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Meet Lucille, the epitome of charm. This laid-back lady is your ideal companion, always ready to share life’s moments by your side. Lucille’s journey began as a devoted mother, nurturing seven chubby pups while in the care of a local shelter. Since joining the Second Chance family, Lucille has captured the ...

North Carolina Symphony presents "The Music of Pink Floyd with The Machine". Celebrate Pink Floyd's iconic music with the North Carolina Symphony and The Machine. Experience legendary hits brought to life with stunning orchestral power, a rock band, and an incredible light show. Listen just after 8 a.m. for B...

Meet Hayes! At just 4 months old, Hayes is all things kitten! He's playful, curious, energetic, and ready to turn every day into an adventure. Hayes is a true social butterfly who loves making friends and being part of the action. Whether he's chasing toys, exploring his surroundings, or finding something new to get in...

Meet Alfie! Alfie is a high-energy pup who loves to be where the action is. Walks, playtime, zoomies, exploring - if something is happening, Alfie wants to be part of it! He is incredibly curious and loves being involved in everything happening around him. Alfie has one favorite place to be: right next to his person. H...

Meet Lucky! You would consider yourself lucky to be the one to adopt sweet puppy, Lucky! This cute boy is 30 lbs at 4 months old and loves to play. He's both potty-and crate-trained. He sleeps very well in his crate at night. He loves to explore and chew and he knows (for the most part) when something is acceptable to ...

Meet Tsuki! Tsuki is a one and a half beagle mix with a big personality and an even bigger heart. Weighing around 50 lbs, she's the perfect mix of playful energy and cozy cuddle bug. This sweet girl absolutely loves other dogs and would thrive in a home with a playful canine companion or an active family who enjoys wal...

Meet Seagull! Don't worry, this Seagull won't steal your snacks... unless you offer them. And honestly, with a face this cute, you just might. Seagull is a charming, curious cat with a personality that's equal parts playful and easygoing. He's always keeping an eye on what's going on around him (like any good coastal o...

All the best hits for Dad to "Rock Out" on his weekend, from 38 Special, Bachman Turner Overdrive, Bob Seger, Rolling Stones and more.

RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) - I'm sure at some point our WPTF Weekend Gardener crew has discussed the virtues of growing Eastern columbine (*Aquilegia canadensis*) in our North Carolina landscapes. It's a fancy little flower on the list of native, hardy perennials we enjoy in North Carolina. Columbine blooms from spring into ...

RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) - I can vividly recall the first time I ever laid eyes on a "Fringe Tree" (Chionanthus virginicus), also known as "Grandfather's Beard." I was driving to cover a NASCAR race at Charlotte Motor Speedway in May in the 1980s. (They bloom in April now.) The specimen was in full, glo...

RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) - The hemlock found in North Carolina is a towering, majestic tree that can live for hundreds of years. The Eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) and the Carolina hemlock (Tsuga caroliniana) are the two species that have grown for centuries in the Tar Heel State. They are part of the pine family. Howe...

The trout lily, a native North Carolina wildflower known for its brief late-winter bloom, offers a subtle but striking sign of spring in woodland landscapes. During a recent visit to the North Carolina Botanical Garden in Chapel Hill, a single blooming specimen highlighted the plant's delicate yellow and maroon petals ...

By MIKE RALEY WPTF Weekend Gardener I have always been fascinated by unusual plants, trees, shrubs and flowers that I rarely see, especially those growing in North Carolina. Autumn-blooming cherry, Higan Cherry or Autumnalis Rosea (Prunus x subhurtella), is a rarity around these parts as far as I can determine. It is a...

By MIKE RALEY WPTF Weekend Gardener I have spent many hours looking out our window into the backyard. It gives Melissa and me great pleasure. The same can be said for the joy of watching the many birds that visit and reserve their bit of habitat in the Raley landscape. I think my real interest in birding began with my ...

By MIKE RALEY WPTF Weekend Gardener Alas, another plant I have never owned and rarely seen in the landscapes in the Triangle. Of course, I normally don't trespass to look for plants so there may be a lot more out there than I realize. One of the reasons may be that the Carolina Silverbell (Helesia carolina), a native f...

I have always believed that God is in everything. There can be nothing on Earth to which this idea applies more than a garden. Don't forget - one of God's first creations was the Garden of Eden. George Bernard Shaw once wrote, "The best place to find God is in a garden." For me, gardening has become a spiritu...

Most of us have seen or have some knowledge of the most iconic plant in the world: It's the "Venus Flytrap", which is native to a small area of southeastern North Carolina. One of its cousins, also a native to the "Tar Heel State", is the venerable "Pitcher Plant". It is also carnivorous a...

Naomi is a gentle 12-year-old tabby who came to us after her owner became homeless and wanted a better life for her. Now, Naomi is hoping to find a loving home where she can spend her golden years in comfort and peace.She's a sweet and affectionate girl who enjoys cuddles and the occasional playful moment. Naomi gets a...

One of the most economical and practical things you can do for the plants in your landscape and vegetable garden is to start a compost pile. We've discussed it fairly often on the "WPTF Weekend Gardener" over the last 40 years. The first step is to find a relatively shady well-drained location in your back ya...

Ollie is a 2-year-old Shepherd mix with a heart as big as his smile. Weighing about 40 pounds, he's the perfect medium-sized companion - full of energy for outdoor adventures, yet gentle and affectionate at home.This sweet, friendly boy loves everyone he meets. Ollie is well-behaved, crate trained, and potty trained, m...