Category Archives: Featured

Serviceberry: A little-known native tree that birds (and gardeners) love

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

Fursday: Meet Mitzi from Second Chance!

Fursday: Meet Mitzi from Second Chance!

Meet Mitzi, a loving and lively one-year-old female tuxedo cat with a flair for affection and a whole lot of personality! This sweet, talkative girl lives for pets — she’s always on the move, nudging her head or butt toward your hand to make sure she gets all the love she can. A true lap…… Continue Reading

Hometown Hero of the Week: David Warrick, June 25th, 2025

Hometown Hero of the Week: David Warrick, June 25th, 2025

Our QDR Hometown Hero of the Week is David Warrick. David was nominated by Ashtyn Johnson, who says, “David is a caring, loyal and loyal husband, father of 6, grandfather of 1, and friend. David is one of the most kindhearted and helpful people I have ever met. David is always working hard to service community…… Continue Reading

Fursday: Meet Demetrius from Saving Grace!

Fursday: Meet Demetrius from Saving Grace!

GSD lovers, you’re in luck! We have a truly special boy looking for his forever family. Meet Demetrius, a young adult currently weighing around 59 pounds-we’re working hard to help him regain a few more. Demetrius is active, curious, and walks well on a leash. He loves being outdoors, especially exploring the farm and meeting…… Continue Reading

Hometown Hero of the Week: Kaycee Wallace, June 18th, 2025

Hometown Hero of the Week: Kaycee Wallace, June 18th, 2025

Our QDR Hometown Hero of the week is Kaycee Wallace, Wake County EMT.   Kaycee was nominated by Connor Holland, who says, “Kaycee has been an EMT with Wake County EMS for nearly 5 years. She is the most hardworking and compassionate person I know. There are many reasons she deserves to be recognized but what…… Continue Reading

Longtime WRAL anchor Charlie Gaddy dies at 93

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

Fursday: Meet Roz from APS of Durham!

Fursday: Meet Roz from APS of Durham!

I can tell that 2025 is going to be the Year of Roz! I’m as sweet and enthusiastic as can be! I’m slightly hard of hearing and the good news is that I don’t bark much! I love to snuggle, get affection, eat tasty treats, and explore! I’d like to play ball and then settle…… Continue Reading

From Ditch Lilies to Showstoppers: Growing Daylilies in North Carolina

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

Hometown Hero of the Week: Brittany Mitchell, June 4th, 2025

Hometown Hero of the Week: Brittany Mitchell, June 4th, 2025

Our QDR Hometown Hero of the Week is Brittany Mitchell. Brittany was nominated by Kaitlin Taylor, who says, “Brittany Mitchell is an amazing partner and preceptor. She has taught me many things throughout my career in EMS and shown me how to be a good provider. She also is always willing to help anyone and…… Continue Reading

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