EXPERIENCE THIS

learn gardening from the pros on the MOST BEAUTIFUL CAMPUS IN AMERICA

TEXT & PHOTOS BY ROSIE VASSALLO GROVE PHOTO BY UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

how does the Grove, a beautiful 10-acre plot of bright green grass shaded by large oak trees in the center of the Ole Miss campus, make a miraculous comeback year after year following football season? The University of Mississippi’s landscape guru, Jeff McManus, will share his secrets to bringing the picturesque setting back annually during a weekend-long camp next month.

The Grove is described as “the Holy Grail of tailgating sites” by Sporting News, and this pre-game tradition of socializing includes 100,000 football fans trodding its soil every fall. Imagine that many people on your front lawn and the results. The mystery of its regeneration, along with many others, will be revealed at the fifth annual Landscaping Camp May 27-28 in Oxford.

Campers will indulge their passion in learning how to make the most of their outdoor spaces with classes and field trips initiating from the Inn at Ole Miss. McManus, the director of landscape services for Ole Miss, will be the featured speaker. His work has gained the University of Mississippi accolades as “most beautiful campus” by several national publications. He will share his secrets, offer tips on low-maintenance gardening and present demonstrations including how to “prune like a pro.”

“With Ole Miss and its legendary Grove continuing to influence visitors from far and wide, those attending this Memorial Day weekend filled with landscaping ideas will have the ultimate experience of personally being guided by the leader himself, Jeff McManus,” states Rosie Vassallo, camp director and director of retiree attraction for the Oxford-Lafayette County Economic Development Foundation.

First impressions and curb appeal can be critical to a home’s value. Wendy Carmean, a remarkable plantscaper and owner of Wend & Willow in Oxford, says, “Residential plantscaping adds vitality and balance to our lives. Plantscaping doesn’t need to be fussy or complicated. The type of plant, the right container, correct placement, and care tips can make being a plant parent an effortless task when creating a cozy, happy home.” Carmean is slated to present during Landscape Camp, sharing colorful insights and inspirations while addressing “Front Porch Appeal.”

Cost for the camp is $300 and attendance will be limited. For more information, contact Rosie Vassallo at 662.234.4651 or rosie@oxfordms.com.

The Inn at Ole Miss, host hotel for the event, is offering a discounted nightly rate of $109 for a Deluxe Accommodation or $149 for a Deluxe Suite. These rates listed are for single/double occupancy and the offer expires April 27. There will be a $10 per person fee for additional adults.

Presenting sponsors include The University of Mississippi, Dabney Nursery, The Inn at Ole Miss, Grace Realty Group, Visit Oxford, Stages MS Magazine and At Home Memphis and Mid South Magazine. Hospitality Sponsors include B&B Concrete, mTrade, Stout’s Carpet, Mississippi Federal Credit Union, Life Dental Oxford, Shaw Ace Hardware, MaxxSouth and Oxford Eye Clinic & Optical.

attendees will also learn about “Gardening for the Birds” from Ken Hackman, aka “the Birdman” of Supertalk Radio’s Weekend Gardening program. Hackman teaches universitylevel Invertebrate Zoology and Vertebrate Zoology at Madison Central High School. He has been named Teacher of the Year for both Madison Central High School and the Madison County Schools. Additionally, he is a two-time State Conservation Educator of the Year, having been recognized by both the Mississippi Wildlife Federation and the Mississippi Association of Conservation Districts. Hackman has served as president of the Mississippi Ornithological Society and the Jackson Audubon Society.

Vines are a quick way to add a pop of color to a fence or trellis and perfect for adding privacy to a home or hiding unsightly items. However, planting the wrong variety can result in a challenge. Certified Master Gardener of Lafayette County Karen Travillo, a Texas native and graduate of Lamar University with a degree in education and a minor in art, will be offering advice on the best noninvasive vines to choose to avoid a high-maintenance nightmare. Travillo currently serves as vice president of the Master Gardeners of Lafayette County and has given gardening presentations to Master Gardeners and local civic organizations. She has also contributed to gardening articles for the Oxford Newcomers and Friends newsletter and the Master Gardener website. Helping homeowners solve their gardening issues through the Master Gardener Home Consulting Program is one of her favorite activities, so she will be ready to answer campers’ questions.

Imported from England to Oxford in 1994, the double decker buses are icons in the city of Oxford. Participants will enjoy riding one of these historic vehicles while learning about notable sites in the city. First stop will be at the home of Bo and Jodie Marsalis for an exclusive yard and garden tour. This picturesque property, inspired by McManus, is landscaped with ornamental grasses, shrubs and trees and features a stunning fountain on the patio. On the back of the house, enviable raised garden beds will surely inspire campers to create their own.

spring

INTO COLOR WITH GEMSTONES

The birds are chirping, flowers are blooming and temperatures are starting to climb. As we transition our wardrobes from the covered-up days of winter to the open windows of spring it’s time to take in all of the color. One of the best ways to embrace color is through the beautiful hues in gemstone jewelry. Adding gemstone jewelry to your wardrobe is as simple as looking inside your closet. We all gravitate towards certain color families and there is a colored gemstone out there for everyone. The jewelry experts at Sissy’s Log Cabin have shared some of their favorite gemstone pieces to help you spruce up your wardrobe this spring.

Expressing yourself through color is the easiest way to show your personality, and red speaks to passion. The most iconic red gemstone is the ruby and the wearer will automatically feel sexy wearing any manner of jewelry bestowing this gem. An elegant pair of dangle ruby earrings with a classic white button down-shirt and a cozy tan cardigan with jeans is the perfect ensemble for an April date night.

Spring sunsets are an amazing display of pinks and purples. As we get fashion inspiration from nature’s beauty, it is pink tourmaline and amethyst that come to mind first. Pink tourmaline is essentially feminine; wearing this gemstone with any pink outfit will make it swoon worthy. Pairing amethyst earrings with a lilac dress and neutral flats makes a sophisticated office look.

The first blades of grass resemble the color of peridot. Known for its calming properties, a peridot ring is a wonderful accessory for any wardrobe and really makes a statement with white or purple outfits. Emeralds have such vibrant color and add elegance to any look. An emerald pendant with a lightweight sweater and green pencil skirt will surely turn heads.

As warmer days arrive and blue skies fill our days, don the captivating color of paraiba tourmaline. A rare beauty, this gemstone is mined in the specific region of Paraiba, Brazil. Accessorize your favorite sundress with an extraordinary blue pendant.

The spring and summer months present an opportunity to steal the show with statement earrings. Pair a sleek ponytail with brilliant diamond and sapphire hoops. Sapphires and diamonds are great for everyday wear. Coming in at the top of the Mohs Hardness Scale, these gemstones are ideal for the lady who never sacrifices style.

Whether you’re shopping for a gift, special occasion, or to add something new to your wardrobe, the jewelry experts at Sissy’s Log Cabin are always delighted to help. With in-house financing and layaway options available, you can get the perfect looks without breaking the bank. Visit the Memphis location in the Laurelwood Shopping Center or shop online at SissysLogCabin.com.

enhance your home with OUTDOOR LIGHTING

TEXT & PHOTOS COURTESY OF MID SOUTH NIGHT LIGHTS

outdoor lighting makes the

difference between spending more time outside and feeling proud of your home—or being embarrassed and feeling like you can’t use your yard at night.

It’s no simple task to choose an outdoor lighting company in Memphis. These days it seems that a growing number of other trades are starting to offer outdoor lighting and that can make the choice difficult.

But do you really want to trust your outdoor lighting needs to just anyone?

THE MID-SOUTH NIGHT LIGHTS DIFFERENCE

Ideally, you want a local outdoor lighting company that is truly focused on being lighting experts rather than a jack of all trades.

This is where Mid-South Night Lights, an award-winning company, shines.

Outdoor lighting in Memphis is what we do all day, every day. It’s not an add-on service for an extra revenue stream, so it’s not something we just do from time to time. It’s our focus—and frankly, our passion, too. We’re committed to staying up to date and that means traveling to trade shows across the country to continually be ahead of the curve and learn about new techniques, skills and products.

The truth is, outdoor lighting has come far in recent years thanks to new technology. But you’d be shocked how many socalled Memphis outdoor lighting companies are not keeping up. This is ultimately a huge disservice to you.

GET TO KNOW JESSE

Jesse Wisley has been installing and maintaining outdoor lighting since 2008; he started Mid-South Night Lights in 2011.

Born and raised in Memphis—and now raising a family of his own here—Jesse knows and loves the area. As a leader in the Memphis outdoor lighting market, he is committed to continually advancing the field so that homeowners have access to the best products and service.

Continuing education has been a big part of that effort. In addition to keeping up with what’s new, Jesse is currently enrolled in a two-year program to become a Certified Outdoor Lighting Designer from the Association of Outdoor Lighting Professionals. He says it’s rewarding to help Memphis homeowners get the most out of their property with the addition of outdoor lighting.

When the sun goes down, a home needs illumination to keep it safe, vibrant and welcoming. Whether for security or entertaining, an LED lighting system created for your home’s particular needs can make a measurable difference.

each project should focus on the homeowners’ goals and take existing landscape features into consideration. Landscape lighting designs can range from simple and elegant to complex and intricate, depending on the taste of the client. Exterior lighting should be purposeful and well-balanced, using various types of lights that serve specific purposes within the landscape.

Flood: This is a common landscape light people think of when it comes to outdoor lighting. Flood lights are some of the brightest within a landscape and cast light at a wider angle.

Downlight: A downlight is typically located high on the trunk of a tree or on a branch and aimed downward toward a lawn or path.

Well: These lights are buried beneath the surface of the ground so light is visible, while the light fixture itself is hidden.

Bullet: A bullet light casts a narrower light beam compared to floods and wells.

Wash: Wash lights cast softer light than a flood and are used around larger spaces and walls.

Garden: As the name implies, these lights are used throughout garden and plant beds. They can also be used along a path.

A professionally designed lighting system can increase a property’s value by as much as 12 percent, drastically improving its curb appeal. In addition, it can help to deter criminal activity. With both aesthetic and practical benefits, installing an exterior lighting system, or updating an existing one to reflect current styles and safety guidelines, is a smart decision for any home.

Some of the most popular places to install new lighting are along driveways and walkways, in plant beds, in patio areas, and facing the house. For a seamless look, make sure that all exterior lighting hardware blends with existing landscaping.