Category Archives: Featured

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

Gold Star Teacher of the Month: June 2025 – Nell “Nellie” Rushton

Gold Star Teacher of the Month: June 2025 – Nell “Nellie” Rushton

Our QDR Gold Star Teacher of the Month for June is Nell “Nellie” Rushton, head teacher for special education and assistant coach for the soccer team at Rolesville Middle School. Nell “Nellie” Rushton was nominated by all of the following people: Christine Tassitino: “Nellie cares endlessly for her students and their diverse needs. She goes above and…… Continue Reading

Hometown Hero of the Week: William Taylor, May 28th, 2025

Hometown Hero of the Week: William Taylor, May 28th, 2025

Our QDR Hometown Hero of the Week is William Taylor, a paramedic for Johnston County Emergency Services. William Taylor, AKA TEX, was nominated by his wife Katlin Taylor, who says, “My husband has been working as a first responder from the young age of 14. He’s dedicated his whole life to making sure others around…… Continue Reading

Fursday: Meet Guthrie from APS of Durham!

Fursday: Meet Guthrie from APS of Durham!

If you’ve ever dreamed of a hound dog by your feet baying at the moon, I’m your man! I’m an active, athletic, driven guy. I do best when I have a job to do like tracking a scent or chasing a ball. I’m good at keeping myself busy, but I really enjoy having a human…… Continue Reading

Hometown Hero of the Week: Kendall Marley, May 21st, 2025

Hometown Hero of the Week: Kendall Marley, May 21st, 2025

Our QDR Hometown Hero of the Week is Kendall Marley, a full-time firefighter with Fayetteville and a part-time firefighter with Clement Fire Department. Kendall was nominated by his mom, Robin Marley, who says, “Kendall began his service when he was 16, following in his Papa’s footsteps with a servant’s heart to help those in need. He…… Continue Reading

Meet Illicium: A Shade-Loving Shrub with Personality

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

Hometown Hero of the Week: Brad Boswell, May 14th, 2025

Hometown Hero of the Week: Brad Boswell, May 14th, 2025

Our QDR Hometown Hero of the week is Brad Boswell, Fire Fighter for the Antioch Fire Department. Brad was nominated by his daughter Taylor Boswell, who says, “Brad is a dedicated fireman and is someone everyone can look up too. He is always encouraging and lights up every room he walks into. Brad is my…… Continue Reading

Fursday: Meet Dutch from APS of Durham!

Fursday: Meet Dutch from APS of Durham!

Let me tell you about myself: I’m great! I’m a friendly, playful, loveable dude. I love a soft toy, and I settle down well with a ball. I like treats, learning, being active, and having tons of playtime with my toys! I love toys !! Let’s wiggle our way out of here right now! Kids:…… Continue Reading

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