Weekend Gardener Fall 2025

WEEKEND

GARDENER Home, Garden, Community.

FALL 2025

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Featuring Cultural Keeping Pets Activities in Safe & Cozy the Triangle This Fall

Traditional Fall Harvest Pies

Traffic Jam Recipe & Corn Maze

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WEEKEND GARDENER | HOME, GARDEN, COMMUNITY FALL 2025

Raleigh-North,NC 6643 Falls of Neuse Rd Raleigh, NC 27615 (919) 838-7270 Wake Forest, NC 505 Dr. Calvin Jones Hwy, Suite 120 Wake Forest, NC 27587 (984) 235-0122 Garner, NC 126 Shenstone Blvd.

Garner, NC 27529 (919) 299-0407 12/31/25

3012 Highwoods Blvd., Ste. 200 Raleigh, NC, 27604 PUBLISHER

Curtis Media Group GENERAL MANAGER

Carolyn Carver

ccarver@curtismedia.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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Fall Cultural Activities in the Triangle

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The Zen in Zinnias

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46

First-Time Tomato Gardener

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The Colorful Garden Sage

Grow 100+ Pepper Varieties

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54

Spicebush Surprise

Loving Lantana

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56

Ninebark: A Shrub of Many Layers

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Moonflower Magic

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40

Tending to Ourselves Through the Garden

EDITOR

Chip Winstead ADVERTISING SALES

Chris Hooks Jon Sheldon Mike Sleyman Chip Winstead

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Gerald Adams Brie Arthur Pam Beck Rufus Edmisten Josh Ellis Paul McKenzie Andrea Laine Mike Raley Sarah Tanke

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Greg de Deugd

Pets Special Section

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Home Improvement Special Section

This magazine, in partnership with PrintReleaf, planted 196 trees.

WEEKEND GARDENER | HOME, GARDEN, COMMUNITY FALL 2025

Fall Cultural Activities in the Triangle Discover music, dance, theater, and more across Raleigh, Durham, and beyond.

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rom grand opera houses to hands-on museums, the Triangle region is alive with creative energy.

Whether you’re planning a date night, family outing, or solo adventure, there’s something for every arts lover to enjoy. Here are some of the best cultural and artistic experiences in the Triangle— each one worth exploring, right in our own backyard.

NORTH CAROLINA OPERA Experience the drama and beauty of worldclass opera right in Raleigh. From Puccini to contemporary works, the North Carolina Opera stages unforgettable performances with local and international talent.

CAROLINA BALLET Catch timeless ballets like The Nutcracker or bold new works from one of the South’s premier dance companies. Carolina Ballet performs throughout the year with elegance and grace.

HALLE CULTURAL ARTS CENTER This restored 1912 building in downtown Apex hosts art shows, concerts, and community theater. A welcoming spot for yearround creative experiences and seasonal celebrations.

NORTH CAROLINA SYMPHONY Enjoy classical masterworks, family concerts, or outdoor pops shows with the NC Symphony.

Their Raleigh performances are a staple of the Triangle’s music scene.

WEEKEND GARDENER | HOME, GARDEN, COMMUNITY FALL 2025

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NORTH CAROLINA MUSEUM OF ART Wander through ancient to modern masterpieces, then stroll the outdoor sculpture park.

Admission to the permanent collection is free and perfect for art lovers of all ages.

MARTIN MARIETTA CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS Located in downtown Raleigh, this major venue includes multiple theaters and hosts everything from Broadway tours to lectures, ballets, and symphony nights.

GARNER PERFORMING ARTS CENTER GPAC brings culture to Garner with concerts, plays, and touring acts. It’s a warm, accessible space that makes the performing arts feel close to home.

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NORTH CAROLINA MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCES Discover dinosaurs, deep-sea creatures, and hands-on science. A favorite for families, this downtown Raleigh museum makes learning fun and interactive.

WEEKEND GARDENER | HOME, GARDEN, COMMUNITY FALL 2025

MARBLES KIDS MUSEUM Marbles blends play and learning with colorful, hands-on exhibits. It’s a go-to spot for young kids and a guaranteed hit for family outings.

BLACK BOX DANCE THEATRE This Raleigh-based company uses dance to tell powerful stories—often focused on healing, service, and community. Look for performances around the region.

THE CARY THEATER This small-town gem screens indie films, hosts live music, and brings old-school charm to downtown Cary. A great date night or solo escape.

DURHAM PERFORMING ARTS CENTER DPAC brings Broadway hits, concerts, and comedy shows to life in a state-of-the-art venue.

It’s Durham’s top destination for live entertainment.

WEEKEND GARDENER | HOME, GARDEN, COMMUNITY FALL 2025

RED HAT AMPHITHEATER Enjoy big-name music acts under the stars at this open-air Raleigh venue. Summer concerts here are a Triangle tradition.

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The ART of Slowing Down F I N D I N G B E A U T Y & C O M M U N I T Y W I T H N O RT H C A RO L I N A O PE RA

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n a world that often feels too fast, too loud, and too disconnected, there is a rare gift in finding a place where time slows down, beauty takes center stage, and you can share in something larger than yourself. For 15 seasons, North Carolina Opera has been that place for thousands across the Triangle.

Their upcoming anniversary season is more than just a milestone. It is an invitation to step away from daily demands and rediscover the power of live music and storytelling. Opera has endured for centuries because it speaks to something timeless in all of us: love, loss, joy, and transformation.

When the lights go down and the orchestra begins, the rest of the world falls away.

Opera is where you can sit back, take a breath, and let beauty do the work of renewing your spirit.

Opera is not about having studied music or knowing every composer’s name. It is about showing up, sitting in the dark with your neighbors, and being moved. Whatever draws you in, you leave having shared an experience you cannot find anywhere else.

When the curtain rises, everyone in the audience is part of something bigger.

Fifteen years ago, North Carolina Opera was founded on the idea that the Triangle community deserves access to world-class artistry.

Since then, it has become a cultural cornerstone, welcoming leading singers from across the globe while also showcasing talent rooted here in North Carolina. It has become a gathering place where generations come together to be inspired and uplifted.

PHOTOS:

For many, attending the opera has become a tradition that marks time and creates memories. Couples celebrate anniversaries there, parents introduce their children to classical music, and friends gather for a night that feels both special and restorative.

It is more than an evening out. It is sanctuary.

Fifteen seasons on, North Carolina Opera is still one of the best reminders that beauty is worth making time for.

As the company enters its 15th year, there could be no better time to join in.

Whether you are returning after many seasons away or discovering opera for the first time, you will find yourself welcomed into a community that, like you, values beauty, tradition, and connection.

Madama Butterfly (2015)—Photo by Curtis Brown Photography Florencia en el Amazonas (2025); The Magic Flute (2022)—Photos by Eric Waters

Did You Know?

You do not need to know Italian, French, or German to enjoy opera!

At every North Carolina Opera performance, English translations are projected above the stage, so you can follow every word of the story while enjoying the music.

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Your Triangle source for News Talk that Matters. From engaging talk shows to informative news and more, our hosts welcome your voice. Call in at (919) 860-WPTF to join the conversation, share your thoughts, and be part of the show.

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Brian Kilmeade offers a fast-paced mix of news, politics, and conversation with top newsmakers and analysts. The show delivers sharp commentary on the day’s biggest stories from Washington to Main Street. Kilmeade also brings in a lighter touch with sports and history features.

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The program offers perspective on how the news affects the Triangle and North Carolina communities. Listeners end their day fully informed and ready for tomorrow.

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Hosted by Mike Raley and friends, The Weekend Gardener offers advice, tips, and stories for anyone who loves growing plants in North Carolina. From lawns and landscapes to vegetables and flowers, the show connects listeners with experts and local gardeners. It’s a friendly, call-in tradition that has been part of WPTF weekends for decades.

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Each week, local experts join the show to discuss projects ranging from roofs and windows to kitchens and backyards.

Listeners get practical advice and answers to their home improvement questions.

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CBS Eye on Travel takes listeners around the world with news, trends, and insider tips from the travel industry. Host Peter Greenberg covers everything from airlines and hotels to hidden destinations and smart travel strategies. The show brings listeners stories and advice that make every journey smoother.

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Tune in today to hear what everyone is talking about!

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GARDEN REFLECTIONS

The Zen in Zinnias

BY MIKE RALEY

M

y 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.

She planted in neat rows, always choosing a bright mix of varieties. It was not only beautiful but therapeutic—pulling weeds, clipping blossoms, and watching bees hover in the sunlight.

Her garden was a gift to the senses and a sanctuary from everyday stress.

As for the zen part of this equation, the Buddhist practice invokes meditation, simplicity, liv-

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ing in the moment, losing control. Deep breaths and the multicolor show put on by hundreds of zinnias should bring one to a state of peace on a mid-summer day. That’s how I felt so long ago gazing at that plot of zinnias.

Zinnia (elegans) is truly an elegant flower that grows well in most regions of North Carolina and comes in many shapes and sizes. They are an annual in the Tar Heel state. Zinnias come in red, pink, yellow, purple, orange, green and some variations. They will bloom in spring, summer and fall depending on where you live.

The folks at the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service tell me there are varieties that grow anywhere from 8 inches to 4 feet. These include Profusion, Zahara, and Oklahoma series and these varieties are all more disease resistant.

Some other varieties include Zowie Yellow, Persian Carpet, Zinderella Peach, Profusion Apricot, Green Envy, and Pop Art. There are single, double and semi-double varieties from which to

WEEKEND GARDENER | HOME, GARDEN, COMMUNITY FALL 2025

choose. Native to Mexico, zinnias need full sun (at least six hours).

Zinnias should be planted well after the last frost in your area. In Raleigh, the last average frost is April 15th. One would normally buy seeds in packets or loose seed if you are lucky enough to buy them that way. You can also transplant them if you have access to the flowers. Sow the seed directly in the prepared soil, as the “Weekend Gardener” theme song says. Be careful to space them properly, maybe 9 inches to a foot.

This will help prevent powdery mildew and other disease pathogens from forming by allowing good air circulation is really important for any plant.

The mildew is likely the only problem you’ll have with this flower. You may also find cases of leaf spot, root rot and blight. Again, you have less chances of seeing these maladies if you plant them in the right place with the correct conditions. Try to plant disease resistant varieties. The

WEEKEND GARDENER | HOME, GARDEN, COMMUNITY FALL 2025

extension service folks tell me that zinnias are not favorites of the deer population.

Zinnias are no different from most other plants, they like well drained soil. They do prefer growing in moist soil. Add some type of compost material to your planting area. Most gardening experts I know tell me that zinnias don’t need a lot of fertilizer. If you use any on your flowers, use one with low nitrogen. If you want to keep your zinnias at their colorful best, you need to dead-head them during the summer. This will encourage more flower development.

As you may have guessed, pollinators love zinnias. Butterflies, bees and hummingbirds are drawn to these flowers for their bright colors and the nectar. There are other beneficial insects that are attracted to zinnias too.

Color your landscape the way Jean Reeves did.

This will brighten your day and maybe rub-off on others.

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Scarlet Sage

DROUGHT TOLERANT FAVORITES

The Colorful Garden Sage

BY MIKE RALEY

E

veryone should have some type of salvia in their landscape. Sage advice, I must say—if you like puns! Salvia is also known for its medicinal qualities, particularly 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. Like several plants in my yard, salvia is part of the mint family. Most salvia flowers don’t have fragrance, but their foliage often does. Even better, salvia is a pollinator favorite. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds just love it.

It thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. I think six to eight hours of sunlight works best. Some lighter-colored varieties might benefit from a little afternoon shade during summer.

Like most plants we enjoy in North Carolina,

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salvia prefers well-drained soil. When planting, mix in some organic matter to improve drainage and nutrients.

Because drought conditions are common somewhere in North Carolina each year, salvia is a great choice. Once established, it adapts well to dry spells. Water regularly until it settles in, and during extra-dry periods.

Plant salvia after your area’s last average frost.

In Raleigh, that’s April 15th. Dig a hole twice as wide as the rootball and about as deep. Loosen the roots, then place the plant so the top of the rootball is even with the soil surface. Fill in with soil and organic matter, tamp it down, and add 2 to 3 inches of mulch around the base to retain moisture and protect the roots.

If you’ve prepped the planting area properly, fertilizing usually isn’t necessary. But if you must fertilize, go for a balanced, slow-release type.

Keep an eye on spent blooms. Most salvia va-

WEEKEND GARDENER | HOME, GARDEN, COMMUNITY FALL 2025

Lyreleaf Sage

Azure Blue Sage

Nettleleaf Sage

Salvia farinacea

rieties respond well to deadheading, which encourages more blooms and gives you better color all season long.

Summer pests may include aphids and spider mites. Humidity can also bring on fungal problems, though most salvias are fairly low-maintenance. The folks at NC State tell me deer don’t seem to favor salvia. Still, as Anne Clapp often reminded us, a hungry deer will eat just about anything.

There are both annual and perennial varieties of salvia. While most aren’t native to North Carolina, we do have a few: Lyreleaf Sage, Azure

Blue Sage, and Nettleleaf Sage are among them.

The salvia standards that many of us grow include Salvia splendens, Salvia farinacea, and Salvia leucantha. Personally, I love Azure Blue and Scarlet Sage. They have extraordinary red blooms that “Wolfpack” fans in particular will appreciate. Many varieties are native to the Mediterranean and Mexico.

We’ve often talked about achieving year-round color in the landscape. Salvia delivers just that.

From late April to the first frost, salvia provides beauty, attracts pollinators, and adds that pop of color every garden needs.

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NATIVE POLLINATOR FAVORITE

Spicebush Surprise

BY MIKE RALEY

T

here are so many plants I don’t have in my landscape. Many of us city dwellers lament that fact. There is a deciduous native plant I’m sure brother Rufus has on his estate- a Spicebush (Lindera benzoin) or Northern Spicebush. This native plant found in the North Carolina’s mountains, piedmont and coastal plain is a real winner growing 6 to 12 feet tall and wide on average. The spicebush is exceptionally easy to grow, but be careful when purchasing. There is also a Chinese Spicebush, and that is not the one you want in your landscape. It is happier farther north.

Our bird friends love the Spicebush because of its red, peppery tasting berries. Other pollinators are attracted to the spring flowers which are a shade of yellow with a greenish tinge and a spicy fragrance as do the leaves. Some of the folks at NC State say the leaves smell like a combination of bay leaves, allspice and nutmeg. Unfortunately, I haven’t had the pleasure. The flowers have been described as more of a spicy, floral fragrance.

Birds like the berries in late summer and early fall. Swallowtail butterflies lay eggs on the leaves,

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so it is a good host plant. The leaves have been used in sachets and for tea. Bees and other pollinators are attracted to the flowers in the spring.

Fall leaf color is also an attractive shade of yellow.

The Spicebush is unique in that it needs a male and female to cross-pollinate and produce the red berries on the female. That is much like the requirements of some of the deciduous hollies.

The Spicebush prefers part shade, but it will tolerate full sun to shade. Morning sun is the best. Moist acidic soil is great, in fact, the Spicebush likes wet areas. We don’t say that very often about ornamentals.

Like other spring flowering shrubs, you should prune the Spicebush after they bloom.

Lightly fertilize your plant with a balanced product like Espoma plant tone.

When planting your Spicebush in the fall or spring, be sure to dig the hole twice as wide as the root ball and deep enough for the top of the root ball to just peek over the top of the ground surface. You may choose to place something like an aggregate or stone material at the bottom of the hole, add some water and fill in dirt, and lots of

WEEKEND GARDENER | HOME, GARDEN, COMMUNITY FALL 2025

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compost or other organic matter. Add two to three inches of hardwood mulch to the surface. Keep in mind the evaporation rates are generally higher in late spring than fall. Remember to water your Spicebush for the first year until the root system develops properly.

The folks at the U-S Department of Agriculture say because of its habitat in the woods, early settlers and land surveyors used the Spicebush as what they call an indicator for good agricultural land. It’s hard to imagine a forest filled with the fragrance of the Spicebush.

There are named varieties that you should look for if you want to add this plant to your landscape. They include: “Aurea” which is a sort of yellow-leafed specimen, “Varigata” obviously variegated leaves, “Green Gold” with large yellow flowers, “Rubra” with red-brown blooms and no berries, and “Xantricarpa” known for its or-

WEEKEND GARDENER | HOME, GARDEN, COMMUNITY FALL 2025

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ange-yellow fruit.

Intrigued? I certainly am, so I’m going to make an all out effort to find a native Northern Spicebush. This will require that I get rid of some other plant in my landscape of a similar size. I think it will be worth it, don’t you?

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CO LO R F U L , H A R DY, N AT I V E

Ninebark: A Shrub of Many Layers

BY MIKE RALEY

H

ow 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.

It is easy to grow and will adapt to acid or a bit more alkaline soils and can grow in full sun, six

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or more hours of sun, or part shade-4 to 6 hours of shade. Ninebark has exquisite peeling bark and legend says it has nine layers of bark. It is always good to have plants in the landscape with year-round interest. I just purchased a “Summer Wine” cultivar, one of the Proven Winner line of shrubs. What makes this variety so special?

It has deep maroon-colored leaves. Those leaves are a major reason for buying one. Of course, the small flowers that look like pinky-white buttons are another great attribute. Ninebark blooms in the spring and the “Summer Wine” really puts on a show. A drought-tolerant shrub that really appreciates a little extra water for the first year after planting. The folks at NC State tell me the burgundy varieties lose a little color if the leaves

WEEKEND GARDENER | HOME, GARDEN, COMMUNITY FALL 2025

are exposed to too much sun during the day.

Ninebark prefers rich, well-drained acidic soil.

When planting, be sure to dig the hole twice as wide as the root ball and deep enough for the top of the root ball to peek over the top of the ground surface. You may choose to place some type of aggregate at the bottom of the hole, add some water, and fill in dirt, compost, or organic matter of some kind good organic matter like Daddy Pete’s.

Add two to three inches of hardwood mulch or pine straw.

For those of you with sharp pruners and the overwhelming desire to prune, wait until then ninebark has bloomed. It blooms on old wood as do most flowering plants. Anne Clapp used to remind us to clean the places of our pruning shears with alcohol to prevent the spread of disease.

There are several interesting nine-bark cultivars available. I would consult with your favorite local nursery. As I mentioned above I have recently planted a nine-bark “Summer Wine” with its maroon leaves and white flowers and remains

WEEKEND GARDENER | HOME, GARDEN, COMMUNITY FALL 2025

colorful throughout the season. The common ninebark has quite typical green leaves. “Diablo” is a variety that has been around for a while and is quite popular with leaves that emerge as a kind of a copper color that turns a shade of burgundy.

There is a stylish variety named “Amber Jubilee” with its amber foliage that transitions to red and then purple. “Tiny Wine” is a dwarf variety with bright red-purple foliage. “Dart’s Gold” and “Festivus Gold” both have bright yellow foliage.

Ninebark shrubs like a little feeding once a year with a good organic fertilizer low in nitrogen.

Now that we all know a bit more about Ninebark, I hope you will consider adding one to your landscape. Tony Avent has always preached about growing a variety of plants in your landscape and that really makes a lot of sense. You have fewer chances of developing disease problems from monoculture and your yard will have more character and interest.

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Moonflower Magic

BY MIKE RALEY

I

must say from the outset that Melissa and I have never gotten around to planting a night-blooming anything. I’ve had to do some research on this little number. Melissa’s mom, Miss Jean, had an eye-catching night-blooming plant you could see from the front door and kitchen window of her beautiful farmhouse in Chatham County. She would pull up a chair— sometimes with a friend—to watch the beautiful white blossom open.

I’m sure most of my Weekend Gardener buddies have one planted. I’m absolutely certain that Brother Rufus and Nelsa Cox have planted Moonflowers or Moonvine (Ipomoea alba) somewhere in their packed landscapes. But not procrastinating old me. This research has really renewed my interest in the night bloomers.

The native version of Moonflower is known

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as Carolina Moonseed (Cocculus carolinus). It produces insignificant green flowers and red berries. The berries are quite pretty on this perennial vine, which is more versatile than the white Moonflower, growing in sun and partial shade. Provide a trellis or fence to support this variety.

Moonflowers are fascinating tropical plants, native to parts of North, Central, and South America including Mexico and Florida. The real reason we plant these vines is for their spectacular fragrance and large white, trumpet-like flowers. Each one blooms at dusk and lasts only for a single night. The plant is in the morning glory family, and the resemblance is obvious.

A real plus for me—Moonflowers are low maintenance. While generally an annual in North Carolina, they may survive in coastal ar-

WEEKEND GARDENER | HOME, GARDEN, COMMUNITY FALL 2025

“Each flower blooms at dusk and lasts only for one night… the stark white of the flowers glowing under a full moon is a sight to remember.” eas with mild winters if well mulched. You can start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost, or outdoors after April 15th in the Raleigh area. Because the seeds have a hard coating, you may need to soak or scarify them for better germination.

Plant Moonflowers in full sun, in welldrained, neutral to slightly acidic soil. Water during dry spells. My friends at NC State say this vine is a heavy feeder, so use a balanced, time-release fertilizer like Espoma’s Plant-tone.

If you prefer organic methods, mulch with pine bark, straw, or hardwood chips.

Pollinators such as moths and even bats are drawn to the blooms. It might be fun to

WEEKEND GARDENER | HOME, GARDEN, COMMUNITY FALL 2025

watch them with a night-vision device. Whether viewed by camera or from a porch chair, the stark white of the flowers glowing under a full moon is a sight to remember. The blooms can appear from summer through late fall, depending on your location in the state.

Like we all do, Moonflowers need support. A fence, trellis, or arbor works well. The blooms usually begin in early to mid-summer.

And when it comes to pests or disease, there’s nothing to worry about here in the Tar Heel State.

Since I don’t have enough sun in my landscape to support one, let me know if you have a Moonflower vine. We’ll plan a viewing party.

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THERAPEUTIC GARDENING

Tending to Ourselves Through the Garden

BY SARAH TANKE, NC BOTANICAL GARDEN

G

ardens are often seen as places of beauty, productivity, or personal pride—but they can also be places of profound healing.

Gardening has long been associated with reduced stress, improved mood, and increased feelings of purpose and self-worth.

There’s something deeply restorative about creating the conditions for life to flourish: witnessing a tiny seedling push through the soil, harvesting vegetables you’ve nurtured from the ground up, or caring for the same perennial plants season after season. These quiet acts of care have a way of grounding us.

At the North Carolina Botanical Garden, our Therapeutic Horticulture (TH) program is built on the understanding that our relationships with plants and nature can support us—physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. And those benefits aren’t limited to formal programs or clinical settings. They don’t require a diagnosis, a prescription, or a perfectly designed space. Any-

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one can begin building these connections, at any time in their life. There are simple, meaningful ways to bring therapeutic horticulture into your own gardening practice.

Start Where You Are Therapeutic horticulture doesn’t require a perfectly curated space or a large plot of land. Some of the most meaningful garden experiences I’ve seen have taken place in a few containers on a front porch or even on a sunny windowsill. What matters more than size or aesthetics is intention.

A Space That’s Kind to Your Body You can still garden if you live with mobility limitations, arthritis, or chronic conditions. With a few basic adaptations, the garden can remain accessible and enjoyable throughout your life.

Just as a garden is always shifting, our bodies move through change, too. Ability is not static.

Designing with accessibility in mind means hon-

WEEKEND GARDENER | HOME, GARDEN, COMMUNITY FALL 2025

oring the full range of human experience—yours now and in the future.

Think about how you feel after a day in the garden. Is your back sore? Are your knees aching? These may be signs that your tools or setup aren’t working with your body. A few simple adjustments can reduce strain and extend your gardening life: » Use long-handled, lightweight, or padded tools. » Break tasks into short sessions, with breaks between. Switch activities every 15 minutes. » Create seating areas in shady spots for rest, reflection, or journaling. » Consider raised beds or containers at standing height.

Your garden should be your partner—not a source of pain.

Invite Your Senses to the Garden Sensory engagement is a powerful tool for grounding and emotional regulation. The garden is a sensory-rich space, full of textures, scents, colors, and sounds that can calm the nervous system and draw us into the present.

We’ve seen how sensory gardening helps students with learning differences and supports communication in people living with dementia.

Familiar elements—like the scent of lavender or the feel of soil—can awaken memory, encourage connection, and provide joy.

Try creating your own small sensory garden: » Use fragrant herbs like rosemary, mint, or lavender. » Plant soft-leaved varieties like lamb’s ear or textural vegetables like kale. » Let yourself pause. Notice how the soil feels, how the air smells. Let your senses guide your experience.

Give yourself permission to engage slowly.

There’s no task list to rush through—just the chance to be present.

Make Gardening a Shared Experience Solo gardening is meditative—but there’s healing in community, too.

In a world where face-to-face conversation can feel exhausting, gardening side by side allows for connection without pressure. With hands in the soil and eyes on the plants, silences don’t need to be filled, and relationships can grow slowly and naturally.

Try: » Inviting a neighbor or friend to plant something together. » Sharing herbs or cuttings with someone who’s just getting started. » Planning a sensory-friendly garden moment with a child or grandchild. » Hosting a casual seed swap or donating produce to a community pantry.

These small acts of generosity and inclusion can transform your garden into a space of shared care.

Bringing It All Together Gardening is often viewed as something we do to care for plants. But therapeutic horticulture shifts that view. The garden isn’t just something we tend—it’s something that tends to us. When we slow down, we step into a relationship where we are both nurturers and the nurtured.

Bringing therapeutic horticulture home means treating your garden—even a single potted plant—as a space of care, connection, and restoration. It can help you feel rooted when life feels uncertain. It can offer movement when you feel stagnant. It can provide comfort, joy, and companionship.

This isn’t just about growing vegetables or flowers. It’s about growing yourself. Your well-being is part of the ecosystem, too—and the natural world is always ready to meet you with patience, beauty, and a quiet invitation to breathe.

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FALL GARDENING CHECKLIST

Brie Arthur’s Guide to Fall Gardening

BY BRIE ARTHUR

F

all is the season most North Carolinians dream of—the promised time that motivates us to get through summer. With less humidity, shorter days, and cooler nights, autumn is a season to savor. It’s also one of the busiest times for gardeners.

The official change of season, usually around late September, marks a fresh round of tasks and a whole new realm of possibilities. What’s on my fall list? Let’s dive in.

General Maintenance in the Fall 1. LEAVE THE LEAVES

If I had a dime for every time I said this…! The leaves that fall from deciduous trees in autumn are the absolute best mulch and soil amendment nature could offer. Yet many people rake or blow them away—or worse, burn them! Just leave the leaves. Mow or shred larger ones if needed, and return them to your garden beds. Visit any public garden and they’ll give the same advice. Trust the pros: leave the leaves.

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2. MULCH NATURALLY

This ties directly to the first point. In the fall, use shredded leaves—not hardwood chips—for mulching. It’s the most natural and efficient way to improve soil health and retain moisture during the cooler months.

3. WEED AND COVER

Weeding is never-ending, but you can reduce weed pressure by increasing ground coverage. Direct seeding is a great strategy here. Our mild North Carolina fall and winter allow for near year-round growing, which helps choke out weed space.

4. PLANT!

Fall is the time to plant. Compared to spring— or the dreadful heat of summer—fall and winter make it easier to establish plants. Cooler temps, shorter days, and increased rainfall all help.

Whether you’re starting something new or transplanting, take advantage of the season.

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I always add a handful of natural, slow-release fertilizer to trees, shrubs, and perennials. New plantings especially need those nutrients to get established before winter.

Fun for the Kids: Seed Sowing They say the best way to get kids to eat their vegetables is to give them a seed. I’ve seen it firsthand—my neighborhood garden crew has grown turnips, parsnips, and more, all from seed. They eat what they grow with pride!

Gardening teaches more than how to grow food. It builds patience, planning skills, and a solid work ethic. And it starts with something as simple as planting a seed.

Here’s how to de-mystify seed sowing for any age: Seed Sowing Basics Ͱ Buy from a reputable seed supplier and store seeds in the fridge. Ͱ Reuse old trays—just rinse out the soil and let them dry in the sun. Ͱ Fill trays ¾ full of well-draining potting mix. Ͱ Drop 1–2 seeds per cell. Ͱ Top with a bit more soil, press lightly, and water in. Ͱ Place trays in part shade. Ͱ Check daily; water only when soil is dry. Ͱ Germination should occur within two weeks. Ͱ Once sprouts appear, begin feeding with a liquid fertilizer. Ͱ Move trays to a sunnier location as seedlings grow. Ͱ Transplant when the root ball holds together well.

Fall Seed Sowing The trickiest part to seed sowing is knowing when and how to best grow the seeds. Not all

WEEKEND GARDENER | HOME, GARDEN, COMMUNITY FALL 2025

BRIEGROWS.COM

seeds need to be started in trays. In fact, many of the cool season edibles and flowers benefit from being sown directly in the garden as they do not transplant well.

Leafy greens like arugula, lettuce, kale, mustard, and spinach can be sown in containers and directly in the ground to fill in open spaces. Flowers such as calendula, nasturtium, snapdragons, and violas should also be sown in the fall as they prefer cool temperatures and do best started in a tray and then transplanted.

In contrast, late fall is the time to direct seed flowers and grains for a showy spring display.

Flowers such as poppies, larkspur, nigella, and bachelor buttons should be sown directly in place on black Friday! These plants all require cool soil to germinate and the do not transplant well, which is why they need to be direct seeded. Everyone always has a lot of questions about how and when to do this.

Larger, heading vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower are best started in trays and then transplanted into the garden. My approach is to sow small amounts (10-15) of each of these heading vegetables every other week August-October. This will lead to plenty of harvests over a long period of time. Succession planting starts with seed, and this is the easiest and least expensive way to extend your ability to grow what you love to eat!

Succession Planting for Extended Harvests No one needs 20 heads of cabbage at once.

That’s where succession planting shines. By spreading out sowing and transplanting dates, you create a steady flow of produce rather than a glut.

This method works year-round, but it’s especially helpful in fall and winter. By harvesting a little at a time, your garden stays productive and your meals stay fresh.

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MOUNTAIN CORRESPONDENT

Notes From a First-Time Tomato Gardener

BY ANDREA LAINE

I

gave tomatoes a try this year for the first time.

Weekend Gardener readers probably find that statement astonishing! I’ve always associated tomato plants with being time-consuming, difficult, and disease-ridden. But for whatever reason, I felt up to the challenge this year and planted a ‘Cherry Sweetie’ from a local grower and a ‘Horace Phillips’—an heirloom from Spruce Pine, said to bear huge striped fruit.

‘Horace’ looked great in a pot, but died within three weeks of going into the ground. The friend who gave me the extra plant from her 4-pack later admitted that all three of hers had died swiftly, too. I yanked him out and replaced him with a short marigold with large yellow blooms.

After all, marigolds are good tomato companions; they’re known to deter insect pests and attract beneficial ones. Don’t ask me which—I haven’t mastered the insect part of gardening. I just know

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not to kill on sight unless I’m sure it’s not a “good guy.”

Soon enough, I encountered one of the worst tomato pests while pruning in early August: the tobacco hornworm. Just days earlier, a friend had told me her tomato plants were being defoliated practically overnight. She assumed deer were the culprits, but it turned out to be hornworms. She couldn’t find them. Meanwhile, I kept finding them—and I only had one plant!

My two-foot-high raised beds probably helped me spot these camouflaged caterpillars—they were right at eye level. The tobacco hornworm is a large, smooth, bright green caterpillar with a red “horn” on its last abdominal segment. The tomato hornworm, nearly identical, sports a black horn. Both mature over the course of about a month, then drop into the soil to pupate and overwinter. From May to August, they emerge as

WEEKEND GARDENER | HOME, GARDEN, COMMUNITY FALL 2025

hawk moths and begin the life cycle anew—targeting members of the nightshade family, especially tomatoes.

By the time I noticed the first hornworm, the ‘Cherry Sweetie’ had grown wild—smothering the marigold and spilling over the edge of the bed.

It was dense with foliage but yielded little fruit.

The first hornworm I found was a fat, three-inchlong giant. It hadn’t eaten much leaf matter, but I suspect it was responsible for the damaged fruit.

I tried to pick it off, but it had a grip like a rock climber. So I clipped the stem and tossed worm and all into the chicken run. Chickens supposedly love hornworms. Well—not my chickens! They stared at it like it was an alien, not a snack.

The next two hornworms I found were already under siege—from beneficial insects. Hooray! The braconid wasp, a parasitic hero, lays its eggs inside the hornworm. The wasp larvae feed on the hornworm’s insides before emerging and

WEEKEND GARDENER | HOME, GARDEN, COMMUNITY FALL 2025

forming cocoons (which look like tiny grains of rice) on its skin. A parasitized hornworm stops eating and eventually dies. I was thrilled to witness this natural form of pest control.

Two weeks later, I decided to pull the unruly tomato plant altogether and compost it. As I clipped the stems into smaller pieces, I uncovered four more mature hornworms. They got the soapy water treatment before being tossed into the woods.

While I’ve been practicing no-till gardening, I’ll be making an exception this year. Deeply tilling the soil in fall or spring will, hopefully, expose and kill any hornworm pupae that plan to overwinter in my garden.

I didn’t enjoy a bounty of tomatoes this year, but I did gain a new respect for the insect side of gardening. Next season, I may try again—with better plant luck, better timing, and a keener eye for the crawlers that come with the territory.

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soiltoppers.net 49

PEPPER FEVER

How My Garden Grew from 36 to 100+ Pepper Varieties

BY GERALD ADAMS

R

ecently I finished my sixth season of selling vegetable plants at the State Farmers Market in Raleigh. I truly enjoy meeting people and helping them become more successful at growing their own vegetables. Along the way, I’ve been surprised by how much I’ve learned— especially about vegetable varieties that were new to me. Most surprising of all: peppers.

My first season, I offered 36 pepper varieties.

This year, that number grew to over 100. Why have I tripled my pepper offerings in such a short time? Let me explain.

Every season, my pepper sales have pleasantly surprised me. At first, I assumed more people were simply growing peppers because they’re easier than tomatoes. Tomatoes tend to come with

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all kinds of disease issues, and depending on the summer, they can be hit or miss. Tomatoes also slow down fruiting and pollinating in the hot months of July and August. Peppers don’t have that problem.

But over time, I realized something else: plenty of people are just plain crazy about peppers— just like I’m crazy about tomatoes.

The Triangle area has become incredibly diverse, with people from all over the world now calling it home. Many of these folks visit me each season at the market in search of peppers from their home countries. These can be difficult or expensive to find in North Carolina, but if they can get a plant, they can grow their favorite peppers themselves.

WEEKEND GARDENER | HOME, GARDEN, COMMUNITY FALL 2025

“There are so many unusual peppers out there, and I’m confident there’s one that’s perfect for you: from no heat to blazing hot.”

It seems that the more varieties I add each season, the more people I meet who are looking for a specific pepper.

Take Wiri Wiri, for instance: a small chili pepper from Guyana. Or Cumari do Pará, a Brazilian chili. Then there’s Peri Peri, a slender bird’s eye pepper from Africa and Portugal. Now, I’m not much for spicy heat (jalapeños at 5,000 Scoville units are my limit), but my customers have taught me that the world of peppers is about more than just heat.

Serranos run between 10,000 to 30,000 Scoville units. Indian chilies like Jyoti, Jawala, Phuljadi, Gunter, Damini, Mohino, and Hot Bhaji can climb even higher. Habaneros clock in between 200,000 to 300,000, with varieties like Caribbean Red and Scotch Bonnet topping the charts. Then we have the heavyweights: Carolina Reaper, Peach Reaper, Chocolate Reaper, Trinidad Scorpion, Ghost, Jay’s Yellow Ghost Scorpion, and RB003 from Australia—many ranging up to 2 million Scoville units. Next season, I’ll be adding Death Spiral and Dragon’s Breath.

Of course, it’s not all about the heat.

Some of my new favorites have minimal heat and are packed with unique flavor. Biquinho has a mild heat and a wonderfully distinctive taste.

Aleppo peppers from Syria are flavorful with moderate spice. Last year I added Hatch peppers from New Mexico, Big Jim and Guizeppi, which are large, meaty, and mild. *Mild favorites like Fresno and Anaheim are large-fruited and flavorful without the burn. And then there’s the Shishito pepper from Japan: one

of my best sellers. It’s mostly mild when green (though one in twelve may surprise you with heat) and turns hot when red.

Sweet peppers go far beyond basic bells. Italian types like Corno di Toro and Marconi are large and perfect for grilling or stuffing. Jimmy Nardello is a long, thin, and sweet variety. This past season I added Lesya from Ukraine, which some say may be the sweetest pepper in the world.

There are also mini bell varieties, snacking peppers in all colors, which kids especially love.

It’s been so much fun learning about and growing all of these unusual (to me) peppers. I must give a special shout-out to Ed, my “pepper guy” from Cary, who has provided me with plants to grow and save seed from for future seasons. When someone asks about a pepper I haven’t grown, I check with Ed—and every time, he already knows all about it. If he gives it a thumbs-up, I start searching for seed.

I still know more about tomatoes than peppers, but thanks to people like Ed, and all my amazing customers, I’m rapidly closing the knowledge gap.

There are so many unusual peppers out there, and I’m confident there’s one that’s perfect for you: from no heat to blazing hot. And there’s a good chance I’m already growing it.

As always, if I can help with your vegetable growing, please reach out.

Oh, and Henry’s doing great—he just started first grade! I hope to get a little more help from him next season. Ha ha!

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B U T T E R F LY A P P R OV E D

A Pollinator’s Paradise: Loving Lantana

BY MIKE RALEY

I

have grown to love lantana. I never really had anything against it. It’s just the fact I haven’t had a lot of sun areas in my landscape and lantana can take up a fair amount of room if it is happy. Most of North Carolina is hot throughout the summer and we certainly have drought periods. Lantana is made to order for these conditions.

Lantana is in the verbena family and is sometimes called “shrub verbena.” It comes in various sizes from 1 to 6 feet tall and 3 to 5 feet wide according to my friends at the Cooperative Extension Service. It loves full sun, moist, but well-drained soil to fully perform. Lantana grows particularly well in the piedmont and thrives on the coastal plain and coast of North Carolina. It is even salt tolerant.

There are several varieties of lantana sold in North Carolina. “Miss Huff” is by far the most popular. That cultivar is all I have ever planted. It is a perennial in much of North Carolina and has splendid flowers of an orange, yellow, pink mix.

“Miss Huff actually comes from cuttings from a plant found in Athens, Georgia. “Ham and Eggs” is similar with dark pink and yellow bloom clusters that appear for many as plates of ham and eggs. It always makes me hungry to talk about this one. It is also a cultivar you should have success in perennializing. “Chapel Hill Yellow” and “Chapel Hill Gold” are also popular. They do not produce light blue flowers, but I’m sure someone is working on that. Neither are quite as hardy as “Miss Huff” or “Ham and Eggs”. There are varieties with white, lavender, red and other colors too. There are many new varieties that you may find in the spring and early summer at your local nursery. There is also a groundcover lantana known as lantana “Montevidensis” or trail-

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ing lantana. It can be used in a large container to trail over the side. It will also hold soil on a bank. This definitely needs full sun. You can find this in lavender, purple and white. This variety like the rest we have mentioned are root hardy in zone 8 areas.

Lantana, as noted in the title, is a pollinator magnet! Butterflies, bees of all kinds and hummingbirds love this plant, the bright colors and lots of nectar. Pollinators also enjoy the mild, sweet fragrance and long growing season of lantana. The leaves kind of have a herbal or pungent fragrance.

I don’t use a lot of fertilizer around my landscape, especially with blooming plants which are deterred from producing flowers if they receive a lot of nitrogen. The nitrogen will instead give you abundant green foliage instead. That is, if you don’t burn the plant with too much nitrogen.

The Espoma’s products are well suited for shrubs and flowers with their low nitrogen analysis.

Most of the folks on the crew on the “Weekend

WEEKEND GARDENER | HOME, GARDEN, COMMUNITY FALL 2025

Gardener” agree that you will be safer to prune lantana’s dead stems in the spring. As for the dead stems this plant produces, I usually wait until the new green foliage sprouts from the ground before I get rid of the stems. Erv Evans always recommended we consider the appearance of a perennial in the winter before we plant in a show place area in the landscape. For the same reason it is not a good idea to plant a deciduous shrub along the foundation of a house. It doesn’t look good in the winter. You may trim your lantana during the growing season to produce more blooms. Another reason to prune is to prevent seeding. Lantana is considered invasive in places like Florida and Hawaii. But I have never experienced this in my landscape, nor has anyone on

WEEKEND GARDENER | HOME, GARDEN, COMMUNITY FALL 2025

the show mentioned this as a problem for North Carolina. The folks at NC State do say lantana leaves can be poisonous to animals and an irritant to human skin.

As for pests, I have really never noticed any insect problems with my lantana. If you have a thriving garden, you may also be lucky enough to have predators like ladybugs, dragonflies, lacewings, SPIDERS, and praying mantis to help control the “bad” bugs.

There you have lantana in a nutshell. I like them. No, I love them in a sunny landscape with pollinators flying all around. If lantana is in a full sun location, has plenty of room to grow and is not overfertilized, this plant will give years of pleasure.

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Autumn Pet 56

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Keeping Pets Safe and Cozy This Fall As summer winds down and the crispness of fall settles in, it’s time to shift our attention—not just to autumn leaves and fall blooms, but to the furry members of our families. Cooler temperatures, seasonal hazards, and shorter daylight all call for a fresh look at how we keep pets safe, comfortable, and content. Here’s your Weekend Gardener-approved guide to fall pet health and safety.

1. Light Up Evening Walks As daylight fades earlier, your evening walks need an upgrade. Whether puppy or senior pup, evening strolls become safer with reflective gear or LED collars. Stick to well-lit routes and consider grooming your pet’s paw pads so they’re less prone to slipping on wet leaves.

2. Clear Up Fall Hazards Fall brings colorful leaves—and potentially

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hidden dangers. Fallen foliage hides sharp sticks, gourds, and even toxic mushrooms. Keep your yard tidy and supervise outdoor time. Indoors, be vigilant about holiday temptations. Chocolate, xylitol-laced candy, and Halloween décor aren’t pet-friendly. Your pet will thank you for keeping the sugary and sparkly out of reach.

3. Toxin Watch: Antifreeze, Rodenticides, Plants With cold weather comes car maintenance.

Antifreeze—especially ethylene glycol-based—is heartbreakingly toxic, even in small quantities.

Switch to safer alternatives if you can, and clean spills promptly. Rodenticides and fertilizers also spike in fall; be sure these are stored securely.

Popular fall plants like chrysanthemums, autumn crocus, and Thanksgiving cactus can be dangerous too—double-check what’s in bloom around your home.

WEEKEND GARDENER | HOME, GARDEN, COMMUNITY FALL 2025

6. Prevent Fleas, Ticks, & Worms Fall still brings parasites. Continue year-round prevention. Regularly check your pet after outdoor forays, especially in moist piles of leaves. A tick removed quickly, with correct technique, can prevent serious illnesses like Lyme disease.

7. Keep Vet Visits Timely Seasonal veterinary visits are not just for shots.

Ask your vet about fall-specific wellness care— monitor for weight changes, joint stiffness, or skin issues. Seniors or pets with chronic conditions may benefit from a mid-fall check-up. It’s a great time to catch cold-weather discomfort early.

8. Watch for Behavioral Changes Shorter days and milder temps may affect energy levels. Diminished appetite, increased sleeping, or new stiffness warrants attention. Seasonal allergies can flare due to mold or ragweed. Sudden changes are a clue to check in with your vet.

9. Plan for Emergencies

4. Create a Cozy Fallback Zone As temperatures drop, give your pet a warm retreat. Provide a snug bed—cave-style for cats, insulated pad for pups. If your indoor heating hovers around 65–70°F, consider pet-safe space heaters or draft blockers. Short-coated, senior, or arthritic pets might appreciate a sweater or heated blanket for extra comfort.

5. Grooming for the Season Fall coats may already be thickening. Regular brushing helps manage shedding and prevents mats or hairballs in cats. Dogs benefit too—brushing reduces excess hair and supports coat health.

Trim nails if they click on hardwood floors or snag on rugs.

WEEKEND GARDENER | HOME, GARDEN, COMMUNITY FALL 2025

Fall storms and power outages are real concerns. Create a pet emergency kit that includes: • 3–7 days of food and water (with feeding instructions) • Bowls, medications, medical history, and a recent photo • Leash, carrier, and comfort items • Night-vision or battery-powered light (for dark walks or sheltering) Having a “go bag” ready gives peace of mind when weather throws us a curveball.

10. Celebrate the Season— Safely!

Autumn is beautiful for all of us—especially pets. Enjoy pumpkin patches, scenic hikes, and cozy evenings, but always keep an eye on the ground and the mood. A sudden thunderstorm, prank haunted trail, or efirepit embers on fall fabric can spook pets. A calm space and quiet reassurance go a long way.

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10 Fun Fall Activities for Pets Pick the Perfect Halloween Costume Get festive and dress up your furry friend for Halloween! Whether you go store-bought or homemade, costumes like pumpkins, hot dogs, or superheroes are always a hit. Just make sure the outfit is comfortable, breathable, and allows full movement (and visibility) for your pet.

Visit a Pet-Friendly Fall Festival or Market Fall means weekend festivals, corn mazes, and harvest markets. Many now welcome leashed pets!

Look for events with outdoor booths, pet vendors, or even costume contests. Don’t forget to bring water, a collapsible bowl, and waste bags.

Whip Up a Fall-Themed Pet Treat Try your hand at DIY treats using seasonal ingredients like pumpkin or apple (just skip the sugar and spice).

Pumpkin puree is great for dog-safe cookies or frozen cubes. Bonus: it’s good for digestion too!

Plan a Leaf-Peeping Road Trip Enjoy the vibrant colors of the season with your pet in tow. Explore the Blue Ridge Parkway, a local greenway, or a quiet country road. Many scenic spots allow leashed dogs—just pack snacks, blankets, and a camera.

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Carve a Pet-Inspired Jack-o'-Lantern Add a personal touch to your pumpkin carving by choosing a pet-themed design. You can trace your dog’s face, carve a paw print, or use cookie cutters to punch out fun shapes. Keep lit candles away from curious noses!

Gear Up for Game Day Together Whether you're cheering for your college team or favorite pro franchise, dress your pet in a team jersey, bandana, or festive collar. Host a small tailgate with pet-safe snacks and watch the game with your MVP (Most Valuable Pet).

Plan a Spooky Movie Night Cuddle up on the couch with your pet for a Halloween movie marathon. Choose family-friendly flicks (like Hotel Transylvania or The Nightmare Before Christmas), light a fall-scented candle, and share some popcorn—hold the butter for the pup!

Explore a New Trail or Park Cooler weather is perfect for long walks and hikes.

Discover a new greenway, trail, or state park in your area. Try to time it during peak leaf color for a truly stunning stroll. Always bring water and check for leash laws.

Let Your Pet Jump in the Leaves

Host a Dog-Friendly Bonfire or Backyard Picnic

Rake up a pile of leaves and let your dog dive in!

Supervised leaf play can be a blast (just make sure there are no hidden sticks or critters). Cats may enjoy watching from a sunny window or venturing out on a leash.

Invite friends and their pups for a fall evening outdoors. Roast marshmallows (for the humans), lay out dog treats, and enjoy the crisp air. Just be sure pets stay a safe distance from the fire and are supervised at all times.

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LOCAL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Hudson’s Hardware: Six Decades of Service

BY STAFF WRITER

S

ince 1958, Hudson’s Hardware & Outdoor Equipment has been a cornerstone of the Garner and Clayton communities. It all began when Sam and Anna Hudson, along with their sons Howard and Leigh, opened Hudson’s Hardware & Grocery in Garner. In 1985, Leigh and his wife, Pug, expanded the family legacy by opening a second location in Clayton.

Now more than 60 years later, Hudson’s continues to thrive on three core values: expert product knowledge, competitive pricing, and legendary customer service. These values have helped the business grow while remaining true to its local roots.

Hudson’s partnered with the Ace Hardware co-op from 1984 to 2004 before transitioning to the DoItBest Corporation to maintain its extensive selection and competitive edge.

Hudson’s offers a wide variety of hardware and home improvement products that are increasingly rare in today’s big-box landscape. From paint

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and plumbing supplies to housewares, fasteners, keys, and garden materials like mulch and straw, Hudson’s serves both homeowners and commercial clients with everything they need.

In 1979, Hudson’s expanded into Outdoor Power Equipment (OPE), beginning with ECHO trimmers, blowers, and chainsaws. Today, their showroom features trusted brands like TORO, Stihl, Husqvarna, Wright, Walker, Little Wonder, and Billy Goat. They’re authorized service dealers for many top-name brands and offer inhouse parts, repairs, and expert advice.

In addition to 25,000+ items in stock, Hudson’s provides a host of services, including key duplication, lock rekeying, screen and glass repair, propane refills, mower blade sharpening, small engine repair, tool rentals, and pickup/ delivery.

Hudson’s Hardware remains a go-to destination for quality products, expert help, and unbeatable hometown service.

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H O M E I M P R OV E M E N T: S P E C I A L S E CT I O N

Fall Home Checklist for North Carolina Living

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s autumn settles over North Carolina, the weather shifts—bringing cooler nights, falling leaves, and the occasional early frost. Whether you live in the mountains, Piedmont, or coastal plain, preparing your home now ensures a cozy, efficient, and worry-free season. Here’s your fall home checklist tailored for the Tar Heel state.

1. Service Your Heating System

3. Clean Gutters and Check Roof

Before the first cold snap, have your furnace or heat pump inspected and serviced. Clean burners, check safety switches, and test the thermostat. Don’t forget to replace the air filter and test any space heaters for safe use.

Falling leaves can quickly clog gutters and downspouts, especially under North Carolina’s many oak and maple trees. Clean gutters thoroughly and ensure downspouts direct water away from your foundation. While you’re up there, check your roof for loose or damaged shingles.

2. Check and Clean the Fireplace and Chimney If you have a wood-burning fireplace, schedule a chimney sweep to remove creosote buildup.

Check the damper, flue, and firebox for cracks or signs of damage. For gas fireplaces, make sure pilot lights and ignition systems work properly.

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4. Seal Drafts and Insulate Cooler weather means higher heating bills if your home isn’t sealed tight. Re-caulk windows and doors, replace worn weatherstripping, and check for drafts around baseboards, attic access points, and outlets. Don’t forget attic insulation— it’s your best defense against heat loss.

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H O M E I M P R OV E M E N T: S P E C I A L S E CT I O N

5. Winterize Outdoor Faucets and Irrigation Frozen pipes can sneak up on North Carolina homeowners, especially during early cold snaps in the mountains or Piedmont. Drain garden hoses and store them. Shut off and insulate exterior faucets. If you have an irrigation system, have it professionally blown out.

6. Prepare Landscaping for Dormancy Rake and mulch fallen leaves or add them to your compost pile. Trim back perennials, clean up vegetable gardens, and fertilize lawns with a fall blend to strengthen roots. Fall is also a great time to plant trees, shrubs, and spring bulbs.

7. Check Outdoor Lighting Shorter days mean you’ll rely more on exterior lights. Replace burnt-out bulbs, clean lenses, and test motion sensors or timers. Well-lit pathways improve safety—especially if you’re expecting trick-or-treaters.

8. Reverse Ceiling Fans Switch ceiling fan blades to spin clockwise. This

WEEKEND GARDENER | HOME, GARDEN, COMMUNITY FALL 2025

gentle updraft redistributes warm air that naturally rises, keeping your rooms cozier and reducing heating costs.

9. Stock Up on Fall Essentials Prepare now for storm season and potential early freezes. Keep batteries, flashlights, firewood (if applicable), and a backup heat source ready. If you’re in eastern NC, be aware that hurricane season runs through November.

10. Pest-Proof Your Home As temperatures drop, rodents and insects seek warmth indoors. Seal gaps around foundations, vents, and pipes. Store firewood at least 20 feet from your home and trim branches that touch the roofline. Check attic and crawlspace vents for signs of entry.

Final Thoughts Fall in North Carolina is one of the most beautiful times of year—but it also comes with its own set of home maintenance needs. A few weekend projects now will save you time, money, and hassle later. So pull on a flannel, grab your toolkit, and get your home ready to enjoy the season ahead.

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H O M E I M P R OV E M E N T: S P E C I A L S E CT I O N

Expert Energy-Saving Advice from Triangle Radiant Barrier You know Brock Emmons as co-host of WPTF’s Making Your Home Great. Brock is also co-owner of an insulation and crawlspace company called Triangle Radiant Barrier.

Q: Brock since you are a Duke-Energy Trade Ally, your company Triangle Radiant Barrier can offer special rebates to their customers for services you provide. Explain how that works?

BROCK; They’re just sending you a Visa Check Card. It’s cash, they’re just sending you cash to insulate your home. A lot of people are taking advantage of the Duke Rebate Program right now. They’re getting the insulation done.

They’re getting a good portion of the original contract paid back to them. And all the customer that we’ve had are immediately seeing massive reductions in utility costs. So, you’re not only getting money back but we’re going to make your bills cheaper.

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Q: We’ve heard you talk on the show about air sealing. What’s that?

BROCK: Your house is pressurized. That’s why you want good seals around your doors and windows. Your attic is ventilated. So, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, your attic is drawing air from your living space into the attic like a vacuum. So, what we do, anywhere there’s a hole or protrusion through the drywall, we just go through the attic, pull back the insulation, find those areas, seal them up with crack and joint foam, and put the insulation into place. Believe it or not, that helps retain an enormous amount of heat in the house in the winter. It’s also one of the cheapest services we provide as a compa-

WEEKEND GARDENER | HOME, GARDEN, COMMUNITY FALL 2025

H O M E I M P R OV E M E N T: S P E C I A L S E CT I O N

ny. It costs about twenty-two to twenty-five cents per square foot. So, if you have a 2,000-squarefoot attic, it’s going to be about $300 to $500 to air seal it properly. If that gives you a 10% impact on your utility bills, that’s a pretty good return on your investment. It also qualifies for the Inflation Reduction Act tax credit.

Q: I have vents in my crawlspace. When should I open and close them?

BROCK: In the springtime and summertime, you want them opened so you’re getting air flow into the house. They’re designed to lower relative humidity. If the vents are closed, it becomes a stagnant environment, and humidity can rise pretty quickly. In the winter, you should close the vents to keep as much cold air out of your crawlspace as possible, especially if your floors are subject to getting very cold or your plumbing is under the house. My normal recommendation is sealing the vents and place a dehumidifier in the crawlspace. This way, you don’t have to mess with them being opened or closed. The dehumidifier maintains the crawlspace at an optimal rating. Without question, I have inspected hundreds if not thousands of crawlspaces that are ventilated, and I almost always find traces of mold from minor to severe. In a crawlspace with a dehumidifier, I don’t find mold.

Q: Is there an ideal time of year to have insulation or air sealing work done?

BROCK: Yes, any time before extreme temperatures set in is a good opportunity to improve your home’s comfort and efficiency. It helps

reduce energy use, keeps your indoor temperature more stable, and can help prevent potential moisture issues down the road.

Q: Sometimes when I turn my heat on, I get musty smells. What could be causing that?

BROCK: You might have mold in your ductwork. If you have ductwork running through your crawlspace, it connects to your subfloor, where your registers are. If that ductwork is not properly sealed, you get leaking air. If it’s ninety-four degrees outside and you’re cranking your air conditioner, and you have cold air leaking out into a hot, humid crawlspace, you’re going to have condensation building up on the metal inside your ducts and even on the subfloor. Most of the time, I find black mold that’s around registers for HVAC in the crawlspace. So, if any of that water has dripped back down into the duct, you can get white mold in the ductwork. When you turn on the air conditioner or heater, it can produce a musty smell.

Q: How can I reduce my heating bills?

BROCK: Sometimes, it’s an insulation problem.

Sometimes, spray foam Insulation is the best option when it comes to cold air. If you have cold floors, you could encapsulate your crawlspace with a foam product, either spray foam or a rigid foam board. When you do that, you increase the temperature in your crawlspace in the winter by thirty degrees. Your floors are no longer around twenty degrees when it’s twenty degrees outside; they’re sixty.

For more information on lowering your energy bills and preventing mold, tune into WPTF’s Making Your Home Great airing in the fall Saturdays at 11am.

WEEKEND GARDENER | HOME, GARDEN, COMMUNITY FALL 2025

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TREE PLANTING

Now Is the Time to Plant Joy

BY PAUL MCKENZIE

T

here’s an oft-repeated phrase—you’ve likely heard it—that says: The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.

Now, I’m not usually one to argue for censorship. But as someone who spent more than 25 years helping people make planting decisions, I’m ready to petition that we retire that phrase.

It misses the point. The best time to plant a tree isn’t long ago. It’s always right now.

I’ve heard all the objections before: “I won’t live long enough to enjoy it.”

“I’m moving soon!”

“They grow too slow.”

But those arguments assume that a tree’s only value is in what it becomes—tall, grand, shady, mature. And sure, a mature tree is a wonder. But trees offer joy at every stage.

The joy starts in the nursery, when you talk to a plant-loving grower who introduces you to a species you’ve never considered. You fall for the bark, the leaf shape, or the surprise of late-season blooms.

It continues when you pick the perfect one, turn it in your hands, and imagine how it will look against your own landscape.

There’s joy in digging the hole. In loosening the roots. In watching your child or grandchild press soil around it.

There’s joy in that first season, when you water carefully and watch the leaf tips for signs of stress.

There’s joy the following spring, when a fresh bud pushes out and reassures you: “I’m here.”

There’s joy five years later, when you marvel at how it’s doubled or tripled in size—and wonder how time flew.

There’s joy when a goldfinch lands on a low branch and pauses just long enough to sing.

And yes, there’s joy when it’s fully grown.

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When it casts shade, shelters birds, and drops seed for the next generation. But don’t wait for that. Because joy doesn’t live only in the future— it grows right along with your tree.

And in the Piedmont region of North Carolina, there’s no better time to plant than fall.

Our soil is still warm, which encourages root growth, and cooler air puts less stress on young trees. Rainfall tends to be gentle and regular. Fall planting gives your tree the best head start before the heat of a Carolina summer.

If you’re ready to bring that kind of joy into your life, start with research. The NC Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox is a great place to find tree varieties suited to your climate, space, and purpose—whether you’re seeking a spring-flowering showstopper or a sturdy native oak.

Don’t plant for the past. Plant for today. And let the joy begin now.

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GARDEN TRADITIONS

The Lily of Many Names

BY MIKE RALEY

E

very 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—Lycoris radiata. I’ve read that the name Lycoris refers to the mistress of the Roman leader Mark Antony. 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 native to China, Korea, and Japan—but there are varieties native to the southeastern U.S., including North Carolina.

“Coastal spiderlily” and “hammock spiderlily” are native to our region and thrive in central and eastern North Carolina. They’re a little iffy in the mountains, where cold winters may prove too much. In those cases, they’ll do better in containers you can move indoors.

Unfortunately, I rarely see spider lilies in landscapes during my neighborhood walks. Just here and there. It’s a shame, really, since they’re old-fashioned bulbs that often pop up unexpectedly at an older family property in late summer.

These make excellent pass-along plants. Our Weekend Gardener friend Steve from Garner

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once shared some with listeners and me at a remote. I think they look best nestled into a perennial border alongside groundcovers or annuals.

Why the nickname “naked ladies”? It’s because they emerge suddenly with no foliage—just tall, leafless stems topped by dramatic red or pink spider-like blooms. The narrow green leaves don’t appear until after the flowers fade and tend to linger through early winter. Their surprise emergence also earned them the name “resurrection lily,” and since they often bloom during hurricane season, you’ll hear them called “hurricane lilies” too.

Spider lilies prefer full sun to part shade and well-drained soil enriched with organic matter.

Plant bulbs about 4 to 6 inches deep with the neck just at the soil surface. They’ll multiply over time, so dividing them after blooming keeps them happy and prevents overcrowding.

They’re drought tolerant and relatively pest resistant—deer and rabbits tend to leave them alone.

Voles, however, may still cause trouble.

Check with local nurseries like Logan’s or Campbell Road Nursery, or browse catalogs for more fun spider lily cultivars. Add them to your garden and join the tradition.

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GARDENER’S JOURNAL

The Stately Old Sentries of Myrtle Manor

BY RUFUS EDMISTEN

H

ave you ever beheld a mighty oak or hoary old crape myrtle and wondered what they’ve witnessed over their long years? I’ve often gazed up at our towering crape myrtles and marveled at what they might tell us if they could talk. I imagine they’d speak with an exotic accent—after all, they’re native to Asia—or maybe, after standing for more than a hundred years, they’ve picked up a Southeastern twang.

Our trees may have been planted by the couple who built our house around 1921, but it’s more likely they were planted even earlier. The houses on the tracts surrounding ours date back to about 1900. What we know for sure is that these trees have stood through the Roaring Twenties, the Great Depression, World War II, and all the years since. Oh, the stories they could tell!

They’ve weathered thunderstorms, hurricanes, floods, and lightning strikes—and stood tall and strong through it all. I find that amazing.

One of the stars of our yard is our American holly tree, pictured above. My wife Linda and I carved our initials into it years ago. (The first thing this tree might say is “Ouch!”) Over time, our initials have climbed higher and higher as the tree has grown. It must be at least one hundred years old.

I also have a funny story about our pecan trees.

I grew up in the mountains of North Carolina, where there weren’t many pecan trees, so I wasn’t very familiar with them. When I moved to Myrtle Manor in 1979—back when I was Attorney General of North Carolina—I came home one night being driven by SBI Agent Harry Knight.

I had fallen asleep on the long drive. As soon as we turned into the driveway, I was startled awake by a deafening POP POP POP POP! At first, I thought I was being shot at! Harry slammed on the brakes and jumped out of the car, only to find

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himself standing ankle-deep in pecans. The trees are gigantic.

The next day I walked outside to see buckets and buckets of pecans everywhere—in the driveway, in the yard. I thought, “I am really blessed!”

I called a bunch of friends and told them to come help themselves. One lady came again and again, filling buckets to the brim. Curious, I asked her what she was doing with them. “Oh,” she said, “I’m selling them over at the Farmer’s Market!”

I just laughed and thought, “Maybe next time she’ll want me to deliver them too!” I’m sure my other friends were just baking pies and making

WEEKEND GARDENER | HOME, GARDEN, COMMUNITY FALL 2025

candies and cakes.

The name Myrtle Manor comes from the four ancient crape myrtles that still grace the yard.

They bloom with brilliant pink-purple flowers in the summer. In winter, their dramatic trunks and limbs add striking beauty.

Then there’s the pin oak and the live oak— both over a century old—surrounded by their spindly little offspring. We also have azaleas that are over 100 years old. I once asked our neighbor Marie, who grew up in the house next door and was nearing 100 herself, what trees she remembered. She told me, “Don’t forget the azaleas.

They’re over a hundred years old.”

Our home sits on a tract that was once part of

WEEKEND GARDENER | HOME, GARDEN, COMMUNITY FALL 2025

a 13-acre property shared by the Lawrence family. Three siblings—two brothers and a sister— each had a home on the land, with connecting driveways. One of them, Dr. Elmo Lawrence, was Raleigh’s first orthodontist. His wife, Harriet Lyndal Lawrence, was a devoted gardener.

It’s said that famed horticulturist Elizabeth Lawrence once visited her.

Sadly, in recent years, our huge pecan trees have started producing worm-ridden nuts. The worms crawl along the ground and into the trees.

My arborist told me that treating them requires chemicals sprayed at the right time of year. I decided to let the worms win—and let the squirrels have a field day instead.

Because we have many native and climate-compatible trees and shrubs, we regularly welcome a wonderful variety of creatures. We use minimal chemicals, letting grass grow with clover, violets, and mosses. My motto is: “If it’s green, mow it.”

Wildflowers bloom freely, attracting birds and butterflies—and keeping things healthy for us, too.

I do say minimal because sometimes I just can’t stand to let Japanese beetles take one more chomp out of my roses! Last spring I planted new roses: Tequila Sunrise, a fragrant hybrid tea rose that my dear friend and Weekend Gardener host also loves; and one my friend Phil Campbell gave me, which she calls the New Orleans Hurricane Rose, because it survived the storm.

I plan to move that one to a sunnier spot along the fence. I also planted a sunny, blushing drift rose—low-growing and spreading—a thoughtful gift from a friend.

One of our pecan trees also serves as host to a magnificent climbing hydrangea. If you’ll forgive a bit more whimsy, I’ve often thought the tree might wonder, “Why is this thing clinging to me and won’t let go?” The hydrangea climbs to at least 40 feet, blooming in spring with white, heavenly blossoms.

As our initials rise ever higher on the American holly, Linda and I have joked about carving a new set—just to kick off the next 40 years. Ouch!

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H O M E I M P R OV E M E N T: S P E C I A L S E CT I O N

Fall Cleaning Made Simple: Refresh Your Home for the Season As the leaves begin to change and temperatures dip, fall is the perfect time to give your home a deep clean. Think of it as a seasonal reset—a chance to tidy up before the holidays, prepare for winter, and create a cozy, welcoming space for spending more time indoors. A thoughtful fall cleaning routine not only helps you feel more organized, it also reduces allergens, cuts down on germs, and sets the stage for a more relaxing home life.

Start with a Declutter

Dust Hidden Corners

Begin by clearing out what you no longer need. Go through closets, drawers, and storage areas to donate or toss items that no longer serve a purpose. Switch out summer clothes for cold-weather staples like sweaters and boots.

This step gives your home an instant lift and makes the rest of your cleaning much easier.

Dust loves to hide in baseboards, vents, ceiling fans, and behind furniture. Use a microfiber cloth or vacuum attachment to clean these forgotten spots. While you’re at it, replace your HVAC filter to improve indoor air quality and reduce allergens.

Focus on Floors and Carpets

We spend more time lounging in fall, so vacuum furniture and wash blankets, slipcovers, and pillows. Swapping out lightweight bedding for heavier layers adds comfort and a cozy fall vibe.

Summer tends to leave behind dust, pollen, and dirt. Vacuum carpets thoroughly and consider steam cleaning to refresh fibers and remove allergens. Don’t forget tile and hardwood floors— mop well and apply a protective finish if needed to handle wet winter footwear.

Let in the Light Dirty windows can block fall’s gentle sunlight.

Clean both sides of your windows for a clearer view, and wash or vacuum curtains and blinds to remove built-up dust. These simple tasks brighten your home and enhance indoor lighting as days grow shorter.

Deep Clean the Kitchen With holidays approaching, your kitchen will be in high demand. Now is a great time to clean the fridge, oven, and microwave. Clear out old items, scrub surfaces, and vacuum hidden crumbs behind appliances. A sparkling kitchen sets the tone for joyful holiday cooking.

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Refresh Bedding and Upholstery

Tidy the Entryway With cooler, wetter weather comes more traffic through your front door. Clean floors and mats, wipe down the door, and set up hooks or bins for jackets, shoes, and bags.

Prepare for Guests Fall gatherings are just around the corner. Take time now to tidy guest spaces, stock up on essentials, and freshen linens so you’re not rushing later.

Final Thought: Fall cleaning is a chance to reset your space for a season of comfort, warmth, and connection.

With a little effort now, you’ll create a calm and inviting environment that supports rest, celebration, and quality time with the people you love.

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SUNSHINE FAVORITE

Cheerful Black-Eyed Susan

BY MIKE RALEY

“If you want a flower for your pollinator garden, then Rudbeckia will do the trick.”

M

elissa and I just returned from a trip to Norway, where we traveled as far north as Myrdal—3,000 feet above sea level and about 350 miles south of the Arctic Circle.

It felt like a North Carolina winter with leaves on the trees and some snow still lingering on the higher peaks.

You wouldn’t think that central and eastern North Carolina would share any plants with Norway, but we certainly do. Consider Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta). While it’s native to the Tar Heel State, we saw it thriving throughout the Norwegian countryside. Introduced long ago to

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many European countries, including Norway, it has found a home there just as it has in our own backyard.

We’ve been growing this cheerful and low-maintenance flower for decades in our landscape. Its adaptability is one of its greatest features. Black-eyed Susan can be annual, biennial, or perennial in North Carolina, typically blooming from June through September.

It often depends on how many hungry rabbits attack our crop. Part of the aster family and cousin to the sunflower, it thrives in full sun but handles part shade just fine. It loves moist, well-

WEEKEND GARDENER | HOME, GARDEN, COMMUNITY FALL 2025

drained soil but tolerates both clay and drought.

Regular watering helps, but it will do well even when neglected.

The best part? Black-eyed Susan self-seeds and spreads via rhizomes—great news for those of us with rabbits and critters in the garden. Extension experts say it has few insect or disease problems, and pollinators love it. Bees, butterflies, and even goldfinches in the fall will visit your blooms.

These birds love the seed heads, and you’ll often catch them perched atop dried flowers, working hard for a snack.

There are a few varieties and cultivars: Rudbeckia hirta (Black-eyed Susan), R. fulgida (Orange Coneflower), R. triloba (Brown-eyed Susan), and R. maxima (Giant Coneflower).

Dwarf varieties max out at around 12 inches tall, perfect for small gardens or containers.

Larger cultivars like “Indian Summer” or “Cherry Brandy” can grow up to 4 feet, with striking

WEEKEND GARDENER | HOME, GARDEN, COMMUNITY FALL 2025

blooms in golden yellow, deep red, or even wine tones.

For pollinator gardens, Rudbeckia is a musthave. Its cheerful face attracts not only bees and butterflies but also beneficial insects like hoverflies. And since they don’t need heavy fertilization, they’re easy on the wallet too. I usually skip store-bought fertilizers unless it’s a sponsor’s product. A little compost or organic mulch will do just fine.

Native Americans found medicinal uses for Black-eyed Susan, often applying it to treat colds or minor infections. The plant’s sturdy nature and healing associations made it a trusted presence in early gardens.

Oh, and it’s also the official flower of Appalachian State University. Not a bad résumé for such a cheerful plant. I think it’s probably unanimous. “Weekend Gardener” listeners give a big ole wink to Black-eyed Susan and I do too.

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RECIPES

Traditional Fall Harvest Pies with a Twist

BY PAM BECK

U

nlike the cool berry and citrus pies of summertime, pies made with fall fruits and veggies are warmer, spicier, and richer in flavor.

So, choosing a dessert to make for holiday gatherings can be a struggle when one family member craves a deep dish apple pie with a flaky crust and gooey interior, perfectly complimented with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream, but another guest insists on an old-fashioned pumpkin pie, aromatic with cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, and topped with a dollop of whipped cream.

Since most of the items needed for a pie are usually at hand in a well-stocked kitchen, why not create several pies this holiday season using the bounty from your own garden or seasonal local farmer’s market produce, but add a surprise ingredient or two just to shake things up? You might even create a new family favorite!

A wide variety of delicious apples are being sold at our local farmer’s markets this fall, so your choice between shockingly tart to sugary sweet types provides sufficient excuse to get your rolling pin and pie pans out of the cupboard.

I recently served my family a unique apple pie. It called for

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adding a ½ cup of grated sharp white cheddar to the filling and another ½ cup of the same cheese to the dough. We discovered that the unexpected twang of the cheese was the ideal companion to the sweetness of the fruit and sugar. Since most of my immediate family is gluten-intolerant, we used gluten free flour for the pastry, which doesn’t darken much during baking, but still yields delicious results.

An unexpected option for this year’s pumpkin pie could be to make it a cold pie that tastes more like a cheesecake. My daughter made a Double Layer Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie with Almond Ginger Crust for the first time a couple of years ago and everyone loved it so much that it is now her official duty to bring one to Thanksgiving dinner. Don’t cheat by taking a shortcut with this one. You must make the almond and ginger pie crust by hand, too, or the end results won’t be as delectable.

For those of you who prepare too much sweet potato casserole during the holidays, consider using the leftovers as a pie filling. It is already seasoned and sweetened, so just plop the extra soufflé into a prebaked pie crust and reheat as dessert. No one will be the wiser, and you will get lots of kudos.

Here in the South, fall is harvest season for pecans, and we love our pecan pie. There have been countless recipe conflicts about whether or not it is better to use Karo syrup or go with a locally produced golden syrup. Should you use light or dark syrup? Is white, light brown, or dark brown sugar best? Heaven help you if you are on the wrong side of the chopped versus whole pecan debate. And, don’t forget the argument against those adventurous cooks who like to add a little something alcoholic for “extra flavor.”

My recent search for a novel pecan pie resulted in combining two of my favorite things – fresh

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pecans and dark chocolate! Using a gluten-free pie shell from a local health food grocery store, this Chocolate Pecan Pie recipe was a snap to make, uses less sugar and syrup than my traditional recipe, and the entire pie was quickly devoured.

Another unorthodox pie option for your final fall harvest is to bake savory pies as side dishes for dinner. You may be familiar with Shepherd’s Pie, which uses mashed potatoes for the topping, but have you tried a delicious Tomato Pie? This clever vegetable substitute combines sliced or chopped tomatoes, fresh herbs, lots of cheese, and green onions layered in a pie shell and baked until bubbly and browned. The most recent recipe I used was a version of Paula Deen’s Tomato Pie, which was perfect served with steak.

Our leftovers were reheated for breakfast the next morning and topped with crisp crumbled bacon. This would be a great Christmas morning brunch dish, which could be made ahead of time, refrigerated, and then reheated while everyone is opening presents. Easy as pie!

Get all your fresh fuits and pumpkins at the State Farmers Market located off of I-40 at Exit 297, Raleigh NC.

WEEKEND GARDENER | HOME, GARDEN, COMMUNITY FALL 2025

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RECIPES

Dutch Kettle Traffic Jam

BY WPTF STAFF

T

o make The Dutch Kettle Traffic Jam, combine peaches, strawberries, red raspberries, cherries, and cranberries in a pot with sugar and pectin. While a specific detailed recipe isn't publicly available from The Dutch Kettle, you can use a base recipe by combining 2 cups sugar, 1 packet pectin, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice with 4 cups of chopped fruit (such as strawberries, peaches, raspberries, and cranberries), then simmering until thickened and following proper canning procedures.

Ingredients

Instructions

A blend of fruits: peaches, strawberries, red raspberries, cherries, and cranberries.

Sugar Pectin Citric acid (often a component of pectin)

1. Prepare the fruit: Wash and chop the peaches, strawberries, cherries, and red raspberries into small, manageable pieces. If using dried cranberries, you will need to rehydrate them.

2. Combine and simmer: In a large pot, combine the chopped fruit, sugar, and pectin. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar has completely dissolved.

3. Cook the jam: Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for approximately 20-30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The mixture will thicken as the fruit breaks down and the pectin activates.

4. Check for consistency: Test the jam's consistency by dropping a small amount onto a cold plate. If it thickens and holds its shape, it is ready.

5. Can the jam: Pour the hot jam into sterilized jars and seal them. Allow the jars to cool completely before storing them.

Get your Dutch Kettle Jam at Womble & Sons in Lillington. ”If We Don’t Have It, You Don’t Need It!”

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