News From 2006

By Norman Winter
MSU Horticulturist
Central Mississippi Research & Extension Center

Phlox seem to be blooming everywhere now, already making the springtime sizzle. The two you mostly see are the creeping Phlox subulata and the Louisiana phlox, or Wild Sweet William, known botanically as Phlox divaricata.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Help was on the way in 2005 to northeastern Mississippi's child-care workers, teachers and parents, but when Hurricane Katrina hit, the effort to provide educational and resource materials expanded to include the devastated Gulf Coast counties.

RALEIGH -- Poultry and cattle farmers will gain the latest production recommendations from state and regional experts during educational seminars and a trade show set for April 13 in South Mississippi.

The Magnolia Beef and Poultry Expo will take place at the Smith County Agricultural Complex on Highway 35 South in Raleigh. Organizers expect producers from across the area to hear health and marketing recommendations as well as methods to improve production efficiency.

By Norman Winter
MSU Horticulturist
Central Mississippi Research & Extension Center

Garden centers are bringing in new flowers by the truck full, and choices may seem a little overwhelming. One thing you should consider is incorporating plants grown for foliage, such as the coleus, in combination with those you pick for flowers.

One stunning planting I saw late last summer would be easy for anyone to duplicate. It had rudbeckias, petunias and coleus.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Today's senior adults grew up at a time when keys were left in cars, houses were rarely locked and people respected their elders, but times have changed.

Bill Moak of Mississippi's Better Business Bureau said seniors are especially vulnerable because they are so trusting. He wants to educate people about potential scams so they can recognize fraudulent claims when they encounter them.

“We (at the Better Business Bureau) investigate questionable marketplace practices,” Moak said. “It is possible for something to be legal without being ethical.”

By Debbie Montgomery

RIPLEY -- The inscribed stone on Lena Pearl Boutwell Griffin's table best describes her lifelong love of plants and vegetables: Gardening is a way of showing that you believe in tomorrow.

As long as she can remember, the Ripley resident has had her hands in the soil and her palate placated by delicious homegrown fruits and vegetables. Earliest memories involve 4-H projects in her native Newton County.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- For the ninth year in a row, Mississippi State University and the state’s community colleges are teaming up to encourage bright high school seniors to consider a medical profession in Mississippi.

The intense, five-week Rural Medical Scholars summer program at MSU aims to identify the state’s future primary care doctors and help them become members of the medical class of 2015.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Mulching is a springtime ritual for many homeowners, but there is concern this year that the common practice could bring unwanted and costly visitors to homes.

During 2005, hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma felled thousands of trees along coastal areas from Texas to Florida. Many of those trees, especially in urban areas, have been shredded for mulch. Because trees are a common habitat for Formosan subterranean termites, there is concern that the pest could be transported in mulch to previously uninfested areas.

By Norman Winter
MSU Horticulturist
Central Mississippi Research & Extension Center

Since its discovery almost 40 years ago, Indigo Spires salvia has been one of the most loved flowers in Southern gardens. It deserves the Mississippi Medallion honor even though it has never received the award.

By Debbie Montgomery

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Two pets and more than a quarter of a century of relationships with Mississippi State University's College of Veterinary Medicine have cemented a bond between a Germantown, Tenn. couple and the college.

James and Linda Johnson received college educations at other institutions, but the education forged by their pets' illnesses have led to a lifetime commitment as voluntary spokespersons on behalf of the CVM.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Springtime has a way of making would-be gardeners dream of fresh tomatoes, corn and beans, but putting in a garden requires some planning ahead.

David Nagel, horticulture specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, said light, drainage and water are absolute necessities for plants.

“If you want to grow any vegetable and most flowers, you have to have at least half a day of sunshine,” Nagel said. “Most things do best in a full day of sunshine, but a half day is an absolute minimum.”

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Home gardeners throughout Mississippi know that the Truck Crops Experiment Station in Crystal Springs is the place to see award-winning vegetable and flower varieties. Now the station itself is an award winner.

The Mississippi State University facility is the 2005 All-America Selections Display Garden Exemplary Education Category II award winner. The category II designation is for locations receiving between 5,000 and 100,000 visitors a year.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Mississippi manufactures are encouraged to take part in an upcoming nationwide teleconference addressing the problem of high energy costs threatening profits in many industries.

The March 9 satellite teleconference “Industrial Efficiency Initiative: Save Energy, Maximize Profits” is being offered at five sites spanning the state. It is produced by the U.S. Department of Energy, the Northwest Food Processors Association and the Food-processing Industry Resource Efficiency Team, and is offered through the Mississippi State University Extension Service.

By Emily Cole

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Several Mississippi growers are responding to consumer demand for food grown without the use of any chemicals, and organic fruits and vegetables are cropping up across the state.

Rick Snyder, a vegetable specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, said interest in organic food is slowly gaining momentum in Mississippi, and the demand stems from health awareness in America.

By Norman Winter
MSU Horticulturist
Central Mississippi Research & Extension Center

The Iresine varieties Blazin Rose and Bloodleaf got a lot of attention at the Gulf Coast Garden and Patio Show and look to be among the hottest plants for 2006. If you missed them in Hattiesburg, you will be able to see them at the 9th Jackson Garden and Patio Show.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Health care costs are high and going higher, but health advocates say consumers can take some steps to protect their pocketbook.

Jane Clary, health specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, said prevention is a major part of health care.

"Anything that can be done to maintain good health, prevent health from deteriorating, and identify and treat medical problems when they occur will help keep the costs of health care down," Clary said.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Thousands of school children and visitors from across the state will learn about animals and careers in animal medicine during an upcoming event at Mississippi State University's College of Veterinary Medicine.

Students at MSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine will hold their 22nd annual open house April 7 and 8 at the Wise Center, located on the south side of campus off Spring Street.

MISSISSIPPI STATE-- The Mississippi National Guard has enlisted the help of Mississippi State University in a partnership with a South American ally.

Bolivia participates in the National Guard State Partnership Program, which matches U.S. states with countries in Eastern Europe, Asia, Central America and South America to pursue activities of mutual benefit.

By Norman Winter
MSU Horticulturist
Central Mississippi Research & Extension Center

Ten years after the Mississippi Medallion award program started in 1996, the Mississippi Plant Selections Committee is announcing its first award-winning rose: Knock Out.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Mississippi and Arkansas landowners interested in earning additional revenue from their land can take part in a March 2 workshop focusing on natural resource enterprises.

A variety of enterprises can be developed from natural resources including fee hunting and fishing, agritourism, wildlife watching, trail riding and heritage tourism.