Find zen in your garden with zinnias
My mother-in-law, Jean Reeves, was smart, hard-working, industrious, caring and pretty. She loved gardening, and taught her equally pretty daughters about vegetables and flowers and how they co-exist in nature. When I fell in love with Melissa, I also fell in love with her parents’ extraordinary and expansive dairy farm. The vegetable garden was always spacious, pristine and yummy. Jean’s talent for growing flowers was equally as impressive. Her sizable zinnia garden was memorable for the vivid colors. I think a low flying plane would have flown around to get another look.… Continue Reading
Fursday: Meet Munchkin from Saving Grace!
Just one look at this cute face and you’ll be in love. This gal is a bully mix babe who weighs about 50 lbs full grown. Munchkin has quickly become a favorite with everyone on site. Her small/squat build is adorable. Her little bottom lip sticks out just enough to make you forget what you’re…… Continue Reading
Hometown Hero of the Week: Kevin Spivey Sr., August 20th, 2025
Our QDR Hometown Hero of the Week is Kevin Spivey Sr., School Resource Officer with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. For more than two decades, Sgt. Spivey has been a pillar of dedication, leadership, and compassion in our community, serving as a School Resource Officer with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. His commitment to bridging…… Continue Reading
‘Naked lady’ spider lilies bring surprise blooms
Every regular co-host on the WPTF Weekend Gardener has discussed with delight, at one time or another, the attributes of the “naked lady” spider lily or Lycoris radiate. I have read that the name “Lycorus” refers to the mistress of the Roman leader Mark Anthony. Of course, there are other names for this popular bulb: “Cluster amaryllis”, “Equinox flower”, “Hurricane lilies”, “Magic lily”, “Resurrection lily”, and “Surprise lily”. Yes, this extraordinary perennial bulb is in the amaryllis family and is a native of China, Korea and Japan, but there are varieties that are native to the southeastern U.S. including North Carolina. … Continue Reading
Fursday: Meet Taffy from Second Chance!
Looking for a pint-sized pup with big energy and an even bigger heart? Say hello to Taffy! This tiny small-breed boy is all about fun, play, and tail wags — and trust us, his tail moves so fast it’s basically a blur! Taffy lives for playtime and will happily chase the tiniest tennis balls you’ve…… Continue Reading
Hometown Hero of the Week: Justin Alderman, August 13th, 2025
Our QDR Hometown Hero of the Week is Justin Alderman, firefighter with the Wake Forest Fire Department. Justin grew up around the fire station in Wake Forest. He got on the department at the age of 14 and with permission from his high school principal, Justin started his Firefighter certification, and also his EMT training. On…… Continue Reading
Salvia: A colorful, hardy favorite for Carolina gardens
Everyone should have some type of salvia in their landscape. Sage advice, I must say, if you like puns that is! Salvia also is known for its medicinal qualities for oral health, digestion problems and cognitive issues. I for one have never considered eating salvia. Sage is, of course, considered a culinary herb, so I suppose I have eaten some over the years. There are over a thousand salvia species and just as many cultivars and hybrids. Just like several plants I have in my yard, salvia is part of the mint family. Most salvia flowers don’t have fragrance, however their foliage does. Salvia is also a pollinator favorite.… Continue Reading
Fursday: Meet Catcher from APS of Durham!
Hiii!! I’m a super happy, wiggly, and energetic girl who loves playing ball and with any other toys you give me! I’m a big sniffer, and full warning, my zoomies are legendary. I’d love to find a home with an active family who will take me on lots of walks and adventures. Come meet me…… Continue Reading
Hometown Hero of the Week: Brad Summerlin, August 6th, 2025
Our QDR Hometown Hero of the Week is Brad Summerlin, Sergeant for the Rocky Mount Police Department. Brad was nominated by his wife Paige Summerlin, who says, “Sergeant Summerlin works as the SRO supervisor. He has been involved in multiple areas of the police department since starting his career and has tons of training and…… Continue Reading
Gold Star Teacher of the Month: August 2025 – Ariana Catherine Bond
Our QDR Gold Star Teacher of the Month for August is Ariana Catherine Bond, high school math teacher for Granville County Early College. Ms. Bond was nominated by Kenzie Hollowell, who says, “Any student that has had Ms. Bond will tell you she is one of the best teachers that we have ever had. Ms. Bond…… Continue Reading