When you think about landscaping, one immediately thinks about a lush green carpet of grass combined with an attractive design and plants. David Jumper, assistant director of the Ole Miss Golf Course for the Landscape Services Department, will be “Talking Turf,” at the upcoming Landscaping Camp, set for May 26-28 hosted by the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber and Economic Development Foundation.
Golf course grasses are typically tough, fast repairing that withstand lots of traffic, so with tips from this pro, you’ll soon be well on your way to a gorgeous green lawn that’ll boost your home’s curb appeal.
Jumper, born and raised in Etta, Mississippi, has a master’s degree in agriculture and a bachelor’s in agriculture and extension education from Mississippi State University. In addition, Jumper, owner of Tallahatchie Spray Service, is certified as a Commercial Pesticide Applicator and has worked in turf management and landscape maintenance for over 31 years. Previous positions include sales manager at Terra Chemical Co. in the Turf Division, golf course superintendent with Greenwood Country Club, assistant superintendent with Colonial Country Club, and spray technician at Sea Island Golf Club.
Among other speakers planned during the two-and-a-half day camp will be 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, including Newsweek 2011 and just recently in USA Today’s Readers Choice competition. A personal tour is scheduled on the first day of the camp with McManus as he shares his knowledge and secrets, followed by an opening dinner/book signing where each participant will receive two books written by McManus.
Educational seminars that will also take place include “How to Prune Your Shrubs” with Jeff McManus, “Creating a Bird-Friendly Landscape” with Mitch Robinson from the Strawberry Plains Audubon Center, plus “Butterfly Gardening” with Carson Ellis of the Memphis Botanic Garden, as well as timesaving tips for a low maintenance yard while Donna Yowell, executive director of Mississippi Urban Forest Council, will speak on “Cut Flower” gardening so one can snip to their heart’s content.
To top off the weekend, three tours will also take place on route the famous Double Decker Bus to the beautifully landscaped homes of Dickie and Diane Scruggs and Sam and Mary Haskell, which are both maintained by McManus, as well as a tour of the city Oxford.
For more information on the Landscaping Camp, visit https://oxfordms.com/retire-in-oxford/landscaping-camp/ or contact Rosie Vassallo at 662-234-4651.
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