Pansies on the Square

We’ve lived in McKinney for 48 years. It was a sleepy little county seat of 15,000 when we got here. The latest signs we’ve seen now say there are 230,000 of us. The highways would confirm it. But for the most part we love what’s happened to McKinney, most especially our historic Square surrounded by bustling shops, restaurants of all types, venues, and fun.

That said, our grandkids still like to go back to their old favorites, and several of them are on the Square, like Spoons. As Lynn and I left Spoons that day I noticed some especially lovely pansies growing in rail planters across the street at another popular eatery, Cadillac Pizza. It was late afternoon and the shadows were long, so I made note to come back the next morning.

The days kept slipping away until yesterday we finally drove in so I could get my photos. “Surely no places will be open on New Year’s Day,” I told Lynn. But Spoons was. For those great breakfasts they serve all day.

Nonetheless I was able get a good sampling of photos.

The street is punctuated with pots filled with ornamental kale and more of the pansies along with Leyland cypress for temporary greenery. It makes for a lovely winter look.
Here’s the full photo of those glorious pansies at Cadillac Pizza. They actually have several of these wall pots hanging around the outdoor patio. Click image for larger view.
In examining the pansies closely I noticed a classy little plastic sign for the company that obviously supplies these plants to Cadillac Pizza and I’m guessing to other parts of the Square. They are readysetgrowtexas.com. Look ‘em up online. It’s a great concept that’s been executed quite well. For the record, I do not know them, but I already admire them.

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Interesting note of some importance…
McKinney, as of January 1, had not received a killing freeze. In almost half a century of living here (northeast of DFW) I can’t remember that ever being the case before. That’s going to change very rapidly in the next few days, but that’s alright. Our plants need to harden to be ready for what could lie ahead.

Lantanas are among our first plants to go down with a killing freeze. This plant is growing across the street from Cadillac Pizza in front of the old prison venue. It’s in its last days for this season, but odds are it will be back from its roots come spring.

I’ll close with a couple of our favorite murals from that side of our town. First is the one you’ll see from the parking lot behind Cadillac Pizza (behind the police substation).

McKinney prides itself as being “Unique by Nature.” As growth continues, that’s more and more difficult, but you can see our history and our roots in this lovely mural on the north side of the parking lot. Click image for larger view.
One of our favorite murals as we drive south out of the Square. We’ve just passed Spoons on the left and Cadillac Pizza on the right and this super-creative piece of artwork pops up. Click image for larger view.

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If you’re from McKinney, celebrate your good fortune. If you’re a visitor, welcome. Prowl around and have a great time.

Click image for larger view.

Oh, and here’s our church. First United Methodist, just two blocks northwest of the Square at 315 N. Church St. Ask anyone in Spoons or Cadillac Pizza if they know Pastor Tommy and watch them smile. Sunday services at 8, 9, 10:05, and 11:10. Details at sharingtheheart.org.

Posted by Neil Sperry
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