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Although known for cutting-edge agricultural research and leading the way in world food security efforts, Mississippi State University is no lightweight in researching some of the beautiful things, including colorful flowers and foliage. Floriculture is the cultivation of flowering plants and ornamentals and is a subset of horticulture, the science of cultivating fruits, vegetables and other plants. While not necessary to stave off world hunger or find a cure for cancer, floriculture is a significant industry, and its support is a priority to MSU.

A group gathers around a decorated table.
A woman speaks in front of a classroom.

In the realm of gardening, few plants offer the versatility, resilience and sheer beauty of sedums. It’s no wonder why I’ve seen the popularity of these remarkable succulents grow.
These remarkable plants, also known as stonecrops, have captivated the hearts of gardeners and plant enthusiasts around the world for centuries. If you are not familiar with these beauties, I hope you will be intrigued enough to try them yourself.

Rounded tips of green succulent leaves are edged in red.
A container has three types of succulent plants.
Pointed green succulent leaves are edged in reddish orange.

Could your yard use some beautification? Always! Do you want a small tree with beautiful, fragrant flowers? The eastern redbud is just for you! 

Eastern Redbud Tree with pink flowers.
Fun fact about Eastern Redbud trees: early Native Americans and settlers created remedies to whooping cough by brewing its bar. (Photo by MSU Extension)

Spring is right around the corner, and you probably are getting an itch to start setting out plants in your landscape and garden. If you’re new to gardening, you’ll need to know what plant hardiness zone you’re in.

Person planting vegetables.
Knowing your planting zone and selecting the right plants for your zone puts you on the path for gardening success! (Photo by Canva Pro)

RAYMOND, Miss. -- Small ruminants are a popular choice for people like J.T. Crownover who want to get into the livestock business but do not want to raise cattle. Crownover attended the Central Mississippi Research and Extension Center’s Producer Advisory Council meeting Feb. 20. The forum, where agricultural producers can discuss their needs with MSU administrators, researchers, specialists and Extension agents, was the catalyst for the university’s active small ruminant program.

People sit around a table.

If you wonder what plants can be used in shaded areas of your landscape, I suggest that hardy and low-maintenance ferns are a great choice for adding lush, green foliage. Ferns come in a variety of sizes, textures and colors that can add visual interest to darker areas of the landscape. While we can grow lots of ferns in hanging baskets and pots, picking the ones to plant in the ground is a bit trickier.

Ferns with two different leaf shapes and colors fill the frame.
Green fronds fill the frame.
Green clumps of ferns line a path in the woods.

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