The final hour wraps up with more audience calls, discussions on turf care and composting, and reflections on the changes in rural gardening communities. Mike, Rufus, and Ann close out the show with heartfelt thanks to their hosts and the Womble family for their hospitality.

In part two, the conversation continues with garden questions from listeners and stories from longtime customers of J.E. Womble & Sons Hardware. The crew discusses managing yard pests, fall vegetables, and the importance of supporting locally owned hardware and feed stores.

The Weekend Gardener hits the road for a live broadcast from J.E. Womble and Sons in Lillington. Mike, Rufus, and Ann welcome former Congressman Bob Etheridge, who reflects on the region's agricultural roots. The team shares planting advice, soil tips, and community stories that showcase the strength of local gardening traditions in Harnett County.

The celebration continues as the team talks about Ridgeway Cantaloupes, Swamp Mallows, and daylily care. Listeners call in with kind words for Rufus and gardening questions for the panel. Nelsa and Mike share laughs about misunderstood birthday cards and favorite summer plants as the show wraps with reflections on community and growing old with grace.

More birthday wishes roll in as listeners and friends call in to share greetings and gardening tales. The crew talks about heirloom tomatoes, container hostas, flooding concerns at Jordan Lake, and local plant finds. Big John joins the conversation, and the gang previews next week’s live broadcast at Rescue Wood Rehab.

Mike Raley returns to the studio with Nelsa Cox and Rufus Edmisten as the team celebrates Rufus’s 84th birthday with stories, laughs, and a surprise Chantilly cake. They reflect on Mike’s recent Norway trip, discuss favorite tomatoes like the Hillbilly variety, and share warm memories of past broadcasts, birthdays, and the civility of longtime listener Cliff Joyner.

In the final hour, the team recaps summer planting progress and talks more about seasonal vegetables, blueberry tips, and upcoming remote broadcasts. They give a shout-out to Tom Campbell for guest hosting and reflect on listener traditions and favorite homegrown recipes.

Gail Hartfield joins the show to deliver the July 4th weekend forecast. The hosts take more listener calls, talk about stubborn weeds, blooming sunflowers, and Rufus' prized tomatoes. They also reflect on favorite summer crops and share tips for managing garden pests.

Mike Raley returns to the studio after a trip to Norway and reunites with Rufus Edmisten and Phil Campbell. The crew shares summer garden updates, including early crepe myrtle blooms and favorite hydrangeas. Listener Herb calls in from Jamesville to talk tomatoes, bee balm, and 10-foot corn.

Rufus shares a bit of garden lore, and the team hears from Monica David at the State Farmers Market about what’s fresh and in season. With daylilies peaking and local growers in full swing, it’s the perfect time to dig into summer color and prep for July.