Going Local-Metrolina Trial Garden Open House

 Last week, the Master Gardeners were invited

to a unique event in a nearby town.

The annual Trial Garden Open House

at Metrolina Greenhouses

allowed us (and hundreds of other folks),

to participate in choosing our favorite plants

from an array of annuals, perennials, hanging baskets

and combination displays.

Metrolina is one of the largest greenhouse and growing

operations with two locations spanning over 1,000 acres of total property.

The company was started in 1972 on an acre of land,

and has grown to become one of the biggest suppliers

to Home Depot, Lowe's and Walmart.

You can find out more here.

Although I've lived in the Piedmont for several years,

this was the first time I had heard about this opportunity.

With over 3 acres of plants to choose from,

it was a challenge to pick out our favorites in 4 categories:

1.  Favorite combination planter

2.  Favorite geranium

3.  Favorite hanging basket

4.  Overall favorite.

Several large demonstration gardens were featured,

like this pollinator bed.

There were separate areas for sun or shade loving plants,

hanging baskets and annuals, perennials and 2nd year perennials.

The displays were wonderful for gathering ideas.

So many gorgeous flowers, yes,

but various textures as well.

There were many plants I could identify,

but others that I had never seen before.

It was a real eye-opener.

This salvia was a bee magnet!

It was a fabulous morning for sister and I 

to spend some quality time together.

Here, she is putting her flag into her 

choice for favorite hanging basket.

Afterwards, we went for lunch AND ice cream!

I can't wait for her to retire!

A gentleman from Proven Winners was in a booth,

showing off one of their latest projects.

This planting pot looks like plastic,

but it is actually plant-based.

The whole kit-and-kaboodle can be planted,

or it can be composted and will decompose on its own.

Everyone who attended was gifted a petunia

planted in one of these pots.

It was a bit of walking, 

but we were able to take our time.

What an enjoyable experience.

One I hope we can repeat annually.

Have you ever been to a trial garden event?

Going Local-Cotton Ginning Days

 

A couple of months ago,

we ventured out to a local event.

(I'm a little behind on posting this because of technical difficulties.)

The Cotton Ginning Days Festival was held

in a nearby town and is an annual event.

Cotton is still one of the main crops grown here

in the Piedmont of North Carolina.

Here's a great article on cotton's importance in our state.

The Cotton Ginning Days Festival is held on the 2nd weekend in October each year.

This fair is a joint effort between the Gastonia Parks and Rec Department,

and the Gaston Agriculture, Mechanical, & Textile Restoration Association (GAMTRA).

There were many antique machines on display.

They are maintained by their owners

and are kept in working order.

Old time skills are featured in some of the buildings.

These two gentlemen were forging in the ironworks shed.

This festival is a celebration of the way things were done in the 1900's.

A pioneer village is on display,

with original buildings.

Of course, no heritage festival would be complete

without tractors.

These workhorses were the key to successful farming.

They are still admired by many,

but their only work now is showing off in the tractor parade.

One of our favorite parts of the festival

was the flea market area.

This so reminded us of our beloved 

Florida Flywheelers back in Central Florida,

that we visited several times a year.

Look at this handy cart.

Wouldn't it be fun to ride around the neighborhood on this?

And would you look at this sled?

I was so tempted to get it,

even though I'm fairly sure

I'd break something using it.

The icing on the cake was this cute lil' coffee bar.

What a perfect way to spend the morning,

and a cup of joe made it even better.

This is one festival we plan on revisiting next year.

Mundy House Craft Show

 

This weekend the weather was perfect for an indoor craft show.

One that we've been enjoying for a few years now

is the Christmas Market  hosted by

the Community Garden Club of Eastern Lincoln County and

The East Lincoln Historical Society.

The event is held at the historic Mundy House,

which is a restored farmhouse from the 1800's.

You can read more about the house and garden here.

The fair offered a wonderful display of handcrafted items

from local artists.

This booth held delightful figurines and holiday decor

by Squirrel's Nest.

Joni Prew is the creator and she can be reached at

704-779-6263 or jprew@bellsouth.net.

These gorgeous hand painted silk scarves are a labor of love.

Nancy Zethof explained the process to me, and I was astounded

at the time commitment required to fashion these one of a kind scarves.

Each masterpiece is oh-so soft and would enhance any outfit.

If you're looking for a truly custom gift idea,

contact Nancy at 704-777-3617 or gmae3993@gmail.com.

Bobbie Black has a wide selection of beautifully hand made pottery.

Her creativity shines in every piece she creates.

Please feel free to visit her website here.

You might find something you can't live without!

The best surprise of the morning awaited me at the next booth.

Big K and I were admiring these festive items and noticed

that many of the components had been upcycled.

Right up our alley, right?

We came to find out that the gentleman responsible for these whimsical pieces,

is our straw provider.

He lives a few miles from our home and is a humble farmer.

Who knew he had such an amazing gift for art?

Mr. Emmet and Mrs. Poole can be reached at 704-735-1033.

Another building on the property showcased holiday decor

fashioned by the volunteers from the garden club and historical society.

These items were constructed of mostly found articles on the property.

What a wonderful way to spend a cold, autumn morning

while supporting the local community.

This is one of my favorite craft shows,

and there is always something sure to please.

Who doesn't love a handmade gift?

Going Local-The Bradford Market

 

A couple of weeks ago,

sister and I ventured to a new

"off-the-beaten path" place.

Another friend had mentioned it in passing,

but it sounded right up our alley,

so we decided to visit.

It turned out to be only minutes

from sister's home in Concord.

The Bradford Market has been in business

for over 100 years.

They proudly carry only local products

of the highest quality.

This includes homemade items from local artisans,

farmers and small businesses.

This building, which houses the bookstore,

is a cabin that surely must have seen many changes.

Shelves of books,

as well as locally made soaps, lotions and

other toiletry items were found

in this quaint little lodge.

On the day we visited,

the weather was quite lovely,

but couldn't you just imagine a roaring fire

warming customers as they perused titles?

The grounds are also home to a beautiful

garden, where one can stroll,

or enjoy a meal at one of the picnic tables.

A plan has been made to return when spring flowers

will be bursting forth with fresh blossoms.

We picked up a few plants from the nursery section

of the market.

There were so many unique items on display,

and sister and I both agree that we want

to return again and again

to support this local business.

The produce looked amazingly fresh 

and the bread and sweets had us drooling.

Another fabulous find

here in Central North Carolina.

It was wonderful to be able to venture out again

after several years of restricted outings.

And getting to spend the day with one of my favorite people,

what a blessing.

Going Local-Two Shelby Museums

 

 Greetings!

It's been a while since we've featured some local attractions.

But then, it's been some time since we've gone anywhere.

With the last two years keeping us mostly home,

it felt good to get out and about again.

We headed to Shelby,

which is just southeast of our location,

to visit a couple of museums we've been wanting to visit.

 

 

The first place we stopped was the

International Lineman Museum.

 

This museum is dedicated to 

"Preserving the history of lineman

and the electrical utility industry".

There were rooms of equipment from all over the country.

 What an amazing display of materials they own.

We were totally mesmerized with the vintage pieces of apparatus.

 

 

Along with all of the equipment,

were displays explaining the job of a lineman,

including information about many of the hazards of the job.

A plaque out front honors those who have perished on the job.

 There were so many wonderful antiques,

and I couldn't help but think about

how some of these items could be repurposed for other uses.

With a little tweaking,

this would make a swanky chandelier.

 

The other museum that we've wanted to visit for ages, 

is the Earl Scruggs Center, right in the heart of Shelby.

Earl Scruggs, for those of you who may not know,

was one of the pioneers of bluegrass music.

His unique style of playing the banjo

has been replicated by many musicians.

 

The museum offers a self-guided tour,

including many interactive displays.

A gift shop where tickets can be purchased 

sits at the entrance,

and I couldn't help but treat myself

to a pair of banjo earrings!

After our tours, 

Big K and I found a great lil' bistro

and got some food to take home for lunch.

All in all, 

it was a fun morning and it felt great to be able to discover

such wonderful places,

just a hop, skip and a jump away.

 

More Going Local Posts:

 Asheville

 Catawba County Firefighter Museum

 Vending Machine Museum

Going Local-Burton Family Farms

 

Saturday was absolutely dreary,

but the bright spot in my day

was when sister came for a visit.

I gave her a tour of the homestead to get her up to speed

on all of the recent changes.

Then we headed into town to do a bit of browsing.

 

 

I'm not much of a shopper,

but anytime I get to spend with her is precious.

We paid a visit to Burton Farms General Store,

which is a family-owned business that carries lots of things to love.

If you'd like to learn more, here's their website.

 

There are quite a variety of foods to choose from,

everything from apples to zucchini and more.

The shelves are lined with locally made jams, preserves, and pickled items

as well as bulk beans, local honey and gifts galore.

 

Whenever possible, Burton's supports local farmers.

The strawberries were one of the most popular items when we were there.

 

There is someone giving out free samples,

which is always a hit with shoppers.

 

Along with all the delicious goodies of which to partake,

there might be something your garden is missing.

Potted plants, flats of seedlings and yard art

are some of the items featured at the shop.

 

Even on the dreariest of days,

it is a fun place to amble through.

Give yourself plenty of time to peruse the offerings

and you may find your spirits just a bit cheerier.

 Although we haven't been venturing far over the last year,

it felt good to be able to get out there and enjoy some bff time.

We still have a ways to go, 

but we are getting closer to having more getaways.

Any time spent with sister is time well spent.