spring flowers are part of the amaryllis family. If you love bulbs and flowers, here is a website for growing information for Greensboro from the NC Cooperative Extension.

Tuesday, March 19th is the first day of spring, just 10 days away. Also, tonight we move the clocks forward an hour making it stay daylight longer. If you are looking for something today, head to the Wesley Memorial Methodist Church for the Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast and Book Sale. It is a great way to support a community fundraiser and the pancakes are always served with a smile.

Happy Saturday!

It's Hellebore Time in Greensboro!

Tis the season for hellebores to be blooming. These low growing plants make lovely ground cover. Ours love their location under a stand of trees. The five-petal, bowl-shaped flowers and the green foliage add a great pop of color when so much is brown. In our yard, they are the first flowers to bloom. They are also known as lenten roses because they are often in bloom during Lent. If you want a lovely selection, they are usually available in February at the Yanceyville Farmers Market. Also Gethsemane Garden & Nursery at 3707 NC-150 is a great place to start. They are open by appointment (336- 656-3096). Janice Nicholson cultivates them from seed at Gethsemane Gardens and after three years sells them, as they are ready to bloom. We spoke with her at the farmers market this past weekend and learned that the parent plant remains the same color, but the babies can be any color. We always learn so much when we talk to her. We need to interview her for a write-up on Greensboro Daily Photo. We love meeting local people who are passionate about their work, especially when it is related to nature. 

Do you have hellebores in your yard? They grow well in Greensboro and once you start them, you can't imagine February without them.

Happy Tuesday!

Wintery Skies Over Greensboro

This photo of a winter sky over Greensboro is what we think of on a sunny day. In Greensboro, the winter sun is travels low on the horizon, and the trees are without leaves. These conditions can make driving difficult, but the skies sure can be beautiful. When most of nature takes on shades of brown, the sky can stand out like a deep aquamarine gemstone. After a bout with weather in the teens and lingering below freezing, we are scheduled to see a high of 69º by Friday. The last time we had a measurable snowfall in Greensboro was on January 29, 2022 when we had 1.8 inches. If we have any snow, it will likely be between now and mid-February.

We always try to enjoy every season we experience in Greensboro, even when all of the seasons seem to present within a couple of weeks. Some people are diligent weather watchers and others love to wake up and see what the day will bring. These preferences depend on whether you work outside or have animals outside, if you have to traverse the roads, or if you are in a position to stay home. The Greensboro Science Center monitors the weather closely. When the weather drops below 60º, the Aldabra tortoises are kept inside at a temperature that suits their cold-blooded bodies. Are you a weather watcher?

Happy Tuesday!

Guilford Courthouse National Military Park

The Battle of Guilford Courthouse was fought on March 15, 1781, twenty seven years before Greensboro became a city. The battle is known as a victory within a defeat; meaning that, while we lost the battle, we won the war. The battle changed the course of the southern campaign during the Revolutionary War.* The above photo features the path we were walking around the park the other day, as the winter sun was setting. Shadows were long and growing and it was easy to reflect on the day and on the history of the park while walking the loop. Here are four suggested, easy-moderate hikes within the park. The actual park is only 250 acres. It was established in 1917 and was actually the first Revolutionary War Site designated by the U.S. government (read here).

Walkers can go along and visit monuments and even stop into the visitors center to see exhibits and learn from a park ranger. You can make your jaunt in the park an opportunity to learn some history, or you can simply walk and relax. The park is well used by walkers, joggers, and people with dogs. This year, on March 16-17, it will be brimming with living history reenacts who will set up in and camp out in the park. This special event is a great opportunity to bring history alive to young and old alike. In the meantime, we're going to keep chasing those spectacular sunsets and hope to see you out on the trail!

Happy Thursday!

*reference and more information.

Hiking and Hammocks Along Lake Higgins

These two hammocks are a bit of a mystery. They were suspended between trees along Lake Higgins last month. According to their website, Guilford County operates and maintaining approximately 1,800 acres of passive parks and over 300 miles of trails. The trails are open to the public for unstructured activities. Passive parks* are open from 8:00 am - dusk, which is about mid-December. Sunset is at 5:06 pm tonight. While Bald Eagle Trail is not listed as one of the passive parks, it is a 7.2 mile out-and-back trail at the edge of the Greensboro city limits and Summerfield. As more and more land gets developed in the area, these areas open to the public are seeing more and more use. We're finding out a little late in the year that 2023 has been advertised as "Year of the Trail" which is a campaign encouraging everyone to get outside. We're betting the owners of the above hammocks is an advocate of getting out and using the trails. Today's temperature should get up to the mid-50s, which is not bad for getting out for a hike. See you on the trails.

Happy Wednesday!

*Read more about passive parks HERE.

Happy Black Friday

For us, today calls for a relaxing photo for Black Friday. If you are not up for the frenzy of shopping sales and getting out with the crowds, consider taking a nature hike. The above photo features crepe myrtle seed pods and the orange blur in the background are the leaves still holding on to their fall glory. Especially during the 1990s in Greensboro, when so many new neighborhoods were being created, crepe myrtle was the prescribed, seemingly required landscaping item- de rigueur  as the French would say. It seemed like every lot in Adams Farm and Lake Jeanette had at least one crepe myrtle in the yard. Now, some of them have grown into power lines. Some have been "crepe murdered" as some call the thick trunks that get lopped off. The Lagerstroemia indica variety of crepe myrtle was introduced in the United States in the early years of the arrival of Europeans. Since then, so many varieties have been developed with special attention paid to color and length of blooming season. Read this great article if you want some great crepe myrtle history. *

If you are looking for a different kind of Greensboro adventure today, head to Glenwood for to the Really, Really Free Market. You don't need to bring items in order to take items home, but it is so fun to see things you no longer need go to a new home. The market is located on Florida Street between Glenwood and Lexington Avenues. Start some crepe myrtles from seed this year and take the young plants to next year's Really, Really Free Market. If you need a retail fix, remember to shop local, especially tomorrow which is Small Business Saturday.

Happy Friday!

 

*Learn more about crepe myrtle, HERE.

The Healing Gardens At Wesley Long

When we talk to civic groups about Greensboro Daily Photo, often people make suggestions of people, places, and events we should feature. Almost always, we have already written a post about the suggested place. One place we have yet to publish is the Healing Gardens on the grounds of Wesley Long Hospital at the Cancer Center. Yesterday, we had an opportunity to walk the path and oh how much we enjoyed the gardens. The gardens have different sections, some for walking, others for sitting with friends and family, and others for reflecting. Different phases of the gardens were completed in 2016 and 2017. They are open year round. At first we were disappointed to be their past peak of spring, summer, and fall phase. As we walked, however, we realized that every season will hold its own beauty- just like life Now, brown and rust are dominant, but as you can see from the above photo, there are other colors standing out at the moment.  The feather grasses majestically flank the path back to the Cancer Center.

The two acres of gardens have Wendover Avenue and Buffalo Creek on one side. That side is heavy on trees to help as a sound and visual screen. According to an O. Henry Magazine article, there are 353 trees within the garden and 234 more along Wendover Avenue. It is well worth a visit to these gardens, with someone special or alone. Look for additional posts of this special area.

Happy Tuesday!

Fall Day Downtown at Governmental Plaza

This past Saturday (Veterans Day), the temperature ranged from a low of 45º to a high of 57º. During one of the warmer hours,this bumble bee was working hard to get poles from this coneflower. Bumblebees are active above 40º and on foggy, rainy, and cloudy days. Whereas honeybees like it to be at least 60º and sunny. So, conditions were perfect for bumblebees on Saturday. Still, we only saw one, out of all the coneflowers on Green Street.

These coneflowers on Greene Street still look lovely. Stop by for a visit if you are downtown. This photo was taken across the street from Governmental Plaza, after the Veterans Day Parade. There are so many pods that have gone to seed there. They are just waiting to be planted next year. The color options on Greene are so beautiful- especially this magenta pink. Color is so fleeting in nature this time of year, we take it anywhere we can get it. Do know, however, these vibrant colors are the result of humans creating hybrids by humans pollinating the plants and vegetative propagation. Often, they revert back to their original color.

Happy Thursday!

Greensboro Arboretum

Have you had time to walk through the Greensboro Arboretum lately? Even if there is no big event happening there, the terrain is lovely and the gardens are so well manicured. In addition to sculptures, including a metal bridge, there are 14 separate plant collections within the 17-acre space. It is located in Lindley Park on between Starmount Drive, West Market Street, and Ashland Avenue and  right beside the new Brooks Global Elementary School- under construction by Guilford County Schools. The Arboretum is a popular place for outdoor events.

The Greensboro Arboretum was a joint venture between the Greensboro Beautiful and the Greensboro Parks and Recreation Department. It has been open since 1991. It is family friendly and open year round. Every season is delightful and very different. If you want to see fall flowers and grasses, now would be a good time, before Father Frost moves in. It is especially lovely when the skies are blue. Spending time outside is good for the soul and you can walk around here and never have to leave a path- unless you want to!

Happy Wednesday!

Pumpkin Time in Greensboro

It is pumpkin time in Greensboro. As a matter of fact, they are selling quickly. Most youth organizations at churches are manning pumpkin patches on the front lawn. They are such an iconic sign of fall, and Halloween for those who celebrate. Pumpkins, hay rides, corn maizes, pumpkin spice everything, and spooky woods venues are all throughout the county this time of year.  The above photo was taken at the Fresh Market on Lawndale, after a busy weekend of selling pumpkins. In addition to grocery stores and the pumpkin patch fundraisers, you can find the at Rudd Farm, Garden Valley Farmers Market, McLaurin Farms, Summerfield Farms, to name a few.

Another popular event this time of year is at the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro (less than an hour away).  They are hosting "Boo at the Zoo" the next two weekends (see HERE). The Greensboro Science Center will show you "scary" animals, like giant,  hissing cockroaches, and other animals like scorpions that glow under UV light. If you haven't been to the zoo or the science center, this is a great time to go. You won't be disappointed. You also won't be disappointed if you head to Fresh Market, or to one of the church pumpkin patches- especially if you turn the selection into some kind of annual tradition. That reminds us, we still need to get ours!

Happy Monday!