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
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!
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
Hometown Hero of the Week: Bruce Rose, May 7th, 2025
Our QDR Hometown Hero of the week is Bruce Rose, Volunteer firefighter for the Grantham Volunteer Fire Department. Bruce was nominated by Andrew Johnson, who says, “Bruce is a dedicated member of the Grantham Volunteer Fire Dept and is always willing to help someone in need when the need arises. Just recently, we went out…… Continue Reading
Gold Star Teacher of the Month: May 2025 – Kathryn “Camille” Robbins
Our QDR Goldstar Teacher of the Month is Kathryn “Camille” Robbins, second grader teacher at Middle Creek Elementary School in Apex. Kathryn “Camille” Robbins was nominated by all of the following people. Camille received a commemorative plaque from Creative Images in Cary, $100 from Crabtree to shop at Auntie Anne’s, and an additional $100 to shop anywhere at Crabtree, a…… Continue Reading
Fursday: Meet Scotty and Wobbles from Second Chance!
Both dogs are on a medical hold while we work to get medication right. Scotty should go up for adoption soon. So stay tuned to Second Chance’s website! Scotty is a nine year-old purebred Pomeranian. She has cushing’s disease which is treatable, and she is doing excellent!… Continue Reading
Hometown Hero of the Week: Jay Ward, April 30th, 2025
Our QDR Hometown Hero of the Week is Jay Ward, Firefighter, EMS, and Search and Rescue, Rescue Diver from Spring Lake. Jay was nominated by his daughters, Sydaleigh, Savannah, and Novaleigh, who say, “Our dad is a full-time firefighter with Spout Springs Fire dept, EMT/ firefighter for Medic 13/Benhaven Emergency Services of Olivia, a firefighter for…… Continue Reading
Why the ninebark shrub deserves a spot in your garden
How many of you have ever heard of the Ninebark shrub or Physocarpus opulifolius for those of you who like to get technical? I hadn’t until recently! Since then I have learned that the Ninebark is also referred to in horticulture circles as Common Ninebark, Atlantic Ninebark, or Eastern Ninebark and is native to the eastern United States including North Carolina. Most frequently seen growing in the mountains and foothills of North Carolina, but seen less often in the central part of the state. It seems to like rocky hillsides and slopes near rivers. You won’t find ninebark growing very much in eastern North Carolina.… Continue Reading
QDR 2025 Hometown Tour
Mike and Amanda are on the road again for the QDR Hometown Tour! Join us this summer as we do the show LIVE from Hardee’s. See below for the dates we will be at a Hardee’s near you, and come see us for a free QDR Hometown Tour T-Shirt (while supplies last) and more! DATE…… Continue Reading