JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now)- For relief agencies and groups across the state, the tornado that ripped through Oklahoma has put them on notice.

"All the fuel tanks are topped off. The trucks are loaded and when and if we get the call, we'll be prepared to go in a matter of hours," said William Perkins with the Mississippi Baptist Convention.

Perkins says he does expect that call to happen given the amount of damage and expected recovery time.

JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now)- Apparently Jackson Public School parents are pleased with the district's customer service.

The Capital City's school district received favorable grades for its customer service in a recent survey.

More than 2,000 parents returned the survey, which went home with all JPS students in December. The survey closed in March.

According to JPS's website, the school district has more than 30,000 students.

By Gary R. Bachman
MSU Horticulturist
Coastal Research & Extension Center

Many gardeners try to give their landscape the feel of an informal cottage garden. This garden concept has a loose, flowing feel, kind of like you just let plants grow wherever they happen to pop up in the landscape.

I had a professor way back in college who had a unique cottage garden planting method: He would walk through the landscape and just toss plants over his shoulder. We planted them where they landed. And you know what? His gardens looked awfully good.