Crocosmia: From Sweet Melissa’s grandparents to your garden
We have enjoyed growing the very colorful Crocosmia-“montbretia” or “Coppertips”- a summer-blooming flower that reminds me of a miniature gladiola. Crocosmia grows from corms which are sort of like bulbs that store nutrients. Crocus, Dalias, Anemones, and Gladiolus do too. We have had them in our landscape for decades. This flower grew abundantly in Sweet Melissa’s grandparents’ landscape in Pittsboro and she transplanted a few bulbs to our yard. The few are now many. Melissa’s paternal grandparents, Marvin and Myrtle Reeves were special people. Everyone who knew them said so. That makes our crop of Crocosmia extra special.… Continue Reading
Wet Nose Wednesday: Meet Bryan and Carver!
Hi there! I’m Bryan, a charming gentleman cat. I might seem a bit shy, but don’t let that fool you – I’m actually a total sweetheart who loves making new friends! I’m a master at creating the most delightful “biscuits” and I’m known for being a total cuddle bug who absolutely adores being a lap…… Continue Reading
How to Get a Good Night’s Sleep: Madison Interviews the Original Mattress Factory’s Greg Trzcinski
Looking for a brand new mattress, or just to gather the 411 on how to get a good night’s sleep? Then listen in on Madison’s interview with Original Mattress Factory President Greg Trzcinski. In addition to learning about the history of the Original Mattress Factory, you’ll hear about how often you should change your mattress as well…… Continue Reading
Black-Eyed Susan: A Cheerful Bloom From North Carolina to Norway
Black-eyed Susan may be native to North Carolina, but its golden blooms have found their way around the world—even to the hills of Norway, where I recently spotted them thriving among the snow-capped peaks. Hardy, cheerful, and largely unbothered by pests, this adaptable member of the sunflower family brightens up gardens from summer through fall. It’s beloved not just by gardeners, but by pollinators like bees and butterflies—and come autumn, even finches stop by for a snack. Whether you’re planting in clay or sand, sun or part shade, Black-eyed Susan earns its place with easy care and sunny disposition.… Continue Reading
Madison Interviews Hallmark Channel Star Nikki Deloach
It’s Christmas in July! Listen in as Madison chats with Nikki Deloach, star of the new Hallmark Channel docuseries “Christmas at Sea.” Nikki spills the tea on the four-part series, as well as offers advice on how others can make it in the film and television industry. Madison Interviews Hallmark Channel Star Nikki Del |…… Continue Reading
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun: Madison Interviews Superstar Cyndi Lauper
Sit back, relax, and enjoy Madison’s interview with legendary pop music singer and songwriter Cyndi Lauper. In anticipation of her July 22nd concert at Raleigh’s Coastal Credit Union Music Park, Cyndi dishes about the first time she sang on stage, how she’s preparing for her farewell tour, and what she hopes her music legacy will be.…… Continue Reading
Angus Barn Chef Michael Kerill Dishes on How to Cook the Perfect Steak
Listen in as Madison learns how to cook the perfect steak while talking with Angus Barn Chef Michael Kerill. This fun, in-depth discussion covers everything from grill selection and cooking temperatures to how to properly season steaks and how to cook them to sear in juices. Before you fire up your grill, give this one…… Continue Reading
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
Madison Chats with Interior Design Guru Bobby Berk
Listen in as Madison chats with interior design guru Bobby Berk, who is also an author and an Emmy award-winning TV host. You’ll learn about Bobby’s new, Triangle-area home collaborations with Tri Pointe Homes. Plus, hear about a small home interior change you can make that Bobby says will make a huge difference in your home life. …… 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