WPTF Weekend Gardener

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 chall...

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...

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...