Now is the time to start giving our crepe myrtles the tender loving care they need.

They payoff will come in the summer months with an explosion of color!

Too often, people commit “crepe murder” by whacking off the tops of these beautiful trees. The Adams County Master Gardeners are providing an opportunity for the public to learn proper pruning methods at the Natchez City Cemetery during the months of January and February.

The crepe myrtle tree was introduced to this country around 1786. This tree provides spectacular color with low maintenance. They grow in adverse soil conditions and will withstand drought once established.

They are relatively free of disease and range from less than 3 feet to more than 20 feet in size. No wonder it ranks as the South’s most popular ornamental tree.

Maintaining the crepe myrtles at the Natchez City Cemetery is an ongoing community project of the Adams County Master Gardeners.

They will be showing photos and providing demonstrations on the best way to prune crepe myrtle trees.

At the same time, you will join in the pruning and contribute to the beautification of the Natchez City Cemetery and our community.

You can then take what you learned back home to work on your own trees.

We will be working Jan. 13, Jan. 27, Feb. 10 and Feb. 24 at 8 a.m. each day.

Enter the cemetery at the first gate, near the pump, keep to the right and continue around to Brown’s Final Edition.

If you have pruners or loppers, bring them and be ready to learn and practice with us.

I also want to invite anyone with an interest in gardening (beginners welcome) to sign up for the Master Gardener training beginning Feb. 15.

Please contact the Adams County Extension Director, David Carter, at 601-445-8201 for details.

Clarice Hudnall is an Adams County Master Gardener.