Mystery and Majesty
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
The Gift of a Garden
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.
A Gardener’s Delight
Robin McBride of Lewisville, North Carolina loves tending her beautiful garden.
Enthusiasm, Joy, Wonder
There can be no other occupation like gardening in which, if you were to creep up behind someone at their work, you would find them smiling.
— Mirabel Osler
Robin McBride seems to find delight all around her — but most especially in her garden. There, she’s enraptured by the smallest of details involving the variety of flowers and plants growing under her watchful care.
I first met Robin when I photographed the Crochet Club at the Lewisville Library last fall. Robin is the instructor for that class, which meets every second Wednesday of the month at 4:00 PM. As enthusiastic as Robin is about crochet, she’s even more passionate about gardening.
The Secret Garden?
Last Saturday I found myself at Robin’s house on Reynolds Road in Lewisville, taking in the scope of her gradually expanding garden.
It’s possible that you’ve driven down Reynolds Road quite unaware of the existence of this little bit of botanical splendor. Currently, while most of Robin’s gardening handiwork is not yet visible from the road, she’s implementing a plan to adorn the front yard nearest to the road.
CLICK for more on Robin and her garden
Eat Your Veggies
While a Beginning Vegetable Gardening workshop attendee makes notes (foreground), Ann Williams (center), a Master Gardener and a Forsyth County Extension Agent, instructs another workshop attendee on growing a tomato plant from seed. The workshop is one of a range of gardening topics being taught this spring throughout the Forsyth County Public Library system.
Vegetable Gardening
So which is better — cow manure or horse manure? Say what?! No, really! That’s a serious (yet humorous) issue that arose during yesterday’s (March 23) Beginning Vegetable Gardening workshop held at the Lewisville Library. The workshop was led by Ann Williams, a Master Gardener and a Forsyth County Extension Agent.
Other topics discussed ranged from gardening tools, soil testing, and tips on buying seeds, to how to keep animals from eating our delicious vegetables and beautiful flowers. The spontaneous question-and-answer segments throughout the workshop also yielded valuable gardening tips.
More Workshops Coming Up
The Beginning Vegetable Gardening workshop is just one of many gardening workshops being co-sponsored this spring by the Forsyth County – NC Cooperative Extension Service and the Forsyth County Public Libraries.
The gardening workshop topics are varied, including shade gardening, container gardening and butterfly/hummingbird gardening. Besides covering various types of gardening, some of the other related workshops being offered are Drought Tolerant Perennials, Spring Lawn Care, Invasives, and Indoor Plants. Best of all, the workshops are FREE and open to the public.
For lots more information, including LINKS to the photo gallery, the audio recording of the workshop and the Forsyth County – NC Cooperative Extension Service, please continue to the NEXT SECTION. CLICK for more information
