FEBRUARY MEETING

February Master Gardener meeting. Dana Moore presented the program.

Plans under way for Green Thumbs In The Park in May.

district meeting

Enjoyed the Distric meeting at Rankin County yesterday. Wonderful program on recycling and using what you have in the garden, instead of buying something new. Table decorations were great-plants in recycled tin cans-given away as prizes later.

Arrangement made from forsythia, nandina and yucca-plants found in almost all southern gardens.Vey striking in a large container.Cypress knees from the swamp make a great centerpiece, surrounded by moss.Gardeners always have fun together.

CUTTING BACK ORNAMENTAL GRASSES

Getting a little late to cut back those ornamental grasses-they are beginning to green up. And yeah the bench needs painting too.It has been raining so much I am just getting around to cutting back the grasses-still have a few more to go.

Much better.

Now to clean up all the mess!

A TEASER OF SPRING

Things have been popping out here, but I think I will go pick some for an arrangement before the big freeze tonight and tomorrow.

These old fashioned hyacinths have the best smell in the world!Even the azaleas were showing flowers.Lots of new growth on the boxwoods.

EARLY SPRING?

It feels like Spring-but it really has all winter. Oh we have had a few cold nights, but for the most part it has been a very warm winter. According to the Weather Channel we are under a La Nina or El Nina or something like that and will have warm wet weather this winter. So far that has been true.Everything is budding out or starting to bloom way to early in the season. Here are a few photos from my garden.

Flowering peach tree.

Tulip tree.

Hyacinths,daffodils and paper whites are starting to bloom.This odd little rudbeckia has bloomed all winter!

Beefsteak in Bloom!

Hey ya'll, check out this blooming beefsteak begonia!! I have really enjoyed this plant but never seen it bloom until now. The Beefsteak begonia is grown for it's burgundy and green foliage and the beautiful white flowers are a plus! The beefsteak is suitable for growing indoors with average water needs. Do Not Overwater!! (Water stress is the #1 leading death in houseplants). When temperatures allow, place plant outdoors; the birds and the bees will thank you! Anyone living nearby interested in a start of this begonia-I'd love to share:)

MUSCADINE PRUNING

It won't be long till it's time to prune muscadines.The first week of Feruary until the first week of March is best. Remember that fruit grows on last years wood, so prune out the previous years wood.There are some excellent pruning videos on u-tube.These are photos from the Muscadine Jubilee in Pelahatchie ,Ms.You can buy plants and sample and buy products made with muscadines as well as enjoy free concerts. This year Ricky Skaggs was on stage. It is a fun festival, but be prepared it is HOT at that time of year.

Muscadine vines for sale.Yummy food to try.Cute town to visit.