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New case of West Nile virus reported in Simpson Co.

New case of West Nile virus reported in Simpson Co.

JACKSON, MS (WLBT) - Monday, the Mississippi Department of Health reported three new human West Nile virus cases, including one in Simpson County. This is the first case of WNV reported in Simpson County so far this year.

Across the state, a record 236 cases of West Nile virus and five deaths have been reported this year.

Recycling, paper shredding event Saturday

Recycling, paper shredding event Saturday

Keep Simpson County Beautiful and People’s Bank are partnering to hold a recycling and paper shredding day April 21.

Bring old papers, valuable documents, magazines, old computers, old TVs and cans to the event to recycle.

There is a $1 charge to destroy old computers and $5 for old TVs.

The event will be held at the new Simpson County jail parking lot from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 21, according to the Magee Chamber of Commerce.

Recycling, paper shredding event April 21

Recycling, paper shredding event April 21

Keep Simpson County Beautiful and People’s Bank are partnering to hold a recycling and paper shredding day April 21.

Bring old papers, valuable documents, magazines, old computers, old TVs and cans to the event to recycle.

There is a $1 charge to destroy old computers and $5 for old TVs.

The event will be held at the new Simpson County jail parking lot from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 21, according to the Magee Chamber of Commerce.

Southern Gardening: Winter berries bring cold weather color

Southern Gardening: Winter berries bring cold weather color

By Gary R. Bachman

MSU Horticulturist
Coastal Research & Extension Center

When the weather outside is frightful and nothing is blooming, gardeners must rely on plant features other than flowers for color.

Plants that produce colorful berries can enhance the winter landscape. Mississippi gardeners are lucky because we have some real beauties to help shake up the winter landscape.

Pyracantha is a popular landscape plant that seems to drip with large numbers of orange to red berries hanging in heavy clusters.

Plant spring-flowering bulbs in wintertime

Plant spring-flowering bulbs in wintertime

By Gary R. Bachman

MSU Horticulturist
Coastal Research & Extension Center

The weather outside may be frightful, but gardeners who want early spring color get out in it to plant spring-flowering bulbs.

Tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and crocus are among the first plants to give us colorful signs that winter is almost over.

Colorful Kale brightens winter gardens

Colorful Kale brightens winter gardens

By Gary R. Bachman

MSU Horticulturist
Coastal Research & Extension Center

Pansies and viola bring vivid hues to many gardens during the winter months, but adding the engaging colors and textures of ornamental kale takes a landscape from safe to sensational.

Skeptical? Comments I have heard about ornamental kale include, “You only see it planted in commercial landscapes,” and, “It’s not for the average home garden.” I used to be in this group until I saw the light, or should I say, the ornamental kale.

Garden gnomes can add fun, personality

Garden gnomes can add fun, personality

By Gary R. Bachman

MSU Horticulturist
Coastal Research & Extension Center

We’ve all seen garden gnomes in other people’s yards -- the creatures of woodland legend that represent the spirit of the earth. Maybe it’s time you put one in your own garden.

Gnome is a derivation of the Greek word for “earth dweller.” Garden gnomes were first used in German gardens in the mid-1800s.