Furry Friday: Meet Rowdy!
Don’t let his distinguished grey face fool you – 7-year-old Rowdy still has plenty of pep in his step and a whole lot of love for adventure! This handsome boy is full of energy and curiosity. He’s easy to collar and walks right by the other dogs without a care, ready to get going, explore,…… Continue Reading
Black-Eyed Susan: A Cheerful Bloom From North Carolina to Norway
Black-eyed Susan may be native to North Carolina, but its golden blooms have found their way around the world—even to the hills of Norway, where I recently spotted them thriving among the snow-capped peaks. Hardy, cheerful, and largely unbothered by pests, this adaptable member of the sunflower family brightens up gardens from summer through fall. It’s beloved not just by gardeners, but by pollinators like bees and butterflies—and come autumn, even finches stop by for a snack. Whether you’re planting in clay or sand, sun or part shade, Black-eyed Susan earns its place with easy care and sunny disposition.… Continue Reading
Furry Friday: Meet Marsha!
Marsha is already spayed and READY TO GO HOME!! She was recently adopted and returned due to the adopter stating she was not a good fit – she was stronger on leash than expected. She was reactive when passing other dogs or cats on a walk. She loves squeaky toys and playing fetch. She loves…… Continue Reading
Furry Friday: Meet Grape!
Do you like low key? I’m the lowest key. Do you like a snuggle buddy when you sleep or hang out on the couch? I’m the snuggliest. Do you like dogs that talk to you? I can be chatty when I want something. Do you like dogs that like to play fetch or tug of…… Continue Reading
Serviceberry: A little-known native tree that birds (and gardeners) love
RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) – Many years ago, my family and I were visiting relatives in Ohio in early April. On the way back home it snowed, although it did not stick to the roads. It stopped snowing as we were coming down Fancy Gap mountain on the Virginia-North Carolina border, just north of Mount Airy. I have vivid memories of a tree with white blooms that caught my eye. It was a Serviceberry (Amelanchier) which is in the rose family. It is also called Shadbush, Shadblow, Juneberry, and Sugarplum. Native to all three regions of North Carolina and I had never seen one, so I read up on it and asked my “WPTF Weekend Gardener” co-host Anne Clapp about this interesting tree.… Continue Reading
Furry Friday: Meet Shakka!
Meet Shakka: The Shy Guy Who Turns Into a Playtime Superstar! Shakka’s story hasn’t been the easiest-after a rough start in life and a foster home that didn’t work out (turns out cats aren’t his thing), this 2.5-year-old boy has been patiently waiting for his chance to shine. He’s a little shy and scared in…… Continue Reading
Furry Friday: Meet Raya!
Meet Raya! This sweet, sweet girl is looking for a calm home that can provide a safe space to decompress while she adjusts to a new family. Raya came to us very, very scared and has made HUGE strides. She is not reactive or aggressive- she just needs some time and space to feel comfortable…… Continue Reading
Furry Friday: Meet Gotti!
Gotti is already neutered and READY TO GO HOME TODAY!!!! This lovable mature pup had a rough life, but his story is one of resilience and hope. Thanks to his foster family, he has learned what it is like to feel love and safety. He is full of love and potential. With the right family,…… Continue Reading
Longtime WRAL anchor Charlie Gaddy dies at 93
RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) — Charlie Gaddy, one of North Carolina’s most recognizable broadcasters and a longtime anchor on WRAL-TV, has died at age 93. Before beginning his television career, Gaddy worked for a time at WPTF, the flagship station of the North Carolina News Network. In a 2024 interview marking WPTF’s 100th anniversary, he recalled the early days of local radio programming, including a show called Ask Your Neighbor.… Continue Reading
From Ditch Lilies to Showstoppers: Growing Daylilies in North Carolina
Our loyal Weekend Gardener listener and friend Steve is the pot master of the universe when it comes to daylilies (Hemerocallis). You may have heard them referred to as “ditch lilies. These perennials originated in China. I must say though, they just love the climate here in North Carolina. There are over 60-thousand varieties with lots of colors from pale yellow to pink to lavender to maroon. They are extremely popular in North Carolina and there are active daylily clubs all over the state including Raleigh. Our friend Steve’s club meets at the Ralston Arboretum. Once upon a time Rufus entered a daylily from his landscape in the club’s marvelous show and won a blue ribbon. You would have thought he had been handed the Nobel prize.… Continue Reading