Mud & Magnolias March 2022

Mud&Magnolias October.

November 2013 July 20202022 March

the

home and garden \

PETALROW SONNY CREEK FARM MOONBEE FLOWER FARM

issue

OPENING MARCH 2022 • CARON GALLERY SOUTH

“Fresh” look for spring?

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Congratulations to Thomas Street Elementary’s

LEIGH MONROE

The 2022 Tupelo Public School District Parent of the Year www.tupeloschools.com | @TupeloSchools

OPENING MARCH 2022 • CARON GALLERY SOUTH

407 Short 7th Avenue • Laurel, MS Growing to showcase more of Mississippi Artists Shop | THECARONGALLERY.COM

Call | 662 • 205 • 0351 Visit | 126 West Main St. • Downtown Tupelo

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OPENING MARCH 2022 • CARON GALLERY SOUTH

Welcome New Artist: Buttons Marchetti 407 Short 7th Avenue • Laurel, MS

Growing to showcase more of Mississippi Artists Shop | THECARONGALLERY.COM

Shop | THECARONGALLERY.COM

Call | 662 • 205 • 0351 Visit | 407 Short 7th Ave. • Laurel MS

Call | 662 • 205 • 0351 Visit | 126 West Main St. • Downtown Tupelo

Visit | 126 West Main St. • Downtown Tupelo

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CELEBRATING 10 YEARS AT OUR TUPELO LOCATION!

Warren and Michelle Barbieri, Owners

Named Best Health Food Store in Mississippi

by Eat This, Not That!, David Zinczenko - September 28, 2021 Tupelo | 1798 North Gloster

Pontotoc | 245 Hwy 15 North

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OPENING MARCH 2022 • CARON GALLERY SOUTH

Imagine

DESIGNING YOUR FUTURE As a virtual student, Sergio Garcia, an 11th grader at Tupelo High School, jumped right into the Imagine the Possibilities virtual career experience. He took advantage of the unique exploration into his area of interest in the field of architecture. Through Sergio’s engagement in the virtual expo, he earned points and won a set of high-end headphones. Because Career Coaches are links to community partners, Sergio spent an afternoon shadowing Kurt Shettles of McCarty Architects, PA. His experience provided an up-close view of what architects do!

With the help of our community partners, we are building our future workforce.

407 Short 7th Avenue • Laurel, MS

Growing to showcase more of Mississippi Artists

To learn more about the Toyota Wellspring Education Fund and the Career Coaches, Shop | THECARONGALLERY.COM Call | 662 • 205 • 0351 Visit | 126 West Main St. • Downtown Tupelo visit www.createfoundation.com

NEW Women’s Cloud 5 Waterproof Cocoa Frost

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Historic Downtown Tupelo 842-6453 | Mall at Barnes Crossing 842-5287 FINE FURNITURE • FABRICS • FLOORING Historic Downtown Starkville 323-2684 903 VARSITY DR. I TUPELO, MS I 662.842.1292 | staggsinteriors.com |www.reedsms.com MONDAY - FRIDAY 9:00am - 5:00pm

MARCH 2022 / THE HOME + GARDEN ISSUE

contents

ON THE COVER

Hooray! We made a new DIY with you in mind. Learn how to make these pressed floral coasters on page 30.

67 19

55 19

RECIPES This month's recipes? Spring desserts.

67

PETALROW Starkville resident Mary Dowell is no stranger to beauty. Come check out her garden.

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SONNY CREEK

Tupelo natives Emilee and Brandon Kennedy are sharing their love for slow living with the world.

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MARCH 2022 / THE HOME + GARDEN ISSUE

contents

1242 S Green St. Tupelo, MS 38804 662.842.2611

features 51

MOONBEE

44 HOUSEPLANTS

Meet Kris McKey, Which plants should who left the city you pick for your home? to start a garden. Here's five, to start. .

51

37 DESIGN

departments

Read our editor's analysis on 2022's top home trends.

14 EDITOR'S NOTE

columns

27

A monthly hello to you from our team.

BOOK CLUB

24 Q&A

27

Confused on how to start gardening? Expert Gary Bachman can help.

Join the Mud & Mag book club.

30 DIY Add a little life to your home decor.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Lindsay Pace

ASSOCIATE EDITORS Ginna Parsons Adam Armour

FEATURED SALES CONSULTANTS Leigh Knox Teresa McDonald June Phillips John Turner

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Allie Allsup

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Lauren Wood Photography Mary Dowell Kristen McKey

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subscriptions@mudandmag.com advertising@mudandmag.com info@mudandmag.com mudandmag.com This magazine is a monthly publication of Journal, Inc

Let us show you the

the Perfect Gift

Home of your Dreams!

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Don’t Blend In

Stand Out

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HELLO FROM THE EDITOR

D

ear Reader,

A happy March to you. Now that the new year is scuffed and stretched like a pair of broken-in shoes, I’m thinking a lot about rhythm, about unfurling from winter blues and stretching toward the sun.

This issue might remind you how similar our lives are to a garden’s. The flux of weather. The diversity of seeds.

The chance for life to push high from soft soil. Whether you are spade-first into new ground or are unearthing weeds, know that always, always, you are becoming.

And in that becoming, more often than not, we make meaning of our lives and of ourselves.

Holding fast to sentiment, though, isn’t easy, especially after a tumultuous few years for our world. If you, like me, are looking toward this season with hesitant hope, wondering what is next for you, might I remind you: The hope is not in the bloom. It is in the growing.

READING "In the Kitchen With a Good Appetite" by Melissa Clark.

@mudandmagnolias

And you, Dear Reader, are capable of that.

To spring, and with love, Lindsay Pace

@mudandmagnolias

@mudandmag

LISTENING "Legs of Bees" by the Fruit Bats.

WATCHING

mudandmagnolias.com

Want even more Mud and Magnolias?

Check out our weekly newsletter. Sign up at mudandmag.com

The Good Place. I've finally added it to my list.

COOKING White bean zucchini burgers, inspired by the tasty ones at Living Foods in Oxford, Miss.

My mama's sunroom, circa 2017.

My parents were preparing their annual garden, which is always cheerful. It greets visitors as they walk up a small brick path to my parent's front door. This is my favorite room in Mama's home.

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Gifts for All

Bridal Registry Available at Both Locations.

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RECIPES

from the garden

Welcome spring with these desserts.

We highlight fresh herbs and fruit for treats that are seasonal and sweet.

MINI BERRY PAVLOVAS M &M

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RECIPES

FLOURLESS CHOCOLATE PASSOVER TORTE

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RECIPES

MINI LEMON BLISS CAKES

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RECIPES

ANGEL FOOD CUPCAKES 22

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RECIPES

LAVENDER BUTTERMILK SCONES

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RECIPES MINI LEMON BLISS CAKES

al cocoa powder and serve.

INGREDIENTS 2 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature 2 cups granulated sugar 1 teaspoon salt 4 eggs, at room temperature 2 teaspoons baking powder 3 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature Zest of two lemons Powdered sugar for serving

ANGEL FOOD CUPCAKES

DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

2. Beat the butter, sugar and salt until white and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

3. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Add the flour mixture to the batter in three parts with the milk. Stir in the lemon zest.

4. Grease a mini-bundt pan. Spoon the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top of the batter with an offset spatula.

5. Bake the cakes for 45 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool for 15 minutes before inverting the Bundt pan.

Gently release the cakes. When ready to serve, top with powdered sugar.

DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners and set aside.

2. In a food processor, pulse the sugar until fine and powdery. Remove 1/2 cup and set aside. With the remaining sugar, add the cake flour and salt to the food processor. Pulse until mixture is aerated.

3. Using a stand mixer fitted with a large bowl, whip egg whites, water and cream of tartar on medium low until foamy. Add the 1/2 cup of sugar and whip until soft peaks form, about 5 minutes.

4. Gently fold the flour mixture into the egg white mixture. Spoon batter into liners.

5. Bake the cupcakes until lightly browned around the edges, about 18-20 minutes.

6. On a wire rack, allow the cupcakes to cool completely. Remove cupcakes and top with Cool Whip and fresh fruit.

FLOURLESS CHOCOLATE PASSOVER TORTE INGREDIENTS 4 ounces high-quality bittersweet chocolate, chopped into small pieces 1 stick unsalted butter, cut into small pieces ¾ cup granulated sugar 3 large eggs, room temperature ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted, plus more for sprinkling DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees and butter an 8-inch round baking pan.

Line bottom with parchment paper and butter once more.

2. In a double boiler, melt chocolate with butter, stirring until smooth. Remove top of double boiler from heat and whisk sugar into mixture. Whisk in cocoa powder until just combined.

3. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25 minutes, or until top has formed a thin crust. Cool cake in pan for 5 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate. Dust cake with addition-

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INGREDIENTS 3/4 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup cake flour, sifted 1/8 teaspoon salt 6 large egg whites, at room temperature 1 tablespoon warm water 3/4 teaspoon cream of tartar Cool Whip and fresh fruit for topping

MINI BERRY PAVLOVAS INGREDIENTS 4 large egg whites, room temperature 1 cup superfine sugar 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar 1 teaspoon cornstarch Cool Whip and fresh fruit for topping DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Line a large baking sheet with a silicone mat.

2. With a handheld mixer, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form, about 5 minutes. Add the sugar, then continue beating on high speed until glossy, stiff peaks form, about 3 more minutes. The peaks should still be very stiff (if not, keep mixing on high speed).

3. Spread or pipe the pavlova mixture into six circles, ensuring there is a small

well in the center of each.

4. Place pavlovas in the oven and immediately reduce heat to 200 degrees.

Bake until the pavlovas are firm and dry, about 45 minutes.

5. Turn the oven off and crack the oven door open. Let the pavlovas cool completely. Top with Cool Whip and fresh fruit. Serve immediately.

LAVENDER BUTTERMILK SCONES INGREDIENTS For the scones: 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted 1/2 cup granulated sugar 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 2 teaspoons dried lavender 2 teaspoons lemon zest 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 stick unsalted butter, frozen 1/2 cup buttermilk, cold 1 large egg, cold For the icing: 3 Tablespoons heavy whipping cream 1 teaspoon dried lavender 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1 1/4 cups confectioners’ sugar DIRECTIONS 1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside, and preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Whisk the flour, sugar, baking powder, lavender, lemon zest and salt together in a large bowl.

Grate the frozen butter into the mixture.

Combine with a pastry cutter until the mixture comes together in pea-sized crumbs. Place in the refrigerator.

2. Whisk the buttermilk and egg together in a small bowl. Remove dry ingredients from the fridge and drizzle wet ingredients on top. Stir until moistened.

3. Pour mixture onto the counter and work dough into a ball. Press into an 8-inch disc and cut into 8 wedges. Place scones on baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes.

4. Bake scones for 18-22 minutes or until golden brown around the edges. While they bake, make the icing: In a small saucepan, bring the heavy cream to a simmer. Remove from heat and add the lavender. Allow the mixture to steep for 10 minutes.

5. Strain the mixture, discarding the lavender. Whisk in the lemon juice and confectioners’ sugar. Drizzle over warm scones and serve immediately. M

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What We're Reading

BOOKS

text and portrait by LINDSAY PACE

Each month, we share what we love about the stories we're reading.

The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates

The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion

Ta-Nehisi Coates’s 2019 debut novel combines historical fiction and magical realism. Coates explores the connection between our inherent gifts and the losses that move us.

Didion’s novel, written the year after her husband’s death, recounts her experience with grief, illness and caretaking. Her work asks what would become of us if we were more intentional with our time.

Southern Ground: Reclaiming Flavor Through Stone-Milled Flour by Jennifer Lapidus Southerner Jennifer Lapidus is a mover and shaker in the world of stone-milled flour and naturally leavened bread. She offers over 75 grain-forward recipes from bakers across the southeast (we love the Jam Tart with Rye Crust!). M

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PRESENTING OUR TOP

KEVIN KNIGHT $31 Million

James Hunter $9.5 Million

William Harrell $4 Million

Stephen Harris $1.5 Million

TROXLER GROUP $28 Million

Amanda Miller Michelle McAuley Ricky Murphy $9 Million $9 Million $8.5 Million

Jennifer Brown Casee Goodman $3.5 Million $3.5 Million

Tina O’Quinn $1.5 Million

Camie Winstead $1.5 Million

MEREDITH MARTIN $26.5 Million

Deborah Tierce Whitney McNutt $8 Million $8 Million

Megan Kessler $3 Million

Carol Horne $3 Million

Hamp Hughes $3 Million

Amy Mercier $1.5 Million

Jessica Dozier $1.5 Million

Greg Warren $1.5 Million

DENNIS COX $21 Million

Amanda May $7 Million

Merisa Baker $6 Million

Rodney Mayfield Sherry Parkhurst $3 Million $3 Million

Lindsey Leake $1.5 Million

April Haynes $1 Million

AGENTS FOR 2021

JENNY DECKER TEAM $20.5 Million

LAURIE WEBB $20 Million

KAYLEE RAGAN $11 Million

Katherine Hardin Blake Thompson Brenda Spencer Demetra Sherer Frances Dempsey $5 Million $5 Million $5 Million $4.5 Million $4.5 Million

Sue Golmon $2.5 Million

Jaz Buchanan $2.5 Million

Monte Smith $2.5 Million

Eric Chambers $4 Million

Jay Williams $4 Million

Jennifer Spencer Caroline Felker Christie Bowens Polina Wheeler $2.5 Million $2 Million $2 Million $2 Million

David Cherry $1.5 Million

Tupelo • 662.842.3844 Oxford • 662.234.5344 Starkville • 662.765.3733

www.tmhomes.com Tammie Domino $1 Million

Lisa Davis $4 Million

CHANDA COSSITT $10 Million

No One Sells Like

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Pressed Floral COASTERS

DIY

text and portraits by LINDSAY PACE

Pressed floral coasters highlight spring’s vibrant colors and the organic shapes and textures of nature. Resin suspends the flowers, naturally creating three-dimensional interest.

SUPPLIES: • Plastic gloves • Respirator Mask • Drop cloth • Silicone coaster molds • Tweezers • Single-use measuring cups • Wooden craft sticks for stirring • Epoxy resin • Epoxy resin hardener • Toothpicks • Dried, pressed flowers • Optional: mica powders or gold leaf

DIRECTIONS: 1. Before beginning, ensure you are wearing gloves and a respirator mask. Work on top of a drop cloth in a well-ventilated area.

2. Using tweezers, arrange flowers and gold leaf (if using) inside of the silicone coaster molds.

3. Mix equal parts resin and hardener, enough to fill the molds to their brim.

Mix resin and hardener for five minutes, or until no streaks are left and the resin appears clear.

4. If using mica powders for color or sheen, reserve a small amount of resin in a separate measuring cup. Mix mica powder into clear resin a pinch at a time until desired color is achieved.

5. Pour resin into molds. Pop any bubbles with a toothpick.

6. Let coasters cure for 24 hours. Gently release from molds and enjoy. M

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GARDENING ADVICE with Dr. Gary Bachman

by ADAM ARMOUR

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F

or those blessed with green thumbs, gardening likely seems like the simplest thing in the world: Plant the seed.

Give it some water and sunshine.

Enjoy a bounty of veggies.

But for some, asking them to maintain a healthy garden is akin to requesting they climb Mount Everest or swim the Pacific Ocean. It’s just not happening. Not without help.

That’s where Dr. Gary Bachman comes in. As the research professor of urban horticulture for Mississippi State University, a fellow at the American Society for Horticultural Science and host of MSU’s popular Southern Gardening segments and articles, Bachman is the perfect person to help transform the gardening novice into a seasoned expert.

Or, at the very least, help them get started.

Q: So, I’m considering dipping my toe into the world of gardening. What are some pitfalls I’m likely to fall into right away and how can I avoid them?

A: The biggest problem is starting too big. Don’t do that.

New gardeners, mainly men, have the notion to begin with a big garden. They quickly fail because the garden gets out of control because they don’t know what they're doing.

I always advise to start with just a couple of tomato plants, preferably in containers. Container tomatoes are easy to take care of, will not have as many, if any, weeds to control, and they can be kept near the back door on the porch or patio making it convenient to care for.

Q: When should I start planting?

A: It totally depends on what you want to grow.

Large, seeded vegetables like squash, beans or corn can be direct sown once the weather starts to be consistently warmer. Tomatoes, peppers and eggplants should be started indoors about six to eight weeks before transplanting outside after the spring frost date.

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Many gardeners’ wait to plant tomatoes and peppers until after Good Friday, but this is unwise. Easter has a six-week swing on the calendar and could be too early or too late.

Always sow the seeds indoors six to eight weeks before the typical spring frost date. For example, March 20 to April 4th (coast), March 28 to April 10 (mid-Mississippi), April 5 to April 20 (north Mississippi).

The Mississippi State University Extension publication, The Garden Tabloid, has lots of information on the timing for starting and growing favorite veggies.

Q: I have a limited amount of space at my home. Realistically, how much room do I need to plant a small garden?

A: All you need to start vegetable gardening is a 5-gallon bucket to grow a tomato plant. Growing in containers requires less space than growing in-ground. And gardening with sub irrigated containers is really easy.

Q: What are some of the easiest vegetables, plants, flowers, etc. that are the most likely to survive a novice like me? Once I’ve mastered those, what’s the next step up?

A: Easy vegetables for the cool season are radishes and carrots, lettuce, kale, collards, peas. Easy for the warm season are peppers, tomatoes, eggplant. Many herbs can grow well from early springs through to late fall.

Q: I don’t now, but I used to have a dog. Oh, and I definitely have a bunch of cats. How do I keep critters — both those I own and those that hang around my house in an unofficial capacity — from destroying my garden?

A: The only way is exclusion. In other words, a fence, or some other kind of barrier. But even then, critters are going to get in. You would be surprised (or horrified) with the kinds of creatures wandering around the garden after midnight. And we all know is this: nothing good happens after midnight. M

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INTERIOR DESIGN

Trending: 2022

by ALLIE ALLSUP

New year, new trends – and a whole lot of new interior design styles to take part in. Since we’ve been spending a lot of time indoors, the need for self-expression begins with what we put into our homes. So, take a look at some of the top interior design trends of 2022. You might just find yourself going to your nearest home goods store to pick up an item or two.

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BOLD COLORS AND DESIGNS A touch of the 70s is back! Shades of green and all things chocolate (and we don’t mean candy), are gracing our walls and decor this season. In 2022, several people are embracing darker hues, trading in neutrals and pastels for earthy browns. Anything from paint to pillows, or a simple touch of leather, will instantly bring warmth to any atmosphere. Throw in a funky design to contrast otherwise dark color schemes.

CANOPY BEDS All things eventually recycle themselves, and the canopy bed is no different.

Popular years ago, the canopy bed is predicted to have another hot moment in 2022. Nothing beats a good night’s sleep in your own relaxing space. So, the simple, rustic, and romantic feel of the canopy bed places an elegant and classic touch to an ordinary room. Aside from that, they are statement pieces that command attention. Meant to make a room feel more regal, you can choose to hang a sheet or leave it bare this year.

VINTAGE VS. NEW Combining something old with something new seems to be all the rage this year, and it puts a very unique look to a modern lifestyle (and no, we aren’t talking about weddings!). By including a bit of the past with the present, each touch of vintage gives every room a story to tell and brings people a sense of comfort. Repurposing something old and damaged creates a new, stylish, and sustainable feel to any room it’s included in. It will instantly bring your home to the next level. So, vamp up that old lamp, or sand down your grandmother’s dining room table and help bring something old back to life again.

Bring the outdoors in with a houseplant.

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BRINGING THE OUTDOORS IN With more and more time spent indoors, it is up to us to re-immerse ourselves into the greenery and foliage of the outside world. This need for green has inspired many to bring the outdoors inside, creating green spaces or nature-inspired surfaces to look upon. Having plants indoors can positively influence your home and health by relieving stress, boosting creativity, productivity, and focus, among other things. So, start small with a succulent or the inclusion of natural surfaces to create that visual connection with nature.

When styling a vintage-inspired shelf, be sure to mix textured pieces.

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MULTIFUNCTIONAL SPACES With the rise in working from home, creating multipurpose rooms is a shoo-in for 2022. Whether you’re putting an office in your workout room or the kid’s playroom is doubling as a homework room, downsizing is a big to-do this year. Walls along the dining room are fitted for shelves, or guest rooms fitted with desks. With people spending more time in their homes, spaces must work double-duty. M

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TUPELO STONE CO. Natural and architectural stone highest quality stone and installation Interested in hosting your wedding amidst beautiful sun-dappled trees? Look no further than The Woodlands of Farmington. John and Brenda Hayes constructed The Woodlands in 2019 just 10 minutes away from downtown Corinth. Their goal was to offer a venue with a classic southern ambiance and all the amenities to ensure a less stressful approach to wedding planning. The Woodlands offers an outdoor chapel surrounded by towering trees and an indoor reception hall equipped with a caterer’s kitchen and enough round tables with white chairs to comfortably seat up to 180 guests. Bridal parties can prepare for the day in the privacy of their own suites. White linen tablecloths and the recording of your wedding ceremony are available upon request. Is this beginning to sound like the perfect place to host your next special event? Call John and/or Brenda at 662-255-2626/662-415-1602 to schedule a tour.

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SAVE THE DATES

• IDEA Jaybird Spring Market - April TBD • Smokin’ on the Waterway/BBQ Cook-Off-May 6-7 • Belmont’s 4th of July Celebration - July 4th • Tishomingo’s 4th of July Celebration • Iuka Heritage Day - September 3 • Wheels of Northeat Miss. Antique Car Show - September 3 • Belmont Bear Creek Festival/Antique Car Show - September 10 • Burnsville Waterway Festival/Antique Car Show - Sept. 24 • Trash & Treasures along the Tenn - Tom - Sept. 30th & Oct. 1st • Tishomongo County Fair - October 18 - 22 • IDEA Veteran’s Day Parade, Iuka - November 12 • IDEA Jaybird Holiday Market, Iuka - November 12 • Downtown Iuka’s Christmas Celebration - December 16 • Christmas Parade Iuka - December 2nd Tishomingo - December 3rd Burnville - December 5th Belmont - TBA

Top F ive Starter Plants

by ALLIE ALLSUP

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Come Visit

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R E S I D E N T I A L • C O M M E R C I A L • S A L E S • S E RV I C E • I N S TA L L AT I O N

GARDENING

Some key words to know when it comes to first time planting: PERENNIAL. Plants that are expected to live longer than three years, perennials can die back to the ground. However, they’ll continue to grow when the conditions are right given their root systems are still very much alive.

ANNUAL. These plants complete their life cycle in one growing season.

F

Snapdragon.

or those who have yet to cultivate a green thumb, now’s your chance. With so much time spent indoors, it’s important to bring touches of nature inside. That is why we’ve included these top five starter plants to kickstart your newest hobby.

Perfect for your practical and aesthetic purposes, plants also have significant health benefits. Known for improving concentration and productivity, reducing stress, and even boosting one’s mood, adding touches of green can bring a positive change in your everyday life. Real plants can sharpen your attention and even be a therapeutic outlet.

Whether it's inside or out, add a plant to every room and reap the benefits.

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to experiment with herbs given their flexibility, low level of commitment, and small-spaced nature.

SUCCULENTS. Plants with fleshy, thickened leaves and swollen stems that store water, or succulents, are able to survive in harsh climates.

They don’t mind a little neglect, which is why they also happen to be one of the best plants to keep indoors (they thrive in warm, dry climates). These plants also have plenty of variations, making for a funky addition to an everyday space.

There are some steps to ensure its successful growth: First, make sure to choose an appropriate succulent for your indoor conditions. Most like direct sunlight.

Next, choose your container wisely, if potting yourself, and always have one that has a drainage hole.

Lastly, watch out for overwatering.

Remember, these plants thrive with a little neglect, so be sure to allow the potting mix to dry out between care. Otherwise the plant may eventually die.

Above: A houseplant. Left: Winter greens.

HERBS. Stand out with your next homecooked meal by adding fresh herbs. Some of the easiest plants to grow, herbs can offer instant gratification from the moment you see those little snippets. Most herbs are low-maintenance and can last for years, meaning you only need to plant some of them once. They enjoy plenty of sun, good amounts of water, and to be kept out of harsh winds. If you’re short on space, herbs can be compacted easily and will be undeterred by their small living conditions.

They’ll grow just fine, though perhaps a little smaller than some that have more room to stretch. There’s never a better time 46

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SUNFLOWERS. Add some sunshine to your garden with these vivid flowers. Named for their attraction to the sun, these flowers grow best in spots that get six to eight hours of direct sun per day. Growing this plant is typically easy because regardless of soil conditions, as long as they have some sun, they tend to grow excellently. They’re also heat tolerant, pest resistant, and fast growers. Whether you leave them on the stalk for a magnificent outdoor display or harvest them for your indoor area, these flowers come in more than 70 different varieties and can grow up to ten feet in height. The time you plant them to its bloom could range anywhere from 80 to 120 days, so it’s best to plant these seeds between May and March.

Above: A sunflower.

GREENS. It’s easier than you think to grow food for your table, starting with leafy greens.

Greens of all kinds - kale, spinach, collards increase the diversity in your garden and may be picked in as little as 30 days from planting.

They thrive in cool weather, so plant them in early spring, if possible (or, late summer).

Greens usually do best if you plant them in full sunshine and soil that is consistently moist.

You’ll know it’s time to pull them up when they bolt or send up their flower stalks. The flavor tends to fade away the longer you wait, so be sure to snatch those up when the time comes.

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SNAPDRAGON. Known for their shape and its resemblance to the snout of a dragon, these plants are very popular and usually grown as annuals. These flowers bloom profusely throughout cooler months and can be a wonderful addition to any garden given their intensely saturated blooms. Since these flowers tend to bloom from the bottom of the stalk working their way up, they have a longer period of bloom life. Snapdragons can also come in many sizes, from a few inches to four feet in length, and take two to three months to grow completely. With its versatility, this flower can find its place in any garden. M

SAVE THE DATE

County Line Music Festival is APRIL 23, 2022!!

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MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THE BIGGEST CLM FESTIVAL!!

We are so excited to bring back CLM Fest this year! We’ve got big announcements about who all will be at the festival this year! Keep a look out on our page for more updates!

Vendor applications are ready!!

Please contact Shelby Scott at (662) 365-1050 or email chamberdirec@gmail.com for more information about being a vendor!

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HOT OR COLD WE CAN HELP!

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DUE SOUTH: KRIS MCKEY AND MOONBEE FLOWER FARM story by LINDSAY PACE photos by KRISTEN MCKEY

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W

ithin the rolling hills of Yalobusha County, 43-yearold Kristen McKey is at work. Palm-first into fresh earth, she cares for her plot, which is filled with everything from sunflowers to zinnias.

Her business, MoonBee Flower Farm, is the result of big-city burnout. After studying Interior Design at Brenau University in Atlanta, Georgia, McKey was tired of the city, its austere concrete jungles and rush hours.

“I was just looking for a change,” McKey said.

Fortunately for McKey, her parents had recently retired in Water Valley, and she was welcome to join. Her dad, a Mississippi native, wanted to return to a quiet few acres after a 43-year-long career with Ford Motor Company.

McKey had never lived in Mississippi.

As she considered moving to Water Valley, McKey stumbled upon a magazine article on flower farming and enrolled in an online course on the subject. Her expertise in interior design – in creating functional, beautiful spaces – informed a hobby that would demand the very same skill sets. She was intrigued: and due south.

After starting her online studies in 2019,McKey quickly learned which flowers fare best in Mississippi heat (cosmos, celosia) and which ones do not (dianthus).

Opening page: A look at McKey's flowers in bloom. This page, clockwise from top left: Sunflowers; McKey on her farm; A handful of her work, ready to share.

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She also learned the tribulations of a midsummer Mississippi sun, or the fear high winds can instill into a farmer’s heart.

“It can be difficult at times, especially when I’m trying to get everything done before the afternoon, when it gets extremely hot,” McKey said. “It's challenging when you hear about a storm coming up, and you're not sure if those flowers will survive. You just never know what's gonna happen.”

Despite the risk, the reward is high. McKey now sells MoonBee bouquets at the Magnolia Square Market, Water Valley’s bi-monthly farmer’s market, and via weekly delivery subscriptions exclusive to the town. Her designs are unmistakable: rich pink and purple florals studded with honeyed marigolds or fuschia celosias.

For all it is worth, McKee’s garden is labor-intensive.

She is gladly pesticide-free, using only organic fertilizer. If a weed arises, she pulls it herself. If an insect pesters her work, she plucks it out by hand and places it in soapy water.

“I'm willing to do that extra step,” McKee said. “Just so everything's safe and I'm not harming any bees or butterflies.”

McKee hopes to stretch her skill set this year.

She’s considering training for a Master Gardener certification, a certification which requires a combined 80 hours of teaching and community service in Mississippi. McKey also wonders what it might be like to offer garden consultation or design services – anything to help her community appreciate the craft she adores.

“I enjoy it so much, because I get to see [seeds] grow and produce over the summer,” McKey said. “And I get to see the bees loving them, and the butterflies and everything. When I'm out in the garden, caring for them, it's peaceful and colorful.”

As for leaving the city behind? McKey is content.

“I think that's what I was born to do,” McKey said.

“To be in nature all the time. I can't imagine going back.” M

This page, top to bottom: McKey cares gently for her land. She is pesticide-free, and only uses organic fertilizer; A butterfly takes pause in McKey's flowerbed; Flower farming requires a lot of manual labor.

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sonny creek farm story by GINNA PARSONS photos by LAUREN WOOD PHOTOGRAPHY AND LINDSAY PACE

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n 2016, Emilee and Brandon Kennedy purchased a 1990s farmhouse on the outskirts of Tupelo.

The 1,800-square-foot two-story home had a bedroom, bath, kitchen, living area and a large bonus room upstairs – plenty of room for the two of them.

But a month after they bought the home, Emilee found out she was pregnant with the couple's first child, Noli Mae. "We had planned on adding on, but that news sped our plans up a good bit," Brandon said.

In 2017, they added two more bedrooms, a bath and a formal entryway. They replaced exterior composite siding with Hardie board, added a new roof and freshened the outside of the home so the addition looked cohesive.

"We had somebody come in and frame the house, but Brandon did the majority of the work," Emilee said.

They turned the upstairs bonus area into a multipurpose area. Books line the walls across from a seating area, a small office is tucked under a window, and bunk beds anchor one end of the room.

"The whole time we lived here, we worked on projects around the house," Emilee said.

In early 2019, Brandon's family gifted the young family a calf.

"It was a twin," Emilee said. "A lot of times when twins are born, the mama will reject the first-born and nurse the

Opening page: The exterior of the Sonny Creek Farm house. This spread, clockwise from left: Rocking chairs on the porch are one of many southern touches throughout the home; The kitchen features subway tile; Wooden shutters contrast against the bright home; The Kennedy family, minus their newest baby. Photo by Lauren Wood Photography.

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second one. They didn't have time to bottle-feed the calf, so they offered it to us."

That calf is now an 800-pound cow named Daisy.

She is joined on the farm by four sheep – Elsa, Ana, Maui and Moana – a donkey named Olaf, and four laying hens.

"Chickens are hard to keep alive," Emilee said. "At one time we had seven or eight of them."

"That's what the donkey is for," Brandon said. "It keeps predators away."

As the farm has grown, so has the family. Noli Mae, 4, was joined a couple of years later by sister Ruby, who is 2. Emilee is now pregnant with Rosie, who is due in April.

"One of the things we enjoy about the farm is being able to roam and play and hang out," Brandon said.

"Emilee thought other people might like to enjoy it, too."

When COVID-19 came on the scene in March 2020, Emilee started talking to friends who lived in downtown Tupelo or in a subdivision with limited outdoor space.

"They wanted a place to run around," she said. "So we started doing farm nights. I would set up a picnic table and a place to eat, and they would bring their own food."

The couple named the property Sonny Creek Farm, a nod to Emilee's grandfather, Sonny, and the two creeks on the land.

Farm nights turned out to be so popular, the couple started renting their outside space for birthday parties, field trips, and wedding and baby showers.

"But it was still our home," Emilee said. "We still lived in the house."

That changed in October 2021, when Emilee's father gave the couple some family land in Mantachie to build on.

"Right now, we're living with my dad until we decide when and what we want to build," she said.

This page, top to bottom: Sheep roam the pasture. Photo by Lauren Wood Photography; Emilee features a handful of local artwork throughout the home; The porch is a quiet respite overlooking the creek. Photo by Lauren Wood Photography. Next page: Emilee frequently decorates the space with flowers she grows herself.

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"Until we can figure out what our future is going to be," said Brandon, an electrical engineer with the Tennessee Valley Authority.

To earn some income, and because Emilee can't resist a project, the couple decided to turn Sonny Creek Farm into an airbnb, which Emilee manages.

"You have to rent the whole house," Emilee said. "A lot of people like the 20 acres of land that comes with it."

The cost is $400 per night, possibly a little more on holidays and weekends. Guests are treated to Tupelo River coffee, fresh eggs from the chickens, and a handwritten note from Emilee.

The original bedroom has a double bed. One of the new bedrooms has twin beds, and the master bedroom has a king. The kitchen is equipped with a fridge, stove, dishwasher, microwave and double farm sink.

A lot of the furniture in the home is antique, including several family pieces, like an upright piano and an intricate gold mirror.

"A lot of the original artwork in the house is from local artists and for sale to guests," Emilee said.

The artists include Tracie Johnston, Jene King, Amy Crabb, Shelby Prather and Julia Monts, all of Tupelo; Kimberly Allred of Georgia, formerly of Tupelo; and Alanna Brooke Osborne of Baldwyn.

The outside touches are as charming as those inside the home. The couple laid bricks and built a pergola for a seating area, complete with Edison lights and a fire pit.

Garden boxes are built from cypress from Emilee's grandparents' house, and a screened-in porch on one side of the home keeps mosquitoes at bay.

Nearby are blueberry bushes, apple trees and pear trees, and a single magnolia tree.

"Noli Mae's real name is Magnolia," Emilee said. "My dad gifted us a magnolia tree when she was born. It's been neat to watch it, and the farm, grow." M

This page: Farm animals bring life to Sonny Creek.

Photo by Lauren Wood Photography.

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story by ALLIE ALLSUP photos by MARY DOWELL

GRATEFUL THROUGH THE GROWING:

PetalRow

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This spread: Various arrangements Dowell has prepared. All the flowers were grown on her flower farm in Starkville, PetalRow.

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B

ecause 80% of flowers in the US are imported, there are only certain assortments you can get from a grocery store or florist. Most flowers are unable to handle the elements when shipped, which leaves consumers with a limited variety of options to choose from - unless you’re buying locally.

Knowing this, Mary Dowell tends to grow most of her crops from seed, offering a wider selection of flowers when it comes to her garden and Starkvillebased business, PetalRow. Dowell, a mother of four, recently retired critical care nurse, and now, a flower farmer, started out like any other. She didn’t have any knowledge on how to grow something. But when Spring 2020 rolled around, she took a small hobby to another level and grew a flower farm out of her backyard.

“I knew nothing,” Dowell said. “I wasn’t even trying to be a flower farmer. I found these things because I was pursuing weird hobbies like everybody else. Then, the next thing I knew, I was looking up

YouTube videos on how to grow them.”

When Dowell started planting in her backyard, she had less than 600 square-feet of growing space.

While that might seem a bit small, flowers are actually the most lucrative crop per acre one can grow.

However, they can be a bit tricky when it comes down to the harvest, having to be harvested at a very specific time of day. Plants ultimately need to maintain a quota of daylight in order to actively grow.

So, if you harvest in the middle of the day, you risk shortening their vase life. Because flowers absorb the most water at night, they are the most hydrated early in the morning. And since you want to harvest them at the coolest time of day, mornings are usually the best.

A lot of time, hard work and sweat goes into this type of business. Not only is it a lot of work to harvest all the flowers, but they must also be properly conditioned, designed and arranged. Since Dowell tends to grow most of her crops from seed, she also

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This page, clockwise from top: The Dowell family; Some of Dowell's materials to create a bouquet with; Flowers in bloom at PetalRow; Dowell's son helps water her flower beds.

had to learn how to soil block, or compress her soil mixture, on top of everything else.

“I think people romanticize it,” Dowell said. “It’s something that sounds so magical, walking through a field of beautiful flowers, and it is, but it’s also very dirty work.”

Yet, all of this hard work is what Dowell enjoys most. She loves being outside, and so do her kids.

Having that outlet is the perfect way for her to spend time with her family while bringing something unique to her community.

“Even though it’s difficult sometimes – the business creation, community connection, the growing, and of course, even the building and designing of the bouquets and stuff – it’s all a creative outlet for me,” Dowell said. “That’s really why I started this to begin with.”

Dowell has always had an interest in growing things and nurturing their beauty. Years before

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PetalRow took off, Dowell was married and raising her first two children. The family lived in a tiny, 900-square foot apartment as she and her husband paid off student loans. Like most, she started off with house plants. Yet it was here, gardening in this little space, that she learned the importance of finding peace and happiness in the smaller things: such as with flowers.

“I think people underestimate how much joy something as simple as a flower can bring,” Dowell said. “We use flowers to celebrate all of the big moments in our lives, but maybe, our little moments will become bigger moments if we start to include more of them in our dayto-day life.”

For Dowell, gardening has taught her much about herself and her life, highlighting certain aspects she never thought to look at before.

“Gardening helps you get in

touch with nature and the seasons and learning to appreciate the special aspects of each,” Dowell said.

“Once you start seeing yourself accomplish something that counts, it gives you infinite energy to keep going.”

Just like her plants, Dowell’s passion for gardening grew until it spilled over from hobby to business.

However, she never lets herself lose sight of what’s important: finding joy in the small things. Whether or not you find those simple moments in gardening, Dowell knows it’s important to find that joy somewhere.

“It’s great to have goals and you should be challenging yourself, but I’ve found the main key to enjoying the journey as I pursue my goals is to make up my mind to be content and grateful, whatever the circumstances,” Dowell said. “I think more people need to find little things that they can do every day that brings them joy.” M

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