
Win a 4-Pack of Tickets to the N.C. State Fair!
MJ has 4-packs of N.C. State Fair tickets! Win by being the first person to correctly answer his Question Of The Day, weekdays just after 3 p.m.!… Continue Reading

See Taylor Swift’s “Life Of A Showgirl” for FREE!
The New Pulse FM’s Matt Murphy is hooking you up with 4-packs of tickets to see Taylor Swift’s “Life Of A Showgirl” at AMC Theaters. Win by playing his 7:10 a.m. Carpool Games!… Continue Reading

Furry Friday: Meet Marcy!
Meet Marcy, the dog who likes to play it cool, but also has a secret inner alpha ready to take charge! In her first doggie playgroup session, she was respectful and lowkey with her male play partner, primarily observing all the action. She was interested in playing, but definitely not into the rowdy antics. While…… Continue Reading

One year later, western North Carolina still recovers from Hurricane Helene
SPRUCE PINE, N.C. (NCN News) – One year after Hurricane Helene devastated western North Carolina, recovery continues across the mountains. The storm killed 108 people, caused more than 2,000 landslides and left businesses, roads and communities in ruins. While many restaurants, farms and attractions are reopening, most small businesses still have not returned to pre-Helene revenues. State officials say bipartisan support has brought new funding and infrastructure repairs, but rebuilding remains a long-term effort.… Continue Reading

Russian sage: Not from Russia, but perfect for NC gardens
I planted some Russian Sage (Salvia yangii) decades ago. Alas, I can’t remember when it faded into oblivion. It is really not native to Russia and hails from Central Asia, ie, Afghanistan, Tibet. The name derives from the genus of the plant which is “perovskia” and it was named for the Russian General V.A. Perovski in the 1800’s. I don’t know why, I suppose he was some sort of wise person or “sage”.… Continue Reading

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!
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 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!
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
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