Loropetalum

Want to try something different in your Southern landscape? Breaking with the traditional shrubs like Azalea and Gardenia, Loropetalum offers something different. Varieties are Available that range in mature size from 3-4 feet tall and 10-15 feet wide and can be planted in either sunny or shady locations.

Historic Washington State Park 42 Annual Jonquil Festival

March 19-21!

http://www.historicwashingtonstatepark.com/calendar-of-events/calendar-detail.asp?id=35029

Spring... A Time To Till Program

The Nevada County Master Gardeners will be hosting a gardening seminar on Saturday March 20, 2010 at Central Baptist Church Stokes Center in Prescott. Janet Carson, Associate Professor with the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, will present "Renovating the Landscape". Janet writes for the Arkansas Democrat Gazette, and hosts a radio call in show on KARN every Saturday as well as Today's Garden TV program on AETN.

Chris Olsen will present "Color Your World" and is a gardening specialist seen on Today's THV television program, landscape designer and owner of Botanica Gardens in Little Rock AR. His website is:

http://www.chrisholsen.com/media.htm

Advance Registration is required and due March 15, cost is $20.00 per person. Proceeds go toward the Nevada County Master Gardeners community service projects. For more info: Nevada County Extension Office at 870-887-2818.

Consider Crinums!

Crinum lilies are one of the South's most loved "passalong" plants. Crinums have excellent longevity, they can live for decades, and they are heat and drought tolerant. They boast beautiful ribbon like leaves that can be as tall as 4 feet in the summer. During July and August the scapes emerge with dozens of tumpet-shaped blooms. The Crinum "Cecil Houdyshel (pictured at top) blooms from May-October! Best of all, they CAN be grown in containers.

Tetanus

Tetanus is an accute disease caused by a toxin produced by the bacteria Clostridium tetani (C. tetani), which are found in the soil, and in the intestines and feces of horses, sheep, cattle, dogs, cats, rats, guinea pigs, and chickens. Manure-treated soil may contain large numbers of spores. In agricultural areas, a significant number of human adults may harbor the organism.

C. tetani usually enters the body through a wound. In the presence of anaerobic (low oxygen) conditions, the spores germinate. Toxins are produced and disseminated via blood and lymphatics. Toxins act at several sites within the central nervous system, including peripheral motor end plates, spinal cord, and brain, and in the sympathetic nervous system. The typical clinical manifestations of tetanus are caused when tetanus toxin interferes with release of neurotransmitters, blocking inhibitor impulses. This leads to unopposed muscle contraction and spasm. Seizures may occur, and the autonomic nervous system may also be affected.

The most common type (about 80%) of reported tetanus is generalized tetanus. The disease usually presents with a descending pattern. The first sign is trismus or lockjaw, followed by stiffness of the neck, difficulty in swallowing, and rigidity of abdominal muscles. Other symptoms include elevated temperature, sweating, elevated blood pressure, and episodic rapid heart rate. Spasms may occur frequently and last for several minutes. Spasms continue for 3–4 weeks. Complete recovery may take months.

Tetanus is an important part of the vaccination schedule of children. Everyone should have a tetanus booster every 10 years. (source Centers for Disease Control)

Planning Your Herb Garden

My daughter and I have enjoyed our herb garden tremendously. We built simple raised beds using reclaimed wood, compost, and the design and method suggested by the Pioneer Woman: http://thepioneerwoman.com/homeandgarden/2009/02/build-your-own-raised-flowervegetable-bed/ Notice we put them close to the compost pile, and used pine straw as mulch between the beds where mowing would be a hassle.

We planted Rosemary, Thyme, Basil, Oregano, Cilantro and Dill. (For the record, the dill came back from seed in year 2). The Rosemary and Thyme have survived this winter! We dried the extra herbs and put them into jars and have really enjoyed cooking savory warm stews and other comfort foods this wet dreary winter.

I thought that since you're all cooped up trying to stay dry and warm you might want to plan your herb garden. Most herbs like full sun. All herbs like well drained soil.

Here is a neat publication with drying tips as well as other suggested uses: http://www.uaex.edu/Other_Areas/publications/PDF/FCS460.pdf

Bon Appetit!

Other Spots of Interest

Please note that I've put a list of links (to the left) that I think you will find useful. Simply click and explore! Perfect pastime during this deep freeze in the South.