Category Archives: Featured

Sweet autumn clematis charms, but NC experts say avoid it

Sweet autumn clematis charms, but NC experts say avoid it

I must say that I have rarely written an article about a plant I like but I don’t recommend for WPTF Weekend Gardener listeners. Sweet Autumn Clematis(Clematis teriflira) or Japanese Clematis is an exception. Sweet Autumn Clematis is actually in the Buttercup family. It does not act like one however. It is a master at spreading and surviving once its roots are established. It is very invasive and NC State doesn’t recommend that you plant this vine. The North Carolina Invasive Plant Council feels the same way. I don’t even know where you can buy this plant now. It is purported to be poisonous too. That being said, when I see it blooming in my yard and especially along the roadside in late August into September, I know fall is on the way and I love fall and winter.… Continue Reading

Furry Friday: Meet Love!

Furry Friday: Meet Love!

Love’s got a big name and an even bigger personality! During doggie playgroups, we learned that Love may not be every dog’s cup of tea, but she’s 100% unforgettable. This bold, confident girl came out swinging—or wiggling—with big energy and zero hesitation. In a group setting, she found a little chemistry with fellow goofball male,…… Continue Reading

Red and black chokeberries thrive in North Carolina landscapes

Red and black chokeberries thrive in North Carolina landscapes

Red Chokeberry (Aronia arbutifolia) and Black Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) are versatile shrubs native to North Carolina. I have seen many of the red varieties, while black varieties have never shown up in my path. They are similar however, with obviously, the main difference, the color of the berries. In addition, the red has a more upright and slender shape preferring moist soil, while the black are more tolerant of various soil conditions. The berries of the black varieties usually drop in summer while the berries of the red varieties last until winter. Otherwise the two types are much alike. The flowers, of course, come in the spring and with the help of pollinators, make these small berries.… Continue Reading

Furry Friday: Meet Bobby!

Furry Friday: Meet Bobby!

Bobby is still very much a big, lovable puppy with a heart full of curiosity and a nose for adventure. He’s got medium energy and gets excited for outings—so don’t be surprised if he gets a little jumpy when the leash comes out. But once he’s outside and away from the chaos of the shelter,…… Continue Reading

Bottlebrush blooms, fall color make Clethra a versatile shrub

Bottlebrush blooms, fall color make Clethra a versatile shrub

I have many different species of plants in my landscape. However, I do not own a “Clethra alnifolia” or “sweet pepper bush” or “summersweet”. I bet if I were to ask brother Rufus if he planted one in his historic yard, he would say yes. Clethra is a native plant to Eastern North America including North Carolina of course. My expert friends on the Weekend Gardener tell us that Clethra is a choice shrub for the Tar Heel state’s growing conditions.… Continue Reading

Furry Friday: Meet Delilah!

Furry Friday: Meet Delilah!

Delilah is very much a puppy with a lot of energy! She is still learning manners & can be rough when playing with other dogs. Delilah is crate & potty trained, & can be a bit scared in new situations. Delilah is heartworm positive & not a good fit for young kids or small animals.…… Continue Reading

Furry Friday: Meet King!

Furry Friday: Meet King!

Meet King, the goofy, high-energy pup who will have you laughing and maybe even questioning who’s really in charge-spoiler alert: it’s not him! King’s hobbies include playing fetch, roughhousing with his dog buddies, and giving out endless kisses. He’s still got some puppy energy in him, so prepare for a ton of fun! In his…… Continue Reading

Find zen in your garden with zinnias

Find zen in your garden with zinnias

My mother-in-law, Jean Reeves, was smart, hard-working, industrious, caring and pretty. She loved gardening, and taught her equally pretty daughters about vegetables and flowers and how they co-exist in nature. When I fell in love with Melissa, I also fell in love with her parents’ extraordinary and expansive dairy farm. The vegetable garden was always spacious, pristine and yummy. Jean’s talent for growing flowers was equally as impressive. Her sizable zinnia garden was memorable for the vivid colors. I think a low flying plane would have flown around to get another look.… Continue Reading

‘Naked lady’ spider lilies bring surprise blooms

‘Naked lady’ spider lilies bring surprise blooms

Every regular co-host on the WPTF Weekend Gardener has discussed with delight, at one time or another, the attributes of the “naked lady” spider lily or Lycoris radiate. I have read that the name “Lycorus” refers to the mistress of the Roman leader Mark Anthony. Of course, there are other names for this popular bulb: “Cluster amaryllis”, “Equinox flower”, “Hurricane lilies”, “Magic lily”, “Resurrection lily”, and “Surprise lily”. Yes, this extraordinary perennial bulb is in the amaryllis family and is a native of China, Korea and Japan, but there are varieties that are native to the southeastern U.S. including North Carolina. … Continue Reading

Salvia: A colorful, hardy favorite for Carolina gardens

Salvia: A colorful, hardy favorite for Carolina gardens

Everyone should have some type of salvia in their landscape. Sage advice, I must say, if you like puns that is! Salvia also is known for its medicinal qualities for oral health, digestion problems and cognitive issues. I for one have never considered eating salvia. Sage is, of course, considered a culinary herb, so I suppose I have eaten some over the years. There are over a thousand salvia species and just as many cultivars and hybrids. Just like several plants I have in my yard, salvia is part of the mint family. Most salvia flowers don’t have fragrance, however their foliage does. Salvia is also a pollinator favorite.… Continue Reading

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