Editor's note: John P. Begeman retires this week after 13 years as the urban horticulture agent for the University of Arizona-Pima County Cooperative Extension. Next Sunday will be his final column.

Nothing beats a North Carolina summer! The warm breeze, the buzz of festivals in Raleigh, and the call of family vacations to places like Jordan Lake or the Outer Banks. Here in central NC, we're ...

As summer approaches, greater attention will turn to plans with family and friends for that long-awaited trip abroad. With brighter days, warmer temperatures and the kids off school, August remains a ...