Category Archives: Triangle/Local
The beauty of the fringe tree in North Carolina landscapes
By MIKE RALEY WPTF Weekend Gardener RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) - I can vividly recall the first time I ever laid eyes on a "Fringe Tree" (Chionanthus virginicus), also known as "Grandfather's Beard." I was ...
Apr 20, 2026
Eastern hemlock: North Carolina's redwood of the East
By MIKE RALEY WPTF Weekend Gardener RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) - The hemlock found in North Carolina is a towering, majestic tree that can live for hundreds of years. The Eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) ...
Apr 15, 2026
Two NC cities rank high for seasonal allergies
WASHINGTON, D.C. (NCN News) - As it will soon be time for lots of a yellow dust and sneezing, two North Carolina cities rank among the top 20 "most challenging" cities for seasonal allergies. The Alle...
Mar 10, 2026
This unusual cherry tree thrives in North Carolina yards
By MIKE RALEY WPTF Weekend Gardener I have always been fascinated by unusual plants, trees, shrubs and flowers that I rarely see, especially those growing in North Carolina. Autumn-blooming cherry, Hi...
Feb 1, 2026
How native plants can turn your yard into a bird habitat
By MIKE RALEY WPTF Weekend Gardener I have spent many hours looking out our window into the backyard. It gives Melissa and me great pleasure. The same can be said for the joy of watching the many bird...
Jan 21, 2026
Bell-shaped blooms and quiet charm: discovering the Carolina Silverbell
By MIKE RALEY WPTF Weekend Gardener Alas, another plant I have never owned and rarely seen in the landscapes in the Triangle. Of course, I normally don't trespass to look for plants so there may be a ...
Jan 18, 2026
NC State economist predicts record job growth in 2026
By WPTF Staff RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) - Economist Dr. Mike Walden says North Carolina is poised for record-breaking job growth and business development in 2026. Walden, a William Neal Reynolds distinguis...
Dec 16, 2025
NC State economist predicts record job growth in 2026
By WPTF StaffRALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) - Economist Dr. Mike Walden says North Carolina is poised for record-breaking job growth and business development in 2026. Walden, a William Neal Reynolds distinguish...
Dec 14, 2025
Suspects in separate Charlotte, North Carolina, train stabbings face federal counts
By ERIK VERDUZCO and GARY D. ROBERTSON Associated PressCHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - The man accused of killing a Ukrainian refugee on a commuter train in North Carolina's largest city appeared in ...
Dec 11, 2025
Meet the real holiday cacti and learn the easy way to keep them thriving
By MIKE RALEY WPTF Weekend GardenerThere is one thing we don't have a lot of in my house and that's houseplants. I have absolutely no reason why. I have had a pothos and a snake plant on my desk at wo...
Dec 9, 2025