Fill Voids In Landscape With Shrubs
November 6, 2010
Occasionally gardeners will lose a shrub in their landscapes. This typically results in an unsightly void. Or perhaps you chose a beautiful shrub but put it in a location which it quickly outgrew. Fall is the best time of the year to plant new shrubs and transplant those that may need a new home.
When planting new shrubs, take the time to choose plants that will meet your design requirement and will be the right size for your location. Trying to artificially manipulate a plant’s size or height by pruning should be avoided in the landscape, unless you are an expert at topiaries.
Another consideration when choosing shrubs is their leaf-retaining characteristics. Evergreen plants always have green leaves on the plant; however, they do drop foliage throughout the year. Deciduous plants drop all of their leaves at one time of the year, usually late fall.
Deciduous plants typically add beautiful floral displays to the landscape. Evergreen plants will provide the backbone of the design. The well-designed landscape will contain both deciduous and evergreen shrubs.
Northwest Florida gardeners can choose from a wide variety of beautiful shrubs. Some popular choices include azaleas, camellias, hydrangeas, cleyera, holly and gardenias. For more options and information, refer to a University of Florida publication titled “Selected Shrubs for North Florida.” It’s available online at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/mg344 or by calling your local Extension Office.
The best time to add new shrubs to the landscape is when we experience cooler weather, fall through early spring. To ensure success, be sure to follow proper procedures when planting the shrub. Correct planting and proper aftercare will prevent problems in the future.
Begin by digging a hole at least twice as wide as and no deeper than the root ball. After digging, ensure that about one to two inches of the root ball is raised above the level of the surrounding soil. Remember the old saying, “Plant it high, it won’t die. Plant it low, it won’t grow.”
Probably one of the most overlooked steps is correcting root problems prior to planting. Shrubs that are planted with circling roots will always have circling roots and can abruptly fall over in high winds. Use your hands or a knife to loosen any roots that have been matted while growing in the container. Also, cut through any circling roots.
After you backfill the hole with the soil you removed, water-in the plant to release any air pockets. Mulch with three inches of organic mulch such as pine straw after planting is completed, but never on top of the root ball.
If you have decided to transplant a shrub, consider the following. Shrubs have better transplant tolerance than trees, deciduous plants better than evergreens, shallow rooted species better than deep rooted species, and younger plants better than older plants. Plants which are already in advanced stages of decline are likely to succumb to transplantation stress.
Dig as large a rootball as you can handle and follow the normal planting procedures. Aftercare is critical to a transplanted shrub’s survival, with proper watering perhaps the most important practice. Remember that sprinkler systems are not designed to establish trees and shrubs, so hand watering or a slow-drip system is recommended. Talk to your local Extension Agent for specific instructions.
You can have better success with planting or transplanting shrubs when you do it in the fall. Just be sure to follow established procedures and tend to the shrub for several months after planting.
Theresa Friday is the Residential Horticulture Extension Agent for Santa Rosa County.. Photo credit - David Marshall.
Chiefs Make Playoffs; Other Area High School Scores
November 5, 2010
Live football updates tonight on NorthEscambia.com
Northview 47 Vernon 19 (FINAL)
The Northview Chiefs are in the playoffs with the win over Vernon. Complete game details and lots of photos Saturday morning on NorthEscambia.com.
Tate 41 Navarre 6 (FINAL)
Baker 50 Jay 14 (FINAL)
Holmes County 21 Freeport 6 (FINAL)
Rutherford 25 West Florida 21 (FINAL)
P.C. Arnold 42 Washington 14 (FINAL)
Alabama
Escambia County (Atmore) 19 Andalusia 6 (FINAL)
T.R. Miller 41 Daleville 24 (FINAL)
Escambia Approves Red Light Cameras
November 5, 2010
Escambia County has approved the installation of red light cameras that could add up to $3 million per year to the county’s coffers.
The Escambia County Commission unanimously approved a red light camera ordinance Thursday night.
It could be up to one year before the red light cameras are installed at intersections chosen by crash data.
The Florida Legislature approved the use of red light cameras earlier this year, with the law taking effect on July 1.
The automated cameras snap a photo of the car and license plate of alleged red light runners, and the driver receives a $158 citation in the mail — along with a photo of the violation. Of the $158 fine, Escambia County would retain $75. With 20 camera locations, Escambia County would earn as estimated $2-3 million per year.
The Sheriff’s Department would be responsible for providing trained traffic enforcement officer to review the photos and other evidence prior to a citation being issued. A portion of the county’s revenue would be transferred to the sheriff for increased personnel costs.
A citation will not go on a driver’s record if the fine is paid.
The county will give the county 30 days notice of the red light camera locations prior to their installation.
Septic Tank Inspection Requirement May Be Delayed
November 5, 2010
Republican legislative leaders said Thursday they want to delay the implementation of a new septic tank inspection requirement for six months to give lawmakers time to revisit it following complaints about its cost.
The inspection requirement, passed earlier this year as part of legislation (SB 550) meant to help keep springs clean, has been criticized by rural lawmakers who said the cost will present a hardship.
Sen. Don Gaetz, R-Niceville and Rep. Marti Coley, R-Marianna have already said they’ll file legislation in the spring seeking to repeal it.
But in the meantime, incoming House Speaker Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park and Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, said Thursday that lawmakers could pass legislation during a one-day veto special session later this month to delay the requirement until July.
Beginning January 1, the bill as it stands would require inspections of the state’s 2.6 million septic tanks once every five years by 2016.
“I am grateful for the leadership of President Designate Mike Haridopolos and Speaker Designate Dean Cannon for recognizing the concerns of the citizens of Florida and especially Northwest Florida,” Gaetz said in a statement. “By delaying the implementation of this harmful mandate, it will give Representative Coley and me the opportunity to present the case for the complete repeal in March.”
The News Service Florida contributed to this report.
Pictured top: Incoming legislative leaders Sen. Mike Haridopolos and Rep. Dean Cannon address the press Thursday in Tallahassee. Photos by John Kennedy for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Molino Kart Racer Wins Big In National Event
November 5, 2010
Molino’s Jarrett Parker continues to burn up the track in the world of kart racing, taking a top spot in one of the nation’s top events in Georgia and a big win at Talladega.
At the Triple Crown in Talladega, junior racer Parker drove in the senior classes. He struggled to qualify in the teens for all three events. Parker had two third place finishes and a crowd-thrilling win, dominating the final race of the night of the Talladega Triple Crown.
At the Dawgwood Speedway in Chatsworth, Georgia, Parker looked to dominate the Chasen’ Racen’ Pro Kart Tour, the largest kart event of the year. The best junior drivers from all over the U.S. arrived with their sights set on the much hyped Pro Junior $5,001 for the winner.
Parker, the defending champion, qualified in third, just 0.076 behind the pole sitter in a field of 40 drivers trying to make the 25 kart field.
At the start of the race Parker quickly took the second place spot trailing Nolan Pope of Harrisonville, Missouri. Parker took the lead on lap 20 with Jonathon Hinson of Lancaster, South Carolina, on his bumper. With Parker leading the race to the checkered flag, Hinson hooked Parker on the last lap in turn three and four sending Parker sailing towards the fence. Parker managed to save his kart and recovered to finish the race in third earning him a top spot at the national event.
Parker drives a Todd Miller powered 2010 Phantom Seraph and pits with MB Motorsports. He won three state titles in 2010.
Jarrett Parker, a sophomore at Northview High School, is the son of Scott and Tammy Parker of Molino.
Pictured top: Jarrett Parker (left, black kart) at the Chasen’ Racen’ Pro Kart Tour in Chatsworth Georgia. Pictured inset: Parker finished the national event in third place. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Freeze Warning Tonight
November 5, 2010
There is a freeze warning is in effect for Friday night, and a freeze warning is in effect for Saturday night.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 32. North wind around 5 mph.
- Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 61. North wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Saturday Night: Clear, with a low around 31. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
- Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 63. Calm wind becoming northeast between 5 and 10 mph.
- Sunday Night: Clear, with a low around 33. Calm wind.
- Monday: Sunny, with a high near 71. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph.
- Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 45. Calm wind.
- Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 76. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph.
- Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 50.
- Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 76.
- Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 51.
- Veterans Day: Mostly sunny, with a high near 75.
Northview Could Clinch Playoff Berth Tonight
November 5, 2010
The Northview Chiefs are looking to take the sting out of the Vernon Yellow Jackets tonight and lock up a playoff berth.
With a win over the Yellow Jackets (7-1,7-1), the Chiefs (7-1, 6-1) will clinch the runner-up berth in District 1-A. Freeport (7-1, 7-0) currently holds the top spot in the district and is favored to defeat Holmes County (4-4. 3-4) tonight.
The Chiefs and the Yellow Jackets kick off at 7 p.m. tonight in Bratt.
Deputy Shootings Started With Suspect’s Demands For Ring
November 5, 2010
The home invasion incident that led to the shooting of three Escambia County deputies last Friday started when a Mississippi man forced his way into his former girlfriend’s home demanding a ring be returned.
Deputy Jeremy Cassady, 36, remains in intensive care at Sacred Heart Hospital in critical condition after being shot by Phillip Monier, 47. Monier remains in the Escambia County Jail on $2 million bond.
Cassady was shot by Monier at the Bayview Circle home of his ex-girlfriend Jackie Rosenbloom. Cassady was struck in the side. Deputy Sam Parker was hit in the chest, and Deputy Chad Brown was hit in the arm.
Rosenbloom has been upgraded to fair condition at Sacred Heart Hospital. She was shot several times, including in the legs and pelvis.
She called 911 while Monier forced his way into her home looking for the ring. He took Rosenbloom hostage and ignored orders to drop his weapon as deputies entered the home. Monier used Rosenbloom as a human shield, but he was struck by at least one round in the hand. He was eventually talked out of the home by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team and hostage negotiators.
Monier’s trial will be held in Escambia County before Okaloosa County Judge John Brown; all of Escambia County’s judges were disqualified from the case due to their previous involvement with Cassady. He had worked court security for nine months before returning to patrol just four days before he was shot.
A blood drive will be held in honor of Cassady this Saturday from 11-2 in Walnut Hill during the annual Walnut Hill Volunteer Fire Department Catfish Fry. Cassady has received over 200 units of blood during the past week.
Northview Mini Cheerleading Clinic Is Saturday
November 5, 2010
The annual Northview Mini-Cheerleading Clinic will be held this Saturday, giving area girls the chance to cheer at an upcoming Northview Chiefs game.
The clinic will be from 8:30 until 11:30 a.m. Saturday in the school gym. Registration begins at 8:00. The clinic is open to children three-years old through the sixth grade. Cost is $15 per person. The girls will perform during first and second quarters of the November 12 Northview Chiefs football game at home against West Florida High School. They girls will receive free admission to the game, a t-shirt and a goodie bag.
For questions, call Anna at Northview at (850) 327-6681.
Pictured: Last year’s Northview Mini-Cheerleading Clinic at Northview High School. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Friday Night Football Schedule
November 5, 2010
Here’s a look at the schedule for tonight’s prep football games in the North Escambia area. For Northview, tonight is a chance to clinch a playoff berth, while round one of the playoffs begin for Alabama schools.
Florida
- Vernon at Northview
- Baker at Jay
- Navarre at Tate
- Escambia at Pine Forest
- J.R. Arnold at Washington
- Rutherford at West Florida
- Pensacola at Bay
- Catholic at Chipley
Alabama (Round 1 Playoffs)
- Escambia County (Atmore) at Andalusia
- Daleville at T.R. Miller