MELINDA HUDGINS, Post Columnist
Posted: Sunday, April 3, 2011 6:50 am

If April showers bring May flowers, then now's the time to start planning.

Rain or shine, newbie and veteran gardeners can stop by Martin's Home and Garden, which recently added a 5,100 square-foot greenhouse.

"It allows us to be able to stock a good supply of flowers and plants in the early part of the season, where people could get a good start on the season," said owner Lester Martin.

"It's also a nicer environment to shop with more room and wider aisles and an easier entrance and exit."

Perhaps most important is the convenience factor, Martin says of the greenhouse, located behind the main building at 1020 N.W. Broad St.

"There's definitely the convenience of being able to shop on rainy days," Martin said.

Additionally, the family-owned business has expanded its variety and selection of trees and shrubs in the nursery.

For additional information, visit Martin's Home and Garden or call 615-867-7121.

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On your mark, get set, go!

The 5th annual Murfreesboro Half Marathon, or more popularly known as The Middle Half, and Murph's Fun Run has been scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 15.

Sponsored by Middle Tennessee Medical Center, the 13.1-mile race is slated to begin at 7 a.m. with a wheelchair start at 6:55 a.m., according to a news release.

"We've increased the registration limit to 2,500 runners, which is a little over 10 percent above last year's limit," said Melinda Tate, race director. "Last year we met our limit of 2,250 athletes 60 days before the race."

Children ages six to 13 will have an opportunity to participate in Murph's Fun Run, which will begin immediately after the half marathon starts.

Both online and mail-in registration for The Middle Half begin at 5:55 a.m. on May 1.

The registration fee for athletes who sign up between May 1 and May 5 is $50, and that fee increases to $55 for those registering between May 6 and May 31 and $65 for athletes registering after June 1. For more information, visit www.TheMiddleHalf.com.

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Fox's Pizza Den is taking its support to the ballpark, field and court this year, as an official MVP Sponsor of the faith-based athletic association, One Goal Sports.

This sponsorship is the latest activity by Fox's Pizza Den to reach out and give back to the community by supporting a local non-profit, a news release announced.

As an official sponsor of One Goal Sports for the 2011 season, Fox's Pizza Den will be providing concessions at all sports games during the 2011 sports season.

"There are many charities in the local area that need support and attention from the community. By sponsoring a great organization like One Goal Sports, we help them to gain additional visibility in the community, increasing general awareness and support," Neal DiPentino, of DiPentino & Associates Marketing, said of his client.

Visit Fox's Pizza Den at 2910E S. Church St. in Murfreesboro or wwww.onegoalsports.com for more information.