WPTF Weekend Gardener

WPTF celebrates Mike Raley’s 50th anniversary in broadcasting with a nostalgic montage of past voices. Phil and Monica spotlight specials on tomatoes, tropicals and handmade gifts, and share how supporting the nursery helps mountain communities. The show wraps with sausage talk, grilling tips and heartfelt tributes.

The crew takes listener calls and discusses everything from hibiscus care to fig trees and hydrangea blooms. Phil shares news about Venus flytraps, and Monica Wood from the State Farmers Market calls in with updates on seasonal produce and market events.

Mike Raley, Phil Campbell and Rufus Edmisten kick off the Weekend Gardener live from Campbell Road Nursery with plenty of plant talk, gardening advice and special guests, including Tom Campbell. Topics range from veggie starts and perennials to early Mother's Day gift ideas.

Craftsman Richard Nordheim of Enhanced Renovations joins the show to talk home remodeling trends, quirky custom projects, and working with Rescue Wood Rehab. Plus, updates from the State Farmers Market and a heartfelt call from J.C. Knowles.

In part two from Rescue Wood Rehab, the Weekend Gardener team discusses creative uses for salvaged materials, chats with listeners about plant problems, and shares stories about North Carolina’s rich gardening traditions.

Mike Raley, Rufus Edmisten and Phil Campbell broadcast live from Rescue Wood Rehab in Fuquay-Varina with special guests Marty Clayton and Keith Wood. They talk reclaimed wood projects, garden tips, and upcoming events at the State Farmers Market.

Mike Raley, Rufus Edmisten, and friends celebrate spring, strawberries, and 50 years of broadcasting as they wrap up the live show at the Nash County Arboretum. They talk about favorite fruits, plant selections, Nashville memories, and upcoming local events like the Blooming Festival. Lots of laughter, gardening advice, and heartfelt moments.

The conversation continues at the Nash County Arboretum with more plant talk, local gardening insights, and a visit from Colby Griffin. The team highlights great plant selections, the history of the Arboretum, and how the community benefits from local extension programs. Plus, a lively discussion about favorite vegetables and flowers.

Mike Raley, Rufus Edmisten, and Paul McKenzie kick off the Weekend Gardener live from the Nash County Arboretum in Nashville. They talk about spring planting, common gardening questions, and the importance of Master Gardener volunteers. Special guests join to share gardening tips and promote the Nash County Master Gardener Plant Sale.

Curtis Media president Tripp Savery, Bruce Ferrell, Rick Martinez, Tom Campbell, and others honor Mike Raley’s 50-year legacy with surprise messages, laughter, and cake. The team wraps the show with gardening tips, talk of North Carolina strawberries, and memories from decades of broadcasting.

The celebration continues with more heartfelt tributes to Mike Raley’s legendary radio career. Listeners and guests alike share stories, while the team dives into seasonal gardening tips and spring planting ideas—all while enjoying the Farmers Market atmosphere.

Mike Raley, Rufus Edmisten, and the Weekend Gardener crew kick off a special broadcast live from the State Farmers Market in Raleigh. Monica Wood joins the team as surprise guests begin honoring Mike’s 50 years at WPTF. Reflections, laughter, and gardening insights fill the first hour of this milestone episode.

The final hour from Durham includes a touching tribute to WPTF’s broadcast legacy, reflections on Mike Raley’s upcoming 50th anniversary and a candid conversation about native plants and garden pests. Jeff Hoffman returns to share expert tips on beekeeping and honey harvesting, and Steve calls in with a preview of the Raleigh Daylily Club meeting. The crew also checks in with Billy at the State Farmers Market for a spring update.

Jeff Hoffman returns with more bee wisdom, explaining how hive splits help prevent swarming. The crew talks tomatoes, hydrangeas and heirloom plants with callers and in-person guests. Also: plant suggestions for small spaces and dealing with pesky garden critters.

Mike Raley, Rufus Edmisten and Nelson Cox kick off the show from the open house in Durham with guests from The Aluminum Company of North Carolina. Jeff Hoffman joins to talk siding, windows and bees. Plus, the crew shares spring garden tips and hears from listeners across the Triangle.

The team takes more calls from listeners asking about yellowing camellia leaves, ivy in azaleas and privacy screen ideas for Leland cypress. Plus Monica and Ashton stop by with a full update on everything happening at the State Farmers Market.

Mike shares memories from his recent trip to Nashville, North Carolina for a special Chamber of Commerce event, and the team answers listener questions about camellias and ivy control. Plus more laughs from Rufus and a tip of the hat to the NC Symphony.

Mike Raley and Rufus Edmisten kick off the show at the State Farmers Market in Raleigh with a look back at some of WPTF’s legendary voices and moments. The crew talks about camellia care, early spring planting and the upcoming governor’s ball.

The final hour of the Weekend Gardener from Logan’s grand opening features conversations with Josh Logan about Logan’s history, special promotions and gardening tips. Mike and Rufus also discuss listener questions and highlight market events, making it a fun-filled day for gardening enthusiasts.

The Weekend Gardener continues live from Logan’s grand opening at the State Farmers Market. The team talks with Monica Wood about the market’s latest offerings and highlights special deals on hydrangeas, Japanese maples, and more. They also share insights on caring for peonies and hostas.

Mike Raley, Rufus Edmisten, and the Weekend Gardener team broadcast live from Logan’s Garden Shop at the State Farmers Market in Raleigh to celebrate Logan’s 60th anniversary and grand opening. They discuss the history of Logan’s, the new location and spring planting tips.

The final hour wraps with garden calls, blooming plant updates and fond memories. Rufus shares his experience in FFA, Nelsa highlights loropetalum and redbud varieties, and Habitat’s Luke stops by to talk about the store’s furniture, gardening gear and community donations. The team signs off after a morning of laughs, advice and great company.

Mike, Rufus and Nelsa continue the show with conversations about blooming trees, pruning tips and stories from Rufus' time in public service. They chat with Habitat staff, share plant care suggestions and answer listener questions during a fun and informative visit to the Raleigh ReStore.

Mike Raley, Rufus Edmisten and Nelsa Cox kick off the show live from the Habitat for Humanity ReStore on North Raleigh Boulevard. They talk about WPTF's 100-year history, the ReStore’s incredible selection and helpful mission, and early spring garden prep. Phil Campbell from Campbell Road Nursery joins to share advice and updates on what's blooming.

In the March 15, 2025 episode of WPTF Weekend Gardener, hosts Mike Raley and Rufus Edmisten chat with Gerald Adams and callers about a wide range of gardening topics. This segment features updates from the State Farmers Market, including fresh produce, plants and upcoming craft fairs. The discussion also covers successful propagation of winter Daphne, pruning techniques for nandinas, and the challenges of growing tomatoes—especially when box turtles develop a taste for them. Plus, hear about hydrangeas that thrive in full sun and expert advice on plant care heading into spring.

In the March 15, 2025 episode of WPTF Weekend Gardener, hosts Mike Raley and Rufus Edmisten continue their conversation with gardening expert Gerald Adams. This segment covers the best lawn care strategies for spring, including fertilizing fescue, pre-emergent applications, and the challenges of growing grass in shaded areas. The discussion also explores shade-loving plants like hellebores, ground covers, and the latest developments in shade-tolerant Bermuda grass. Plus, get practical advice on pest control, including natural repellents for deer, rabbits, and squirrels.

Join hosts Mike Raley and Rufus Edmisten on the March 15, 2025 episode of the WPTF Weekend Gardener as they welcome Gerald Adams to discuss early spring gardening tips. Learn about starting tomato seeds, when to fertilize fescue and warm-season grasses, and how to control common garden pests like voles and squirrels. The conversation also covers pre-emergent treatments, the benefits of mulch, and how to prepare for a successful growing season. Whether you're managing your lawn or planning your vegetable garden, this episode is packed with expert advice to help you grow with confidence.