WPTF Weekend Gardener

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.

Celebrate the rich legacy of WPTF in this vibrant episode featuring snippets from decades of broadcasting history, cherished voices, and beloved programs like Weekend Gardener. Hear stories about North Carolina's scenic winter landscapes, garden tips, farmers market finds, and the charm of alpacas. Plus, get a preview of the 40th anniversary celebration of Weekend Gardener at Campbell Road Nursery. A heartwarming tribute to community, tradition, and the voices that bring it all together.

In this episode of The Weekend Gardener, we explore gardening tips and tricks, from rebuilding raised beds with Rufus to companion planting experiments that can revitalize roses. The team shares insights on winter gardening, the resilience of the Peggy Martin "Katrina Rose," and the timeless charm of camellias. Plus, get details on upcoming fruit tree pruning and blueberry workshops, along with some lighthearted banter about memorable plants and sustainable practices. Tune in for practical advice and a few laughs to keep your green thumb thriving!

Join Mike Raley, Anne Clapp, Phil Campbell, Paul McKenzie, and Rufus Edmisten on this lively episode of The Weekend Gardener. Explore topics ranging from beaver battles and wildlife challenges to expert tips on deadheading pansies and maintaining amaryllis bulbs. The crew reflects on gardening legends, extension agents’ influence, and milestones like the show's 40th year. Whether you're tending your garden or enjoying a coffee, tune in for practical advice, entertaining stories, and a touch of Southern charm.

Step into the heart of North Carolina's agricultural and holiday traditions with this festive episode of WPTF's Weekend Gardener, live from the State Farmers Market in Raleigh. Join Mike Raley, Rufus Edmisten, and a lively lineup of guests as they celebrate the season with local Christmas tree farmers, share gardening tips, and explore the market's abundance of fresh produce, baked goods, and handcrafted holiday items. From the resilience of mountain tree farmers to the sweet allure of tunnel-grown strawberries, this episode captures the warmth, community, and giving spirit of the holidays. Perfect for anyone looking to get into the festive spirit while learning more about North Carolina's rich agricultural scene!

Join hosts Mike Raley, Rufus Edmisten, and Anne Clapp in this engaging segment of The Weekend Gardener. The team takes a festive dive into Christmas tree traditions, the charm of the State Farmers Market in Raleigh, and the importance of supporting North Carolina farmers. From stories of cinnamon bread and hot sauce to nostalgic holiday memories and camellia gardening tips, there's a little something for everyone. Whether you're a gardening enthusiast or just love a dose of Southern hospitality, this episode is a holiday treat you won't want to miss!