Several years ago, I was driving toward Pittsboro, taking a country road rather than a highway. As I was going about 45 mph (because White Cross Road at the county line is fairly twisty), I saw a tall grotesque looking over the bushes. As I drew even with it, I spotted its partner. They appeared to guarding the entrance to a drive, which had a chain across it.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/adK8gXuLG1RkncBu6

I drove passed there recently and it occured to me that you might think they’re fun. So, I went back to get some pictures.

A little digging around had led me to this article:

https://www.magnoliasociety.org/2018-Meeting-Schedule

“Tom Krenitsky’s garden is actually located in Chatham County, but the address is Whitecross Road, Chapel Hill, NC. The name “Krensica Arboretum” is engraved in granite at the entrance. The 83-acre (34-ha) landscaped garden on rolling hills showcases natural stone outcrops, vistas, a creek, two ponds, statuary, a walled garden and plenty of magnolias. Since Tom is a keen amateur magnolia breeder, you will see the results of his efforts, including many hybrids with Magnolia tamaulipana.”

You can see magnolia trees behind the brush growing along the road, if you know to look for them.