Greensboro Daily Photo

Ode to Kudzu

You know it is late summer in Greensboro when the kudzu plants are in full bloom and some of the pods have gone to seed. They say kudzu is the plant that ate the south as it is especially fond of our climate. In early summer, has tenacious roots and can grow up to a foot a day!  If you visit the Wal-Mart on North Battleground, you can see the kudzu covered trees. Some patches of the trails along Atlantic & Yadkin Greenway at Lake Brandt are covered with kudzu- which is where this photo was taken. At least the blossoms are fragrant, smelling something like wild grapes. We wonder if some civic groups could get volunteers to go out and tackle the kudzu. Or, is it just here to stay? Kudzu takes over vegetation by blocking out light. 

If you want to learn more about kudzu, read here. If you want to see kudzu, head out for a hike. Some people make baskets out of the woody, mature vines; and, some people make jelly out of the flowers. So, if you want to forage for some free food or basket-making material, head to your nearest kudzu patch. Oh, and by the way, there really is at least one ode to kudzu. See here!

Happy Saturday. For those of us who aren't at the beach, in the mountains, at Hoppin' John at Shakori Hills, or Merlefest, let's hit the trails and explore Greensboro!

Almost Fall in Greensboro

So, this is what early September looks like in Greensboro, North Carolina. The lives on the trees are holding on tightly and they are green. The air is hinting that cooler days are coming. Perennials and annuals still have flowers. However, before you know it, fall will be here in its full glory. The above yard is in northern Greensboro. The owners are trying to decide how they should landscape to have less grass. What would you do to make this yard look more like a retreat?

Look at the sky. Those clouds are so beautiful against the blue sky. While it might rain in parts of Greensboro today. Every indication is that it will be nice and sunny for the NC Folk Festival.  We hope you are planning to spend as much time as possible out of doors this weekend. This time of year is the absolute best for enjoying the outdoors in Greensboro. And see all of those mature trees? They are what keep the "green" in Greensboro.  Look at how many shades of green there are in this photo... Happy Thursday!

Labor Day 2021

Happy Labor Day 2016. We hope you are lucky enough to have the day off. The purpose of the holiday is a day to celebrate "the social and economic achievements of American workers." Many Greensboro businesses will be closed, so call before you head out somewhere. Even better, take a day to just spend at home. We plan to take another hike on one of the trails around Greensboro. The above mushrooms were seen recently on the Laurel Bluff Trail. If you like to hike, the Laurel Bluff Trail is very nice because it is for pedestrians only. You won't have to share the trail with bikes. Be careful if you walk it, as there are lots of exposed roots, a couple of trees across the path, and some kudzu to tackle.* The Laurel Bluff Trail is 3.5 miles long and it takes you through woodland along the edge of Reedy Fork Creek from the east end of Lake Brandt to Lake Townsend.

The mushrooms in the center of the photo are about the size of a small adult hand. If you look to the left at the small white circle, that is actually more mushrooms and we're betting they'll be about the size of the ones in the middle of the photo by today. Although mushrooms are fungi, they have more in common with humans than with plants. Their DNA is similar to humans and they can produce vitamin D when exposed to sunlight.** However, please do not harvest the mushrooms. Leave them alone, as the forest needs them. We are so lucky to have a great trail system in Greensboro and it is great to have time to get out and explore them!

* Greensboro Trail System

**reference and more mushroom information, here.

Hello September!

Happy September, the 244th day of the year. In Greensboro, this month brings First Friday  (Sept 3rd) and the Folk Festival (September 10th-12th). The 22nd brings the first day of fall. In September, in Greensboro, the average high temperature is 81° and the average low is 61°, so we will start to feel it cooling off a little. On average, there are seven days of rain. Let's hope we are all spared extreme weather events.

The above photo was taken in August in the garden center at Lowe's on Battleground Avenue. Imagine our surprise when a Hummingbird Clearwing moth was fluttering around the flowers on the parking lot. We wonder if was just eating or also laying eggs. It was pollinating up a storm the day we watched it. It is a migratory species; perhaps it was storing up food for a long trip.  We hope you have a great month and that you take advantage of all of the events Greensboro has to offer, especially the ones outdoors. The event calendar maintained by Downtown Greensboro is a great place to start to keep up with happenings around town.

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly

Today's photo features an eastern tiger swallowtail butterfly. Have you seen many butterflies in Greensboro this summer? We have only seen a few prior to this past week. Lately, a few have been visiting the zinnias in our backyard. In 2012, the North Carolina General Assembly voted to make this butterfly the official state butterfly. It is said to be common and found in all 100 counties. If you like butterflies, you have a few options in the Greensboro/Guilford County area. First, there is the R.R. Allen Butterfly Garden and Fountain at the Greensboro Arboretum on 401 Ashland Drive. Additionally, All A Flutter Farms is located off of Highway 68 on Clinard Farms Road, just north of High Point. At this agritourism farm and nursery, you will have the opportunity to learn about these beautiful creatures. See here for All-A-Flutter's website. We all need to do our part to help these pollinators thrive.

We were a little worried earlier in the summer, but, in the end, the zinnias pulled through and attracted the swallowtails! Happy Thursday!

Tobacco: All Rows Lead to the Tobacco Barn!

Tobacco has been such a big part of the history of Greensboro, Guilford County, and North Carolina. Peak production in Greensboro was the 1890s.  P. Lorillard was the nation's oldest tobacco company when they built a manufacturing plant in Greensboro in the mid-twentieth century. Back when we would spend a lot of time in east Greensboro, we remember smelling tobacco being prepared and always tried to guess the flavors being added- chocolate was the easiest to identify. You could smell it from Lorillard all the way over to Dudley High School. In the 1980s, the local tobacco industry really fell on hard times. By 1989, Greensboro passed the most restrictive smoking ordinance in North Carolina.* In the 1990s, it was the state's top cash crop, but Guilford County is not in the top ten tobacco growing counties. 

We don't want to encourage smoking by any means; however, it is important for people to recognize the crop and recognize the role it has played in shaping the local economy. As you can see in the above tobacco field on Highway 150, it grows well in sand. This is a hardy crop that has been well tended. It is always fun to see a crop, pull of the road, and get a few photos. With all of the construction happening locally and land is selling for such a premium, continuing to farm any crop is quite a commitment. Would you recognize a field of tobacco? Study this one and then keep your eye out. This week, we've got you seeking out a new bakery, searching for purple LED lights, and now tobacco fields. Stick with Greensboro Daily Photo and we will lead you to interesting places!

Happy Wednesday. What will tomorrow bring?

 

*reference here and and here for more information.

Purple Lights at Montessori School

On Saturday, it was a dark and stormy night... Greensboro had some strange weather this past weekend. On Saturday, the skies darkened early and there was rain, wind, thunder, and lightning. The northwest part of town was experiencing a lot of thunder and lightning. The above photo was taken in the parking lot of the Montessori School on Horse Pen Creek Road. The above photo was taken without any filters. The lighting in the parking lot casts a deep purple glow. As you can see back behind the school, in the eastern sky, it was not yet dark when the photo was taken. Ominous clouds had formed overhead. Fox News did a piece recently that said working LED lights give off no color, but defective versions of the lights emit blue or purple light. Apparently, the defective lights are a nationwide problem. Less than 1.4% is defective and some people are on a mission to find them.*

Don't be fooled by the photo. By day, Greensboro Montessori is a very different place. Established in 1974, the school is committed to providing personalized and hands-on learning for students. This campus has 10 acres with four permaculture gardens, multiple outside play spaces, and more. They also have a 37-acre satellite campus in Oak Ridge. Having hands-on experiences, outdoors in nature is an important part of the Greensboro Montessori experience. However, standing alone in the parking lot, on a dark and stormy night, with even the green apples on a tree looking purple, made the evening eerie, but fun!  If you are ever driving past 2856 Horse Pen Creek Road at night, notice the lighting. If you drive by during the day, notice the creative land use. Happy Tuesday!

 

*read more about the LED purple lights, here.

Deer & Fawn

Some days, we start the day wondering what we can photograph to feature on Greensboro Daily Photo. Other days, we're sitting around having a cup of coffee and a photo lands in our lap. This mother and her fawn were walking by right in front of us. We thought they were going to pass by without noticing us but the fawn noticed us, first! The little one is turning to the right, just about to run away and the doe was not far behind. Greensboro has so many deer within the city limits. Likely, this is the second round of babies for this doe. They need to be born late enough in the spring or early enough in the summer so that there is sufficient food and agreeable weather.

The hunting forums talk about the size of the deer in Guilford County. This past fall, a local hunter, Tory Pegg, killed a 31 point buck in Guilford County.* But, not to worry for the above family, it is not hunting season for deer now and, as long as they stay in the city, they should be safe. We do need to be careful though, as Guilford County ranks second in the state for car crashes with deer and 90 percent of the animal=related crashes involve deer .** Only Wake County has more crashed.

Well, it is Friday. We hope you have a happy weekend and that you get out some to enjoy the beauty of the community around you.

 

• link to article, here. Do not read if hunting stories are a trigger for you.
• ** car crashed with deer, here.

Blueberries As Yard Plantings

If you follow Greensboro Daily Photo, you probably know that we're big advocates of planting edibles. These blueberry bush is planted in a flowerbed (in lieu of flowers) in our back yard. This photo was taken late afternoon yesterday when we were picking the ripe berries. This was about the third time we had picked between a pint or two from a a single bush. Nature is good about not having them all become ripe on the same day. In Greensboro, blueberry bushes are readily available at the local nurseries. There are several varieties. If you are considering planting, they all grow well here; however, some bushes get larger than others, and some berries are larger than others. Be sure to plant something that will still fit in the space once the bush is mature.

There are several blueberry farms in the Greensboro area: Blueberry Thrill Farm in Gibsonville; Kernodle's Blueberry Farm in McLeansville; Blueberry Hill in Colfax; and Honey Sweet Blueberry Farm in Reidsville. Call the farm or check their website for hours and to see if they sell bushes or just blueberries. It is fun to get out and talk to the farmers. Blueberry Thrill has been around since 1982; that's almost 40 years of blueberry goodness on that one farm alone. Blueberry bushes are pretty in the fall, too. Plant edibles; you won't regret it, and the birds will thank you! Just look how pretty they are. Happy Tuesday, July 6th... fireworks should be behind us for another year!

Seasonal Foods Like Watermelon Milkshakes!

Yesterday was opening day for watermelon milkshakes at Cook Out and according to servers, "That's all customers want!". We always try to get one on opening day, bring it to our flower garden, and enjoy it with a few slices of watermelon on the side- which is exactly what you see in the above photo. The watermelon slices are cold with a hint of ice crystals, perfect for cooling you off on a hot day like today. (We won't tell you how Mr. GDP described the weather today). Anyway, Cook Out is a local company started right here in  Greensboro in 1989. Over the last thirty-two years, Cook Out has expanded to over 100 cities and has stores in ten states; and they aren't done growing.

We are so accustomed to getting any food, anytime we want it. If something is out of season in the northern hemisphere, we ship it in from the southern. Or, in some cases, the produce is grown in a hothouse. It is refreshing to have foods and menu items that are seasonally available. Cook Out only sells watermelon shakes in July and August; so,  you only have sixty-two days to try one. Even if you don't crave watermelon milkshakes, perhaps you flock to the farmers markets for North Carolina peaches. Some varieties of peaches are already ripe and readily available. Are there any local or seasonal foods that you crave? Where do you get them in Greensboro? You will have plenty of options this weekend with the farmers markets. Also, there are Fourth of July activities in Greensboro this weekend. The Fourth of July Celebration Picnic is tomorrow from 11am-3pm at Keeley Park in McLeansville (July 3rd);  The Fun Fourth Festival on South Elm Street is also tomorrow (July 3) from 4-9 pm. Note that there are no vendors this year as Greensboro is easing back into public events, post-Covid. This will be even more reason to visit those farmers markets and find something seasonal to pack for a snack. In the meantime, we'll probably be heading for another watermelon milkshake... or two! Happy Second, Third, and Fourth of July! 

(that minute you look at your photograph and notice some of your landscaping rocks have been relocated, or might be missing)!!!!!

Got Mimosas?

The mimosa tree is an iconic part of the Southern landscape and they grow well in Greensboro. They are considered a "pioneer" plant, because they travel to any land that is newly clearled. They grow rapidly and seeds abound. Southern Living refers to the mimosa as a "wonderful, awful weed" and lament that they will grow anywhere, including cracks of sidewalks out of a week part of a wall; in other words, this deciduous tree is invasive. There are several colors; however the pink variety in today's photo is the most common. It is located at the end of Carlson Terrace. Likely, it snuck in when they were clearing the lots for this new neighborhood. The lots with mimosas are unimproved. There are no signs of mimosas on the lost with houses. That's about how mimosas work.

There is a new variety with red-brown leaves, referred to as a chocolate mimosa that have started appearing in landscaping. We're on the lookout for one in Greensboro. Have you seen a chocolate mimosa here? If so, where? We'd love to see one in person. We'll drive by and check it out. But first, we've got to get to Cook Out for opening day of watermelon milkshakes! As we're looking at these pink mimosas, we're wondering why they are called mimosas since they are orange. As a matter of fact, we see pink and green, watermelon colors, in today's photos.

Happy July 1st!

Bald Eagle Trail

If you don't mind getting a little wet, it is awfully fun to hike in the rain. Yesterday, we spent the morning on Bald Eagle Trail, beside Lake Higgins, and it was if the fungi and lichen came alive during the rain. As we walked in the reverse direction on this trail in northwest Greensboro, the colors were brighter and more saturated. The above photo shows fungi growing on a log near the entrance to the trail. The fungi in the above photo protruded in a line that extended the entire length of the decaying tree; not just on this underpart, but up all along the bark, too. Do you notice the millipede up on the right? There were several on the tree. Millipedes are known to be excellent decomposers. They don't bite, but they do secrete a toxin, so it is best to leave them alone, doing their work at enhancing the soil on the forest floor. 

Perhaps we shouldn't tell you (we have some readers with a real fear of snakes), but we did see a copperhead off to the edge of the trail. Our picture of the snake was confirmed to be a copperhead by the N.C. Snake Identification & Education group on Facebook. That group is open to the public and its membership exceeds 28 thousand. They are wonderful about accurately identifying a snake with a photo and a location. This group will help you be less afraid of snakes and will help you realize that if you keep your distance, the snakes won't bother you. As for trail walking, including Bald Eagle, please walk where you walk, keeps dogs on a leash, and have an adult walk in front of and behind children on the trail. If you take time to stop and notice, it is amazing what you will see.

St Timothy's United Methodist Church

Yesterday, we featured part of the property, one of the lakes, on the property at St. Timothy's United Methodist Church, located at 5228 Hilltop Road is what is actually Jamestown. In traveling along Hilltop Road, we saw at least four churches. Some are giant like Gate City Baptist and Community Fellowship Church. Others are smaller like St. Timothy's UMC and The Unitarian Universalist Church up near College Road. St. Timothy's in a small, but inclusive church with the following welcome statement, "At St. Timothy's, we practice the radical welcome of God and we believe that all people are of equal sacred worth and dignity. And ALL means ALL, y’all! We embrace and affirm people of all ages, races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, family structures, economic status, political persuasions, physical and mental abilities, and faith histories. " 

This is a church with women at the helm. Rev. Nikki Raye Rice is pastor and Nancy Cole is lead musician and choir director.  This little church, nestled in the woods, just a stone's throw away from Adam's Farm and retail on West Wendover, is a gem of a respite where God, people, good deeds, nature, and music converge. If you are interesting in visiting, outdoor services should start at 11am today. See here for more details. Happy Sunday!

Musings from the Lake at St. Timothy's

Today's photo was taken just off of Hilltop road, on the property of St. Timothy's United Methodist Church. We'll feature the actual church tomorrow, but for today, we're sharing this little spot that is perfect for reflecting and appreciating nature. It is right across from Adam's Farm at Adam's Farm Parkway. Hilltop used to be a sleepy little two lane road; now it is four lanes with a turn lane in the middle. A thin layer of trees separates this quite area from traffic and the bustle of suburbia. There are even benches for quiet reflection along St. Timothy's ponds. We are sitting on one installed by Jack and Pat Lambert in memory of Bill Shelor and Margie Kirby. What an act of love to install a bench.

 It is hard to believe that in the late 1980's, this whole area was woods and that soon, what was 710 acres of trees and fields would become 1,600 houses and 900 apartments. Adams Farm, just across the street from this spot, was a one of Greensboro's early big, planned-unit,  suburban developments.*  Adams Farm has its own, lake- 17 acres. Soon, we'll wander over to and take some photos at Adams Farm. It is hard to imagine that those first babies born in Adams Farm are now are now in their mid 30s!. As for today, we'll sit right here, listening to birds chirp and frogs croak, admiring these beautiful, yet tenacious daisies. 

Wonder what we would see and hear, were we to sit here until church starts in the morning. 

 

* Read this interesting News & Record article about the Adams Farm neighborhood concept here. (We are so thankful to community journalism and the archives it establishes).

Fledglings Vs. Nestlings

Do you know the difference between a fledgling and a nestling? Above, is a fledgling. Its parents, a pair of cardinals, were nearby, monitoring this baby bird's every move. It couldn't quite fly yet, but could hop around and balance on branches. This baby is a fledgling and should be left alone to continue on its journey to learning to fly. We saw it when we were on a walk in northwest Greensboro, near Horse Pen Creek Road. A nestling is a bird that can't even stand on its own, and it almost looks naked Nestlings, probably won't survive if they fall out of the nest, but fledglings will. As a matter of fact, their road to flying is being scaffolded. Greensboro's own Happy Tails Veterinary Clinic shares a lot about baby animals, here.a lot

We took the above photo a few weeks ago; so, by now, there aren't as many fledglings in Greensboro. But, we can still be on the lookout for small animals and, in most cases, let nature take its course. We hope you have a happy Friday and that you get out to explore the city a little today. Complete unrelated to baby birds, but, related to things to do in Greensboro, please consider attending Porchfest in Dunleath tomorrow. Unfortunately, we won't be able to stop by, but there will be so much live music going on in the neighborhood. Please check out the events (HERE), and do be on the lookout for animals in the road... including humans!

 

Spirit of Life

Do you ever notice a path and take it to see where it leads? We did that the other day, not too far from Lake Higgins. Initially, we were struck by the change in elevation*; the hill was quite steep. Sometimes Greensboro seems like it is completely flat, but as you head north of the city, change in elevation becomes more apparent. At the bottom of the hill in the photo, beside this triangular, moss-covered boulder, with birds chirping all around, Carolyn McDade's song, spirit of life came to mind. 

Spirit of Life, come unto me.
Sing in my heart all the stirrings of compassion.
Blow in the wind, rise in the sea;
Move in the hand, giving life the shape of justice.
Roots hold me close; wings set me free;
Spirit of Life, come to me, come to me.

These six lines are so calming and peaceful. While most closely associated with the Unitarian Universalist church (see here), the message seems fitting for any religion. We hope you have a lovely Sunday and that perhaps take that walk off the beaten path and find your special secret place in Greensboro. 

*Officially, Greensboro's elevation is listed as 892'. Having spent the last thirteen years trying to develop expertise on Greensboro, we reckon we should know elevation, and population (291,303). We get asked the population question a lot, but don't think we've ever been asked about Greensboro's elevation.

Oh, Groundhog

It is so fun to go on walks in Greensboro. You never know what you are going to see. This one was seen foraging along Jessup Grove Road. Groundhogs are largest species in the squirrel family. With these warm, dry days, groundhogs have been out in full force.  This one was either a juvenile or one that hasn't been out of hibernation long. It was very skinny. The dark markings on the fur were curious.

Some people, especially gardeners, see them as destructive pests. Actually, they are important in the food chain. They mostly eat plants (and sometime garden vegetables), but they also eat grubs and snails. Their favorite place to forage is just like the area above, the transition edge between open, grassy areas and thickets. If you see big mounds of soil and a deep hole, chances are you have a groundhog. The above groundhog must accustomed to lots of road noise as it wasn't nearly as skittish as most. They are native to North Carolina and populations are said to be stable, actually increasing. The groundhog at the Greensboro Science Center died in 2013, and, the last we heard, he hadn't been replaced. Wonder if they are in the market for one! Happy Wednesday; we know, hump day, not Groundhog Day!

2426 Camden Road

Yesterday afternoon, Camden Road was filled with families out for a stroll. Some children were riding bicycles, one toddler was dressed in a princess outfit, many people had dogs, neighbors were in their front yards talking. Truly, the Sunset Hills/Lindley Park neighborhoods were enjoying every moment of the overcast skies. Temperatures were in the mid-60s, but it seemed cooler since the sun wasn't out. The above photo is of 2426 Camden Road, just a few blocks away from Lindley Elementary School. According to the signage in the yard, this house has a graduating senior. Most of the schools are having in-person graduation services this year. Let's hope that is the case for this soon-to-be graduate.

This house, built in 1927, is a lot bigger than it looks from the front. According to Zillow, it is 2,400 square feet with five bedrooms and two baths. The landscaping on the property continues to delight people who are out strolling along the sidewalks. As you can see, the front yard of the house is filled with raised beds, and right now, the foxgloves are putting on a glorious show. Foxglove stems were a big hit when they were at the Corner Market on Walker and Elam. Now, we're wondering if by chance they came from this house! We're also wondering if the black cat lives here, or if he has just stopped by for a visit.

Happy Monday! We hope you have a great week and you are in a position to get out and enjoy all of the effort people are putting into their Greensboro yards.

Black Rat Snake Time

OK Greensboro,  the weather has warmed and snakes are out now. We saw this black rat snake in our backyard this weekend. They are not snakes that look for trouble. The snake saw me before I saw him and he froze, hoping not to draw any attention to himself. These snakes are non-venomous but will strike if they don't have a choice. However, their real superpower is that they are proficient climbers. Somehow, they can scale walls and trees with no evidence of having any way to grip. They earned their name because they eat their fair share of mice and rodents. If you see one, please leave it alone. 

The North Carolina Wildlife Commission is a great place to start to learn more about snakes.* There is also a Facebook group called N.C. Snake Identification & Education. If you don't mind seeing photos of snakes, this is a great place to learn about snakes and really to become less afraid of them. Happy Thursday and sorry, if you are feeling you can't "unsee" this photo!

 

*see here. 

Tulip Poplar Time in Greensboro

Those who are pollen sensitive know that trees are just about completely leafed out in Greensboro. The above photo is of a blossom that dropped from a tulip poplar tree. The tulip poplars get their name from the green/orange flowers the tree produces. It is actually more closely related to the magnolia tree than either a tulip or a poplar* It is the state tree of Kentucky, Tennessee, and Indiana; however, it grows well in Greensboro. The tree itself is pretty because it tends to grow straight and it is one of the tallest hardwoods.

If you have one in your yard, or you see one, let us know. This one was seen on a property in northeast Greensboro. Bees are known to make honey from the nectar in these flowers. Happy Monday!

* Reference and more information, here.

Elizabeth Hawks Herring Garden

Today's photo features one of the main views at the Elizabeth Hawks Herring Garden. It is located on the northeast side of campus at UNCG. Dr. William B. Herring, MD funded the garden in memory of his wife who was a great lover of music and gardening. So, the garden is perfect in its location beside the school of music. If you read about it (here), The design of the garden takes into consideration the sounds and movement of music. There are also areas conducive to practicing music, and we shared one such example last week. For over 20 years, the garden has delighted students, and the public.

The rock to the left of the birdbath has the following inscription, "No bird soars too high if he soars with his own wings." - William Blake. This birdbath is dedicated in the loving memory of Elizabeth Hawks Herring by her many devoted friends and fellow members of the UNCG Musical Arts Guild. September 19, 2004." What a special place. Thank you, Dr. Herring  for this great garden.

5207 W. Friendly Avenue

This house at 5207 West Friendly Avenue, built in 1939, has so much charm. It sold on April 1st and the new owners must be delighting in those azalea bushes, some of which are 10 feet high. This .5 acre property is located at the westernmost edge of Hamilton Lakes, right across from Guilford College. This Friendly Avenue house was built back when this this end of the county was rather rural.

In 1939, there was no Quaker Village; Hamilton Lakes had not yet been annexed into the City of Greensboro (1957); the town of Guilford College had not yet been annexed (1972). Still, if you drive past this property, you may not notice the house as the landscaping wraps around the property, buffering the house from the road. Drive on the Cannon Road side of the property and it will feel like you stepped back in time. It feels so peaceful and rural you may wonder if it is 1939 again. May the new owners enjoy their little house of tranquility. Happy Wednesday!

Life Along McDowell Drive

Today, we take you to 1204 McDowell Drive in the Green Valley area of Greensboro. This neighborhood is between Friendly Center and the Tanger Bicentennial Garden. It is so beautiful this time of year with all of the azaleas and dogwoods in bloom. The 3 bedroom 2 bathroom house above was built in 1963, back in the days when the satellite neighborhoods (Lake Jeanette, Adams Farm, Carlson Farms, etc.) were not even on the radar screen.

In 1963, David Schenck was mayor and there was a Civil Rights march that year. This was the year that The Women's College changed its name to University of North Carolina at Greensboro.* Meanwhile, back at 1204 McDowell, it was a new street in a neighborhood with streets named after many of the counties of North Carolina.  In 1963, there was a family enjoying their new house and new beginnings in a very beautiful part of town. These azaleas look like they may have been planted since then; however, their pink and white beauty represents a view so common in the years of Greensboro.

Happy Saturday! You still have time to get out and enjoy the beauty of spring in Greensboro.

*reference and interesting timeline, here.

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!