Weekend Gardener – Live from the State Farmers Market (Part 3 of 3)

In this final installment of a live broadcast from the State Farmers Market in Raleigh, host Rufus Adbiston and guest Dr. Patrick McMillan, a retired Clemson professor and horticulture expert, explore the vibrant spring season at the market. The episode blends gardening advice with lively banter, market highlights, and community spirit. Key topics include pest prevention using I Must Garden repellents, the importance of moisture for bulb health, and the unique behavior of contractile roots in bulbs like daffodils. Dr. McMillan shares insights on landscape plants such as the Granny Graybeard tree, peonies, and succulents like mangave, which thrive in sunny, low-maintenance planters. The hosts also celebrate local vendors, from honey producers and pickle makers to coffee roasters and craft artisans, emphasizing the market’s role as a cultural and agricultural hub. Personal anecdotes, including Rufus’s wife’s cancer remission and a humorous exchange about 'bunny glasses,' add warmth and authenticity to the conversation. The episode closes with a call to action for listeners to visit the market, support local farmers, and prepare their gardens for the growing season.