Creative Gardening Gift Ideas
December 8, 2012
Still don’t have a Christmas present for your favorite gardener? Take heart, there is still plenty of time to find, or make, that perfect “green” gift.
Many gardeners don’t think of their landscapes as just plants in the ground. To the knowledgeable landscape designer, the landscape is a series of rooms; rooms that may require decoration.
Garden art can be anything from the whimsical garden gnomes, functional obelisks or metal sculptures.
Garden obelisks can serve many functions. In addition to providing interest during all four seasons, they can act as beautiful focal points in the garden. They can make your garden look as if it was designed by a professional.
In a flower garden, they provide support for plants such as climbing roses, flowering vines and many other climbers and twiners. In the edible garden, many types of fruits and vegetables, such as various types of beans, can be grown on obelisks.
Obelisks come in many different sizes and shapes. Common shapes include tall, rounded or oblong forms, rectangular forms, and pyramids. Most vining plants will take to any shape. Choose the shape that is pleasing to you and blends in with your garden design. Obelisks can be made from a variety of materials including cedar, copper and wrought iron.
Furthermore, if you are an avid recycler, there are plenty of materials just laying around that can be made into a functional obelisk with a minimum amount of skill and time. Take a look on the internet and you will find plenty of help in fashioning a home-made creation.
A “growing” trend is metal garden art. Metal garden art can be fun, playful or even classical. It can be used to create a focal point in the garden or to brighten up a dull spot. From small garden stakes, to colorful wall art, to sculptures small and large, the possibilities are endless. With so many materials to choose from and so many artists working in the field you will be sure to find at least one piece to add color and character to your yard.
Again, if you are an avid recycler, you will be able to find many pieces made from recycled metal. Recycled steel drums or tanks, discarded bicycle or tricycles, old car parts, these all provide the raw materials for the creative eco-artist.
Copper is widely used in metal garden art because it is beautiful, durable and adds elegance to any garden. If allowed to oxidize it will age gracefully to a natural weather worn green patina. It can also be preserved with a clear coating to maintain its bright, shiny look. Copper sculptures, wall art and garden stakes add a touch of class to any decor.
For a classic look add a bronze garden sculpture. Bronze sculptures have been around for thousands of years. They remain popular today because they are classic, timeless and will last for generations.
Whatever your taste, classic, contemporary or just playful, garden art will warm your heart even on the coldest winter day.
Theresa Friday is the Residential Horticulture Extension Agent for Santa Rosa County.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Chamber Holds Christmas Open House
December 5, 2012
The Century Chamber of Commerce held its annual Christmas Open House Tuesday afternoon. Chamber members, prospective members and area residents had the opportunity to network and learn more about what the Century Chamber offers, all while enjoying light refreshments.
Pictured above: Oakland Ard and Lina Showalter enjoy refreshments during the annual Christmas Open House Tuesday evening at the Century Chamber of Commerce. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Toyz For Kidz Ride Saturday To Help Those In Need
December 4, 2012
Santa will have some very special helpers on Saturday as the LA Bikers roll across the area to make sure needy kids get a Christmas present.
The 12th Annual Toyz for Kidz Bike Ride will raise funds for the program and distribute toys to families in need.
The event begins at David’s Catfish on South Main Street in Atmore with registration from 9-10 a.m. The ride will begin at 10, and it will end back in Atmore with lunch and a prize drawing.
All proceeds go yo the LA Bikers Toyz for Kidz program. For more information, call (251) 747-7030. or (251) 294-0708.
ictured top: Santa Claus helps unwrap presents last year in Bratt from the LA Bikers Toyz for Kidz program. Pictured inset: Santa helps with a quick test drive on a new bicycle. Pictured below: Santa wheels into Bratt Elementary. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Tate, Ransom Band Students Perform With The Dallas Brass
December 4, 2012
The internationally acclaimed Dallas Brass performed Monday night at Hillcrest Baptist Church with band students from Tate High and Ransom Middle schools. The American Musical Journey concert included music from the time of George Washington to the present day.
The Dallas Brass has become one of America’s foremost musical ensembles. The ensemble has appeared with several major symphony orchestras nationwide, including performances at Carnegie Hall and the John F. Kennedy Center in Washington. They have played for presidents and their music has been used numerous times on national television.
Pictured: The Tate High and Ransom Middle School bands performed with the Dallas Brass Monday night at Hillcrest Baptist Church in Pensacola. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Photos: Behind The Chiefs
December 3, 2012
When the Northview High School Chiefs made school history with a Class 1A state semifinal win Friday night, the crowds, band, dance teams and cheerleaders were there showing their support.
Click here for a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery.
For a game recap and action photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Photo Gallery: Hundreds Attend Flomaton Christmas Parade
December 2, 2012
Hundreds of people from Flomaton, Century and surrounding areas attended the annual Flomaton Christmas Parade Saturday morning.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge
Photos: NHS Band Brings Cheer To Mall
December 2, 2012
The Northview High School Tribal Beat Band, color guard, dance team and majorettes performed Saturday afternoon at Cordova Mall in Pensacola. The band used the performance as a fundraising opportunity to their trip next week to Orlando for the Class 1A football championship game.
For more photos, click here.Photos by Laura Gilmore, Leslie Gonzalez and Connie Brook for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Christmas Parade Schedules
December 1, 2012
Here is a list of Christmas parades to be held this year around the North Escambia area:
December 7 — Poarch
The Poarch Creek Christmas Parade will be Friday, December 7 at 5:30 p.m. The parade will begin on the Poarch Creek Reservation at the Wellness Center (gym) and end at the PCI Health Department Building.
December 7 — Milton Boat Parade
The Riverwalk Milton Holiday Lighted Boat Parade will begin at 8:30 p.m. on Friday, December 7.
December 8 — Chumuckla
The Chumuckla Christmas Parade will be Saturday, December 8. Floats will line up on Mineral Springs Road at 11 a.m. The parade will begin at 1 p.m. from the cotton gin, travel Highway 182, cross Chumuckla Highway and end at Salter Road.
December 8 – Brewton
The Brewton Christmas Parade will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 8. The parade will travel from Forrest Avenue in East Brewton, across the Mildred Street Bridge to St. Joseph Street to Belleville Avenue.
December 8 — Atmore
The Atmore 2012 Twilight Christmas Parade will be held Saturday, December 8 beginning at 5:30 p.m. The parade will follow its traditional route from the Atmore City Hall, down Main Street, to Lindberg Avenue and ending at Escambia County High School. Over two dozen floats are entered, along with several bands and numerous other groups. Parade participants should be at the Atmore City Hall by 4 p.m.
December 8 — Pensacola
The Pensacola Christmas Parade will be held at 5:15 p.m. on Saturday, December 8 in downtown Pensacola. Featuring local bands and the Blue Angels.
December 15 — Molino
The annual Molino Christmas Parade on Crabtree Church Road will be Saturday, December 15 at 11 a.m., ending with Santa Claus at the Molino Ballpark. To enter the parade, stop by Fran’s Diner on Highway 29 for information and to sign up.
Pictured: A float in last year’s Atmore Twilight Christmas Parade. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Barrineau Park Music Night Planned
November 30, 2012
There will be plenty of good entertainment on stage next Friday night, December 7 in Barrineau Park — and it’s free. The monthly Barrineau Park Music Night will be held at the Barrineau Park Community Center. The featured local groups tonight are The Rowell Family Band and the Highway Home Bluegrass Band.
The singing starts at 6:30 p.m. Food and refreshments will be available beginning at 6 p.m.
The event is a family-friendly — no alcohol is permitted on the property, and no smoking is allowed in or near the building.
For more information, call (850) 572-4433. The Barrineau Park Community Center is located on Barrineau Park School road, about three miles west of Molino.
Pictured above: The Rowell Family Band. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
7:15 a.m. edit corrects a typographical error on the date and confirms the event is next Friday, December 7.
Ester Robinson Named Molino Park Teacher Of The Year
November 28, 2012
Ester Robinson has been named Teacher of the Year at Molino Park Elementary School. She teaches the fourth grade. Robinson is in her sixth year teaching at Molino Park. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, writing poetry, bowling, travel and spending time with her family.