www . meridianstar . com
PUBLISHER Jack Robb
MERIDIAN HOME & STYLE EDITOR
Ida Brown
ADVERTISING SALES Lisa Webb
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Monique Henderson
Glenda Sanders
PHOTOGRAPHER Michael Spears
DESIGNER Helen C . Reynolds
Meridian Home & Style is published six times a year .
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Meridian Home & Style can be found online at www . meridianstar . com
Gardening enthusiasts get ready — it ’ s almost spring !
Spring is almost here , and avid gardeners could not be happier . Gardening has long been a favorite and rewarding pastime for people of all ages . And during the COVID-19 pandemic , the gardening trend bloomed .
“ Since March 2020 , gardening has exploded and has become popular again as people are at home more and are experimenting with growing their own food again — whether it be with a vegetable garden , planting fruit trees and other fruiting bushes and vines or a little bit of all of it ,” said Al Davis , owner of Al ’ s Garden & Gift .
Gardening also has brought families together , again .
“ It really makes us smile when we see families come in especially with children to buy plants and materials for their gardens ,” Davis said .
And let ’ s not forget the therapeutic rewards .
“ Gardening truly is like therapy to many people and provides an escape from the troubles of the world as they work in their yards and gardens ,” he said . “ There ’ s so much reward to be able to sit back and watch your gardens grow that you ’ ve planted with your own hands and a side effect of the pandemic is that more and more people are learning this lesson and gardening today .” But trends tend to come and go . Some experts are eyeing the possibility of an endemic phase for the COVID- 19 pandemic . If so , does this also mean an end to the surge in gardening aficionados ? Davis doesn ’ t think so .
“ I would say it will last if people are successful in growing their crops because they ’ ll feel good at what they accomplished ,” he said . “ And with food prices soaring higher at grocery stores , it will encourage them to keep growing and even add on to their gardens .”
And we hope this Spring Edition of Meridian Home and Style Magazine will provide helpful and information about gardening , as well as interesting features about people who have found the joys of gardening .
This issue starts with tips on how to get your lawn ready for spring from
… Al Davis , who discusses the various types of grasses , fertilizers , when to cut back roses , azaleas and other blooming plants , lawn brown spots and pecan tree care .
Green thumb goddess Susan Huey of Collinsville talks about her love for growing things , while private music teacher / church choir director and organist Lora Tucker shares how she began “ farming ” fresh veggies and herbs from the comfort of her home .
Interested in raised bed gardening ? Find out how to create your own garden , which requires less bending and kneeling . Looking for an eco-friendly alternative to insecticides as a way to repel unwanted insects ? Read on about popular insect repellent plants such as basil and lemongrass .
For those who enjoy garden tours , The Garden Club of Jackson will present its 12th biennial Spring Garden Tour April 6-7 . Five gardens and four homes in Meadowbrook Highlands , a premier Jackson neighborhood , will be on tour .
Have you been thinking about trying clean eating to lose weight or just feel healthier ? April Sellers of the Meridian health food grab-and-go service Clean Plate can help make it easier to accomplish your goal .
In addition to gardening and being outdoors , spring is a time of celebration : Easter . In a season when many are experiencing uncertainty due to the pandemic , the Rev . Brian Rushing , pastor of Poplar Springs Baptist Church , Meridian , offers hope to a more stable future through an empty tomb .
The Easter theme continues with centerpiece ideas to beautify your table , tips to dying eggs , Easter accessory and decorating ideas and Easter fashions for boys and girls .
As with every issue of Meridian Home & Style Magazine , you ’ ll find our “ In Every Issue ” features on mental health , finance , military spouses , fitness , 10 Things You Don ’ t Know About … — and a whole lot more .
Get ready … It ’ s almost spring !
Ida Brown Meridian Home and Style Magazine Editor
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