School setup If it is a requirement that students must have covered walkways between buildings (is it?) why was that not resolved architecturally by the architect of Choctaw County Central High School’s new building (which incidentally is, in at least the opinion of one, the ugliest building possible, and made even more so by the rabbit warren of covered walkways, ill designed and even more poorly constructed, having no architectural relationship to the new building) (A glaring example: the tall 6 x 6 treated wood posts planted against the brick building joining onto the roof over the stoop of the second floor exterior door to create a tall walkway over the stair which then drops down to connect to the ground level walkways--a most awful design solution which deprives the “designed” new building of any positive impression. Bad as they are the existing covered walkways of the older buildings, made of pipe painted white, are far more satisfying visually and less obtrusive than the wood posts with framing for the walkway roofing inconsistent throughout. I do not believe college campuses feel the need to provide cover between all buildings. And I certainly do not remember having to have protection where I high schooled--in a more inclement climate. I can hardly wait to see what will manifest once the city park with its lovely trees are gone. I’d much rather have the trees and the amenities of a park. Were there not recent improvements to the old football field? Concession/entrance building, so-called press box, newsod and watering system, new stands? If the dressing room needed renovating as some have claimed, renovate. What was the Board of Aldermen (who voted against the mayor’s very cogent reasons for NOT selling the city park) and the school board thinking? Tail wagging the dog. Florence Fulgham Magnolia would represent state well on new flag As I travel across the world, I’m often asked where I’m from and, because we have both good and bad cultural baggage, when I say “Mississippi” I get looks and comments. Many are favorable; some are not. I just hold my head up and go on, because I treasure my ancestral home’s peoples and cultures, and love how we celebrate our good while working on the rest. And to me, nothing epitomizes our spirit better than the Magnolia State’s official floral emblem. Its beautiful glossy foliage and huge, fragrant flowers are instantly recognizable worldwide. The Garden Clubs of Mississippi’s Avenue of Magnolias astonishes every visitor and returning native driving through the eight major entrances, and, since 1949, a bold rendering of its flower and leaves has graced our historical markers. All this is to say that, as of last month, we have a mandate to create something strong and evocative that can represent Mississippi well to people both near and far. Much like Texans’ Lone Star and the South Carolina’s palmetto, we have an opportunity to extend our positive market brand by putting, rather than something nearly generic, our uniquely reminiscent state flower on a new state flag. Our Legislature decreed that "In God We Trust" be including in the design, which can easily underwrite a bold rendering of the flower. Main thing is, little this side of roses brings more smiles than the beloved and celebrated magnolia flower. Hope it ends up, in one form or another, on the flag of the great Magnolia State. Please check out the non-political website www.magnoliaflowerflag.org. If you agree, share the site with friends, coworkers, garden club members, Master Gardeners, and on Facebook and other social media. Felder Rushing Jackson Roadside flowers Again as soon as the coreopsis, black eyed susans, queen anne’s lace, butterfly flower, and other wildflowers show their astounding beauty on the roadsides the mowers are out to finish them off--determined to mow as far as possible when just mowing the shoulder would allow some of nature’s beauty to prevail. MSU conducted a survey suggesting management practices could be modified to restore and enhance a more naturalized Right of Way. Native grasses and wildflowers that are not palatable to while-tailed deer if allowed to propagate and grow can restore natural ROWs and make the roadways safer and more attractive. No significant difference in the height of vegetation was found between lots mowed four times a year and those mowed only one time a year. Native plants increased in plots mowed only once per year, and deer preferred frequently mowed plots. Overall the study concluded that ROWs would be less costly to maintain, safer, and more attractive to motorists if mowing were reduced to once per year, in late fall after seed set. The annual cost savings from a reduced mowing schedule could be substantial. Mowing four times a year costs c. $35 million; eliminating two mowings could save over $17 million. Reducing mowing to once a year is unrealistic because of motorist safety and visibility--but by mowing only the shoulders, even four times a year, would accomplish that. Strong support was found in the study for wildflowers on ROWs and it was found that the public would tolerate a less manicured ROW if it saved money, made the roads safer, and hid litter (unfortunately a problem in this country.) I cannot believe how lovely were the roadsides and in a day’s time look like someone’s yard. The endangered cardinal flower I no longer see in the few places I was accustomed to seeing them. The butterfly flower (butterfly weed I am seeing less and less. The triangle created by the juncture of Hwy 9 and Hwy 790 was totally abloom with the white/pale lavender blooming physostegia, now totally gone. In no way could they have been a visual impairment to any motorist. So why? With highway, bridge, and right of way construction and maintenance costs continuing to escalate is that not another reason to curtail some of this endless mowing, and at the same time preserve some of our natural beauty? Florence Fulgham
