Page 80 - South Mississippi Living - March, 2025

HOME & GARDEN
story by Holly Harrison and Shannon Stage
March is a busy gardening month in South Mississippi. We are planting, pruning, and fertilizing, preparing for the beautiful bursts of blooms that are about to appear. We begin the annual clean up around the yard, clearing out old vines and debris. There are places on the porch and the decks that need a little touch of paint and outdoor furniture that needs a good bath. Porches need sweeping and wiping down and there is probably some mildew that needs a little dab of bleach.
We make the annual pilgrimage to the plant nurseries and DIY home stores that bedazzle us with luscious hanging pots, blooming shrubs, and plants they promise will grow in our hot Mississippi
sun. We plant the cuttings and sprigs that friends share with us from their yards, and we gladly accept the green pieces of history that relatives insist we must take home after a visit. Each carefully cut stub is wrapped in a wet paper towel and is accompanied by the story of its life in the family. You find out that the camellia or gardenia you have always admired
has adorned yards in the family for generations. And years from now, you will share a snippet with a family newcomer.
Every year we welcome spring with
a fresh outlook on the days ahead and
we dream of a few weeks of moderate weather and getting outside to enjoy it. Southerners have an intimate relationship
with their yards, their porches, and the outdoor spaces they create to relax, visit, and entertain. Innovative and creative outdoor spaces with sophisticated design details continue to be a popular trend. From wrap around screened porches that seem to go on forever, to multiple decks on modern facades, to outdoor kitchens and pool areas that feel like extensions
of the home, there is a strong desire to connect indoor and outdoor spaces with quality furnishings, lighting, and natural accessories.
Starting from scratch on an outdoor project offers an exciting opportunity to build something you will actually use and enjoy. Consider how your family likes to
80 | March 2025
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