WILLARD, NC (WECT) – On over 80 acres in northern Pender County, Johnson Nursery Corporation produces thousands of plants each year, and they end up being sold to over 400 east coast retail nurseries and garden shops.

And while familiar hollies and junipers are still a big seller, owner David Johnson's decision to diversify into plants with more color is a big reason he is still in business while many of his competitors aren't.

"Annuals, perennials, mix planters is what turned the corner for us," said Johnson.

Plants like these, over 7,500 Knockout Roses, that will be ready for sale in the spring, are filling up this new field.

And Friday was a big day for Johnson Nursery, as the Company was honored as North Carolina's Small Business of the Year.

PENDER COUNTY, NC (WECT) – North Carolina averages about one human case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis, a mosquito-borne virus, each year, but the Pender County Health Department wants residents to protect themselves from the potentially deadly disease.

The viral illness attacks the central nervous system, causes inflammation of the brain and can be fatal to animals and humans, according to a news release from the Health Department.

Here are some tips from the Pender County Health Department to make homes and yards less mosquito friendly:

• Keep grass short, and remove plants that attract animals like deer and rodents;
• Pour out any standing water, and remove any containers that can hold water, such as, barrels, tires, old cans, and wading pools;
• Keep gutters clean and in good repair;
• Repair leaky outdoor faucets and change the water in bird baths and pet bowls at least twice a week;
• Check window and door screens;
• Avoid outdoor activities during peak mosquito biting hours (from one hour before to one hour after dusk and dawn); and
• Wear long pants, shoes, socks, and long-sleeved shirts if outdoors around twilight.