Camellias can serve several functions in the landscape: as foundation plantings, screens, accent plants, background groupings and hedges.

Northwest Florida's growing conditions are well suited for many camellia varieties, but maximum benefit can be achieved by mass plantings or groupings. Single plants should be a focal point in beds rather than randomly placed throughout the lawn. 

BLOOMING SEASON

Camellias flower in the fall and winter, when their display of colorful blooms is most appreciated.

During the rest of the year, their evergreen foliage, interesting shapes and textures, and relatively slow growth make camellias excellent landscape plants. 

Some camellia growers enjoy competing in flower shows and manipulate the flower buds to achieve larger and earlier flowers.  This involves removing competing flower buds and applying gibberellic acid (a plant hormone).

Individual cultivars can be selected for size and form ranging from small and irregular to large and upright. 

Texture and foliage color also differ among the various species and multiple varieties. Midseason flowering varieties that bloom from November through January are best suited for Florida conditions. 

BULL-NOSING

Warm fall temperatures may prevent early varieties from flowering properly. Late-blooming selections may attempt to send out new leaves before the end of the flowering period, which results in “bullnoses."

Bull-nosing is characterized by poor quality flowers that do not open fully, and may even drop while still tight buds. Extended dry periods while in the bud stage can make the condition more likely.

While flowering, camellias need 1 inch of water applied each week. Camellias perform best in partially shaded locations that are enhanced by good drainage and air movement.

Fertile, acidic soils high in organic matter are preferred. The soil must be well drained because camellias will not grow in wet areas. 

WHERE TO PLANT

Do not plant camellias in areas with a high-water table and/or hard pan. This will result in a shallow root system more susceptible to injury during dry periods.

Camellias should be installed where cold air can move in and out freely, but the area should be protected from strong northwest winds.

Plantings under established trees or in areas that have structures to block the wind are usually injured less by cold temperatures. These conditions enable the plants to gradually thaw or warm in the morning before being exposed to direct sunlight.

Dense shade may result in sparse foliage and poor flowering. Camellias exposed to full sun may appear yellow-green, but may yield more flowers. 

Either situation is stressful to the plants and can lead to pest problems. Tea scale is the most common insect on camellias. Scales generally feed on the underside of leaves and may not be noticed until large populations have developed.

Symptoms include very small elongated white and/or brown raised “flakes” on the underside of leaves that turning yellowish in color.

DID YOU KNOW?

•Camellias have been a part of the Southeastern United States' landscape for over 200 years. They are native to Asia and were introduced near Charleston, S.C., in 1786.

•The common name camellia refers to varieties and hybrids of Camellia japonica and to lesser known varieties of C. sasanqua and C. reticulata.

Sheila Dunning is an agent at the University of Florida's Extension office in Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: EXTENSION CONNECTION: Camellias provide color during cold season

CRESTVIEW — “Twelve Angry Men” is one major brawl you don’t want to avoid, because View From the Stage has done the Reginald Rose courtroom drama justice.

Under the deft direction of Berit Faust, who said she has always wanted to helm the classic play, a tremendous cast unweaves a tale of epic sizes in a setting of intimate proportion.

Twelve jurors repair to the jury room to deliberate what appears to be a clear case of murder. Their “guilty” verdict, all but unanimous, will send the accused to the electric chair.

But, as cranky Juror #10, played irritatingly well by Nancy Sabol, observes, “there’s always one in every crowd.”

And that one, Juror #8, played excellently by Joseph Perna, has just enough doubt that he can’t bring himself to go with the crowd, cast his “guilty” vote and let the others go home or, in the case of Juror #7, to a Yankees game.

From regionally familiar Perna flows a steady stream of doubt, until, under his gentle but persistent persuasion, other jurors begin to wonder if perhaps their own votes were a bit hasty.

“It’s very hard to keep personal prejudice out of this,” Perna’s #8 says.

His main belligerent is Juror #3, played with vehemence by the Rev. Silas Ford, who stalwartly, stubbornly refuses any suggestion the 16-year-old accused might possibly not have murdered his father after all.

“Everybody’s heart is bleeding for this punk little kid,” #3 says, his voice dripping with sarcasm and venom.

“The boy’s a common, ignorant slob,” #10 agrees. “He don’t even speak good English.”

(An opening night audience member who attends Ford’s Palm Chapel Primitive Baptist Church assured us the good pastor is quite a different soul in the pulpit.)

EFFECTIVE STAGING AND CASTING

Faust’s decision to set the main action in the round is a first for VFTS, and effectively made the audience part of the jury’s deliberations, to such an extent that some squirmed uncomfortably as tempers flared and fisticuffs seemed likely.

Sometimes it’s good to sit somewhere out in the darkened auditorium and not have a performance smack you upside the head.

But for this production of “Twelve Angry Men,” the proximity of audience to action only enhances the play, and Faust deserves much kudos for taking the chance with unfamiliar but effective staging.

Her casting, too, was effective, each actor presenting a believable character on the culturally, economically diverse jury. Many, who were old pals, found themselves adversaries in the story.

“You don’t often get to yell at people and be genuinely angry, but at the end of the day, it’s OK and we’re friends,” Forrest Jenkins, who plays the foreman, said.

Standouts include Ray Erlacher as Juror #7, whose prejudices are unveiled in his confrontations with Lincoln Sayger’s #11, an immigrant.

Nick Trolian, last summer’s King Arthur in “Spamalot,” shines as #9, an elderly man whose wisdom and graciousness wins Sarah Hawkins’ #4 to his point of view.

Each cast member gets an opportunity in the spotlight and propels the night of deliberation with often breathtaking drama.

“It’s emotionally draining,” Perna said. “It’s intense.”

And it’s fantastic. With performances Saturday at 2 and 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. at Warriors Hall, there’s ample opportunity to treat yourself to community theatre at its finest.

Tickets are $12 at the door.

Email News Bulletin Arts Editor Brian Hughes, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Don’t shun these '12 Angry Men’

It’s almost Thanksgiving, a holiday that once celebrated the harvest season.

Although many of us today may not be directly connected to agriculture, we still gather on Thanksgiving with our loved ones to share whatever “bounty” we may have.

But this practice doesn’t have to begin and end with food. Why not incorporate the spirit of sharing into your overall financial strategy?

Here are a few suggestions for doing just that:

• Make financial gifts. You could give shares of stock to your loved ones, or perhaps give them money to help fund their IRAs. (They must have earned income, however, to be eligible to contribute to an IRA.) You can give up to $14,000 per year, per recipient. If you are married, you and your spouse can each give up to the $14,000 yearly limit.

• Invest in your children’s future. To help your children meet the high costs of higher education, you might want to invest in a college savings vehicle.

One option to consider is a 529 plan. When you contribute to a 529 plan, your earnings are subject to tax-free growth potential and distributions are free of federal taxes, provided they are used for qualified higher education expenses. (Keep in mind, though, that Section 529 plan distributions not used for these qualified expenses may be subject to income tax and a 10 percent penalty.)

Furthermore, if you invest in your home state’s 529 plan, you may receive state tax incentives. Tax issues for 529 plans can be complex, though, so you’ll need to consult with your tax advisor about your situation.

Another benefit of 529 plans: You control the assets right up to the point at which they are actually used. So, if you have been putting away money for a particular child (or grandchild) and he or she decides against college, you can easily switch to another beneficiary.

• Review your insurance policies. If something were to happen to you, is your life insurance sufficient to take care of your family? In other words, would there be enough money available to pay off your mortgage, send your children to college and help your surviving spouse meet at least some of his or her retirement expenses? A financial professional can help you determine if your life insurance is sufficient for your needs.

• Consider involving your family with your estate plans. To help ensure your wishes get carried out the way you intended, consider keeping family members informed of your estate strategy, which could involve your will, living trust, power of attorney and other legal documents.

And don’t forget to keep your beneficiary designations up to date on your retirement accounts and your life insurance policy.

So if you’ve gone through changes in your family situation, such as a divorce or remarriage, work with your professional team, including your financial advisor and your tax and legal advisors, to make ensure your investment strategy aligns with your estate goals.

Once the turkey is eaten and the football games have ended, Thanksgiving will draw to a close. But consider these strategies sharing your “bounty” with your loved ones all year long — and throughout your lifetime.

Yvonne Shanklin is a Crestview financial adviser. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FINANCIAL FOCUS: Share your 'bounty' with your loved ones