LOU Presents Landscaping Camp With Ole Miss' Jeff McManus

The Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Foundation Retirement Attraction program is hosting the “inaugural” Landscaping Camp here in Oxford in late May.

The camp will feature Jeff McManus, whose expertise in landscaping has gained The University of Mississippi accolades of being named “The Most Beautiful Campus” by a number of national publications as well in Newsweek 2011 and just recently in USA Today’s Readers Choice competition.
“We’re excited to say that this unique event has already begun attracting interest from all across the United States,” said Rosie Vassallo, director of Retirement Attraction.
During the two-and-a-half day camp, each participant will receive two books written by Jeff McManus at the Opening Dinner/Book Signing. Among some of the activities already planned, guests will be able to immerse themselves on a tour of the beautiful Ole Miss Campus while learning secrets from Jeff McManus.
Participants will attend educational seminars on how to prune your shrubs, including choosing the right time, “Creating a Bird-Friendly Landscape” with Kristin Lamberson from the Strawberry Plains Audubon Center, and receive timesaving tips for a low maintenance yard.
Mr. Peng Lee, former Research Scientist of The National Center for Physical Acoustics at the University of Mississippi, will speak on “How To Grow Fig Trees.”

There will be three tours that will also take place on the famous Double Decker Bus to the stunning landscaped homes of Dickie and Dianne Scruggs and Sam and Mary Haskell, which are both inspired by McManus, as well as a tour of the beautiful and historic city of Oxford.

“This Landscaping Camp idea derived from the many accolades of the Ole Miss campus and how Americans love to spend time in beautifying their yard season to season, actually turning their yard into another inviting space to welcome family and friends,” Vassallo said.
According to Good Housekeeping Magazine, 75 percent of American homeowners spend time or money, or both, tending to their lawns.

“People respond to beautiful well-planned surroundings. The University’s beauty has attracted a number of prospective students to Ole Miss, as well as residents to Oxford,” said Pamela Roberson with Rebel Realty and Property Management. “Appearance adds to home values, helps attract business investment and just improves the overall neighborhood reputation. Research shows that beauty is one of the top three factors in creating community attachment, or loyalty, to your particular town, city or neighborhood.”
The Landscaping camp will bring out the “green carpet,” and is expected to create a sense of anticipation that will result from the seminars and visits to the magnificent landscaped homes.
“Participants will be enthused to return back to their own homes and put their new ideas to work. They’ll be excited in taking their homes to a new level of beauty,” Vassallo said.

The Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Foundation Retirement Attraction has announced their key sponsors, which include The City of Oxford, The University of Mississippi, MaxxSouth Broadband, Rebel Realty and Property Management LLC, The Inn at Ole Miss, Stages Mississippi Magazine and HottyToddy.com. They are currently looking for Hospitality Sponsors to help them make their guests’ visit even more memorable. The cost of a Hospitality Sponsorship is $400. Sponsor logos will be showcased on a “Welcome Banner,” as well as be listed in their program. 
There is an Early Bird special going on right now for $300 through January 31. After that, the cost will be $375. The cost does not include accommodations; however, The Inn at Ole Miss will be the host hotel, where the camp will be held on May 26, 27 and 28. To make a reservation with the Inn at Ole Miss for the discounted rate, call 1-888-486-7666.
Interested parties can learn more as well as register by going to https://oxfordms.com/retire-in-oxford/landscaping-camp/ or contact Rosie Vassallo by email at rosie@oxfordms.com or by phone 662-234-4651.

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