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Tailgate, Halloween florals, Roundup, deer disease are Quick Bites topics

By • September 28, 2019

  • 2 mins to read

Mississippi State University Extension Service Quick Bites programs for October run the gamut from flower power to updates on the Roundup controversy. Four hour-long interactive video sessions on different topics are offered from noon to 1 p.m. on designated Thursdays at Extension offices, free to the public. Sign-up is required. Sessions are also held in Bost 409 on the MSU campus.

October sessions include:

  • Oct. 3 — “Tailgate Arrangements” features MSU University Florist Manager Taylor Bowden demonstrating that gameday flowers can be more than just mums. Learn how to create colorful centerpieces for the party.
  • Oct. 10 — Extension professor and wildlife specialist Bronson Strickland tackles the subject of “Chronic Wasting Disease,” a deadly deer disease now found in some areas of Mississippi. He’ll explain how it differs from other deer diseases and what the potential effects are to the state’s deer herd and deer hunters.
  • Oct. 24 — In “What’s the Deal with Roundup?” Extension research professor John Byrd of Plant and Soil Sciences shares his expertise to help “weed” through the Roundup information, evidence and facts.
  • Oct. 31 — “Let’s Make a Halloween Design Together” features Lynette McDougald of Plant and Soil Sciences sharing pre-made designs and focusing on step-by-step instructions for making a “boo-quet” arrangement. Bring a 4- to 6-inch wide container (basket, bowl, small pumpkin with a liner; you choose). Also bring flower foam to fill the container. Ideally 1-inch of the foam will stand above the container. Be sure to have a bouquet of fall flowers, either from the supermarket or a yard collection. Suggestions include chrysanthemums, golden rod, mini pumpkins or gourds, sedum, annuals like begonia, geranium or caladium. Have small foliages to fill in with. Fall leaves from maples, sweet gum and even forsythia can make nice additions. Bring along stem cutters or a knife.

    Those interested in attending any free video session should contact their county’s Extension office to sign up. (In Lowndes County, 662-328-2111; Oktibbeha County, 662-323-5916; Clay County, 662-494-5371.)

    For county offices, to sign up for these programs online, go to the department web page at https://techoutreach.extension.msstate.edu/quick-bites and click on the Sign Up for Quick Bites button under “For County Offices” area. Or, counties can also email [email protected], or call to be added to the particular program.

    Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.

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