Weekend Gardening: February Tips
February 11, 2017
Here are gardening tips for the month of February from your local Extension Service:
Flowers
- Re-fertilize cool season flowerbeds, using a liquid or granular form of fertilizer. Be careful not to apply excessive amounts and keep granules away from the base of stems.
- Prepare flowerbeds for spring planting by adding and incorporating soil amendments like mushroom compost, manure or homemade compost. Till or spade the bed to incorporate the amendments with the existing soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches. Allow the prepared bed to lie undisturbed for 3 to 4 weeks before planting. This provides time for some important biological activity to take place, and new plants are less likely to suffer from stem and root rots as a result. Have a soil test done. Sometimes lime is needed. However, a lime application should be made only if the need is revealed by the test.
- Replenish mulch in flowerbeds.
- Prune rose bushes.
Trees and Shrubs
- February is possible the best month for rejuvenation of old, overgrown shrubs. When pruned now, plants have an entire growing season to recover.
- Prune summer flowering deciduous shrubs such as Althea and Hibiscus. Since they flower on current season’s growth, flowering can actually be enhanced by proper pruning
- Do NOT prune the spring flowering shrubs yet. Azaleas, Spiraeas and Forsythia flower during early spring because buds were formed last summer and fall. Pruning in February would therefore remove most of the flower buds.
- Cold damaged trees and shrubs should NOT be pruned until new growth appears. You want to preserve as much healthy plant material as possible.
- Replenish mulch in shrub beds
- Finish planting ornamental and fruit trees.
Fruits and Nuts
- Fertilize established pecan trees. Use a “special pecan fertilizer” that contains zinc. Use 2 lbs. for every year of age of the tree up to a maximum of 55 lbs. Broadcast the fertilizer evenly beneath the tree.
- Fertilize established peach, plum, pear, persimmon, apple and fig. Apply about 1 ½ lbs of a 10-10-10 (or similar) fertilizer for each year of age of the tree until a maximum of 10 to 15 lbs. per tree is reached.
- Blueberries are very sensitive to nitrogen and can be killed easily, particularly when they are young. Fertilize only if your goal is to increase yield or berry size. An annual application of 2 ounces of a special “azalea/camellia” or “special blueberry” type fertilizer per plant in February is ample fertilizer on 2-year-old plants.
- Prune muscadine grapes between mid-February to mid-March. A standard method is to allow 2 to 4 node spurs spaced every 6 inches of cordon. You may notice that pruning cuts bleed, but there is no evidence that this is injurious to the vine.
- Grapes (bunch and muscadine) should be fertilized at the rate of 1 ½ lbs of 10-10-10 for each year of age with a maximum of 5 lbs per plant applied in late February.
- Last call for planting fruit trees! Most fruit trees such as pecans, plums, persimmons, figs, peaches and nectarines are shipped bare roots and should be planted during the dormant season.
- Apply a spray containing horticultural oils emulsion to dormant fruit trees and ornamental shrubs. Follow label directions carefully.
Vegetable Garden
- Several winter vegetables can still be successfully grown by starting them this month. Plant beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, Chinese cabbage, collards, endive/escarole, kale, kohlrabi, leek, lettuce, mustard, parsley, English peas, radish and turnips.
- Plant Irish potatoes. Purchase certified seed potatoes rather than using the grocery store kinds. Use 2-ounce seed pieces with eyes and plant them 3 to 4 inches deep.
- Prepare spring vegetable and herb beds for planting by adding and incorporating soil amendments like mushroom compost, manure or homemade compost. Wait 3 to 4 weeks before planting.
Lawns
- Hold off on fertilizing the lawn. It is still too early for an application of nitrogen containing product. Cold temperatures and lack of plant response would likely result in wasted fertilizer. However, your winter weeds would benefit greatly.
Helene Matelida Whittington
February 11, 2017
Mrs. Helene Matelida Whittington, 82, passed away on Thursday, February 9, 2017, in Mobile, Alabama.
Mrs. Whittington was a native of La Chapelle-aux-Chasses, France and had resided in Bay Minette, AL for most of her life. She is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Andree Arthur; one brother, Gerard Ressort; and two great-grandchildren.
She is survived by her husband, Donald Whittington of Bay Minette, AL; children, Chris (Shirley) Whittington of Talladega, AL, William (Elaine) Whittington of Bay Minette, AL and Debbie (Andy) Wasdin of Bay Minette, AL; seven grandchildren, Amanda (Jerry) Walton of Talladega, AL, David Whittington of Bay Minette, AL and Casey (Mary) Whittington of Thompson Station, TN, Chase Whittington of Bay Minette, AL, Chelsea Wasdin of Montgomery, AL, Jennifer (Heath) Bryars of Bay Minette, AL and Adam (Kristin) Wasdin of Bay Minette, AL; 13 great-grandchildren and two sisters; Paulette Ressort and Arlette Ressort both of France.
Graveside services were held Saturday, February 11, 2017, at the Lottie New Home Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Mike Owens, David Whittington, Chase Whittington, Casey Whittington, Adam Wasdin and Heath Bryars.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
John Alfred Johnson
February 11, 2017
Mr. John Alfred Johnson, Sr., 68, passed away on Monday, February 6, 2017, in Atmore, Alabama.
Mr. Johnson was a native of Mobile, AL and had resided in McDavid, FL for the past 20 years. He was of the Holiness faith.
He is survived by his wife, Cecelia “C.K.” Johnson of Pensacola, FL; one son, John Alfred Johnson, Jr. of Bay Minette, AL; two sisters, Lena Byrd of Huxford, AL and Maxine Welch of Rabun, AL; one grandson, Nathan Thompson and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Thursday, February 9, 2017, at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Sis. Helen Stewart officiating.
Burial was at the Sullivan Cemetery.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
Jack Allen Johnson
February 11, 2017
Jack Allen Johnson, 61 formerly of Canoe, AL, now of Semmes, AL, passed away Saturday, February 4, 2017, in Semmes, AL. He had worked at Vanity Fair Mills in Atmore, before moving to Mobile, AL where he was currently working for Carondolet Apartments of Mobile as a maintenance supervisor. He was born on April 25, 1955, in Atmore, AL to the late Leon Douglas and Georgene Lee Johnson. He attended New Beginnings Church of Theodore.
Survivors include his wife, Denise Baustert Johnson of Semmes, AL; two brothers, Buster Johnson and Ed (Sondra) Johnson all of Robertsdale, AL; two sisters, Jeanne (Frankie) Baggett of Loxley, AL and Jackie Southall of McConnelsville, OH; five nieces and nephews; and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.
Services were held Thursday, February 9, 2017, at Johnson Quimby Chapel with Rev. Ed Boutwell officiating.
Interment was in Canoe Freewill Cemetery.
Active pallbearers are Jason Baggett, Doug Baggett, Kyle Johnson, Russ Johnson, Murphy Bryan and Korbin Bryan.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
Cynthia Elizabeth McCullough Stallworth
February 11, 2017
Mrs. Cynthia Elizabeth McCullough Stallworth, age 59, passed away Sunday, February 5, 2017, in Pensacola, Florida.
Mrs. Stallworth was a native of Atmore, AL and had resided in Bratt, FL for the past 20 years. She was a member of the Dry Springs Community Church.
She is survived by her parents, Rev. Jack and Margaret McCullough of Walnut Hill, FL; husband, Tony Killam of Bratt, FL; three daughters, Ladana Robinson of Molino, FL, Jackie Rolin of Atmore, AL and Shana Killam of Atmore, AL; one brother, Malcolm (Donna) McCullough of Milton, FL; one sister, LaJauna (Robert) Graham of Tylertown, MS; four grandchildren, Ashton Thomas, Brantlie Thomas, Paige Ross and Cotton Lee Ross; and several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Friday, February 10, 2017, at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Rev. John Coleman officiating.
Burial was at the Dry Springs Cemetery.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
Maggie Donis Rushing
February 11, 2017
Maggie “Donis” Rushing, 89, of the Pensacola area left this life to be with her Lord, Wednesday, January 8, 2017.
She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Charles (Chuck) Rushing; grandson, Douglas Glenn (Bubba) Pierce; and son-in-law, Corky Jones.
She is survived by her five children, Dell and Glenn Pierce of Molino, Shirley Jones of Ferry Pass, Doug and Carol Rushing of Denham Springs, LA, Sue and Mark Rameriz of Edinburg, TX and Kay and Benny Fore of Ferry Pass; nine grandkids, 13 great-grandkids and two great-great-grandkids.
She will surely be missed by all of us. She was the rock of our family.
Pallbearers will be James Goundas, William Timothy, Bryan Taylor, Aaron Gollub, Daniel Pierce and Kolton Watson.
The family would like to thank Emerald Coast Hospice for taking care of our mother. To honor mother’s memory, the family suggest donations be made to Ferry Pass Baptist Church of Emerald Coast Hospice.
Services were held Saturday, February 11, 2017, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North with Reverend Ken Cook officiating.
Interment will follow at Pensacola Memorial Gardens.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with her arrangements.
Helen Cartwright Morris
February 11, 2017
Mrs. Helen Cartwright Morris, 70, passed away on Tuesday, February 7, 2017, in Century, Florida.
Mrs. Morris was a native of Pensacola, FL and resided in Century and Jay, Florida all of her life. She was a past member of the Brownsdale Women’s Club, and a troop leader with Girl Scouts and Brownies. Helen was a sponsor and very active with Special Olympic in Santa Rosa County and a cake decorator. She was a member of the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. She is preceded in death by her parents, Milton and Cora Lee Cartwright; two sisters, Mavis Johnson and Judy Macks; and a brother, Lavon Cartwright; the father of her children, Alton A. Morris, Sr.; a son, Alton Morris, Jr.; grandson, Steven Lee Morris; a special nephew, Joshua Cartwright; and sister-in-law, Carolyn Cartwright.
She is survived by her three daughters, Angie Dybowski (Timothy) of Flomaton, AL, Tammy Gresham (Randy) of Brewton, AL and Sarah Ogle (Bryan) of Flomaton, AL; three brothers, Eugene Cartwright (Cheryl) of Wilmington, CA, Rufus Cartwright (Deborah) of Saraland, AL and Jerry Cartwright of Milton, FL; two sisters, Wyvonne Pantermuehl of New Braunfels, TX and Eloise Rushing (Don) of Pensacola, FL; nine grandchildren, Tiffany, Robert, Heather, Stacy, Evan, Jonny, Victoria, Ryan and Brooke; ten great-grandchildren and a sister and brother-in-law by love, Wanda and Russell Peacock; and a special nephew, Donnie (Deanna) Macks.
Funeral services will be Monday, February 13, 2017, at 2 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Bro. Bobby Carnley officiating.
Burial will follow at Green Acres Cemetery.
Visitation will be Sunday, February 12, 2017, from 6:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Evan Amacher, Jonny Morris, Donnie Macks, Rusty Peacock, Cody Haveard and Robert Macks.
Honorary pallbearers will be Edward Macks, Lane Macks, Austin Macks and Bubba Harris.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
Little Public Interest As Century Updates Aging Land Development Code
February 10, 2017
The Town of Century is updated its aging Land Development Code thanks to a state grant, and a public workshop with little public interest was held Thursday to address the latest changes.
The town received a $25,000 Division of Community Development’s Community Planning Technical Assistance Grant from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity to update their LDC, which was adopted on April 29, 1991. The work is being done by Peggy Fowler and Associates, which submitted the only proposal.
The Land Development Code (LDC) essentially specifies what can be built where and how it can be used within the town limits.
The majority of the LDC has not been revised since it was adopted in 1991. It, according to Fowler, must be updated to ensure compliance with changes in state and federal laws and the goals and objectives of the Town Century Comprehensive Plan 2025.
The updates will also address any inconsistencies or duplication in the document, plus make the LDC more user-friendly and easier to understand with minor reorganization and the addition of tables and simple illustrations.
Most of the changes reviewed at Thursday’s workshop – added by one member of the public - involved environmental regulations and the addition of restrictions involving cultural resources, such as a significant archeological find on a construction site. An additional workshop will be held in late April, followed by the presentation of a completed draft at public hearing in May.
Pictured top: This panoramic photo show three Century staffers, Councilman Gary Riley and one member of the public at a public workshop Thursday morning. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Night Hunter Leads FWC Officers On High Speed Chase
February 10, 2017
A Cantonment man was arrested after leading state law officers on a high speed chase in North Escambia after being spotted night hunting.
Multiple FWC officers on the ground with air support from officers in a helicopter were working a night hunting detail in North Escambia County outside Walnut Hill.
The air unit guided a ground unit to a suspected night hunter shining a light from a vehicle off Highway 99A. The air unit continued to follow the suspected night hunter until the ground unit caught upon Occie Phillips Road. The FWC officer activated his blue lights and siren behind the vehicle, but the driver accelerated and fled, reaching speeds over 70 mph as he turned south onto the dirt Pineville Road and continued in the area on Highway 97A, Enon School Road and Highway 99 before turning on Barrineau Park Road and crossing the Perdido River into Alabama.
The driver, later identified as 28-year old Waylon Lee Adams, stopped about a half mile into Alabama, according to a FWC report.
Adams was held at gunpoint until backup FWC officers arrived. FWC officers reported finding less than 20 grams of marijuana in the vehicle, along with a small flashlight used to disclose the deer and two live rifle rounds. The female passenger told officers that Adams threw a rifle and scope out of the vehicle.
A records check indicated that Adams’ driver’s license had been suspended or revoked 20 times.
Adams was transported to the Baldwin County Jail and later extradited to Florida to face charges of felony fleeing and eluding, reckless driving, night hunting, felony driving on a suspended license, possession of marijuana and possession of a firearm/ammunition by a convicted felon.
Adams was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $38,000 bond.
Century Talks Emergency Management With Escambia County
February 10, 2017
The Century Town Council held a workshop meeting Thursday night with Escambia County Emergency Management to learn more about emergency response and recovery operations.
Brad Hattaway, planning coordinator for Escambia EMA, explained to the council how the agency works and the council’s role. He said the Town of Century is part of the planning process and the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is there to support the town during disasters.
The town has a standing invitation to participate in the planning, training, exercises and operations of the EOC, Hattaway said.
The Town of Century currently contracts with BRACE – the Be Ready Alliance Coordinating for Emergencies — to represent the town during EOC activations.
Pictured top: Century council members Ann Brooks, Sandra McMurray Jackson and Ben Boutwell listen as Brad Hattaway, planning coordinator for Escambia EMA, makes a presentation Thursday night. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.