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
Wet Nose Wednesday: Meet Anna Bell and Hoss!
Hey there! I’m Anna Bell, a professional lap warmer and career cuddle expert. While my resume might not look traditional, I’ve spent years perfecting the art of being the most dedicated companion you could ask for. My specialty? Providing maximum comfort and minimal drama – I’m basically the CEO of Cozy Vibes Incorporated! I come…… Continue Reading
Wet Nose Wednesday: Meet Hibiscus and Geoff!
Hello there! I’m Hibiscus, a literary feline with a story waiting to be told. Imagine me as the protagonist of a whimsical novel, where each purr is a poetic verse and every stretch is a carefully crafted narrative arc. I’ve traveled through life’s chapters as a curious wanderer, and now I’m seeking my next great…… Continue Reading
Wet Nose Wednesday: Meet Barry and Guac!
Hey there! I’m Barry, and I’m on a mission to find my forever lap and cuddle companion. If you’re looking for a charming, affectionate feline who loves nothing more than snuggling up close and soaking up all the attention, then look no further! I’m all about those cozy moments – whether it’s lounging by the…… 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
Wet Nose Wednesday: Meet Alicia and Cassie!
Greetings, dear reader! I’m Alicia, a literary soul wrapped in a feline form, quietly waiting for my next chapter of companionship. Like a subtle character in a classic novel, I’m learning to unfold my story page by page, with gentle curiosity and a bit of reserved charm. My world is one of quiet observation, where…… Continue Reading
Madison Learns about Raleigh’s Community Music School
Listen in as Madison learns more about Raleigh’s Community Music School (CMS) while chatting with its Executive Director, Melanie Doerner. As an added bonus, hear a performance of “Scars to Your Beautiful” by two CMS students — 10th Grade vocalist Catherine and 11th grade guitarist Rio. Community Music School | RSS.com… Continue Reading
Why the ninebark shrub deserves a spot in your garden
How many of you have ever heard of the Ninebark shrub or Physocarpus opulifolius for those of you who like to get technical? I hadn’t until recently! Since then I have learned that the Ninebark is also referred to in horticulture circles as Common Ninebark, Atlantic Ninebark, or Eastern Ninebark and is native to the eastern United States including North Carolina. Most frequently seen growing in the mountains and foothills of North Carolina, but seen less often in the central part of the state. It seems to like rocky hillsides and slopes near rivers. You won’t find ninebark growing very much in eastern North Carolina.… Continue Reading
Madison Learns about A Place at the Table’s 4th Annual Food Truck Rodeo
Enjoy Madison’s conversion with Trey and Brittany Braswell, owners of Braswell Family Farms and partners with downtown Raleigh’s pay-what-you-can restaurant, A Place at the Table. The trio talk about A Place at the Table’s 4th Annual Food Truck Rodeo, which will be held in the parking lot across from the restaurant on Sunday, April 13th, from…… Continue Reading
Madison Gathers Insights about Social Security & Taxes
Listen in as Madison interviews Radon Stancil, Founder of Raleigh’s Peace of Mind Wealth Management team. The duo discuss social security, the current retirement age, and taxes. Madison Gathers Insights about Social Security & T | RSS.com… Continue Reading