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
Wet Nose Wednesday: Meet Blondie and Finnick!
Hey there, music lovers! I’m Blondie, a calm and melodious feline who’s ready to compose a beautiful friendship with you. Just like a gentle jazz tune, I bring a soothing rhythm to any home. I’m not just another cat – I’m a social butterfly who loves to harmonize with humans and even get along with…… 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
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
Madison Interviews Food Network Star & Pitmaster Michael Mixon
Listen in as Madison speaks with Food Network star and award-winning pitmaster Michael Mixson. They discuss backyard barbecuing tips and best practices including tools of the trade, how to ensure that meats are moist and tender, spice selection, and menu planning. Madison Interviews Food Network Star & Pitmaster M | RSS.com… Continue Reading
Madison Interviews Chris Edwards, The Voice of the Carolina Mudcats
Enjoy Madison’s interview with Chris Edwards, the voice of the Carolina Mudcats. The duo discuss the Carolina Mudcats 35-year history, as well as the Mudcats’ final games at Five County Stadium during Labor Day weekend. Madison Interviews Chris Edwards, The Voice of the | RSS.com… Continue Reading
Kitty Interviews Beauty and the Beast Performer Kevin Ligon
Listen in as Kitty interviews performer Kevin Ligon, who plays the character of Belle’s father in DPAC’s upcoming production of musical “Beauty and the Beast.” Catch Kevin’s excitement as he shares about changes and enhancements that been made to the Disney show for this latest touring production. You can enjoy the show — and see…… Continue Reading
Overcoming School-Related Anxiety: Madison Interviews Mental Health Counselor Kim Dillon
Looking for practical tips on how to overcome back-to-school anxiety for parents and children alike? Then listen to Madison’s interview with licensed, clinical mental health counselor Kim Dillon from Therapeutic Partners in Raleigh. You’ll hear informational nuggets about how to get children to open up and share their feelings, the warning signs of when professional…… Continue Reading
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
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