Weekend Gardener Fall 2024

9 Must-Do Experiences in Holly Springs

Holly Springs Farmers Market

Come enjoy the national award-winning Holly Springs Farmers Market, open Saturday mornings along Ballentine Street beside the Cultural Center. Meet local farmers, shop for farm-fresh foods, tap your toes to live music, and take part in special events throughout the year!

Holly Springs Community Library

The Wake County library shares a lobby with the Town’s Cultural Center. The library holds events throughout the year.

W.E. Hunt Recreation Center

Located next to Womble Park’s synthetic turf fields, the Hunt Center includes a fitness center, elevated track, gymnasium, game room, and more. The track and game room are free to use.

Holly Springs Cultural Center

The Holly Springs Cultural Center is southwestern Wake County’s home for theater, dance, music, and more. It hosts performances, events, programs, and classes throughout the year. Visitors can also view art exhibits in the lobby and hallways. In summer, free outdoor concerts are held on the outdoor stage.

Carolina Brewing Company And Bombshell Beer Co.

Two great breweries can be found here in Holly SpringS, including Carolina Brewing Company one of the oldest breweriesin the state. Then we have Bombshell Beer Company, one of the first femaleowned breweries in the state.

Bass Lake

Relax, unwind and have fun at Bass Lake Park where you’ll find many opportunities to connect with nature. The park is home to many species of native plants and animals, which can be seen along the beautiful park trails. Bass Lake Park is open sevendays a week, 8 a.m. - sunset year-round. Please see the 2024 Hours of Operation and Park Closures for up to date closing times and planned Holiday closures.

For the foodie

The focal point of My Way Tavern is the horse shoe style bar, expertly crafted with reclaimed wood from 158-year old barn in eastern N.C. From the bar customers can enjoy one of 14 draft beers on tap, 11 proudly brewed in N.C., in addition to more than 50 bottles and a fully stocked bar. The My Way Tavern menu includes a variety of freshly made all-American foods such as appetizers salads, soups, burgers, sandwiches and entrées.

Happy Holly Days

The Happy Holly Days Parade is held the second Saturday of December. Floats, bands, dancers, decorated vehicles, marching groups and all sorts of entertaining entries travel Main Street through downtown.

Chili Cook-off

Battle of the Badges Chili Cook Off Be allured by the smells during the Chili Cook-off on November 2, and sample all of the award-winning recipes.

Historic Homes, and Mims Park

Downtown Holly Springs includes homes with histories, including the Leslie-Alford-Mims house, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Enjoy a quiet run or hike in Mims Park a 17-acre wooded site with rolling hills, natural springs, and the historic gravesite of Town founder G.B. Alford. Get a close-up view of the property’s different natural plant communities and habitat zones on a hard-surface route from W Earp St to the natural springs. Up for a topographical challenge? Check out the 0.8-mile natural surface loop trail! With two trailheads, abundant parking is available at the nearby Cultural Center and Town Hall parking lots and along W. Ballentine Street.

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Chip Winstead

Design & Production

Jordan Beard

Advertising Sales

Chris Hooks

Mike Sleyman

Chip Winstead

John Fick

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Contributing Writers

Mike Raley

Tony Avent

Amanda Wilkinson

Helen Yoest

Rhonda Benvie Plummer

Daniel Stern

Rufus Edmisten

Paul McKenzie

Chris Hooks

Andrea Laine

Marshall Warren

Colby Griffin

Gerald Adams

Pumpkins & The Jack-o’-Lantern

by Colby Griffin

I stumbled upon a rather humorous and anonymous quote recently that states, “It’s time for Fall in the South: pumpkins, mosquitoes, humidity, flipflops, and shorts…Okay, so it’s basically summer but with pumpkins.” Luckily, as autumn progresses those pumpkins on your front porch will look more at ease surrounded by cooler temperatures and hopefully a few less mosquitoes.

Each fall, millions of Americans make the trek to their local pumpkin patch to purchase a vegetable they’re unlikely to eat. Many people throughout the world use pumpkin as a dietary staple, in the United States these colorful members of the Cucurbitaceae (gourd) family are used primarily for decoration. Halloween and Thanksgiving would not be complete without pumpkins to add a festive air to these events.

Pumpkins are relatively easy to grow in the home garden with many different varieties to choose from. Pumpkins need full sun and well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0-6.5. The most accurate way to determine your soil pH is by taking a soil test. These kits are available from your local Cooperative Extension office. Pumpkins can be a long season crop and if you want them ready for Halloween you’ll need to plan and plant accordingly. Certain varieties mature between 90-125 days after planting. Depending on the variety you would need to plant between June 15th and July 10th. In lieu of a soil test, any well-balanced fertilizer such as 8-8-8 or 10-10-10 would be sufficient for home production. Pumpkins are ready to harvest when the color is uniform, and the rind is completely hard. Stems should be cut and not pulled from the vines.

The name pumpkin originates from the Greek word for “large melon” which is “pepon.” The French word for “pepon” was “pompon” and the English changed the latter to “pumpion.” We finally arrived at the current spelling and pronunciation when the American colonists changed “pumpion” into “pumpkin.”

Pumpkin is a generic name given to several members of the genus Cucurbita. These include C. maxima, C. moschata, and C. pepo. The names winter squash and pumpkin are used frequently for these species also. However, most of the large, orange ones sold for decoration are in the species C. maxima and the name winter squash is given to the other two species. More confusion abounds as the canned product used for making pumpkin pie is actually C. moschata, a species of winter squash.

Pumpkin and winter squash are native to the Americas and have been cultivated since around 3500 B.C. Native Americans used pumpkin extensively within their diet. American colonists also relied heavily on pumpkin as a food source as shown by this poem (circa 1630): “For pottage and puddings and custard and pies. Our pumpkins and parsnips are common supplies: We have pumpkins at morning and pumpkins at noon, If it were not for pumpkins, we should be undoon.”

The colonists are thought to have prepared pumpkins by slicing off their tops, removing the seeds, and refilling the inside with a milk, spices, and honey mixture. This was then baked in hot ashes and is thought to be the origin of the modern pumpkin pie.

In the United States, pumpkins are also associated with the carving of Jack-o’-lanterns. This practice originated in Ireland where according to local legend, a notorious character named “Stingy Jack” was successful in tricking Satan on many occasions, much to Satan’s annoyance. When Stingy Jack died he was turned away from Heaven by Saint Peter for having lived a mean and cruel life. He then went down to meet with Satan. While alive, Jack had tricked Satan into promising not to take his soul when he died. Satan kept his promise and barred Jack from entering Hell. Jack had nowhere to go but to wander forever in the dark. He then asked Satan how he would see as he had no light to search for a resting place. Satan mockingly tossed him an ember from the flames of Hell to help Stingy Jack light his way. Jack always carried a turnip with him which was also his favorite food. Jack hollowed out the turnip and placed the hellish ember inside. From then on Jack roamed the earth searching for a resting place with his “Jack-o’-lantern.”

The Irish hollowed out turnips and other root vegetables for their Jack-o’-lanterns. They placed a candle in them to ward off evil spirits to keep Stingy Jacky away. When the Irish immigrated to America, they quickly discovered that pumpkins were easier to carve and more readily available than turnips.

A New Squash That Can Beat Squash Vine Borers

by Gerald Adams

Every year I get more questions about Summer squash problems. Squash bugs cause problems and poor pollination is an increasing problem with too few female or too few male blooms which hinders fruit production. Squash vine borers are the biggest problem because they can quickly kill a plant. I have found a new Summer squash cultivar which because of it’s growth makes it easier to defeat squash vine borers. Meet Burpee’s “Rise & Shine” Yellow Summer squash.

Burpee released “Rise & Shine” squash in 2023. There wasn’t a huge supply of seed for a first year introduction and Burpee quickly sold out of seed. I finally received seed this year at the beginning of May. This was too late for me to have plants for sale at the Raleigh Farmers Market. I did manage to grow a few plants and gave some to few friends in order that we could perform an informal trial this Summer. “Rise & Shine” produces straight neck yellow squash 4-8 inches long. What makes it unique is that it grows straight up to a height of 4 feet. It does need staking and I used 2 heavy wood steaks. It gets top heavy producing lots of fruit. I might try some heavy duty tomato cages next year. Burpee developed this squash because it can be grown in smaller spaces. Because of it’s vertical growth habit & width at 3 feet it doesn’t take up as much ground space as traditional yellow squash which ramble over a much wider area.

The vertical growth habit provides another huge advantage in that only the main stem is touching the soil. Squash vine borer moths typically lay eggs at the base of a plant and when the larvae emerge they bore into the stem to feed which weakens plant causing plant to slowly die. For years I have been advising gardeners to wrap main stem with aluminum foil going from 1 inch below soil level to 1 inch above soil. This barrier prevents the larvae from boring into the stem. However squash spread and ramble all over the ground which leaves many possible locations with stems touching soil.

It becomes problematic to wrap all these locations. “Rise & Shine” with only one stem touching soil is super easy to wrap thus protecting from squash vine bores.

I know gardeners who have tried to trellis traditional yellow squash varieties attempting to keep all vines from touching soil but most Summer squash cultivars have an almost hollow vine which cuts easily when try to support. “Rise & Shine” solves this problem.

Myself and the three friends I gave plants were at least 3-4 weeks late planting “Rise & Shine” (late May) This didn’t cause any problems as we all had good production. No pollination issues even in this Summer’s hot June and July. As I’m writing this article (early August) my “Rise & Shine” squash are still producing. My friends have all loudly shouted their praise already requesting plants for next Spring.

Now for the bad news. “Rise & Shine” is a hybrid which means you can’t save seeds. It’s also pricey currently $6.95 for 25 seed which is 27.8 cent per seed. However from what I’ve seen this Summer I will be growing and recommending it to customers next year. I’ve recently learned that Gurney Seed has released “Smooth Criminal” straight neck yellow squash which appears to be similar to “Rise & Shine”I’ll give this one a try next year & report my findings.

If you have questions contact me at: geraldandhenrysplants@gmail.com

Meeting the Gardening Needs of Johnston County’s New Residents

Johnston County, North Carolina, ranked among the top 4 fastest-growing counties from July 2022 to July 2023, with nearly 6,923 individuals relocating annually, many from out-of-state. However, these newcomers often face challenges in adapting their gardening practices to Johnston County’s unique environment and urban landscapes.

At the Extension office, we’ve observed a significant lack of knowledge among new residents regarding landscape and vegetable gardening specific to Johnston County. This is evident from the diverse range of questions posed at our Master Gardener Mobile Plant Clinics and through customer inquiries. Topics include home landscaping, ornamental plants, turfgrass selection, soil testing, equipment use, food cultivation, pest management, disease identification, native plants, wildlife, and pollinators.

As the population of Johnston County and its surrounding areas continues to grow, so does the demand for horticultural education. Surprisingly, only 10% of recent Master Gardener training participants are originally from North Carolina. Homeowners in new developments often face landscaping challenges and seek guidance on making effective improvements.

From surveys conducted during our “New to JoCo? Landscaping Basics from the Ground Up” workshop, it’s clear that most attendees rely on internet searches, landscape articles, and YouTube videos rather than utilizing trusted resources like NC State Extension. As part of the survey, a pretest was administered. Responses indicated that participants lacked knowledge about critical information related to correct fertilizer and pesticide application such as proper timing and amounts.

Key workshop topics include correcting soil issues, interpreting soil test results, proper landscape design, selecting healthy plants, and correct planting techniques. Integrated Pest Management (IPM), weed control strategies, and understanding lawn grass types are also covered extensively. Many participants are unaware of the differences between warm and cool-season grasses and the optimal methods for establishing lawns in Johnston County. Survey responses from the workshop indicated an average estimated total savings and increased property value of $8,469.00.

Environmental impact is another crucial aspect discussed, highlighting how residential pesticide and fertilizer use can exceed that of agricultural practices per acre.

Despite the resources available through the Extension Service, many new residents are unaware of its offerings and hesitant to seek horticultural advice.

Our goal is for Extension to be recognized not just as a reliable resource but as a well-known and trusted advisor in the community. We strive to bridge this gap by promoting awareness of our various programs and services.

Stay Connected with Johnston County Extension and JoCo Grows Agriculture! We invite you to stay informed and engaged with Johnston County Extension and JoCo Grows Agriculture. Visit our website, follow us on social media, or stop by our office to discover how we can support your gardening journey and enhance your home’s landscape. We would also be glad to add you to our “Gardener’s Dirt” newsletter. Together, let’s keep growing a thriving community in Johnston County!

For further information, we encourage residents to explore similar resources offered by neighboring County Extension offices.

johnston.ces.ncsu.edu jocogrows.org

typical of its time: Finished in the late 1960s, the homes were similar in size and layout and every house sat on the same amount of land which was some measure of an acre. The community was called Point of Woods – which was humorous as most of the “woods” were cleared in order to build the houses. Most homes were surrounded by large areas of lawn. The yard cried out for a shade tree. Enter the maple.

Our maple tree felt special. My grandmother spotted the seedling growing in her tiny urban yard in Queens, a borough of New York City. Mature maples lined her two-way street; they were so large that their tops completely shaded the street and their shallow roots buckled the sidewalks. Grandma was no stranger to gardening so she nurtured that seedling for a bit and then potted it up and brought it to Long Island to plant in our new backyard. With lots of attention, but little actual care, it grew fast and tall and quickly delivered welcome shade.

Alas, I have no (good) photos to share of the maple of my childhood. Besides, my tree may have been the invasive (!) Norway maple (Acer platanoides), which was widely planted as a street and shade tree back in the day. I have something much better to share with you -- a spectacular red maple tree (Acer rubrum) that graces the Durham County yard of a fellow master gardener.

red about it year-round. It has red twigs, buds, and flowers in winter, reddish new leaves in spring, red leaf stalks and seeds in summer, and reddish (or yellow) foliage in autumn (Spira, T.P.).

There are a number of types of maple trees and it is not easy to identify them from afar. You need to observe their structure and then get close enough to observe the bark, the leaves and their arrangement, the flower and/or the fruit. A distinguishing characteristic of the red maple (in addition to its overwhelming redness as described above), is that the edge of its leaf, also known as the margin, is highly serrated.

To learn more about the characteristics of other maple trees, consult the online NC Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox.

A version of this article was previously published by durhammastergardeners.com.

Photos by Wanda Crutchfield

Selecting Shrubs and Trees

By Daniel Stern, Director of Horticulture, NC Botanical Garden

Trees and shrubs frame and punctuate our gardens and, given their lifespan, they also represent a longterm relationship. Naturally, there is bound to be some apprehension about choosing well. While the list of garden-worthy southeastern woody plants is extensive, I’ve found that by taking an analytical approach and applying sequential filters, I usually end up with selections that are effective, successful, and optimize the opportunity to enhance the space.

Function

Are you trying to meet a specific goal such as create a screen between you and your neighbors? Or obscure an ugly foundation? If so, you’ll be best served by picking something evergreen. Do you want to create a shady spot to relax outside in the summer? Then you’re in the market for a medium or large deciduous (and preferably fast-growing) tree. Are you interested in supporting birds? Plant an oak that will sustain hundreds of species of caterpillars! Are you looking to add a structural layer between the ground plane and the canopy for wildlife? Consider some shrubs and understory trees.

Size

How big does the tree or shrub need to be to get the job done? How much space can you give it? It’s important to be realistic and consider the mature height and width of shrubs and trees. If you try to stuff the proverbial quart in a pint jar, you’ll end up having to do a lot of heavy pruning to prevent plants from rubbing against the house or growing into one another. Over time, this can result in misshapen and unhealthy plants.

Fit

How many hours of sun does the area get? Is the soil dry or moist? It’s important to select plants whose cultural needs align with the site conditions. Putting the right plant in the right place will both ease establishment and increase the likelihood that it will thrive over the long term.

After applying the preceding filters, start thinking about the different ways that various species will enhance the space. Consider their typical shape because a well-placed specimen with a distinct form (e.g. strong vase shape, dome shape, or weeping/ pendulous form) can create a striking contrast with the surrounding vegetation.

Similarly, consider the plant’s texture. Are the branches stiff or arching? Do the twigs have a distinct shape like the zig-zagging eastern redbud? What about bark? The bark of dogwood, sourwood, and persimmon is made up of blocks that can resemble reptilian scales. The bark of beech and ironwood trees is smooth and sinewy, while sycamore and river birch often have exfoliating bark that looks flaky or paper-like and can include a wide array of colors on a single plant. These characteristics are worth considering because they can add visual interest to the garden even in the dead of winter!

What about the leaves? Are they broad and planar or needle shaped? How large are they? Is the leaf margin smooth, wavy, or toothed? Again, variety is the spice of life, and I have seen some amazing displays where differences in foliage make compelling combinations. And, while you’re

thinking about leaves, don’t forget to factor in fall color. For many deciduous shrubs and trees, fall color can last longer and provide more visual “pop” than their flowers do, so be sure to include a few specimens that turn different colors in the fall so you can enjoy their autumnal transformation!

Last but not least, what about the flowers and fruits? Are the flowers conspicuous? What color? Are they fragrant? Do they attract pollinators? Does the fruit have an interesting shape and/ or color? Does it fall off quickly after ripening or persist on the plant for some time? Who eats the fruits? Also, if you’re considering adding a shrub or tree to the garden largely because of its fruit, be sure to check whether the species is monoecious (plants have both male and female reproductive structures) or dioecious (plants have either male or female flowers, but not both). Hollies, persimmons, sassafras, and other dioecious plants only form fruits on individuals with female flowers. You’ll also need at least one plant with male flowers present nearby to ensure pollination. Keep in mind that some plants like pawpaw and viburnum are monoecious but not efficient at or sometimes not capable of self-fertilization, and you’ll need multiple, genetically distinct, individuals to ensure good fruit set. Keep in mind that cultivars are, by definition, genetic clones, so with species that are self-incompatible, you will need to matchmake different cultivars or pair a cultivar with a straight species to get good fruit set.

There are a lot of variables to consider when picking shrubs or trees to add to the garden but if you strategically select ones with complementary characteristics and plot out how they will enhance the garden throughout the seasons, you can rest assured the resulting whole will be more than the sum of its parts, and you will enjoy a dynamic landscape all year long!

Go to ncbg.unc.edu/TreesandShrubs for a list of trees, shrubs, and vines with their benefits. North Carolina Botanical Garden

100 Old Mason Farm Road

Chapel Hill, NC 27517

Open Tuesday – Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Find out more at ncbg.unc.edu

The deciduous holly (Ilex decidua) tree is a key element of this garden bed in the Courtyard Garden at the North Carolina Botanical Garden. The same tree is covered in bright red berries, a favorite of birds, in the winter.

A Bit of Shade Gardening

by Mike Raley

“Many of the plants we chat about on the WPTF Weekend Gardener need sunlight in varying degrees, but shade gardening is a little more specialized. There are also fewer plants available that will thrive in the shade, especially “dry shade” which usually involves root competition from large trees. But maybe more interesting plants than you might think.

Many of the plants that seem to adapt to are familiar ones. My friend and former show co-host Anne Clapp has done a lot of shade gardening in her many years of top-flight gardening. Her top pick is obvious: Camellias! Anne has cultivated 200 of the varied and flower-ladened beauties. Actually, camellias are even happier in part shade, while other varieties will thrive in morning and midday shade.

Like many plants in the TarHeel state, they would prefer to avoid the heat of afternoons during the summer. But, they will flower in a fairly deep shade.

Of course, there are numerous cultivars. Another popular shade loving plant is the acuba. Like the camellia, they are not native, but are usually reliable in the shade, even the dryer sections. In fact, like most plants, they don’t like wet feet. You can find cultivars with deep green leaves and variation. The female produces bright red berries.

There are the wildly popular hydrangeas. Again, they run the gamut from sun to shade. There are more and more varieties and improved varieties of old favorites like the French and oak leaf varieties. Azalea are much happier living in shady conditions, but some of the newer repeat bloomers will take more sun. They like an acidic well drained soil that is enriched with good organic matter like Black Kow and Daddy Pete’s. There are also native deciduous varieties that love shady areas of the landscape.

The rhododendron family includes all those azalea. And these gorgeous plants, which are native to the mountains of North Carolina, enjoy shady conditions of the piedmont, but all rhododendrons are shallow rooted and need good drainage. They don’t like the heat, so more power to you if they survive in your yard.

Some other plants that will grow in part to full shade in North Carolina and recommended by NC State University are: Lenten Rose Viburnum Carolina Allspice”

Come take a stroll through the gardens where you can enjoy and learn about our many unique and beautiful plants.

BIG BLOOMERS FLOWER FARM

I mean c’mon. This place is utterly amazing! The variety is outta control! If you can’t find it here, you’re either not looking hard enough or it doesn’t exist. And don’t get me started on their prices. From what I can see… they propagate their own stuff and pass the saving on to working class heroes like me which I’m forever grateful for.

-Mike

It was definitely worth the drive —especially for the perennials. Loved all the native plant options too. But they really had a great selection of everything else too.

-Emmanuelle M.

A huge selection of healthy and well priced plants. You’ll find things here hard to find elsewhere. The staff are friendly and helpful, and you could spend an after just soaking up all the inventory they have to offer. They have everything from houseplants, to fruit trees to perennials.

-Katherine K.

Wonderful selection of flowers, trees, and shrubs. The customer service was perfect! Can't wait for my next visit

-Suzanne

S.

A Threat To The Crape Myrtle

by Mike Raley

A type of insect is attacking one of the south’s most popular summer flowering ornamental trees. For a while now, horticulturists and members of the nursery industry have been watching for the Crape Myrtle bark scale to show up in North Carolina. This type of scale first appeared in Texas in 2004 and has been gradually spreading across the country ever since. Found in the Tar Heel state since 2016, it is now pervasive. This type of scale is a cousin of insects that we find on camellias and other ornamentals. The folks at NC State University tell me that the scale has been infesting trees across the state.

Up till now, Crape Myrtle has always been one of the most reliable landscape plants in the south. Just like Leyland Cypress and Red Tip Photinia, over planting seems to have promoted disease. With North Carolina’s heat and humidity, this pest can show up on trees year round, but seem to be more prevalent in spring and summer. But a pest is a pest regardless.

Entomologists at NC State tell us Crape Myrtle bark scale will cause your tree to leaf out later than normal in the spring. There will be fewer and smaller flowers and that lovely bark may peel prematurely. The first sign that your tree has the scale issue is from the black sooty mold covering the bark. This is produced and excreted by the scale as they feed on your plants. The honeydew attracts ants, bees, wasps, etc. With the honeydew glaze comes the mold. Severe investigations can injure or eventually kill your tree. You might easily confuse this with the honeydew of the Crape Myrtle aphid. The adult female scale looks like white or gray encrustations that you will find on trunks, branches or even twigs of Crape Myrtles.

So how do you get rid of this scale? There are chemical pesticides that will do the trick, but these treatments are ongoing, probably for the life of the tree. Plus, the chemical pesticides will kill pollinators. You can use the heavier dormant oils. But if you really want to keep the tree that is a mature specimen, then you should contact an arborist to handle the job. They have several alternatives that may help. By the way, ladybugs like scale too. If you find the treatments are more trouble than they are worth or too expensive, replace the tree with a native tree or a blooming shrub. Unfortunately, these alternatives plants are not going to replace the tree that has the four season characteristics you have come to love.

Some of my nursery owner friends tell me they are discontinuing carrying Crape Myrtles for the foreseeable future until this problem is resolved. That is very sad as this import from Southeast Asia has served us well since it was introduced to our soil in the 1790’s. Researchers and growers may be able to develop scale resistant varieties in the coming years. In the meantime, check your Crape Myrtles for the signs of scale as you continue to enjoy these flirting favorites.

Celebrating 100 Years

Edgeworthia Chrysantha

(Paper Bush, False Winter Daphne)

by Tony Avent

I’ll always remember the day back in the mid 1980s, I first spotted my first Edgeworthia, tucked beside the narrow, dark, windy path that use to take you beside the old lath house at the J.C. Raulston Arboretum. There it was, naked as a proverbial jaybird in the middle of winter, except for the terminal flowers which stared back like “okay, you found me.” This began a life quest to learn more about this amazing daphne relative. I started by taking cuttings from the Arboretum plant and subsequently planting them all around the NC State Fairgrounds, where I worked at the time. Unfortunately, they all fell victim to subsequent mow and blow landscape directors who didn’t realize what they had.

My path of Edgeworthia discovery next took me first to Georgia, where a native population of Edgeworthia had reportedly been discovered. My research there led to the house of a former US ambassador, who had brought the plant back from China. Evidently a few of its seedlings had been washed down a nearby stream where they were discovered by native plant enthusiasts, assuming them to be native.

Next was a trip to the Kingston, Washington, garden of plantsman, Dan Hinkley, who had a large specimen in his garden. The Hinkley plant, Edgeworthia chrysantha, had much larger foliage and flowers than the Raulston Arboretum’s Edgeworthia papyrifera, combined with an incredible sweet floral fragrance. About this time, Piroche Nursery of Canada began importing the first large shipment of edgeworthias from China. I was fortunate to cherry pick a particularly largeleafed, large-flowered specimen for my home garden, which I still grow today under the name Edgeworthia chrysantha ‘Snow Cream’.

In 1996, I headed to Yunnan, China to see the plant in the wild and while I never found it in its natural habitat, I did get to see a huge specimen in the Kunming Botanic Garden, which was identical in form, to the plant that I was growing at home.

The taxonomy of Edgeworthia has been enough to drive even the most stable of us insane. Despite having only 4 species in the genus, agreement on which is which seems to change more often than some women change shoes. Current thinking is

that what we grow as Edgeworthia chrysantha is a tetraploid (a double set of chromosomes) and the smaller-growing, non-fragrant, less winter hardy plant known as Edgeworthia papyrifera is simply a diploid form of the same species. The other species...the evergreen E. gardneri, E. albiflora, E. longipes, and E. eriosolanoides don’t appear to be in cultivation.

So, what’s so exciting about edgeworthias? All summer, the 8’ tall x 10’ wide, umbrella shaped shrub, supported by a smooth brown trunk, is adorned with tropical-looking, plumeria like leaves. The foliage drops in mid December to reveal both the wonderful bark and the large, silvery, terminal flower buds. The flower buds open steadily from mid January to early April, producing an overwhelmingly fragrant display of pendant, golden yellow flowers.

Although there is an orange-red diploid form, Edgeworthia ‘Akebono’ (aka “Red Dragon”) on the market, it is unfortunately the non-fragrant shorter, less-hardy, diploid form. Another recent development is a Edgeworthia ‘Snow Globe’, a hybrid of the large tetraploid form and the shorter diploid form, discovered and released by our sister institution, the JC Raulston Arboretum. It seems that it will mature around 3-4’ tall.

As long as the soil is well drained, Edgeworthia grows equally as well for us in half-day sun or very open, light shade. I can think of few plants that add as much to the winter garden as the incredible Edgeworthia chrysantha and hope you all will add one to your garden.

William and Mary Joslin nurtured their 4-acre garden for decades, then donated the land to the City of Raleigh to be used as a park.

In North Carolina, fall is for planting! In the Joslin Garden where the author conserves, we plan to do a lot of it! The Joslin Garden is a very special place. Read on to learn more about the history of William and Mary Joslin.

William Joslin

Born in 1920 in the neighborhood formerly known as Cameron Park, William Joslin played in the surrounding creeks and woods. The impact was deep and lasting. William became a birder and hiker and loved everything about nature. After graduating from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, William had just turned 21 and was finishing his first semester at Columbia University Law School in New York when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor and the United States entered World War II. He enlisted in the Navy, where he served as a lieutenant on the U.S.S. Massey, a destroyer in the Pacific.

By the time the war was over and William finished law school, the 158-acre forest in the Raleigh of his youth was being developed as the Southeast’s first shopping center. Cameron Village, now known as The Village District, opened in 1949.

A Tale of Two Conservations: The History of the Joslin Garden

by Helen Yoest

These were new times. Along with single-family residential areas and apartments, the shopping center reflected postwar economic and demographic changes, serving car-oriented residents building their postwar lives.

At the time, land conservation was not widely practiced in Raleigh and Wake County. As a young man, William saw the many advantages of growth, but also saw that it would be necessary to plan in order to save special places.

Mary Coker Joslin

Mary Coker was born in Hartsville, South Carolina, in 1922, and came from a scientific, agricultural family that valued education. Mary’s grandfather, James Lide Coker, founded Sonoco Products Company, now an international corporation, as well as Coker College in Hartsville. Mary’s father, David R. Coker, was a plant breeder who founded Coker’s Pedigreed Seed Company. In the early 20th century, the company developed and marketed varieties of cotton with fiber of exceptional quality, later expanding to include corn, oats and sorghum. Mary’s mother, May Roper Coker, was an avid gardener. In the early 1930s, her brother-in-law, William C. Coker, a professor of botany at UNC, gave her 35 acres of land just outside of Hartsville. There, along the bluffs of Black Creek, there were large stands of Kalmia Latifolia, the native mountain laurel. Over the next four decades, she developed the garden now known as Kalmia Gardens. At her death, this garden became part of Coker College (now Coker University).

Photo Credit: Nell Joslin

Mary attended Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York, where she studied botany. During her summers she returned to Hartsville to work at the Coker’s Pedigreed Seed Company, and her work eventually led to the development of a soybean variety named for her (the Majos), which is the ancestor of a bean that is widely planted and marketed today.

Early Days Together

Mary Joslin on the path leading up to the Jeu de Paul in 2005. Photograph courtesy Nell Joslin

One of Mary’s cousins, Thomas Rogers, was a good friend of William Joslin’s during their undergraduate years at Chapel Hill. On a visit to New York, Tom introduced William, then a naval officer, to Mary, who had come down from Vassar into the city. During the war they corresponded, and in 1946, they married in Hartsville. Their wedding reception was held at Kalmia Gardens.

After William finished law school, he clerked for U.S. Supreme Court Justice Hugo L. Black in the 1947-1948 term. Then the couple moved to Raleigh, where William opened his law practice. In 1950, when Mary was 27 and William 29, they set about finding some land where they could put their heart and soul into developing a garden, and where they could raise their family.

The Joslins found a little over 4 acres for sale off of White Oak Road — then on the northern outskirts of Raleigh — along a tributary of Crabtree Creek. The land had once been part of Arrowhead Farm, owned in a previous generation by J. Bryan Grimes, who had been the N.C. Secretary of State during the first two decades of the 20th Century. (The farm’s name came from the many Native American arrowheads that have been found on the property over the years.)

They both loved the rolling terrain of the land and the little stream that ran through it; they loved large hardwood trees and the pine forest that had grown during the years after farming operations ceased. The soil was the good old red clay of the North Carolina Piedmont region.

Working the Land

Over their 60 years as stewards of their land, Mary and William built bridges over the stream, planted many rare and native plants, grew all types of vegetables and fruits, and created perennial beds, a formal garden, a scuppernong arbor and several areas devoted to North Carolina native wildflowers.

In the 1960s, they maintained a clay tennis court. And for about 10 years William kept bees and harvested the honey. From his scuppernongs he made wine.

William became active in the North Carolina Chapter of the Nature Conservancy with its inception in 1977, and in the 1980s he also became involved with the Triangle Land Conservancy. As they grew older, William and Mary began thinking about the best way to preserve their land for the enjoyment of future generations, and in 1997 they granted a conservation easement on the property to the Triangle Land ConservancyIn 2010, the Joslins approached the City of Raleigh about a donation of their home and garden for a park. They worked with then-mayor Charles Meeker to create the City of Oaks Foundation, a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to support the Raleigh parks system. After William’s death in 2011, Mary continued to live in the home and maintain the garden. At her death in 2016, the foundation maintained the property until the infrastructure was in place for the city to accept it. On Earth Day, April 22, 2021, the Joslin Garden became a City of Raleigh Park.

Leave the Leaves: Yep, it’s still a thing!

by Amanda Wilkinson

Our falls in North Carolina can be stunning shows of reds, oranges, yellows and browns. While the leaves are on the trees, we value them for their beauty, but for some reason, as soon as they are on the ground they become “litter”. Folks start piling their leaves on the side of the road and some even still bag them (though not as many as I’ve seen before!). Yet, the word is getting out and sinking in that “leaving the leaves” is important. This should also become the new normal for us. Let’s talk about why and strategize on what this can actually look like for you.

Why “leave the leaves”?

Fertilizer for your Plants

Plants spend a lot of energy making leaves throughout the growing season. Most people see fallen leaves and innately feel the need to rake, blow or mow them away. This need for perceived “tidiness” is challenging to plants, because their self-made fertilizer is gone. When they drop them off, they are still made of carbon and other nutrients. It is through them breaking down that these elements are returned to the soil for the plants to reincorporate elsewhere. You can save some money on purchasing mulch and nutrients by letting the leaves stay.

Build Soil Organic Matter

Building soil organic matter is the little-known next-step detail that comes from leaves breaking down. Do you have sand? Do you have clay? Do you grow in soil?! Then broken down leaves are for you! When your soil has high organic matter, it has the capacity to hold more water and nutrients, and support plant growth more efficiently. Bacteria and fungi live in the soil organic matter matrix and they are doing the bulk of the soil work for you and your plants!

Habitat/Places for Critters to Hide Over the Winter

Hundreds of small animals and insects use fallen leaf litter and small twigs for food and shelter through the winter months. They have nowhere to live in your yard if you keep it too tidy. These animals are going to be the ones doing the ecological work (e.g. pollination, eating bad insects, etc.) in the spring and summer for you.

How You Can “Leave the Leaves”

Just...Leave Them

You can just leave them! It is a great conversation starter and you’d be surprised how they actually do disappear in a managed landscape!

Rake Them Into Your Flower Beds and Yard Edges

Consider raking or blowing leaves into your garden beds or creating wide mulch areas around the bases of your trees (just make sure to not bury any trunks!). The plants will benefit from the increase in organic matter and soil coverage, which can help with moisture in your soil and moderating soil temperature. If you don’t have these areas, blow them to the edges of your property or find a friend to take them for their yard.

Use Them In Your Compost Pile

Leaves are a great amendment to your compost pile, especially if you compost your lawn clippings and table scraps. Leaves are considered browns and are an important carbon source for bacteria and fungi that are turning your compost pile to black gold!

If You Have More Than You Can Use: Donate to a Friend or Put Them Out for City Pick-up (if you can)

There is always someone who could use some extra mulch or organic matter for their landscape and gardens. Make friends with your neighbors and gardening buddies and share the leaf love.

Mow Them Into Your Turf

(Not Ideal for Critters)

There are some recommendations to mow the leaves into your lawn areas to incorporate them into your turf. This can help build organic matter in your turf, but make sure you mulch the leaves well and they do not create a thick mat on your turf. This will depend on what species of turf you have. Aerate after mulching and mowing leaves. Mulching and mowing leaves is detrimental to animals that have already made a home there. If you are trying to conserve these critters, the better thing to do is move the leaves into a corner of the yard where you don’t mind leaving them.

Resources:

Don’t Bag Them

The most important thing is do not bag those leaves! Putting leaves in plastic bags to go to the landfill is bad practice for a host of reasons, but namely that leaves are removed from the environment and there is unnecessary waste going into landfills.

- Past Article: Fall Gardening: Next Year’s Butterflies Are Tied to This Year’s Fall Garden Cleanup https://lee.ces.ncsu.edu/2022/10/fall-gardening-next-years-butterflies-are-tied-to-this-years-fall-garden-cleanup/ - Past Article: Lives in the Leaves: The Beautiful Moths and Butterflies That Sleep in the Fall https://lee.ces.ncsu.edu/2022/11/lives-in-the-leaves-the-beautiful-moths-and-butterflies-that-sleep-in-the-fall/ - Xerces Society Resource Center: https://xerces.org/pollinator-resource-center - Xerces Guide to Leaving the Leaves: https://xerces.org/leave-the-leaves

The Plant Time Machine

By Paul McKenzie

Most of the good folks that call into the Weekend Gardener Show come from people who need help solving a plant problem. That was also true about the people who called me during my 26-year career as an Extension Agent. Most of those good people are understandably hoping that there is some fertilizer or tool or spray-on product that can be conveniently purchased from one of the many fine garden centers and hardware stores that serve the gardening public. And in many cases, there is such a solution to recommend.

But one thing I learned early on, and which held true throughout my career, is that there is one tool that I’m confident will solve almost all plant problems; a time machine that takes you back to the day the plant was installed.

In other words, a great number of plant problems, perhaps the vast majority, are avoidable. Granted, that’s poor consolation for those with an unproductive pecan tree, an azalea with root rot or a blighted tomato plant.

Consider the unproductive pecan tree example. Were two different cultivars planted for crosspollination, a type I and a type II? Were the selected cultivars scab resistant and recommended by NC State Extension? If not, hop in that time machine and try again.

Or how about the root rot afflicted azalea. Was heavy clay soil thoroughly loosened with a mattock? Was it planted away from downspouts, low areas and roof overhangs? Was a soil sample submitted before planting to check pH and phosphorus? I’m confident the answer to at least one of these questions is “no”.

In the tomato case, was a disease resistant cultivar chosen? Was the soil well amended with compost? Did I mention soil sampling?

This is why Extension Agents (and many Weekend Gardener panelists) sound like a broken record when it comes to soil preparation and plant selection. In my experience most of us in the horticulture field come into this work out of a deep and abiding love for plants. Weekends will find us working in our own gardens or hunting the spring woods for native wildflowers. Vacation destinations will be planned at least partly based on proximity to renowned botanical gardens.

The world desperately needs more plants. We need them for pollinator habitat, summer shade, feeding birds with their seeds and berries and caterpillars, controlling erosion and more. Gardens feed our physical and mental health. We need more plants, ergo we need more gardeners. Your success as a gardener is our highest goal.

Thus, until time machines become more widely available, I offer the following strategies which, although way more boring, are at least effective.

First, learn about and practice soil sampling. A thorough guide to the topic is available at http:// vance.ces.ncsu.edu under “Lawn & Garden Resources”. Second, take advantage of NC State Extension’s Plant Toolbox to learn about the plants you have and those you want to plant. Third, seek out NC State Extension vetted information about recommended cultivars and cultural practices. These can usually be easily found by adding “NCSU” after the plant name in your favorite web search tool (e.g. search for “pecan tree ncsu”).

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, add some expert help to your team by getting to know your local Extension Agent and Master Gardener, visiting the nearby family-owned nursery or garden center, and of course, listening to the Weekend Gardener.

Fall Is For Furbabies

Sponsored By

Fall Pet Safety Tips: Keep Your Furry Friends Safe

Fall brings to mind vibrant foliage, apple cider, Halloween festivities, chilly weather, and shorter days. While it’s an exciting season for many, it also poses potential dangers for your pets. From dropping temperatures to holiday hazards, there are several seasonal factors to consider when it comes to your pet’s safety. Here are some important precautions to keep in mind to protect your pets both outdoors and indoors this fall!

Rodenticides and Other Poisons

As temperatures drop, small rodents seek shelter indoors, leading to increased use of rodenticides. Unfortunately, these substances are highly toxic to pets and can have fatal consequences if ingested. If you must use rodenticides or other pesticides, ensure they are placed in areas inaccessible to your pets. The same caution applies to engine coolant and other household chemicals.

School Supplies

With school back in full swing, homes with kids may have school supplies scattered around. Items like pencils, pens, glue, and pencil sharpeners can pose choking hazards or cause gastrointestinal blockages if swallowed by your pet. Be sure to keep these items out of your pet’s reach and clean up promptly after homework sessions.

Toxic Mushrooms

Fall is a prime season for mushrooms, and while only a few varieties are toxic, it’s safest to keep your pets away from all mushrooms. Some toxic mushrooms can be challenging to identify, and ingestion can lead to severe poisoning. If you suspect your pet has eaten a poisonous mushroom, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Cold Weather and Early Darkness

Fall weather can be unpredictable, with temperatures often fluctuating day-to-day. On colder days, bring your pets indoors earlier in the evening to ensure they stay warm and comfortable. If you walk your dog in the evenings, wear bright clothing and use reflective gear for both you and your pet to enhance visibility to drivers.

Heating Devices

Pets are naturally curious and may get into things they shouldn’t. If you’re using an indoor heating device, make sure it is turned off before you leave the house to prevent any accidents or fire hazards.

Pests and Wildlife

As fall approaches, snakes prepare for hibernation and may become more aggressive, increasing the risk of bites. Be aware of the types of snakes in your area and take extra precautions, especially with venomous species. Additionally, bears are also preparing for hibernation and may venture closer to homes in search of food. Keep pets close to your house and supervise them when they are outdoors, especially if you live near wooded areas.

Bonfires

Bonfires are a fall favorite, but they can be dangerous for pets. Make sure to secure any fire pits and keep your pets away from the fire and any sparks to avoid accidents and injuries.

Halloween Candy

Halloween brings plenty of candy, but many treats are dangerous for pets. Chocolate is highly toxic to dogs and cats, and xylitol, a common sweetener in candy, can be equally harmful. Keep all candy out of reach and opt for pet-friendly treats instead.

Lawn and Gardening Tools

Fall is a busy time for yard work and home maintenance. After finishing any gardening or landscaping tasks, make sure to clean up all tools, fertilizers, and garden products to prevent your pets from coming into contact with potentially harmful substances.

Fruit Pits and Berries

If you have fruit trees around your home, be mindful of fallen fruits, pits, seeds, and berries. Certain fruit pits (like those from cherries, plums, peaches, and nectarines) can cause blockages in the digestive tract and even contain cyanide. Be sure to remove any fallen fruits promptly.

Emergency Preparedness

If you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, contact your veterinarian immediately or call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435.

By staying vigilant and proactive, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable fall season for both you and your furry companions. If you have any additional tips, feel free to share them! Sources:

https://www.foremost.com/learning-center/fall-safety-for-your-pets.asp

https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/autumn-safety-tips

http://www.mypet.com/pet-care-tips/fall-pet-care.aspx

https://www.fda.gov/animalveterinary/resourcesforyou/animalhealthliteracy/ ucm186940.htm

Growing a Paw Paw Patch

by Mike Raley

George Washington and Thomas Jefferson supposedly grew paw paws as did many farmers and pioneers throughout history. The paw pawAsimina triloba for the well educated-found in story books and song lyrics is native to the eastern U.S ranging from Florida to Canada, including North Carolina. They grow in wooded areas and produce the largest edible native fruit in North America. Paw paws can be found as under story trees along rivers and stream banks in every county in North Carolina. You can also find them as far west as Nebraska.

I had never eaten a paw paw until the late summer of 2023. My good friend and cooperative extension agent for Person and Granville counties, Johnny Coley grows them for a research project. Last summer about this time, we had lunch in Oxford and he sent me home with some prime paw paws filling my car with a special fragrance. It smelled of bananas, sort of, but I suppose it’s just the unique scent of the paw paw which can smell like a pineapple, mango, peach, pear or melon depending on the variety. It is quite a pleasant aromatic scent regardless. Paw paws are as good to eat as they are good for you. They are filled with antioxidants and their bark, leaves and twigs are alleged to have other health benefits, though the FDA hasn’t weighed in on this.

You consume paw paws in different ways, but they have to be just at the right stage and consistency. Usually they know when they are ready and just drop to the ground anywhere from August to October. Consuming raw, you may cut in half lengthwise and just scoop out the seeds and then the meat with a spoon. Since shelf life is short, have your recipes ready. Paw paw pulp can be used to make bread pudding, smoothies, pies and ice cream. Some breweries in North Carolina even use paw paws in their beer making process.

Now to the nitty gritty of growing paw paw trees. Paw paws seem to enjoy shade, but may tolerate a bit more sun than you would think. Find a spot in your landscape with dappled shade for planting. They prefer forest edges and wooded understory locations much like our traditional dogwood trees. Like most plants, they prefer rich, well-drained soil, with some Black Kow added, slightly acidic with a pH of 5.5-7. I’m told that you should be careful when dealing with the paw paw tap root so it is not damaged. The young paw paw plant will need regular watering especially during the first year and definitely during the hot summer. If you want to do any pruning, wait til late winter.

Unfortunately finicky paw paws are not easy to grow. Remember, fruit needs to ripen on the tree and will drop when ready so be on the lookout. The fruit attracts butterflies and is a good food source for some butterfly larvae. It also attracts pollinators and some small mammals. It takes a while for the paw paw tree to start to fruit, 5 to 8 years normally, so be patient. And while you wait, there is a song that you may have learned in school to help you pass the time! Here are the lyrics in case you have forgotten…

Where, oh where is pretty little Susie? Where, oh where is pretty little Susie? Where, oh where is pretty little Susie? Way down yonder in the paw-paw patch.

Come on, boys, let’s go find her, Come on, boys, let’s go find her, Come on, boys, let’s go find her, Way down yonder in the paw paw patch.

Pickin’ up paw-paws; put ‘em in a pocket. Pickin’ up paw-paws; put ‘em in a pocket. Pickin’ up paw-paws; put ‘em in a pocket. Way down yonder in the paw-paw patch.

—The Paw Paw Patch

Traditional Folk Song

Making

Faith-Family and Doing Right By The Customer

By Chris Hooks

In a quiet little corner of Harnett County, just a stone’s throw away from Campbell University, at 805 Front Street sits a place many listeners know by the tagline, “If we don’t have it, you don’t need it”, J.E. Womble and Sons in Lillington is more than just your run-of-the-mill small-town family-owned business. It’s an institution, a reminder of what makes small town U.S.A so amazing and if you haven’t been there and met owner Ray Womble Jr. you’re missing out.

What started in 1946 by J.E. Womble, and his three sons (Robert, Ray, and Carl) has stood for coming up on eight decades. Ironically, when Ray Jr. graduated from college in 1977, he didn’t immediately take heed to the family business. It took a nudging from his dad for him in the ‘80s before eventually taking over as owner in 1996.

Meeting Ray Womble Jr. you quickly learn a few things. Everyone in-town knows him, he adores his family (Wife of nearly 50 years, two kids, and two grandbabies), loves his employees, cares deeply for his customers, is a huge fan of the Tar Heels, and his work ethic is unmatched. This writer can attest, the greatest compliment from him, an early morning phone call, showing you’re on his mind.

“I once had a customer tell me that when his phone rang at six-seven o’clock in the morning that it was one of two people,” Ray said laughing. “It’s either my wife or Ray Womble.”

Like many in this state, Ray earned his stripes working in the tobacco fields starting at age nine until he was 16. Talk to anyone who endured those times. It’s a badge of honor, a character builder, an automatic work ethic teacher but Ray will be the first to tell you that he learned that and so much more from his dad.

“He had a saying that went along with both life and work,” Ray said. “I don’t care how honest you are, how hard you work, there’s going to be people that say good things about you or bad things about you. Don’t pay too much attention to either one of them. I always took that to heart because you can’t get big-headed when people praise you and the people who criticize don’t know you. Nobody is perfect, the last perfect man died for us.”

That’s a saying worth its weight in gold. Carrying on the legacy that the trio of Womble’s started is no burden to Ray. He wears it proudly and you just know all of them are proud of what he’s done with the business.

“When it comes to our customers, I don’t care if they are buying a five-cent bolt or a $20,000 lawn mower,” said Ray. “At that moment in time, to that person, that is the most important thing to that customer at that time. It’s our job to treat them the same on each occasion. Same goes if there’s a problem with a product that might be giving the customer trouble, we’re going to make it right. Either we’ll fix it or get you another one. At the end of the day, I want our customers to know that we’re going to treat you fair and make sure we do right by you.”

One thing that Ray has always been steadfast on is his core beliefs, which molded him to the man he is today.

“Three things are the priorities in my life,” said Ray. “Faith, Family, and work. I’m married to the love of my life, and I now have grandkids so that is where my focus has turned the last few years. When it comes to the business, I’ve just been so blessed to have so many people that have been loyal to us, without them this place wouldn’t be successful.”

From the retail location, the lumber yard, or the Tire Shop, J.E. Womble and Son is a place that prides itself on that genuine care for people and the community. That’s what makes it a special place, one that WPTF is lucky to be in partnership with.

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Is Your Home Ready For Winter?

Clear Out Your Gutters

Your gutters divert thousands of gallons of water away from your home annually, so keeping them clean is crucial. Clogged gutters can lead to exterior damage and basement leaks. Rust and corrosion are also more likely when debris builds up. Before the leaves fall, clean your gutters and install mesh guards to keep them clear.

Stop Air Drafts

Air leaks around windows and doors are like leaving your coat unbuttoned in the cold. Gaps in caulk and weatherstripping let chilly air in, increasing your heating costs by up to 20%. Check your weatherstripping and caulking regularly. If the paper test or candle test shows leaks, it’s time for repairs or replacement.

Examine Your Roof

A leaky roof can become a big headache if left unchecked. Before winter, inspect your roof for cracked shingles, damaged flashing, and missing granules. Look for loose guy wires on old antennas, and consider having them removed if they’re no longer in use.

Protect Outdoor Faucets

In cold climates, it’s vital to prevent faucets from freezing. Shut off any valves to outdoor faucets and drain the lines. For faucets without shut-off valves, use Styrofoam covers to protect them from freezing temperatures.

Change Your Furnace Filter

Furnace filters trap dust and keep your home comfortable. Dirty filters make your heating system work harder and increase utility bills. Clean disposable filters monthly and wash metal or electrostatic ones to keep them in top shape.

Check Your Heating System

Have your furnace inspected yearly by a professional, ideally in early fall. Look out for noisy belts, poor heating performance, and erratic behavior, which can indicate underlying issues with your heating system.

nspect Your Fireplace

Even if you use your fireplace rarely, check it annually for safety. Look for creosote buildup in the flue, which can cause fires, and inspect the chimney for damage or blockages. Ensure the damper and chimney cap are functioning properly.

Maintain Your Humidifier

Winter air can dry out your skin and damage wood furniture. Keep your humidifier clean by rinsing and scraping mineral deposits from the plates or pads. Regular maintenance will keep your home comfortable.

Service Your Gas Heater

A well-maintained gas heater is crucial for safety and cost efficiency. Shut it off, check the air vents for dust, and clean as needed. Have a professional inspect it annually to prevent toxic gas leaks.

Keep Your Wood Stove Safe

Regularly check wood-burning stoves for cracks, corrosion, and loose joints. Clean the stovepipes and inspect safety features to avoid potential hazards. Make sure it’s installed correctly and away from flammable materials.

Fix Walkways and Steps

Damaged walkways become even more dangerous in icy conditions. Repair cracks, uneven sections, and loose railings to avoid accidents. Address these issues before winter to prevent more costly repairs later.

Test Your Safety Devices

Review your home’s safety features annually. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, check fire extinguishers, and go over your fire escape plan with the family. Remove flammable materials and ensure clear paths for evacuation.

Prepare Your Lawn for Winter

Rake leaves and aerate your lawn to prevent suffocation over winter. Apply fertilizer and winterize trees and shrubs. Consider hiring a professional to handle these tasks quickly and efficiently.

Touch Up Exterior Paint

Take advantage of mild fall days to touch up exterior paint. This simple step can extend the life of your siding and trim, especially for areas that will see snow. Don’t wait too long, as temperatures below 45°-50°F aren’t ideal for painting.

Refresh Your Carpets

Fall is perfect for carpet cleaning. With mild temperatures, you can open windows for ventilation and speed up drying. If you’re not comfortable with a carpet cleaner, consider hiring a professional to do the job.

Decor Dilemma? Design Tips, Tricks, and Helpful Hints

by Rhonda Benvie Plummer

Two decorating trends are capturing the attention of homeowners looking to update their living spaces – the resurgence of wallpaper and the growing popularity of luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring. The former has transformed into a stylish and versatile design element that adds personality and flair to any space and the latter offers a great alternative to traditional hardwood. If you’re looking to update your home this summer, these two trends may be the perfect choices for your next home project.

Q: I’ve been hearing more and more about the rising popularity of wallpaper. But I can’t help but picture the old-fashioned designs from my grandmother’s house, and the idea of hanging it seems incredibly daunting. Is wallpaper a decorating trend I should consider to update my living spaces?

A: Absolutely! Wallpaper’s popularity has skyrocketed, currently taking center stage when it comes to interior design. It has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, evolving from a simple wall covering into a design element that adds personality, texture, and visual interest to any room. Its versatility – boasting bold patterns, vibrant colors, and textured finishes – allows you to easily create interesting focal points within spaces. Its creative uses further solidify wallpaper’s position as a great design tool. When updating your living spaces, think beyond traditional applications. Consider using it as ceiling accents, furniture enhancement, and even personalized galleries created with framed wallpaper or used as artwork to express your individual style. From classic retro designs to modern geometrics to natural motifs and more, the options are endless.

Peel-and-stick wallpaper offers convenient installation compared to its traditional counterpart, particularly if you’re looking to personalize your spaces without permanent alterations – minimal setup, virtually no mess, and quick application. But one of its downsides is the potential for air bubbles and mistakes during application.

While it’s certainly possible to fix those mistakes, repeated peeling and sticking can lead to creases and other issues in the paper itself. Traditional wallpaper, on the other hand, while messy, allows for easier correction while it’s being installed, due to the slower drying time of the paste. Whichever route you choose – peel-and-stick or traditional –start with high-quality wallpaper for best results.

Q: I’m considering redoing my floors. Can you help me understand if luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring is a good option for my renovation project? How can I know if it is the right choice for my home versus hardwood flooring?

A: When considering LVP flooring for your renovation project, there are several key factors to keep in mind. First, its durability is a significant advantage, particularly in high-traffic areas like kitchens and living rooms. LVP’s ability to resist scratches, dents, and water damage makes it ideal for families with kids and pets. It also offers affordability without compromising on appearance. The low-maintenance aspect is another important consideration. Unlike hardwood flooring, which requires regular refinishing, LVP can be easily cleaned with simple sweeping and mopping.

Additionally, it comes in a range of styles, colors, and textures, so you can achieve the look and feel of natural materials like hardwood or stone, without the associated cost or maintenance requirements. However, it’s important to consider potential drawbacks as well. While it does have a realistic look, LVP is made from synthetic materials like PVC, which may raise environmental concerns for some. Proper installation is crucial to prevent issues such as buckling or gaps, so it’s essential to follow manufacturer guidelines carefully. And while LVP is gaining popularity, it could impact resale value considerations, as some buyers may still prefer traditional flooring materials like hardwood. But overall, LVP flooring is a durable, affordable, and versatile flooring option … I recommend weighing these factors against the specific needs and preferences of your family to determine if it’s the right choice for your home.

Rhonda Benvie Plummer

The owner of Help Me Rhonda Interiors and Open Door Furniture & Accents, a furniture and accessories store, in Raleigh.

Visit www.helpmerhondainteriors.com www.opendoorfurnitureandaccents.com Call 919-263-9054.

Fruitful Ventures: What to Grow and How to Succeed

By Marshall Warren

Over the last several of years, the Johnston County Extension office, has seen a considerable increase of inquiries from the public about growing one’s own food. There has also been an increase in people moving to Johnston County from other parts of the country and many are not familiar with what will grow well here. But, with the help of the Extension office, we can provide you with information on how to correctly grow vegetables, small fruits, fruit trees, and nut trees and recommend the specific varieties suitable for this area.

Before you get too excited, there are benefits and challenges to consider in growing fruit trees so you have realistic expectations and can determine if it is worth it. One of the biggest challenges is that it requires some work and many of the plants are not considered low maintenance and may require extra care throughout the year. They usually require yearly pruning, need to be closely monitored (and sprayed) to stay ahead of common pest problems and weather can be a challenge.

Some of the easiest fruits to manage and grow would include blueberries, blackberries, figs, Japanese Persimmons, and pecans. Blueberries, figs, and Japanese Persimmons are the best fruits to select if you want to grow organically or do not want to deal with routine spraying. Fruits with moderate management requirements are muscadine grapes and pears. Apples and peaches require between moderate to high management to grow in our area because they require extra inputs (pruning, pest control, weather challenges) to obtain a decent harvest. The benefits include harvesting fresh, healthy fruit from your own yard, having control of what has been applied, and the satisfaction of growing your own food.

If you are ready to get started with growing your own fruit in your garden, it pays to do research and plan ahead to have a decent harvest a few years after planting. Proper site selection is critical in growing healthy, productive plants. Fruit plants produce best in full sun, in areas with good air circulation, and in soils having good drainage. Blueberries are the most shade tolerant of the fruiting plants available, and will produce even at 50% shade.

Once you select the site, take a soil sample, bring it to your local Extension office or you can personally deliver it to the NCDA&CS Agronomic Division 4300 Reedy Creek Rd., Raleigh, NC 27607 for analysis. Soil samples are free from April through November 1st, and $4.00 from November through the end of March. Nematodes can be a problem if you are considering growing figs or peaches, especially on sandy soil, submit a nematode soil sample. To keep nematodes alive, bring the soil sample in a plastic bag.

If you have compacted or poorly drained soil and wish to grow fruit plants, you will need to amend the soil with copious amounts of compost and ground pine bark creating raised beds. VERY IMPORTANT - Soil preparation needs to be done this fall so it will be ready when you install your plants early next year. Don’t wait until you pick up your plants to decide where and how to plant them. Pollination is another important factor to consider before purchasing any fruit trees to plant. Apples, pears, pecans, and some Muscadine grapes need cross pollination for fruit production to occur, so you will need to plan on planting more than one variety. Blueberries, blackberries, figs, peaches, and Japanese Persimmons are self-fruitful, meaning you won’t need multiple plants for pollination and fruit production.

The best fruit trees are propagated using a desired variety which is (grafted or budded) on roots of a different variety (rootstock) that will improve the quality of the fruit produced. Different rootstocks determine the size of the tree, provide some disease resistance, cold hardiness, and precocity which is the ability to produce fruit at an earlier age. When planting grafted or budded trees, it is crucial that the graft union is located above the soil surface and the root flair (first main roots) is located near the surface after the trees have settled. In other words, don’t plant too deep.

Peaches

If you want success with growing peaches in our area, you should only buy trees that are grafted on Guardian rootstock. Guardian Rootstock is resistant to root knot nematode and peach tree short life. Look for peach cultivars that have very high chilling hour requirements. Chilling hours = the total number of hours below 45 degrees F that is needed during winter for flower buds to develop and bloom normally. Only varieties that require at least 750 hours of chilling are recommended to be grown in our area. The greater the chilling hours, the less likely the peach blossoms will be damaged by late freezes. Peaches are self-pollinating and only one tree is needed for fruit set.

Apples:

You will need more than one apple variety to ensure adequate cross-pollination. For our area, Yellow Delicious is an excellent pollinator.

Pecans:

Scab is a common disease caused by a fungus that attacks the leaves and the shuck and is a problem with older pecan tree cultivars that can ruin a pecan harvest. Purchase newer cultivars that are scab resistant which is beneficial to homeowners that can’t regularly spray for diseases. For nut production you will need at least one of each of a Type I and Type II pecan variety for crosspollination. Fully mature pecan trees require 70 feet spacing between trees.

Growing fruit in your own garden can be challenging and also very rewarding. Care instructions and educational materials can be provided by your local Extension office.

Carolina Gold Peach

Marshall’s one day harvest from a Contender Peach tree

The heat is still with us and it’s as hard on your car as it is on you. If your battery is weak, the heat will speed up the failure rate. You’re A/C is working even harder in the hot weather and if it’s not keeping you cool than you need to bring your car to King’s for a “late summer early fall check-up”.

During your check up, the technicians at King’s, in addition to your A/C, will evaluate the engine cooling system which includes hoses, belts and yes, even tires.

For those of you currently driving a Toyota Prius or any other hybrid vehicle, the certified hybrid technicians at King’s are ready to diagnose and give you available options for a high voltage battery pack replacement for less than the dealer will charge for a replacement. This usually occurs around 150,000 miles. Call King’s today to schedule a courtesy battery analysis. King’s Auto Service, easy to find at 1039 North West Street in downtown Raleigh and at King Automotive dot net. King’s Auto Service, Raleigh’s most reliable auto care since 1946.

ANNOUNCING OUR NEW SERVICE FOR HYBRIDS.

We are certified to refurbish Hybrid Vehicle Battery Packs.

Before you replace your Hybrid Battery Pack call King's for options. are ready to diagnose and give you available options for a high voltage battery pack replacement for less than the dealer will charge for a replacement. Call King's to schedule a courtesy battery analysis.

ATTENTION HYBRID OWNERS!

ATTENTION HYBRID OWNERS!

If you're currently driving a Prius or any other hybrid vehicle, the certified hybrid technicians at King's are ready to diagnose and give you available options for a high voltage battery pack replacement for less than the dealer will charge for a replacement. Call King's to schedule a courtesy battery

ATTENTION HYBRID OWNERS!

King’s Auto Service can refurbish your battery pack for less than half the cost of a replacement at the dealer. Why go to the dealer when King's Auto Service can refurbish your existing battery pack for less than half the cost! Prius and hybrid owners …call King's Auto Service today to schedule your courtesy battery analysis. King's will also inspect your battery, cell balance and antifreeze during this important check up.

King’s Auto Service can refurbish your battery pack for less than half the cost of a replacement at the dealer. Why go to the dealer when King's Auto Service can refurbish your existing battery pack for less than half the cost! Prius and hybrid owners …call King's Auto Service today to schedule your courtesy battery analysis. King's will also inspect your battery, cell balance and antifreeze during this important check up.

King’s Auto Service can refurbish your battery pack for less than half the cost of a replacement at the dealer. Why go to the dealer when King's Auto Service can refurbish your existing battery pack for less than half the cost! Prius and hybrid owners …call King's Auto Service today to schedule your courtesy battery analysis. King's will also inspect your battery, cell balance and antifreeze during this important check up.

(919) 834-0748

The Magic and Metaphor of the Garden

by Rufus Edmisten

As we turn the soil and pull the weeds, trim the shrubs and prune our trees, we have a wealth of time – our dearest commodity – for reverie. In this hectic age the garden is a rare Eden where we can allow our minds to wander as the rich and varied sights, scents and textures both soothe and delight us. I find that as I grow older many of the garden tasks I have done for years take me a little bit longer – but I don’t mind. It amounts to more time in paradise. My garden is one of my favorite places in the world, for so many reasons, not the least of which is that it is the lovely, lyrical playground of my thoughts.

Rather than simply being a pleasing place full of shrubs, trees and flowers, the garden is a metaphor for the never-ending process of life. Beginning, burgeoning, exploding into growth, color, and fullblown ripeness, the garden then the wanes that makes room for the whole thing to start over again. It is no surprise that many see the garden as a metaphor for our lives.

If we start our plants from seed, when we finish the planting and consider the rich earth, so still, we marvel at the hidden promise there. Watching the tiny, mighty sprouts push through to the surface and stretch toward the sun as they grow stronger seems too much like a miracle to be such an everyday event. As I watch this, and even as I work the soil, removing stones and bits of roots, adding nutrients that the plants need, carefully placing shade-loving plants in the right position, and sunloving plants in the most open areas – a group of people close to my heart often come to mind. We call them “Super Kids”.

Let’s talk a little about the Super Kids Foundation. It was long ago, 1989 to be exact, when I got a phone call from Johnnie Shephard, then Principal of a Kinston elementary school. He had planned a day trip to Raleigh for a group of kids who had achieved good grades despite many personal hardships and disadvantages. They were all ready to come to Raleigh as a reward for good behavior when Johnnie discovered that someone had stolen the bus money for the trip. Together with some

friends of mine we managed to replace the money so the kids could go the next day. Johnnie had so impressed me with his description of the hard work those kids had done to keep their grades up despite problems at home, that we also managed to arrange for a little ceremony where they all got “honorary Secretary of State” certificates complete with calligraphy, ribbons and seals.

I was so impressed with those children that they inspired me to take Johnnie’s program statewide and with the help of my good friends, establish the Super Kids Foundation. In the ensuing decades, together with too many of the best people I have ever known to name here, we have given wings to young people who had already done the hard work of distinguishing themselves as smart, hard-working people determined to make a positive difference in their own lives and the lives of others.

As I watch the comforting cycle of burgeoning, falling back, replenishing and the rebirth my garden provides, I often think of the Super Kids we have watched as they grew strong and accomplished and gave back the gifts given to them in public and private service. They are a garden of their own, and a most beautiful one at that. They are a garden which I could not be prouder to have tended.

Since the inception of the program, we have sponsored 85 students across 32 colleges and universities, and 35 students across 32 K-12 schools. These amazing young people come from over 25 different North Carolina counties. Because of the generosity of so many wonderful people, we have awarded $1,159,485.00 in scholarships to these inspiring kids.

One of the Foundation’s biggest cheerleaders are Mike Raley, our leader and host of the Weekend Gardener, and his lovely wife, sweet Melissa. They know the gift of “giving back”.

I hope you will help in our mission to make a bright tomorrow for our worthy kids.

You may make donations to: Foundation for Good Business/Super Kids PO Box 26762, Raleigh, NC 27611. (we are a 501 © 3 non-profit organization) Our website is: www.specialsuperkids.com.

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Farmers Area

Seasonal Fruits & Vegetables

• Tomatoes

• Watermelons

• Cantaloupes

• Cucumbers

• Potatoes

• Squash

• Muscadine grapes

• Sweet Potatoes

• Pecans

• Peanuts

• Greens

• Strawberries

• Blueberries

• Peaches

• Apples

Seasonal Plants

•Bedding plants

• Hanging baskets

• Perennials

•Potted Plants

•Herbs

• Pumpkins & more

•Shrubs

• Succulents

• Trees

•Vegetable plants

• Cut flowers & more