Why am I thinking about long, hot summer days now? Because that is the time our beautiful crape myrtle trees in Natchez look their best.

To appreciate the beautiful blooms in the summer, we must show them some loving care now. All too frequently, people whack off the tops of the trees!

The Adams County Master Gardeners are providing an opportunity for the public to learn proper pruning methods at the Natchez City Cemetery this month.

Crape myrtles provide 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.

Why is this such a great opportunity? Master Gardeners will show photos and provide demonstrations on the best way to prune crape myrtles. At the same time, you will join in the pruning and contribute to the beatification of the Natchez City Cemetery and our community. You can then take what you learned back home to work on your own trees.

Please join the Master Gardeners at 8:30 a.m. the second and fourth Thursdays in January (Jan. 14 and Jan. 28) at the Natchez City Cemetery.

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

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

I also want to invite anyone with an interest in gardening to sign up for the Master Gardener training beginning Feb. 23.

In exchange for the 40 hours of excellent instruction each intern is expected to complete 40 hours of service — that’s less than 3.5 hours a month — in one year.

Beginners and experienced gardeners are welcome.

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

Karen O’Neal is an Adams County Master Gardener.