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Eileen E. Hollander’s Garden Gardens are ephemeral. Mine has changed signifi- cantly over time. Today my garden is constantly evolving. About twenty years ago, when I acquired my home and garden in Poplarville Mississippi, I took the MSU classes and became a knowledgeable Pearl River Master Gardener (PRCMG). Initially, two clumps of pampas grass were at the cor- ner of my single-story brick home and no plants were in the north-facing front. Four willow oaks dropping branches surrounded the back. A thorny rose greeted us on the east where the driveway enters the house. Large azaleas and camellias were in the distance on the East side of the driveway. Barren 10-foot-tall blueberry bushes, an apple tree and a pear tree were in the background on the west side of the house. In short, the only plant not in decline was a large fig bush on the south side of my house. Tall bahiagrass dominated. During one PRCMG meeting at the Crosby Arbore- tum, Pat Drackett suggested plants that would make my entrance more inviting. I planted azaleas in front, moved the pampas grass to the north property bor- der, replaced the rose with gardenias and installed a blueberry hedge. The old blueberries were rejuve- nated by cutting them to 3 feet. and fertilizing. Hurricane Katrina removed all but one of the willow oaks. Then two tornados took the other declining trees. During PRCMGs visits, Dr. Eddie Smith demon- strated planting pear trees, Reggie Davis guided building a muscadine trellis and Dr. Eric Stafne taught pruning pecan, pear and muscadines. Master Gardeners provide many opportunities to see beautiful gardens and nurseries, meet great garden- ers, learn volumes and serve the community. If you are interested learning more about the Master Gardener program, call 601-403-2280. Come join us and have fun! By: Eileen Hollander, MSU Pearl River County Extension Service Master Gardener The photo of me taken by Kevin Hudson shows my polli- nator garden containing Louisiana irises and deer resist- ant plants such as Lantana, Celosia, Porterweed, Salvia, Buddleia, Coreopsis and Mexican hat. A work in progress. 4 SOUTHERN SENIOR MAGAZINE | Fall 2021 S