The passing of Adam Petty was a premature death of the 4th generation of professional race car drivers. Adam Petty is a son, grandson, brother and friend, who had a heart of gold.
Victory Junction was built because of the dream Adam had while alive and well. Adam wanted a facility for terminally ill and disabled children to enjoy while being outside of their homes and hospitals. Victory Junction honors a young man and helped the bereaved family mourn the loss of their eldest son.
One cannot miss the entrance of the facility with the water tower resembling a hot air balloon.
The entrance building was bright and inviting. The staff ensures visitors are free of germs and sickness before entering.
There was no mistaking who is being honored at this facility.
Erin, the development coordinator stated that Adam is everywhere and she meant it.
The statue of a lion was brought in this past year by Adam’s grandfather, Richard Petty.
To me, the lion symbolizes strength.
The treehouse is not your typical backyard elevated play area.
This serene made-made lake is stocked with regularly fed fish. The motto is “Catch, Kiss and Release.”
This area was my favorite stop, the Larry & Hannah Johnson Spiritual Center.
Beautifully landscaped with a large pergola opening up to the stars.
The view is breathtaking.
The interior of the spiritual center has a very calming ambiance.
The stain glass window only contributes to the spirit of this place.
The sleeping quarters for all are very colorful.
Of the 12,000 children who visited Victory Junction since the opening, 12 have passed on. In their honor, weeping cherry trees are planted within the grounds of Victory Junction.
There is much more than what is posted here. Tours are available by inquiring through email at mwilbur@vistoryjunction.org.
Believe me, there is a way all of us can help to keep the camp thriving. Even through volunteering, sewing, or donating costumes to name a few.
Thank you Victory Junction and you are remembered Adam.
Diana Gardner-Williams
Landscape Design and Installation
Posted in Greensboro Gardens | Tagged adam petty, Greensboro, kyle petty, NC, Pattie Petty, Randleman, Victory Junction | Leave a Comment »
Divine Weddings and Beyond™ are giving away $100 every month to one engaged woman of the Piedmont Triad Area.
Divine Weddings and Beyond™ are looking for wedding related retail shops to display these beautiful bags within their facility. The bags contain:
- A Divine Weddings and Beyond™ Brochure
- A Bridal Registration Card
- And a drop slot on the front of the bag to insert Registration Cards for a chance at winning $100 cash
Suggested shops we are looking for (not limited to):
- Diamond Jewelers
- Wedding Gown Shops
- Formal Wear
- Tuxedo Shops
- Wedding Venues (allowing outside caterers)
- Wineries
- Hair Accessories/Veils
This is a win/win/win. The bride could win $100/The retail shop could have one happy bride and have an additional link to the internet on dianadigsdirt-blog/and Divine Weddings and Beyond™ receive exposure with a professionally designed promotional piece.
The registration slips will be collected twice a month for a drawing once per month.
Let us market the chance to win $100 by telling our newly engaged couples where your store is located in order to register. All you have to do is place the beautiful bag on a visible counter or we can construct a gorgeous shelf for your wall.
Our next Wedding Event is scheduled for
April 29th 5-8PM at the Emerald Event Center
Benefiting
Friends for an Earlier Breast Cancer Test
More Information Regarding Wedding Fashion Show
See you there!
Diana Gardner-Williams
Divine Weddings and Beyond™
Landscape Design and Installation
Posted in Divine Weddings and Beyond, Events, Weddings | Tagged Diana Digs Dirt, Diana Gardner-Williams, Divine Weddings and Beyond, engaged, Events, Friends for an Earlier Breast Cancer Test, Greensboro, landscape companies, NC, North Carolina, piedmont triad, wedding fashion show, Weddings | Leave a Comment »
The wedding fashion show was free to the public and participating bridal vendors of the Piedmont Triad Area.
Divine Weddings and Beyond were happy to sponsor their first event, helping to raise money for Friends for an Earlier Breast Cancer Test.
Divine Weddings and Beyond™ consists of:
We had the pleasure of having Stacia Harrington Photography document our event with gorgeous pictures.
The event consisted of:
- Short workshops provided by Divine Weddings and Beyond™
- Fashion show including wedding gowns, rehearsal dinner and bridal shower dresses, bridesmaid and mother of the bride gowns
- Cake tasting
- $3 glasses of wine
- Door prizes including shrubs, make overs and more
- A Grand Prize of $1000 worth of products and services for one lucky bride
- Picture taking in a photo booth
Donations were collected at the registration desk for Friends for an Earlier Breast Cancer Test.
The fashion show was made possible by the volunteer models and local bridal and consignment shops.
Smiles for everyone.
Fun, Fun, Fun.
Just Perfect.
What a beautiful bridesmaid.
The gowns were exquisite.
The models strolled through a custom designed arbor and adorned with plants, flowers and foliage for any wedding occasion. This permanent structure would complement most landscapes and used for many other festivities at the home.
Other vendors that made this event possible were:
We are looking forward to another successful event to raise additional funds for Friends.
April 29th at the Emerald Event Center
from 5-8 on a Thursday evening
BRIDES, you don’t want to miss this grand prize, a princesses dream!
Those models interested in participating in our next wedding fashion show, please contact Nancy Briggs at nbriggs@callcoverage.com
Those vendors interested in reserving a vendor booth, please contact Diana Gardner-Williams at diana@justacloudaway.com
Those bridal, bridesmaid, mother of the bride, second marriage gowns and tuxedo shops interested in showcasing their merchandise, please contact John Haskins or Clayton Halls at John@friendlyneighborhooddj.com or defeatthefat@gmail.com.
Those wedding vendors interested in learning more on how to become a Divine Weddings and Beyond member, please contact Kari Sells or Betsy Goforth at ksells@centralfloralgardens.com, goforthtravel@mindspring.com for more information.
Happy Planting!
Diana Gardner-Williams
Divine Weddings and Beyond™
Posted in Divine Weddings and Beyond, Events, Wedding Ideas, Weddings | Tagged NC, landscape design, White Flowers, affordable ideas, Diana Gardner-Williams, landscape companies, Pergolas, North Carolina, centerpieces, Weddings, wedding flowers, rehearsal dinners, brides, Divine Weddings and Beyond, Diana Digs Dirt, piedmont triad, Piedmont wedding shows | Leave a Comment »
-Press Release-For Immediate Release
New Triad Paper Embraces Death, Grief and Memorials
Just a Cloud Away, Inc. ™ Journal, reporting on “Hope”
Diana Gardner-Williams, a bereaved mother of Liberty, NC founded Just a Cloud Away, Inc. ™ after the stillbirth of her first baby, Tanner Lee in 2003. The support website and products have helped grieving families of pregnancy and infant loss for over 2 years. More than a hundred heartfelt stories of loss, love and hope are posted on “Love Talk” blog at www.justacloudaway.com by bereaved parents whose hearts and dreams are shattered forever.
Diana Gardner-Williams will publish a full color, free monthly paper titled, “Just a Cloud Away, Inc. ™ Journal”. Topics will cover surviving the loss of a loved one, pregnancy or pet. Personal stories of grief, the healing power of hope and the various ways love is expressed through the creation of memorials will be documented by interviews and photographs.
“Death is a natural part of life, but we don’t have to walk in the valley of darkness alone”, says Mrs. Gardner-Williams.
Just a Cloud Away, Inc. ™ Journal will provide local information regarding healthy living and planning, grief support after the loss of a loved one, pregnancy or pet, the various roads to healing and memorials created, capturing their legacy. Local support groups are listed on the “Support” page found on “Love Talk” blog at www.justacloudaway.com. Mrs. Gardner-Williams is a certified Landscape Designer who created a reflective memory garden after the death of her baby. Ideas on memory gardens can be found on the blog at www.dianadigsdirt.com.
The Just a Cloud Away, Inc. ™ Journal will be distributed to funeral homes, florists, waiting rooms, coffee shops, animal hospitals, nursing homes and churches. The first issue will arrive early February 2010. Other venues interested in carrying the journals should contact Diana Gardner-Williams at Diana@justacloudaway.com.
-END-
Posted in Greensboro Gardens, Memory Garden Design | Tagged Diana Gardner-Williams, just a cloud away, landscape companies, Landscape Consultations, landscape design, memorials, miscarriage, NC, piedmont triad, pregnancy loss, Saint PiusX Church | Leave a Comment »
Jennifer Nichols of Clapps Nursing Center in Pleasant Garden was looking for volunteers to head up a few activities for the residents. So we made a date and it was one of the best dates I’ve had in a long time.
The prior month I collected some of my favorite foliage from maple, sassafras, and fig trees, rose and euonymous leaves.The autumn colors were in their prime with gorgeous red, green and yellow autumn striations. I pressed the foliage between wax paper and placed 30 pounds of books on top for a few weeks. Then packed up my leaves and card making supplies and headed to the nursing home.
Holiday Card Making is a wonderful craft for everyone. There is no right way, it’s created from the heart and to me, a great stress reliever. The residents seemed as excited as I was to be there.
Fortunately, I had the help of two staff members to assist with cutting, printing, glueing and glittering. The artwork was all very unique and just beautiful.
They selected their favorite pressed leaves, paper and glitter color. Also suggesting the words for the inside of the cards.
Janie loved the glitter.
Fabulous.
There was one fellow named Gene, who took an interest in the craft and created a masterpiece.
All so different.
A pretty blue.
I love the tiny euonymous leaves.
Their family and friends will receive an extra special card this holiday season. Thank you for having me:)
Happy Planting! www.dianadigsdirt.com
Diana Gardner-Williams
Landscape Design and Installation
Posted in Crafts, Events, Favorite Plants | Tagged Diana Digs Dirt, Diana Gardner-Williams, dried flowers, Greensboro, landscaping companies, North Carolina, piedmont triad | Leave a Comment »
September 22, 2009 by Diana Gardner-Williams
Divine Weddings and Beyond™ are looking for people in the Piedmont Triad Area interested in beautiful landscapes, magical photography, fine wine, wedding vendors, and brides. Families touched by breast cancer are also encouraged to attend and pink will be one of the dominant colors of the event.
October 8th from 3-8pm Divine Weddings and Beyond™ are hosting a free event recognizing Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Donations will be collected at the door and the workshop, fashion show, cake and wine tasting will be well worth the drive to the Emerald Event Center, 2000 East Wendover Ave.
Landscaping is not something a bride typically thinks about the minute her boyfriend proposes. Just think, most brides get ready for the ceremony at the home of the parents, her home or another residence. The landscape outside this home can reflect the style, color or theme of the wedding.
This photogenic backdrop or vignette is the perfect complement to a wedding reception held in an old world structure with wedding bouquets filled with ivory colored roses or hydrangeas.
I will demonstrate how to use affordable tricks to enhance your backdrop so the photographer will not have to search high and low for the perfect ambiance. you will be surprised at all the things mother nature has to offer brides.
Garden wedding swags are incredibly easy to assemble and add such charm to trees, pergolas, lamp posts or columns.
The season of your wedding has a large influence on decorations, flowers or themes. An autumn wedding could definitely utilize rusty colored toule, rich earthy flowers or foliage and berries of deep crimson.
I look forward to the Divine Weddings and Beyond™ Workshop and hope you will join us by wearing something pink in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. More information.
Happy Planting from Divine Weddings and Beyond™
Diana Gardner-Williams www.dianadigsdirt.com
Landscape Design and Installation
Posted in Divine Weddings and Beyond, Events, Landscape Design Ideas, Wedding Ideas, Weddings | Tagged brides, bridesmaid dresses, Diana Digs Dirt, Diana Gardner-Williams, Divine Weddings and Beyond, Events, Greensboro, landscaping companies, landscaping ideas, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Photographs, piedmont triad, wedding flowers, Wedding Ideas, wedding photography, wedding reception, Weddings | Leave a Comment »
September 16, 2009 by Diana Gardner-Williams
Where do most brides get ready before the wedding ceremony? Usually it is in the comfort of a home. If you plan ahead, the spring-blooming flowers within the landscape can compliment your wedding photographs.
If your bridesmaid gowns are a pale pink, try planting bulbs, shrubs, trees or perennials to compliment your bridesmaid dresses or wedding bouquets.
Pink azaleas come in so many different shades, you are bound to find a variety to match your bridesmaid dresses.
The Eastern Redbud Tree is fabulous in bloom. The flowers emerge before the foliage. What a delicate backdrop for your wedding photography.
Another great tree for spring blooms is the Yoshino Cherry Tree. This specimen tree has those fairy tale qualities many brides look for.
If the gowns are pale pink, purple landscape flowers are next to each other on the color wheel called harmonious or analogous colors. Creeping phlox below explode with color in the spring. Try laying on this perennial for a smashing wedding picture.
Ajuga is another beautiful spring-blooming perennial with purple spikes.
A soft salmon-colored gown is great for a spring bridesmaid dress.
Did you know that Daffodils come in colors other than white, yellow and orange? Daffodil bulbs to harmonize with salmon dresses are Vie en Rose, Elizabeth Ann, Fidelity, Salome, and Palmares.
Please consult with a professional landscape designer to determine exactly when the flowering plants bloom. Some are earlier than others and some have a longer bloom period.
Divine Weddings and Beyond will be hosting a Wedding Fashion Show and Workshop on October 8th 2009 at the Emerald Event Center from 3-8. This is a free event and donations will be accepted at the door for Breast Cancer Awareness month.
I will be giving a workshop of how to spruce up your landscape to provide a gorgeous backdrop for wedding photography.
Diana Gardner-Williams
Divine Weddings and Beyond™
Landscape Design and Installation
Posted in Divine Weddings and Beyond, Events, Greensboro Gardens, Landscape Design Ideas, Wedding Ideas, Weddings | Tagged bridesmaid dresses, bulbs, daffoldils, Diana Digs Dirt, Diana Gardner-Williams, landscape design, landscaping companies, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, spring flowers, wedding bouquets, wedding ceremony, wedding flowers, wedding photography | 1 Comment »
Piedmont Triad brides, bridesmaids and mothers of these beautiful brides are invited to an event 1st of its kind, right here in Greensboro. Please review the invitation below. Yes, the grand prize is $1000 worth of products and services you will eventually need. The facility will be set up like an actual wedding to create the perfect ambiance for a wedding fashion show.
For wedding vendors and wedding publications-please RSVP ASAP. We ask that you arrive between 2:30 and 3 and bring businesses cards for your tables. Since many of you have products, feel free to carry a basket to distribute items to the brides. Please remember to bring a donation for Breast Cancer Awareness. Looking forward to a great event and meeting all of you!
More information located here.
Diana Gardner-Williams www.dianadigsdirt.com
Divine Weddings and Beyond™
Landscape Design and Installation
Posted in Divine Weddings and Beyond, Events, Wedding Ideas, Weddings | Tagged brides, bridesmaid dresses, Divine Weddings and Beyond, fashion show, free landscape ideas, free wedding ideas, Greensboro, landscaping companies, mother of the brides, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, North Carolina, piedmont triad, piedmont triad weddings, wedding event, wedding gowns, Wedding Ideas, Weddings, wine tasting | 2 Comments »
September is here and so are the cooler temperatures. So there are no excuses why a few hours cannot be dedicated to your lovely landscape.
Your grass may be looking a little on the brown side. It is OK if you did not waste the Greensboro water supply to keep your lawn lush and green. Grass is the most affordable sacrifice. The shrubs and trees are where the water needs to be applied. Aerating the lawn will break up the soil surface allowing oxygen and water to enter the compacted soil. Once aerated, the fertilizer will be able to reach the grass roots with ease.
If you are struggling with the same patch of lawn that refuses to grow grass, turn it into a plant bed. Why fight it.
While you are fertilizing, purchase a fertilizer high in Phosphorus (middle number on the bag) for your garden mums and Helleborus.
Mums are blooming now and Helleborus will bloom in winter when little is happening in the landscape.
Helleborus are the cream colored flowers pictured in the front. They bloom from February to April.
September is also the perfect time to plant perennials because the temperatures are cooler and there is plenty of time for roots to establish.
Keep harvesting your basil. this herb will produce leaves until the first frost.
This is the time to select your spring blooming bulbs for planting next month. Have a plan first because these are definitely show stoppers and a breath of sweetness after a long winter.
Apply compost or another organic fertilizer (bonemeal, bloodmeal, fish emulsion) along with the bulbs for a grandiose flower display come spring.
September is a great month to play in the garden.
Happy Planting!! www.dianadigsdirt.com
Diana Gardner-Williams
Landscape Design and Installation
Posted in Greensboro Gardens, Landscape Design Ideas | Tagged compost, Diana Digs Dirt, Diana Gardner-Williams, Greensboro, Helleborus, landscape design, landscape maintenance, landscaping companies, landscaping tips, North Carolina, september | 1 Comment »
Part 4 of the office transformation. I will really stress that I am one who truly recycles and love every moment of it. Below is an eyelet bed skirt from a second hand store. This is perfect for the romantic shabby chic cottage style room I am trying to achieve.
Another treasure I found was a piece of furniture for $15 at another second hand store.
It just had to be cleaned up and a light coat of white spray paint was applied.
This piece was sitting on the side of the road with broken glass everywhere. I saw the legs and had to have it.
My interior designer, Kasey Stamey selected the primary floral fabric for the room pictured below.
I found a secondary fabric, again at a second hand store. This smaller print of the same color palette will offer variety without overpower the main fabric.
I will probably drape this fabric across the piece of furniture from the side of the road to dress up a bit.
Since we are on the subject of roadside trash, I found several windows screaming for me to pick up.
I cleaned them right up and no extra paint was needed. I did apply paint to one side of the windows. On the opposite side, the primary fabric was applied.
There are 2 functions of the window hanging where it is. First, to divide the room in 2 distinct sections, guest room and office. The second function would be to hide the catch all desk behind it. We all need a spot for our junk to be dealt with at another time.
On to part 5
Happy Planting!! www.dianadigsdirt.com
Diana Gardner-Williams
Landscape Design and Installation
Posted in Before and After, Crafts, Interior Rooms | Tagged cottage, Diana Digs Dirt, Diana Gardner-Williams, interior designer, Interior Rooms, kasey stamey, landscape companies, office, recycled furniture, recycling, romantic rooms, second hand store, shabby chic | Leave a Comment »
Older Posts »
