WPTF Weekend Gardener

05/24/2026

Some of the extraordinary collection of gardening minds who have joined us on the WPTF Weekend Gardener over the last 41 years. Rufus’s annual party for us at his historic home place!

05/22/2026

Join Mike Raley, Rufus Edmisten and Paul McKenzie for another edition of the WPTF Weekend Gardener for the Cary Garden Tour on Saturday, May 30th from 8a till 11a. We will be broadcasting from Page-Walker Arts and History Center!

05/16/2026

Two nights out in a row! Last evening, Melissa, Rufus and I attended the 60th anniversary gala and fundraiser for the NC Botanical Gardens at Fearrington Village near Chapel Hill. Gave us a chance to preach the gospel of the “Weekend Gardener.”Quite a night for this storied public garden. Chancellor Lee Roberts was among those who were in attendance. I felt honored and privileged to be there!

05/15/2026

Extraordinary “Super Kids Foundation” fundraiser and reception at the Executive Mansion last evening. Rufus looks at home! The Who’s-Who of North Carolina is here! It is a nice family outing!

05/02/2026

04/04/2026

No explanation needed!🤣

03/31/2026

As the Beatles sang in their song “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band,” “It was twenty years ago today”... For me, twenty years ago today was truly extraordinary! My long-time Weekend Gardener co-host Dr. Anne Clapp and I were guests on “North Carolina People with William Friday.” March 31st, 2006 was the air date. It was an incredible day. We recorded the episode three days earlier on the deck of the McSwain Center at The Raulston Arboretum. It was quite a chilly day. At least my TV makeup didn't run. I can recall it all vividly. I was a bit nervous but luckily I had known Dr. Friday for several years. He was a WPTF listener since the 1940’s and had been a fan of the Weekend Gardener and the Tarheel Gardener shows for almost as long. He was also a gardener and loved his peonies. I must admit I have never watch that episode. Just the intro. I hate listening to or watching myself. Mr Friday was a guest on our show several times. The attached photo was taken at a remote in Durham at Witherspoon Rose Culture in May of 1998. He stopped by for a chat and then he was off to a reunion with members of his 1948 UNC Law School graduating class. Terry Sanford was a member of that class. Bill Friday was a remarkable man and his name should be spoken often. I was enormously sad when I reported on his death in October of 2012. Ironically this was just 3 months after the passing of his close friend Andy Griffith. Mr Friday had marvellous stories about Griffith, JFK, LBJ and many other luminaries who crossed his most distinguished path. I'm am so lucky to have known him. I'm fortunate in so many ways.

https://youtu.be/Yzq7tJWJNKw?si=cGvrOCfzgtQf82iY

03/09/2026

I’ve visited more 30 countries over the last 4 decades, but the most beautiful country in the world is the United States. Although, I am partial to my birth state, North Carolina, many friends have told me that Alaska may have the most stunning scenery of all. Melissa and and I are finally heading north to our 49th state with the folks at “Holiday Vacations” and and we want you to travel with us.
Time is running out to sign up. All airfare, accommodations, premier attractions, and more are included. We will leave the heat of summer and head to where there is nothing but cool. Travel dates are August 30th through September 7th. Don’t delay, come join us!!

Discover rich agriculture, extraordinary wildlife, and fascinating culture within Alaska’s otherworldly landscapes. Begin in Fairbanks, where we pan for gold, take in views of the iconic Trans-Alaska Pipeline, and relax on an enriching sternwheeler cruise along the Chena River. Next, travel the historic Richardson Highway to Delta Junction and learn about the development of Alaska’s Interior at Big Delta State Historical Park, visit Mugrage Hay and Cattle farm, and hear about the Delta Barley Project at Alaska Flour Company. Venture into the unspoiled wilderness of Denali National Park with a naturalist guide, then head south to the Matanuska-Susitna (Mat-Su) Valley, the heart of Alaskan agriculture. Enjoy a stop at the Iditarod Trail Headquarters before continuing to Anchorage. During a day trip to Palmer, revel in an afternoon at the lively Alaska State Fair and a fascinating farm visit, including an opportunity to meet a species who survived the Ice Age: musk oxen. The following day, climb aboard for a ride to Seward on the Alaska Railroad to embark on an exciting catamaran ride in Kenai Fjords National Park. Our trip concludes with a visit to Alaska SeaLife Center and a celebratory Farewell Lunch.

https://www.holidayvacations.com/destinations/alaska/alaska-agriculture-kenai-fjords-wptf-radio

02/12/2026

Holiday Vacations presents: Alaska Agriculture & Kenai Fjords - WPTF Radio, August 30th-September 7th, 2026!

If you need a break from North Carolina heat in August, this fabulous trip could be an option for an escape!

Award-Winning Adventures in the Last Frontier
Discover the breathtaking wonders of Alaska, a destination unlike any other, and experience firsthand why we’ve been honored with Visit Anchorage’s prestigious Tour Operator of the Year award twice! Enjoy immersive activities as you learn about the local culture, ride a historic train through forested river valleys, marvel at the soaring peaks of Mount Denali, step back into the days of the gold rush, and relax on a luxurious cruise while gazing upon awe-inspiring glaciers. We carefully curate our tours to include a combination of sea, rail, and land adventures so you get the most out of your trip through the Alaskan wilderness.

Hosted by WPTF Radio
HOST OF WEEKEND GARDENER
Mike Raley

https://www.holidayvacations.com/destinations/alaska/alaska-agriculture-kenai-fjords-wptf-radio

02/02/2026

Holiday Vacations presents: Alaska Agriculture & Kenai Fjords - WPTF Radio, August 30th-September 7th, 2026!

Award-Winning Adventures in the Last Frontier
Discover the breathtaking wonders of Alaska, a destination unlike any other, and experience firsthand why we’ve been honored with Visit Anchorage’s prestigious Tour Operator of the Year award twice! Enjoy immersive activities as you learn about the local culture, ride a historic train through forested river valleys, marvel at the soaring peaks of Mount Denali, step back into the days of the gold rush, and relax on a luxurious cruise while gazing upon awe-inspiring glaciers. We carefully curate our tours to include a combination of sea, rail, and land adventures so you get the most out of your trip through the Alaskan wilderness.

Hosted by WPTF Radio
HOST OF WEEKEND GARDENER
Mike Raley

https://www.holidayvacations.com/destinations/alaska/alaska-agriculture-kenai-fjords-wptf-radio