2010-06 Friends and Roses

From 06-10 Roses at Lake Junaluska, NC

One of the delights we enjoyed while in Waynesville was the opportunity to spend a day with our friends and former neighbors from Lexington, SC - Hal and Beverly Zorn.  The Zorn's have a second home in the mountains near Waynesville - a great way to escape some of the summer heat in Lexington.  They invited us over for a visit.  They have a lovely home with a great view.

From 06-10 Roses at Lake Junaluska, NC

We also went for a ride around Waynesville to get their recommendations for good restaurants and places to visit.  A top recommendation was already a favorite of ours - Lake Junaluska. 

From 2010-06 Roses at Lake Junaluska

We stopped for a stroll along the lake at the section of the walkway lined with beautiful roses.  Here are just a few of the rose varieties we admired:

From 06-10 Roses at Lake Junaluska, NC

From 06-10 Roses at Lake Junaluska, NC

From 06-10 Roses at Lake Junaluska, NC

From 06-10 Roses at Lake Junaluska, NC

From 06-10 Roses at Lake Junaluska, NC

2010-06 Evening Primrose

Evening Primrose

From 2010-06 Evening Primrose

We are easy to entertain! 

We sometimes take a walk late in the evening shortly before sunset. One evening Bob, the manager of Creekwood RV Park, called to us to hurry over.  He pointed to a plant in his yard and told us it was just about to “pop open”.  Several others were already standing there watching.

From 2010-06 Evening Primrose

Bob explained that the flowers on this plant, which he thought was called a “Nicademus Plant”, would pop open in a matter of seconds.  The flowers open at night and only last for one day.  He and his wife had watched it for  the first time the night before, and thought it opened about 8:30pm.  We all stood there staring at the plant for about 15 minutes.   We began to think he had set us up for a joke  - “How long can I get these people to stand here staring at this silly bush?”.

However about 8:45pm the plant began to vibrate, and several leaves along the stem could be seen to move as if blown by a breeze.  Then sure enough, a yellow blossom petal popped out.

From 2010-06 Evening Primrose

Shortly afterward the four pedals of the green pod that enclosed the bloom, snapped down and the four yellow pedals of the bloom untwisted and opened.  The whole process only took a few seconds.  It was marvelous to see.

From 2010-06 Evening Primrose

Here are four of the blooms after they have opened.  All opened within a 5 to 10 minute period.

From 2010-06 Evening Primrose

I came back to the RV and did some internet research.  It turns out this is an Evening Primrose.  You might find it an interesting addition to your garden.

2010-06 Grove Arcade, Asheville, NC

From 2010-06 Grove Arcade

We spent an enjoyable day shopping at the Grove Arcade in downtown Asheville, NC.  We have been wanting to see the scenery along the Blue Ridge Parkway, but almost every day has been at least partially overcast and threatening rain.  So we have looked for some “inside” activities.  Thus our visit to the Grove Arcade.

Here is the brief description from the Grove Arcade website:
“Built by E.W. Grove, the visionary and creator of the Grove Park Inn, the Grove Arcade opened in 1929 and thrived until World War II as one of the country's leading public markets. The historically renovated Grove Arcade reopened to the public in 2002 as a destination featuring boutique shopping and exciting dining in a beloved downtown architectural wonder.”

There are shops on the first floor and offices and residential condo’s on the top two floors. The arcade is open to the glass covered ceiling allowing in bright natural light.

From 2010-06 Grove Arcade

We enjoyed wondering through the gift shops, such as this one with crafts by local North Carolina artists.

From 2010-06 Grove Arcade

We love baskets and were really taken with the baskets in one shop made by African Zulu women.  We bought a medium sized one for the RV.

From 2010-06 Grove Arcade

Various local artists have booths in stalls outside along the sidewalk. 

From 2010-06 Grove Arcade

One young man was selling terrariums.  Years ago I made a few terrariums for my Mother, Grandmother, etc.  So I was happy to see them again.  In fact that same day, there was an article in the NY Times about the resurgence of interest in terrariums.  We bought this tall one being held by Tristan.  He and his wife also sell paintings at the booth and are among the many fine artists living in the Asheville area.

From 2010-06 Grove Arcade

There are many other interesting shops and restaurants in the blocks nearby the Arcade.  The area is well worth a day’s visit.