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
Hometown Hero of the Week: Jason Stone, July 30th, 2025
Our QDR Hometown Hero of the Week is Jason Stone, School Resource Officer at Apex Friendship High School. Jason was nominated by Baxter Walker, who says, “Jason Stone is a School Resource Officer at Apex Friendship High School. Officer Stone had been a police officer with the Town of Apex for 26 years and a…… Continue Reading
’90s at 9, Powered by Crossroads Ford of Apex
Every night at 9 p.m., we’ve got the best of ’90s country music, powered by Crossroads Ford of Apex. If Ford makes it, we probably have it. Visit crossroadsfordapex.com.… Continue Reading
Kelsea Ballerini and Chris Young are Clearing Your Lists!
Back-to-school is here, and we’re teaming up with Chris Young and Kelsea Ballerini to give back to our Gold Star Teachers in a BIG WAY! It’s the QDR Clear the List Teacher Takeover. Crayons, books, markers, tissues, you name it. Submit your online wish list below for a chance to have your list selected by…… 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
Fursday: Meet Rocky Balboa from Second Chance!
Meet Rocky Balboa – a gentle giant with a heart of gold and a name that packs a punch! This 2-year-old Great Pyrenees/German Shepherd mix is the perfect blend of calm and playful. With his laid-back nature and occasional goofy zoomies, Rocky is just as happy lounging on the couch as he is exploring the…… Continue Reading
Hometown Hero of the Week: Johnnie Byrd, July 23rd, 2025
Our QDR Hometown Hero of the Week is Johnnie Byrd, recently retired Senior Sergeant with the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office. Johnnie has been with the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office for 25 years and counting. He was a senior sergeant before retiring in 2024, while shortly after going back part time. He continues to serve…… Continue Reading
Fursday: Meet Giggles from Saving Grace!
Let’s be honest, it’s not going to be a Giggle, it’s going to be a belly laugh load of fun having this young lady in your life! Giggles is a shepherd come husky mix who is quite small under her gorgeous coat, weighing about 30 lbs now on the lean side. Giggles may not have…… 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
Hometown Hero of the Week: Steven Spivey, July 16th, 2025
Our QDR Hometown Hero of the Week is Steven Spivey, Master Trooper with Highway Patrol for over 21 years. Steven has been a master trooper with the North Carolina highway patrol for 21 years. He currently serves on the MIXSAP unit which is highly trained to investigate wrecks involving big trucks on our highways. Steven is a father…… Continue Reading