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
Furry Friday: Meet Myers!
Myers is an 87-pound delight who bursts with joy the moment he meets another dog. During playgroup, he showed off his bouncy, ebullient side-jumping high, crouching low into deep play bows, and having the absolute time of his life! Watching him play will bring a smile to your face, no doubt about it. He’s even…… Continue Reading
Furry Friday: Meet Maple!
Meet Maple, the sweet and friendly explorer! She’s got a little bit of everything-quick bursts of energy and fancy footwork, followed by some serious yard sniffing (hey, someone’s gotta investigate the backyard, right?). While she didn’t quite dive into full play mode this time, we’re excited to see how she does in future sessions. Maple’s…… Continue Reading
Furry Friday: Meet Franklin!
Franklyn is a one year old, medium energy boy! He gets excited when you come to his kennel, but volunteers say he is easy to collar and walk on the leash. He does pull at times, especially when he’s caught a scent and is on sniff patrol! During doggie playgroups, Franklyn paired up nicely with…… Continue Reading
Meet Illicium: A Shade-Loving Shrub with Personality
I can remember a time when there were few shade-loving shrubs from which to choose for the North Carolina landscape. In the early years of the “Weekend Gardener,” Erv Evans or those who filled in for him, would primarily recommend: acubas, rhododendrons, azaleas, or hydrangeas. Now there are a plethora of woody plants for the darker areas of your yard. What I am building up to is the world of Illiciums or Illicium parviflorum, illicium floridanum and illicium parviflorum anise shrubs. The leaves of this species have a distinctively pleasant scent when crushed. Most people say it smells like licorice, which is not my favorite. However, I do think it has a unique fragrance. The flowers of the floridanum have another distinctive attribute. They are pretty, a red to maroon color with a raw fishy fragrance. Some say it smells like a wet dog. This odor is not apparent unless the flower is right up to your nose. The plant usually blooms in April and May.… Continue Reading