Greensboro Daily Photo

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!

Heaven on Earth

The Qur'an describes paradise "as vast as the heavens and earth." (Q.3:133). There is no consensus on heaven in Judaism; emphasis is on doing good deeds while alive. In Christianity, heaven is the community or place one goes for those who are committed to Christ. There are many other ideas and interpretations of heaven and the afterlife.

The above photo is the sky reflected in a water element on at the Greensboro Country Club's Farm Course golf course. It evokes a sense of calmness, beauty, and peace; a feeling most of us strive for while on earth. This has been a jarring week of news. May we focus on our common humanity, being good people, and doing what we can to ensure everyone has a good quality of life while on this earth. Here's to being good Samaritans; charitable, helpful people while on earth (Luke 10:33). We'll be back next Sunday with a house of worship.

Happy Sunday!

Happy Sunday!

Bird and Butterfly Meadow

We hope you enjoyed the week downtown, here,  on Greensboro Daily Photo.

Today, we take you today to the Bird and Butterfly Meadow at Price Park, located off of Hobbs Road between Kathleen Clay Edwards Family Library and Jefferson Elementary School. In addition to the peaceful sanctuary for meditation, bird, and butterfly watching, the area also has walking trails to enjoy. The park was built on land that was formerly part of Jefferson Pilot Corporation. Adjacent Jefferson Elementary School is located on 26 acres of the insurance company's former club that they donated for the school; hence the name of the school. On the day we were there, the goldenrods were in full bloom, but butterflies were absent. We suspect they had already migrated south and that the monarchs are actually close to arriving in Mexico. The structure in the center of the photo has information about eco-exploring, how to provide habitat for chimney swifts, monarch migration trails, and more.  If you are looking for a way to get outdoors today that doesn't involve being too isolated or driving great distances, this park at 1420 Price Park Road may be perfect for you- even on a rainy day.

Happy Saturday!

The Giant Puff Ball Mushroom

Our dog thinks this mushroom in our backyard is alive. In a way, it is. It looks like a brain, and there is such a thing as a brain mushroom. However, based on this photo, a student mycologist told us it looks like a a giant puff ball mushroom- a bit aged and expired. Giant puff ball mushrooms tend to appear late summer and early autumn. It is our understanding that fresh puff balls are edible; however, this looks a lot like a brain mushroom, which is not edible. Plus, this mushroom is definitely past prime. We think we'll leave it and see just how long it sticks around.

There is a resurgence of interest in growing and learning about mushrooms in North Carolina. NC State has a fabulous website about mushrooms if you are interested in learning about them or growing them (see HERE). Also, at the Greensboro Curb Market on Yanceyville Street, there are some fabulous mushrooms available for purchase- everything from blue oyster mushrooms and shiitake. The vendors at the farmers market are very generous with information. Fall is such a fabulous to prepare those earthy dishes, soups and stews with mushrooms and root vegetables.

Happy Friday!

North Carolina Rowing Center

The North Carolina Rowing Center offers rowing for all ages from middle school 7th graders to adults. They are located in Greensboro and the above photo was taken yesterday at Lake Higgins where they practice. Fall is time for distance rowing and at regattas, the distance if 5,000 meters, as opposed to 2,000 meters in the spring. Here we see Pearl helping with navigation as Scott, one of the coaches, is guiding the launch (the coaching boat) to shore. Rowers were in single, double and quad shells sculling (using oars on both sides). The focus of the North Carolina Rowing Center is to develop skills and technique, with the option to compete against other teams in regattas in the southeast.

As we enjoy this last week of summer, walking around Lake Higgins and seeing the lake being used by all of these athletes was so lovely. There is absolutely no time for "screen time" when rowing. Soon, these teammates will be lucky enough to watch the fall leaves change from the water and, with all of the deciduous treen around Lake Higgins, the view from the water will be glorious. You can already see a hint of color change; just wait until October!

Happy Thursday!

 

Got Okra?

We love growing okra in our backyard. It tolerates the heat of summer very well and keeps on giving well into fall. This photo was taken just this week and there is no sign of our okra stopping production of these wonderful pods. Of course, as we see the days get shorter and the temperatures dropping, it will be another story. Okra is in the mallow family, making it related to hibiscus. Usually, we grow green okra, but this year decided to grow red. A fun fact is that it reverts to green when cooked. Okra has long been a staple is Piedmont cooking. Lucky 32 and Blue Denim Restaurant are two Greensboro restaurants that often have okra on the menu. Sometimes it is available at the Coliseum Cafe. It can be eaten raw, boiled, steamed, and fried. It is a key ingredient in gumbo. How do you like your okra?

For a plant that grows so well in Greensboro, once established, and so full of nutrients, we encourage you to plan to plant some next spring.

Happy Wednesday!

Heart-healthy Greenway Fun

Saturday is a great time to explore the great outdoors in Greensboro. We have so many trails, around our lakes, and along the greenway. The above photo was taken between Bur-Mil Park and Summerfield. You can ride at. your own pace or even walk. Northbound is more uphill than heading from Summerfield back towards town. This, the Atlantic- Yadkin Greenway actually leads to Guilford Courthouse National Military Park. If you head out and ride the greenway in the morning, you will certainly be ready to eat at a food truck downtown and listen to some music at the NC Folk Festival.

Just look at this peaceful scene and imagine yourself here. Moving more is a big part of being fit for life. Have a happy Saturday, regardless of how you decide to spend it.

Keeping Greensboro Green

The other day, en route to photograph Irving Park Elementary School for its 100th Anniversary, we stopped upon seeing this brick wall at the corner Cornwallis Drive and Hamilton Road. It may be a little hard to tell, but the owners of this property actually had the bricklayers leave a space for the roots of this mature tree. What a "go green" practice!

Greensboro is known for its greenery, coming by its name honestly. It is up to each and every one of us to do our part to help keep Greensboro green. As our community continues to grow, we may need to get a bit stingy with our green acreage. In the meantime, all of us can be like the owners of the property above. It is possible for trees to co-exist with city lots. It does take a little planning.

We hope you have a happy mid-week. Also, if you know the owners of the above lot, thank them for us- or, direct them to this short post!

 

Deer in the Suburbs

Are you ever out walking in the morning and run into deer? We like to walk early in the morning and it is a rare day if we don't see deer before 7:00 am. There are lots os fawns now. They will have time to mature before winter sets in. North Carolina wildlife published a "North Carolina White-Tailed Deer Density" map in 2020.  According to this map, there are more than 50 per square mile in Guilford County. We have more deer per square mile than Rockingham County. They are pretty to look at, but they can do a lot of damage. They are constantly foraging and love almost anything green and leafy. It is illegal to take in a deer in the Triad and you are encouraged not to feed them because it keeps them from foraging or in some cases learning to forage. They are meant to survive in the wild and have moved into the suburbs as much of their habitat is being converted to housing and commercial properties. The above deer were seen in northwest Guilford County.

Happy Thursday! 

Va Opossum

With the extended hours of daylight in the summer and the full moon this week, wild animals have been busy. We took this photo earlier in the summer, but we see animals in our yard all the time. This Virginia opossum was out exploring and dashed into a the above hole when he saw us coming. Likely, a groundhog actually lives there. Opossums keep neighborhoods clear of cockroaches, ticks, and small rodents. They love eating ticks and help cut down on Lyme disease. They are even known to eat venomous snakes. Opossums are marsupials and carry their young in a pouch. Likely, those babies in your Greensboro yard were born earlier in the summer and are old enough to live on their own now. Please be kind to them. They won't bother you in any way. In an online search, we learned that the Virginia opossum has been in North Carolina since the Pleistocene Period- also known as the Ice Age and lasting from 2.58 million to 11,700 years ago. Wow!

Happy Thursday!

Farmers Market Flowers

Do you like cut flowers? The weekend is the perfect time to purchase flowers for the week. The above photo was taken at the farmers market at Sandy Ridge. Our local Greensboro farmers markets are quite the "go to" places for cut flowers. They are always so beautiful and and reasonably priced. Sometimes you get pre-packaged bouquets and often, you can design your own. The above couple look like they could be brother and sister. They worked very well together helping us find the perfect bouquet.

If you can't get to a farmers market, The Fresh Market also has a very nice selection of flowers. 

Happy August 1st. Today is theme day for the City Daily Photo community and August's theme is: Garden. While this isn't technically a garden, you know it takes gardens to make these beautiful flowers happen!

The Greensboro Summer Solstice Festival

Happy Summer Solstice Event! It will be held today in Lindley Park and the Greensboro Arboretum from 2:00- 10:00 pm. This festival is a fun way to spend an afternoon. The above photo was taken a few years ago and shows you the great length people go through to dress up and make the event fun. Not only performers, but everyone is encouraged to dress as fairies and sprites .

The solstice event was started in 2005. According to their website, "Mission: We aim to create an experience for our festival-goers that blends local artisans, performers and budding entrepreneurs with a little bit of magic and a lot of love, opening up imaginations to the possibilities in each of us." The event is so much fun and a chance to be playful and joyful, something that is proven to keep us healthy. It is also a fabulous opportunity to get great photos. The festival closes with a fire finale which is breathtaking in the dark. Children are absolutely mesmerized.

On another note, we have been members of the City Daily Photo community for the past 15 years. Cities all over the world post a photo a day of their city. The first of the month is theme day and the July theme is "climate". Our Summer Solstice photo fits perfectly with the theme. In Greensboro, the weather today is expected to be between 68º and 91º. So, if you are coming out to the festival, be prepared for a little bit of everything and find a way to protect yourself from the sun and to stay hydrated. We can't wait and don't care what the weather does. We're ready!

Happy Saturday!

Magnolia Blossom Time 2023

Greensboro is filled with the scent of magnolia blossoms. Oh how we wait patiently for the sweet essence of magnolia blossoms every year. With the cooler weather, they are blooming a little later at our house this year. In 2020, we featured one on May 22 and in 2019 on May 23. By October, they will be sporting the showy red seed pods. While the sweetbay magnolia- with its green deciduous foliage-  is native to Greensboro, many people have planted the southern magnolia here. The above is a southern magnolia blossom. We always bring one inside for the day, knowing full well that they will only last for a day.

In addition to hanging out under the magnolia tree today, we will also be attending the Juried Members' Exhibition at the Center for Visual Artists at 200 N. Davie Street in the Cultural Arts Center from 6-8 pm. At least two artists we've featured on Greensboro Daily Photo will have art featured there, Karen Bjork Dischell and mixed media artist, Joanne Rich, will feature their work there. If we understood correctly, someone from the group currently exhibiting will be selected for a solo show this year. Try to get by the show and support our local artists. Also, find a magnolia tree to enjoy.

Happy Friday!

 

The Parisian Promenade

Yesterday, Greensboro Beautiful presented the Parisian Promenade in the Tanger Family Bicentennial Garden on Hobbs Road. What a fabulous opportunity for families and friends to gather and stroll along the park seeing and being seen. The above scene is so Parisian, a street cart with buckets of flowers and a striped awning. The flower truck business is known as The Myrtle Cottage. The truck was located up by the Poodle Promenade Ring and flower sales were brisk. Prices were reasonable and people seemed to really enjoy buying flowers for themselves and their loved ones. The idea of being able to purchase flowers in a park or on a street corner is so quintessentially French. It is nice to see it in Greensboro and maybe  The Myrtle Cottage will make the opportunity more commonplace in Greensboro.

The weather yesterday was overcast, but it never did rain; making it perfect for the Parisian Promenade. The event is a project of the Greensboro Parks and Recreation and Greensboro Beautiful. Greensboro Beautiful is a 501 (c) 3 volunteer organization dedicated to enhancing the beauty and ecology of Greensboro. The Parisian Promenade in the Tanger Family Bicentennial Garden is a beautiful example of Greensboro at its best. The venue is beautiful, the vendors and activities were delightful for people of all ages. Ecology deals with the relations of organisms to one another. Seeing people out enjoying the flora of Greensboro was such a great way to kick off June. Summer will be here before you know it. Next year will be here before you know it. Mark your calendar for the first Sunday in June for the next Parisian Promenade.

Larger Than Life

 

Yesterday, we featured poppies in a garden for National Poppy Day. Today, we give you a close up (macro) view of one of the poppies in the photo. The day we took the photo last week was overcast and windy in Greensboro, and several of the photos were blurry. We finally got a photo that shows you the intricacies of the inside of a poppy. Macro photography is about showcasing things larger than they actually are in real life. See HERE if you want to learn about the anatomy of a poppy.

Not only is this view "larger than life", but so is the backstory. Remember that through our friend, the current owner of the house and this garden, Kit Rodenbough, we learned that another friend, Julie Dameron formerly owned this house and is actually the one who planted this garden. This gives Kit the very important role of being the keeper of the garden. Well, to continue this great story, we learned that yesterday's post prompted a visit between Kit and Julie. Julie got to go see her garden again and left the visit so thrilled, hearing how much Kit loves the house AND the garden. The only thing that would have made this close up slice of life better would have been getting a photo of the two women together. Maybe that can be arranged at a later date. Also, just since yesterday,  we've had a few friends in Greensboro alerting us of their poppies we can photograph for next year!

If you have a cell phone, use the camera to take a macro photo of something. Seeing something up close, as opposed to from a distance, yields very interesting results. Share your macro photo with friends! Tell them you were inspired by Greensboro Daily Photo! With six degrees of separation, we're betting word will get back to us.

Happy Saturday!

National Poppy Day 2023

Today is National Poppy Day. In the United States, the red poppy  has been nationally recognized as a symbol honoring those who served and died for our country in war. On Sept. 27, 1920, the poppy became the official flower of the American Legion; in 1924, poppy distribution became their national program. In Greensboro, there are two American Legion posts. One is located at 1206 American Legion Street in northeast Greensboro. Post 53 is located at 529 Ridge Creek, near I-40 and Highway 220 in the southern part of the city. Perhaps the local American Legion, or the VFW will be selling poppies today.

In preparation for National Poppy Day, we looked for poppies to photograph in Greensboro. We had already photographed the beautiful field of poppies across from Lindley Elementary School, so were on the hunt for another source. Our friend, local businesswoman Kit Rodenbough, mentioned how much she is enjoying her poppies this year. We asked to photograph the poppies in her garden. Kit lives in the neighborhood between Irving Park and Kick Back Jack's and has a lovely backyard garden. When we arrived, she mentioned she had recently purchased the house from Julie Dameron, a retired nurse who recently moved to Friends Home West. We not only recognized the garden Julie planted, but also the garage room where Julie had her art studio. She is an accomplished painter, often taking inspiration from her garden. Also, she always kept bouquets of fresh flowers from this very garden. Julie left behind not only her poppies, but also a lovely rose garden. However, Julie is cultivating a rose garden at Friends Home West. Today, she can now see that the lovely poppies at her previous home are bringing joy to Kit. Such is the nature of gardening; an initial investment of time and effort yields benefits that can last for generations. If you see Kit or Julie, compliment them on their poppies.

Today, when people are wearing a red poppy on their lapel,  you will know the story. Ask them if their poppy is from the garden of Kit and Julie, the garden across from Lindley Elementary School, or from a garden we need to know about so we can photograph it for next year! If someone approaches you to purchase a poppy for your lapel,  you will know the backstory.

Finally, we have a dear friend and reader who requested we share the poem "In Flanders Fields" by John McCrae. This is the poem that inspired the use of the poppy as a symbol of remembrance. Our friend remembers having to memorize the poem in 6th grade.

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

    That mark our place; and in the sky

    The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

 

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

    Loved and were loved, and now we lie,

        In Flanders fields.

 

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

    The torch; be yours to hold it high.

    If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

        In Flanders fields.