(Distributed 05/25/12) Ornamental sweet potatoes are a popular warm-season annual for adding foliage colors to the summer landscape. The original varieties include plants with leaves that are chartreuse-lime green (Marguerite), blackish purple (Blackie, Black Beauty, Ace of Spades) and tricolored (Pink Frost).

(Distributed 05/18/12) Gardenias are blooming in Louisiana landscapes now. Known as cape jasmine to some Southern gardeners, gardenias are one of the most widely planted landscape shrubs in Louisiana.

(Distributed 05/11/12) Many of us may not realize it, but the last 20 years have been some of the most exciting times in the history of home landscaping. It would be impossible to list all the new ornamental plants – from trees to shrubs to perennials to annual flowers – that have been recently released.

(Distributed 05/04/12) Daylilies are one of the most popular flowering plants for late spring and early summer landscapes in Louisiana. They have reached peak bloom about three weeks early this spring due to our lack of significant cold weather in February and March.

(Distributed 04/26/12) Keep environmental conditions in mind when you select plant materials for a home landscape. The size of the planting area is important along with other site characteristics, such as sun or shade exposure, wet or dry locations, and exposure to windy conditions.

(Distributed 04/20/12) Mid- to late spring is when we start seeing tropical-like plants take off and start growing as we enter our warmest time of year. Instead of summer being a “down time” in the landscape, you can use these plants to enhance your warm-season efforts.

(Distributed 04/12/12) In 2010, the LSU AgCenter introduced a new ornamental plant education, promotion and marketing program called Louisiana Super Plants. It highlights tough and beautiful plants that perform well in Louisiana landscapes. Plant selections are announced each spring and fall.

(Distributed 04/05/12) Many Louisiana gardeners enjoy a summer landscape planting of caladiums. These are one of the most popular plants to fill shady gardens because they thrive in the heat and humidity common in Louisiana summers. Caladiums are a great, low-maintenance bedding plant.

(Distributed 04/05/12) Many Louisiana gardeners enjoy a summer landscape planting of caladiums. These are one of the most popular plants to fill shady gardens because they thrive in the heat and humidity common in Louisiana summers. Caladiums are a great, low-maintenance bedding plant.

(Distributed 04/04/12) Little children will have big fun finding and eating Easter eggs. But LSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames said if you’re planning to peel and eat, stuff or make egg salad from leftover dyed Easter eggs, be sure to follow food safety guidelines.

(Distributed 03/30/12) As the peak of the spring bedding plant season arrives, you may want a few warm-season flowers in the shady areas around your landscape. Most of our warm-season flowers prefer full sun or at least more sun than shade. But many great bedding plants will provide desirable flowering and foliage for those shaded areas in your landscape through fall.

(Distributed 03/23/12) As we enter late March, we are enjoying the blooms of our main traditional southern garden shrub – the azalea. These plants are abundantly planted and represent a large percentage of landscape plants in Louisiana.

(Distributed 03/20/12) Are you at risk of diabetes? Tuesday, March 27, is American Diabetes Alert Day, an annual event sponsored by the American Diabetes Association to alert Americans of their risk of developing diabetes.

(Distributed 03/16/12) It’s mid-March, and spring bedding-plant time is here for most of us. We have been eager to plant flowers this spring with our warm winter weather and the early arrival of springlike conditions in the landscape.

(Distributed 03/09/12) Many home gardeners have an interest in native plants. We are fortunate in Louisiana to have a vast abundanace of native plants for home landscape use. These include our native wildflower, the native Louisiana iris, our state flower, the Southern magnolia, and our state tree, the magnificent bald cypress.

(Distributed 03/02/12) Silverbells comprise several species of native trees that are attracting increased interest in the southeastern United States. The two-winged silverbell (Halesia diptera) is one of our many smaller-growing native tree species that should be considered for inclusion in a native landscape plan.

(Distributed 02/24/12) “Get Your Plate in Shape” is the theme for the annual March National Nutrition Month, according to Beth Reames, LSU AgCenter nutritionist. The “plate” refers to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s ChooseMyPlate.gov website, which provides nutritional advice to help people live a healthier lifestyle and lose weight.

(Distributed 02/24/12) Home gardeners need to increase their knowledge and awareness of cultural practices recommended for roses in our landscapes. February and March is the time of the year to get started with your rose garden maintenance.

(Distributed 02/17/12) Landscapes around the state are in various stages of their spring awakening, but it is still February. With our unusually warm January and February, we’re seeing flower buds opening and foliage growth commencing ahead of schedule.

(Distributed 02/10/12) Ground covers are very popular landscape plants in Louisiana. The percentage of all ornamental plants sold in the state in the ground cover category is much higher than in other southern states. Our most common ground cover is liriope.

(Distributed 02/08/12) Show your Valentine how much you care by surprising her or him with a special treat – luscious red fruit.

(Distributed 02/03/12) When the U.S. Department of Agriculture released its updated Plant Hardiness Zone Map in January, it prompted quite a bit of conversation in the horticultural world. The new map had been long-awaited and was the first update since 1990. It indicates the average minimum winter temperatures for all areas of the United States.

(Distributed 02/03/12) February, American Heart Month, signals the importance of taking steps to prevent heart disease, the No. 1 killer of women.

(Distributed 01/27/12) Pruning is one of the activities that many home gardeners have questions about. When to prune? How to prune? Why prune?

(Distributed 01/20/12) One of the great flowers that continues to be popular in our Louisiana landscapes is perennial verbena.

(Distributed 01/13/12) We are midwinter in Louisiana, and this is the time when crape myrtle pruning becomes commonplace. Unfortunately, these are among the most abused trees in Louisiana’s residential and commercial landscapes. Crape myrtles need only occasional pruning, in most cases, to obtain the desired landscape effect.

(Distributed 01/06/12) Happy New Year! It's time for new projects, new resolutions and making plans for another gardening season in Louisiana.

(Distributed 12/30/11) Redbuds are one of our more popular early spring-flowering small trees. The most common redbud species is the Eastern redbud – Cercis canadensis –the one we primarily plant in Louisiana.

(Distributed 12/23/11) Although poinsettias are typically associated with the holidays, another group of plants to consider are the Thanksgiving and Christmas cactuses. These are highly recommended for long-term enjoyment.

(Distributed 12/20/11) Winter doesn’t seem like prime time for pests, but our habits around the holidays and during cold weather could bring bugs into our homes. Christmas trees, firewood, potted plants, decorations from the attic – these all can harbor a host of insects, says LSU AgCenter entomologist Dennis Ring.

(Distributed 12/16/11) Most Louisiana gardeners know about the new Louisiana Super Plants program launched by the LSU AgCenter in 2010. This program highlights tough and beautiful plants that perform well in Louisiana landscapes. The AgCenter announces new selections each spring and fall. We still have time to add cool-season flowers to the landscape.

(Distributed 12/09/11) Mulching flowers, trees and shrubs is a great sustainable landscape practice when done correctly.

(Distributed12/05/11) Frugal shoppers looking to snag a bargain on a beauty treatment, travel package or a fancy dinner at a new restaurant can spend a lot of time browsing daily deal sites on the Internet.

(Distributed 12/02/11) Frost has settled over the majority of the state. This means many of our warm-season lawn grasses are going dormant for the winter. December begins the bleak time of the year for warm-season turfgrasses in Louisiana.

(Distributed 11/23/11) November, December and into mid-January are excellent times for planting trees in Louisiana. During this period, the soil is still warm, encouraging vigorous root growth, and trees will have several months to get established before summer’s heat.

(Distributed 11/18/11) The ideal planting time for cool-season bedding plants in Louisiana runs from late September through early December. Some of our common cool-season flowers prefer the earlier planting dates, and some do better with the later planting dates.

(Distributed 11/16/11) Fried turkey is not as unhealthful as it sounds – if you don't eat the skin of the bird, according LSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames. In fact, experts recommend not eating the skin no matter how a turkey is prepared.

(Distributed 11/16/11) Diabetes is now considered an epidemic in the United States, and nearly 26 million children and adults are living with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames.

(Distributed 11/15/11) Many people face the holiday season afraid they will gain weight. And that is a fear with some merit, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames. There are temptations galore, and many people gain a pound or two – but usually not any more.

(Distributed 11/11/11) Ornamental kale and cabbage are becoming increasingly popular as fall bedding plants in Louisiana. Alternatives to garden mums and pansies, these plants have feathery leaves with robust colors that make them well suited for landscape and container plantings.

(Distributed 11/04/11) Sasanquas are one of our most popular flowering shrubs for the late fall through early winter. Also known by the scientific name Camellia sasanqua, sasanquas are typically smaller-growing than the plants we normally call camellias. They also have more finely textured foliage. They bloom from mid-October through December or January.

(Distributed 10/28/11) Your landscape can include many trees and shrubs that will provide significant color in fall and winter year after year.

(Distributed 10/20/11) Last fall, the LSU AgCenter announced a new plant marketing and promotion program called Louisiana Super Plants. The program identifies superior plants for Louisiana landscapes and assures wholesale growers are growing and retail nurseries are carrying the selections. Then, we get the word out to the gardening public about these outstanding plants.

(Distributed 10/14/11) Are you looking for something new to try in your cool-season landscape this fall and winter? There is much to select from in the way of annual flowers for planting during the cool season of the year. Most of us know about pansies, snapdragons, petunias, garden mums and older varieties of dianthus, but there is much more.

(Distributed 10/07/11) Encore azaleas have gathered consideration attention over the past 10 years, but we need to remember we had great, fall-flowering – sometimes referred to a multi-seasonal-flowering – azaleas before the Encore varieties. Another azalea group widely planted in Louisiana for fall blooming is the Robin Hill hybrids.

(Distributed 10/06/11) When asked what Halloween means, kids usually put candy at the top of their list. But research shows that given a choice between treats and toys, kids will often prefer the toys, according to Beth Reames, LSU AgCenter nutritionist. She encourages people to choose miniature toys, stickers and nonfood favors as their treats to dispense to the costumed beggars who come to their doors on Halloween.

(Distributed 09/30/11) Cool-season bedding plants continue to be popular in Louisiana. Most home gardeners do more warm-weather than cool-weather flower gardening, but we all need to realize that we have many great cool-season flowers that will do well in our climate from mid-fall through late spring.

(Distributed 09/23/11) September begins the transition to cool weather and fall activities in the Louisiana landscape. It is important to get started with cool-season flowers and bed preparation, assess your lawn status, consider mulching for trees and shrubs, and more.

(Distributed 09/16/11) As we head toward fall, you may want to consider ground covers for those problem areas in your landscape. You may have shady areas that can no longer support lush turfgrass. Maybe you have a sloping area where mowing is difficult. Planting a ground cover may be an option.

(Distributed 09/09/11) Planting palms in home landscapes has gained considerable interest in the past few years for several reasons. For one, many new, exotic palm species and varieties are more readily available. But because cold temperatures the past couple winters damaged some of the species, people are searching for the most reliable palms

(Distributed 09/02/11) The LSU AgCenter has been promoting research-based best management practices in the home landscape for several years to inform residents on how to properly manage their landscape plants. Many problems associated with landscape plants can be overcome easily if proper practices are maintained.

(Distributed 08/31/11) A bowl of cereal can be a great way for school children or anybody to start the morning. Studies show that cereal eaters have better nutrient intakes because cereals provide an important selection of nutrients, said LSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames.Studies also show cereal can help with weight control.

(Distributed 08/26/11) The new Drift series roses were created in response to increased consumer demand for smaller, everblooming plants. Drift roses fit a special niche in the shrub-rose market. These roses are from Conard-Pyle/Star Roses, the same folks that gave us the Knock Out series of low-maintenance landscape roses.

(Distributed 08/19/11) Late summer through fall when temperatures begin to moderate and growing conditions become more favorable is one of the best times of the year to plant flowering perennials. This includes plants such as purple coneflower, Shasta daisies, gaillardia, rudbeckia, daylilies, verbena and more.

(Distributed 08/17/11) SHREVEPORT, La. – Just because a tree has turned brown or dropped leaves during a drought does not mean it is dead.

(Distributed 08/11/12) Copper plants are great foliage plants for the landscape. These go by the scientific name of Acalypha, and they really put on a fantastic show in late summer and fall. You can choose from a tremendous number of these varieties – some old, some new. Proven Winners has introduced several the past few years, and we also have a number that are industry standards in Louisiana – such as Louisiana Red and Opelousas Red.

(Distributed 08/11/11) Raw and undercooked meat may contain harmful bacteria that cause foodborne illness, and cooking meat and poultry to recommended temperatures will kill bacteria and decrease the risk of foodborne illness, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist and food specialist Beth Reames.

(Distributed 08/05/11) Late August and early September are the time to begin preparing for fall blooms on your roses. Rose flowering and overall performance aren’t great during Louisiana summers, but each year we have the potential to have great fall blooms due to the cooler conditions and typically drier weather.

(Distributed 07/29/11) Food is a necessity for life, and as a result, a three-day emergency food supply is something you hear a lot about when a hurricane approaches. But just what is a three-day emergency food supply? LSU AgCenter nutritionist and food safety specialist Beth Reames says it involves more than just food.

(Distributed 07/29/11) It’s the time of the year, or at least one of the times of the year, when home gardeners have crape myrtle questions. We will answer a few here.

(Distributed 07/26/11) Hurricane season is a reminder that every family should have a family disaster plan, says LSU AgCenter child and family development specialist Becky White.

(Distributed 07/22/11) Vinca is the most popular, most sold and most planted warm-season bedding plant in Louisiana. We sometimes call this plant periwinkle. Many home gardeners and landscape professionals claim that vinca is the only summer flower they want to plant.

(Distributed 07/19/11) The onset of hurricane season is an important time for families to get ready for disasters, and parents can enlist their children to help get ready by assembling a family disaster preparedness kit, says LSU AgCenter child and family development specialist Becky White.

(Distributed 07/15/11) July is Smart Irrigation Month across the country. It’s a program of the Irrigation Association to inform industry professional and homeowners about proper irrigation in the landscape.

(Distributed 07/05/11) Summer is cookout time, and perfectly grilled Louisiana seafood is moist and flavorful.

(Distributed 07/01/11) Louisiana has many great plants that thrive in summer and fall. Some are tropical-like in appearance. They include cassias, princess flowers (also called tibouchinas) and durantas. All are low-maintenance.

(Distributed 06/24/11) Enjoying fresh Louisiana berries is a treat that many people look forward to each year. Blueberries are delicious and provide important nutrients that make them a healthful choice to enjoy at meals or as snacks, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames.

(Distributed 06/24/11) Home gardeners around Louisiana frequently have fruit trees in their landscapes, and the fig is certainly one of the most popular. Ficus carica is a native of Asia and was imported into the United States in the 16th century. The fruit is tasty and can be eaten fresh, made into preserves and jams, or used in baking. Figs make nice additions to landscape plantings.

(Distributed 06/22/11) A durable home that withstands natural hazards like hurricanes saves money, time, the ordeal of making repairs and, potentially, your health. And the beginning of hurricane season is a good time to consider ways to make your home tougher if you’re planning any improvements.

(Distributed 06/16/11) Azaleas either do great in Louisiana, or they do poorly. The LSU AgCenter regularly receives questions on azalea issues this time of year, but more inquiries than usual have come this spring.

(Distributed 06/10/11) Home gardeners have long enjoyed zinnias, one of the most popular warm-season bedding plants. New zinnia varieties have been introduced regularly over the last few years. Extended bloom and fewer disease issues are some of the primary criteria in development of new zinnia varieties.

(Distributed 06/07/11) The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s new food plate plan to encourage healthy eating is certainly easier to swallow than the old food pyramid schema, says Heli Roy, LSU AgCenter nutritionist.

(Distributed 06/07/11) Excessively hot weather can lead to an increased risk of dehydration, especially in older adults. Dehydration – the reduction of total body water – may result from an insufficient intake of fluids and/or fluid loss.

(Distributed 06/03/11) Home gardeners need to know and be aware of how to care for and manage crape myrtle trees in our landscapes. These are the most popular of our flowering trees, and questions abound regarding proper care and maintenance. Keys to success with crape myrtles include correct sunlight, ideal soil pH and drainage, proper pruning, regular fertilization, proper mulching and insect control.

(Distributed 06/01/11) During this hot, dry weather, stay hydrated with beverages that are good for you, and stay away from high-calorie, caffeine-containing drinks. These drinks, though enticing, come at a high cost healthwise, says Heli Roy, extension nutritionist with the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 05/31/11) As dry weather persists across much of Louisiana, landscapes are threatened. “Spring droughts like we are experiencing now are especially harmful to lawns and landscape plants because this is the time of year when growth is most active and plants need nice spring growth to support them for the remainder of the growing season,” said LSU AgCenter horticulturist Allen Owings.

(Distributed 05/27/11) June is National Dairy Month, a time to promote and enjoy milk and other dairy products. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Dietary Guidelines recommend that Americans increase their intake of fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products, such as milk, yogurt and cheese.

(Distributed 05/27/11) The end of May means summer is here, even though summer does not “officially” begin for a few more weeks. Summer in the Louisiana landscape usually begins in May and can run through October. We have many activities to keep in mind during this four- to five-month busy time in the home landscape. Keep all of the following items in mind to be more successful in your landscaping efforts.

(Distributed 02/25/10) Palm trees have gained increased interest in Louisiana home landscapes over the past few years, and this resurgence mainly can be attributed to the lack of severely cold weather over the past 20 years, according to an LSU AgCenter expert.

(Distributed 02/25/10) Easy Does It is the All-America Rose Selections (AARS) winner – the only winner – for 2010.

(Distributed 08/28/09) One of the LSU AgCenter’s many educational efforts is the Louisiana Yards and Neighborhoods program for gardening and landscape enthusiasts.