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
Fursday: Meet Jesse from APS of Durham!
Hello! My name’s Jesse and I’m just a kid! I’m young, that is! I’m a friendly, playful, enthusiastic, and active guy who loves to keep busy! I love toys and playtime, gentle affection, and of course people! I’m an active guy and would love lots of exercise–especially chasing a ball! I can even bring back…… Continue Reading
Hometown Hero of the Week: Julie Smith, July 9th, 2025
Our QDR Hometown Hero of the Week is Julie Smith, serving the community as an RN for over 40 years in Mount Olive! Julie was nominated by her daughter Brittany, who says, “My mom has been a dedicated RN of a nursing home for many years. She is not only a dedicated nurse, but she…… Continue Reading
Gold Star Teacher of the Month: July 2025 – Elizabeth Brush
Our QDR Gold Star Teacher of the Month for July is Elizabeth Brush, 1st grade teacher at Lafayette Year Round Elementary. Elizabeth was nominated by Shannon Grice, who says, “When my son finished kindergarten, I requested a 1st grade teacher that could help him achieve his reading goals, as he was not completely on grade-level at…… Continue Reading
Fursday: Meet Kentucky from APS of Durham!
Ball! Ball! Ball is life! I’m a super fun, playful, active young guy who is all about the chase! I loooove me a tennis ball; I’ll prance around to show it off and wriggle around on my back with joy. I won’t say no to a soft toy to take to bed, either. I’m sweet…… Continue Reading