Mystery and Majesty

July 13, 2009 · Filed Under Nature Thoughts · 4 Comments to Read 
The blooms of a beautiful Turk's Cap Lily (Lilium superbum) hang in splendor before a blurred-out background of yellow daylilies. Deb Phillips was the photographer of this shot taken in Lewisville, NC (Forsyth County).

The blooms of a beautiful Turk's Cap Lily (Lilium superbum) hang in splendor before a blurred-out background of yellow daylilies.

Unexpected Beauty

Little did I know when I pulled out of the driveway one recent morning that I’d soon run smack-dab into mystery and majesty.

I was driving along Yadkinville Road, intent on checking out possible photo opportunities at a nearby farm, when I glanced toward one of the private drives in the Sattsgate development. There, I saw a lady tending a large, beautiful patch of yellow daylilies. I thought, “Wow! I’ve never noticed those beauties before! I’m turning around to check them out.”

When I got out of my truck, I introduced myself to Mrs. Barbara Brooks, a retired nurse. Our conversation went on for at least an hour, as Barbara graciously showed me around the floral paradise that surrounds the home where she lives with her husband, Dr. Joe Brooks, a retired N.C. State horticulturist. (You should also know that Dr. Brooks proudly drives a bright red — really clean — pickup truck with an NCSU plate on the front!)

To enjoy MORE PHOTOS of NATURE’S WONDERS at the home of Dr. Joe and Barbara Brooks, please continue to the NEXT SECTION. CLICK for more Mystery and Majesty

My Mother’s Rose

May 9, 2009 · Filed Under Life Thoughts · Leave a Comment 
A Red Knockout Rose planted by Grace Jennings Phillips Spainhour. Deb Phillips, photographer.

For Mother's Day, a red rose signifies respect and undying love.

A Tradition

Here in the South, it has long been a tradition to wear a rose on Mother’s Day. According to tradition, if one’s mother is no longer living, the rose should be white. And if one’s mother is still alive, the rose should be red.

For this Mother’s Day, I’m thankful to be displaying a red rose in honor of my mother, who — like so many mothers throughout the ages — has always demonstrated unwavering love for her children. CLICK for more on My Mother’s Rose

These Hearts

May 3, 2009 · Filed Under Nature Thoughts · 8 Comments to Read 
The flower, Dicentra spectabilis, is also known as a bleeding heart. Deb Phillips, photographer.

The flower, Dicentra spectabilis, is also known as a bleeding heart.

Some hearts are cold and closed — but these hearts are tender and free.

CLICK to see more bleeding hearts

The Gift of a Garden

April 11, 2009 · Filed Under Nature Thoughts · Leave a Comment 
Two bees feast on a flower in the garden of Robin McBride in Lewisville, North Carolina (Forsyth County). Deb Phillips, photographer.

Bees enjoy the variety of flowers in Robin McBride's garden in Lewisville, North Carolina. Robin also grows herbs and vegetables in her garden.

Serendipity

Yesterday, I listened to a podcast that struck me as being wonderfully well-timed, not only for today’s post, but also for Easter. The program, Speaking of Faith, is produced by American Public Radio, and hosted by Krista Tippett.

This week’s guest on Speaking of Faith was theologian and avid gardener, Vigen Guroian, who discussed what gardening has taught him about life and faith. Guroian has a beautiful way of describing his observations, and he has also written two books about gardening: The Fragrance of God and Inheriting Paradise. After hearing him on the podcast, I have a feeling these books would be splendid reads. You can listen to the intriguing interview with Vigen Guroian by visiting Restoring the Senses.

Entering the Garden

Now, on to the lovely garden of Robin McBride! If you missed the previous post in which I introduced Robin, you might want to check out A Gardener’s Delight before viewing today’s photos.

Following are just a few of the many flowers/plants growing in Robin’s garden: Forget-me-not, money plant, camellia, rosemary, daffodil, hellebore, spring star, pansy, azalea, mustard, lilac, woodland phlox, grape hyacinth and gardenia. And believe me, this is just a partial list!

Photo Gallery

Without further delay, you may now CLICK to enter the garden of Robin McBride! Enjoy the photos — and feel free to leave a comment.

  • Photo Moments

    Memorial Day Service by American Legion Post 522 in Lewisville, NC (Forsyth County)Lewisville citizens pose at the Nissen Wagon at Shallowford Square in Lewisville, NC (Forsyth County).Held at Shallowford Square, the First Annual Best of Lewisville Festival was sponsored by Karate International of Lewisville and MediaFit.
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    Visit the LewisvillePhotos.com Photo Gallery
  • Photo Quote

    All I can do in my writing is to stimulate a certain amount of thought, clarify some technical facts and date my work. But when I preach sharpness, brilliancy, scale, etc., I am just mouthing words, because no words can really describe those terms and qualities it takes the actual print to say, “Here it is.” —Ansel Adams
  • More Photo Moments

    West Side Civic Theatre sponsored The Pirates of Penzance at Shallowford Square in Lewisville, NC.The Old Cemetery at Shiloh Lutheran Church in Lewisville, NC (Forsyth County). Photography by Deb Phillips.