Lifestyle

When Bill Friberg purchased the brandywine tomato plants shown above, he says they were only 4 inches tall. Two months later, the plants have reached eight feet in height and are heavily laden with fruit, some reaching almost six inches in diameter. Friberg says the only additive to the soil in which these behemoth plants are planted is composted cow manure. Brandywine tomatoes are an heirloom tomato, with plants reaching a maximum of nine feet in height. The tomatoes are a very meaty variety, commonly used for salads and sandwiches. GAZETTE PHOTO / DI DUNCAN

I’ve written before about the intelligence of plants. They don’t have eyes, but see; don’t have mouths, but can talk; don’t have ears but hear; don’t have fingers, but can touch; and so on. Call me weird, but I apologize whenever I accidently break off a vegetable plant’s leaf !

The Northeast Texas Community College Foundation recently received a $2,000 donation from the family of Maria Souza. The gift established the Maria Souza Hope Memorial Scholarship and will provide two $1,000 scholarships for NTCC students who are participants or graduates of Hope Ministries of Northeast Texas.