‘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
Tell Me Something Good: Madison Interviews Whitford Wooten
Listen in as Madison speaks with Whitford Wooten, a local 33-year-old about her journey with ALS. You’ll hear about how Whitford intentionally strives to find joy in every day, as well as about how her faith is her stronghold and her foundation. Tell Me Something Good: Madison Interviews Whitfo | RSS.com… Continue Reading
Salvia: A colorful, hardy favorite for Carolina gardens
Everyone should have some type of salvia in their landscape. Sage advice, I must say, if you like puns that is! Salvia also is known for its medicinal qualities for oral health, digestion problems and cognitive issues. I for one have never considered eating salvia. Sage is, of course, considered a culinary herb, so I suppose I have eaten some over the years. There are over a thousand salvia species and just as many cultivars and hybrids. Just like several plants I have in my yard, salvia is part of the mint family. Most salvia flowers don’t have fragrance, however their foliage does. Salvia is also a pollinator favorite.… Continue Reading
Lantana: The sun-loving, pollinator-friendly powerhouse
I have grown to love lantana. I never really had anything against it. It’s just the fact I haven’t had a lot of sun areas in my landscape and lantana can take up a fair amount of room if it is happy. Most of North Carolina is hot throughout the summer and we certainly have drought periods. Lantana is made to order for these conditions. Lantana is in the verbena family and is sometimes called “shrub verbena.” It comes in various sizes from 1 to 6 feet tall and 3 to 5 feet wide according to my friends at the Cooperative Extension Service. It loves full sun, moist, but well-drained soil to fully perform. Lantana grows particularly well in the piedmont and thrives on the coastal plain and coast of North Carolina. It is even salt tolerant.… Continue Reading
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
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