Looking To Landscape? Try Chinese Purple Leaves And Pink Flowers
April 10, 2010
Loropetalum, a native of Japan and Southeastern Asia, was introduced to the United States about 1880. However, it wasn’t until the introduction of the purple-leaved and pink flowering forms around 1990 that this plant began to find its way into the landscape. Based on its usage, it appears to be among the most popular broadleaf evergreens in southern landscapes. Both the botanical name, Loropetalum chinense, and the common name, ‘Chinese Fringe Flower’, refers to the shrub’s unique strap-like flowers. The shrub displays clusters of white or pink flowers with narrow petals that dangle like fringe. Although spring is the main flowering time, the shrub will flower off and on throughout the summer and into the fall.
Loropetalum (lor-o-peta-lum) has evergreen foliage with the color varying depending upon the variety. Loropetalum varieties in the market place today are very similar, and yet, there are distinct differences. There are unique shades of flower color, ranging from fuchsia-pink to pink, or white with pink. Some have consistently reddish-purple leaves and others are green to purple depending on environmental conditions and time of year. All have a rapid rate of growth.
Its growing habit is loose and open and makes a great foundation plant, under-planting, screen or hedge. It can also be used in containers, or as a subject for espalier or bonsai.
At first, the young plants look small and delicate. But they grow fast, reaching 8 to 12 feet tall and nearly as wide. So space new plants appropriately.
Loropetalum grows well in moist but well-drained soil and becomes drought tolerant once established. Color is almost equally good in sun and shade. It prefers slightly acid soil, has few pest or disease problems, and only needs pruning to control size. It benefits from fertilization two to three times a year.
Loropetalum ‘Ruby’ has long been considered a fairly low maintenance landscape plant with few insect or disease problems. However, in recent years, there have been increasing reports and complaints of unexplained decline, especially in central Florida. The most commonly reported symptoms of decline include new growth that is stunted or deformed, curling of leaves, defoliation, and in extreme cases, plant death. Possible explanations for Loropetalum decline include mites, nutrient deficiency (especially micronutrients), root rot, nematodes and salt toxicity.
The University of Florida currently recommends planting ‘Burgundy’, ‘Plum’, or another cultivar with similar characteristics to ‘Ruby’, since there have been no reports of widespread decline for these cultivars in Florida. The following tips will help you to identify different cultivars.
- Loropetalum ‘Ruby’ is a small (3-5 ft tall), rounded plant with leaves that are more rounded and pink flowers that bloom year round.
- Loropetalum ‘Burgundy’ (also called ‘Sizzling Pink’) will stand more upright than ‘Ruby’ and grows to be 6-10 ft tall. It has elongated, pointed leaves that turn bright red in the fall and flowers that bloom intermittently.
- Loropetalum ‘Plum’ (also known as ‘Hines Purpleleaf’, ‘Plum Delight’ or ‘Pizzazz’) has dark foliage and tends to have smaller, darker flowers. This cultivar will grow to be 6-8 ft tall.
Due to its vigor and adaptability, many new Loropetalums have become available in the past several years. So, it’s important that you research the size of all these selections prior to placing them in your landscape. Be sure to pick a variety that is suited for your planting space.
Grammy Award Winner Marty Raybon Performs In Bratt
April 4, 2010
Grammy Award winner Marty Raybon performed two shows Saturday during the first Northview FFA Alumni Bluegrass Festival in Bratt. He was joined by Delta Reign and the Dog River Boys.
Proceeds from the concert benefited the Northview FFA Scholarship Fund, and the Northview High School Tribal Beat Band also took part, selling concessions to raise funds toward an upcoming trip to Orlando.
For a photo gallery from the event, click here.
Several politicians and candidates were also on hand, to meet and greet the public, including Doug Broxson, Dave Murzin, Walter B. Hill, Larry Walker and Greg Evers.
The show was sponsored in part by the Northview FFA Alumni Scholarship Fund, NorthEscambia.com, Sheriff David Morgan and Beulahfest.
Marty Raybon is perhaps best known as the former lead singer of the country mega-group Shenandoah from 1985-1996. He led Shenandoah to 22 singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts, including thirteen number one singles, such as: “The Church on Cumberland Road” (1989), “Sunday in the South” (1989), “Two Dozen Roses” (1989), “Next to You, Next to Me” (1990) and “Butterfly Kisses” (1997). At the top of the charts, Raybon became known for his bluegrass and gospel-influenced semi-traditional country sound.
Pictured above: Marty Raybon performs Saturday during the Northview FFA Alumni Bluegrass Festival in Bratt. Pictured below: Raybon with Northview High FFA members. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Gunter, Flowers To Wed
April 4, 2010
Mr. and Mrs. Eddie Gunter, are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Hannah Leigh, to Mr. Trenton Anthony Flowers, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Flowers. Miss Gunter is the granddaughter of Mrs. Dorothy B Gunter and the late Jimmie E Gunter Sr. of McDavid, Fla., and Joyce G Anthony and the late Norman Cecil Anthony of Brewton, Al.
The prospective groom is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Caraway of Atmore, Al., and Mr. Chuck Daughtry of Atlanta, Ga and Ms. Jean Flowers and the late Winston Flowers of Atmore, Al.
The wedding will be held April 17th at 5 p.m at First Baptist Church Atmore, Alabama.
Reception to follow.
All friends and family are invited.
Easter Bunny, Egg Hunt At Century Library
April 2, 2010
The Easter Bunny made an early stop the Century Branch Library Thursday afternoon. Dozens of kids and kids at heart had the chance to meet Peter Cottontail himself, hear an Easter story, and take part in a big Easter Egg Hunt. For a complete photo gallery from the event, click here. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
First Baptist Cantonment Youth Spend Their Spring Break Volunteering At Children’s Home
April 1, 2010
A dozen youth from the First Baptist Church of Cantonment spent their Spring Break Wednesday helping the youth at the Florida Baptist Children’s Home in Pensacola.
The youth worked to clean out from around an overgrown pond on the children’s home property. The pond will be used for fishing and to provide activities for the young people that live at the home.
“We had a great time serving the Lord. All of these youth are out on Spring Break this week, so they could have chosen to be doing many other things,” said Drayton Smith, associate pastor at the First Baptist Church of Cantonment.
Pictured above and below: Youth from the First Baptist Church of Cantonment helped the youth at the Florida Baptist Children’s Home clean a pond on Wednesday. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Deputy Randy Murph Retires After 27 Years In Law Enforcement
March 31, 2010
After 27 years in law enforcement — 22 of those in North Escambia — Byrneville resident Randy Murph has retired.
Life is a little more relaxed these days for Murph — when we caught up with him, he was working on a cedar chest for his granddaughter. He admits that when he watched a deputy responding to call past his house recently, it was hard not to grab the police radio and find out what was going on. Law enforcement is in his blood.
“I loved it; I still love it, but I’ve seen enough hurt, enough death,” he said, reflecting on his days so far without badge. “When I hung my gun belt up, that was it. It’s a job for the younger guys now.”
Murph started his law enforcement career in Escambia County, Alabama, working for then-Sheriff Tim Hawsey. He spent five years patrolling the 950 square miles of the county before moving south into Florida.
For the next 22 years, he worked for the Escambia County (Fla.) Sheriff’s Office, spending all of those years in North Escambia.
“From all I know about Randy Murph, he was a very good officer, the kind you are proud to have,” Escambia County Sheriff’ David Morgan said.
“I’ll miss always seeing the people in the north end,” he said. “I was raised up here, and I got to know a lot of people. I’ll miss not seeing them as much. There’s some really good people up here, a really close knit community.”
Along with the good people in North Escambia, Murph has seen his share of the bad in the area.
Dumbest Criminal
The dumbest criminal Murph said he remembered was a group that stole candy from the Little League ballpark in Century. He admits it did not take great skills to solve the crime — as the crooks fled the ballpark, they began to eat the candy. And drop candy wrappers — all the way to their own front door.
“When I knocked at the door, they fessed up,” he said.
Excuses, Excuses
Talking to criminals means excuses. Murph’s favorite came from a speeder on Highway 29.
“Ma’am, are you trying to get to the emergency room?” he said he asked.
“Sir, there’s a state trooper on Highway 29 using radar, and I’m trying get away from him,” she replied. She did not get a ticket — at least from Murph.
The Tough Ones
Then there are the cases that Murph does not like to talk about, even after 27 years with a badge.
“One stands out that I’ll never forget, and the man we knew did it was never convicted,” he said. The case involved a woman on Mayo Street in Century left for dead with plastic bag on her head. “That was tough.”
“We knew he did it, but he never got convicted,” he said. But sometimes justice prevails. The suspect in that case is now serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole in Georgia for other crimes.
“He got what was coming to him,” Murph said.
Little Words, Big Memories
The best memories come from the simple words — “thank you”.
He remembers a young man in Century that he arrested; it was not his first trip to jail. . He could see his potential. “I talked to him and told him that it was time to become a man.”
The words meant something to the man, and he did turn his life around.
“He told me ‘thank you’ the last time I saw him. He was standing there in front of his daughters when he said it. That took a big man to admit it in front of his children.”
Now that he is retired, Murph said he plans to fish, hunt and travel.
“And I want to find ways to become involved in the community,” he said. “I love the people here.”
Pictured top: (front, L-R) Senior Deputy David Poole, Lt. Carl Jones, DEA Special Agent Claude Cosey, Master Deputy Randy Murph, (back) Deputy Ingram, Senior Deputy David Preson, Lt. David Barnes, and Investigator Frank Way at Randy Murph’s recent retirement party. Pictured top inset: Randy and Mary Murph. Pictured middle inset: Former Escambia (Ala.) Sheriff Tim Hawsey and his wife. Pictured bottom inset: Randy Murph’s retirement party cake. Submitted photos by Ramona Preston for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate Mock Trial Team Wins State, Headed To Nationals
March 31, 2010
Tate High School’s Mock Trial Team won the state tournament this past weekend in Orlando.
Members of the team are Collin Metcalf, Dylan Lunsford, Allison Baliey, Jacob Sander, Asia Cravens, Amy Sapp, Denis McKinnon III, Josh Levins, Austin Perry, Sarah Barlow, Ashley Fasshauer, and Brooke St. Pierre. Collin Metcalf also won the “Best Attorney” award at the competition.
The group is coached by Amanda Brown. Former coach Kelly Krostag and Attorney Aaron Watson from The Levin Firm also worked with the group.
The team is now eligible to compete in the National Tournament which will be held May 6-9 in Philadelphia.
Pictured: (left of stairs, bottom to top) Brooke St. Pierre, Asia Cravens, Ashley Fasshauer, Amy Sapp, Sarah Barlow, Allison Bailey, coach Amanda Brown, (bottom of stairs, bottom to top) Dylan Lunsford, Austin Perry, Jacob Sander, Josh Levins, Collin Metcalf, Denis McKinnon III. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Special Olympics Torch Run Begins In Century (With Photo Gallery)
March 29, 2010
The 2010 Law Enforcement Torch Run in support of Florida Special Olympics began in Century Monday morning.
The torch run started at the Florida/Alabama state line in the Piggly Wiggly parking lot about 7:15 Monday. Employees from Century Correctional Institution escorted the torch down Highway 29 toward the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office in Pensacola. From the sheriff’s office, runners will continue to the Pensacola Police Department where they will be joined by more local law enforcement officials.
The Escambia County leg of the torch will end at Bartrumn Park where the torch will be passed to the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Department Marine Unit.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run is an event to raise awareness and support for the Special Olympics. Law Enforcement Agencies from across Florida will participate in the event.
The Torch Run will end on May 14 in Orlando, Fla.
For more photos from the torch run, click here.
Law enforcement officers from over 300 Florida agencies (police departments, sheriff’s offices, Florida Department of Corrections, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Florida Highway Patrol, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Agency, U.S. Customs, Air Force Police and Marine Patrol) all participate in the state-wide torch run to benefit the athletes of Special Olympics Florida. Each year, over 3,000 officers carry the torch on a 1500-mile relay through more than 60 counties in Florida.
Pictured: The 2010 Law Enforcement Torch Run in support of Florida Special Olympics begins in Century Monday morning. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Area University Of Alabama Student Responsible For Record Red Cross Donation
March 28, 2010
Thanks to a young man from Atmore, the University of Alabama Community Service Center presented $10,000 to the West Alabama Chapter of the American Red Cross last week.
The donation came from the work of Tray Smith, a UA freshman majoring in economics from Atmore, as part of Haiti outreach efforts on campus.
According to Neal Hardin, emergency services specialist with the American Red Cross, it was the largest donation ever obtained by a single student from a Southeastern Conference school given to a local Red Cross chapter. The West Alabama Chapter of the Red Cross named Smith a superhero for his efforts.
The donation came from The Better Life Foundation, a nonprofit organization committed to helping young adults and children in need. The donation will support relief efforts in Haiti and encourage UA students to contribute and fulfill their moral responsibilities, says Smith.
The Better Life Foundation is supported by the popular band 3 Doors Down and named after their first album, The Better Life.
“We secured the funding because of our plan to use it to encourage students to give more and participate in the relief effort,” said Smith. “It is our hope in the Student Government Association that having 3 Door’s Down sponsor our Haiti relief effort will encourage students to be more giving and to follow the band’s example. We also hope this will inspire our student body to be more socially conscious in general and to live lives worthy of our school’s commitment to public service.”
What Is Your Church Doing For Easter?
March 28, 2010
What is your church doing for Easter?
NorthEscambia.com will provide free advertising for churches in North Escambia or North Santa Rosa counties in Florida, or Atmore or Flomaton in Alabama. If your church is having a special Good Friday and/or Easter service, or any other special service or event, let us know!
We will share your information with thousands of readers across the area. We will list the services on our Events page free of charge. Please try to keep your announcement for our events page to 100 words or less. Please send your event listing as far in advance of your service(s) as possible.
Send your announcement to news@northescambia.com or click here for our contact page. We will also be happy to publish photos after your event; email them to news@northescambia.com.
Bratt Assembly of God recently held an early Easter egg hunt and picnic. For a photo gallery from the event, click here.
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Pictured: The Bratt Assembly of God recently held an Easter egg hunt and picnic. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.