(Video) Century-old pine trees tower over acres of lush landscaping at the Hammond Research Station. Established in 1922 as the Fruit and Truck Experiment Station, the facility has traditionally served the strawberry and vegetable industries. Today, the research focus is landscape horticulture, including plant selection, fertility, weed control and plant growth regulators. Scientists evaluate more than 500 ornamental plants per year in the largest research garden display in Louisiana.

History and mission of the Hammond Research Station.

Unfortunately, some plants used for landscapes in Louisiana are considered poisonous in some situations. Click on the link for a list of some that are commonly grown.

320 Louisiana Master Gardeners attending an “Appreciation Day” at the LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station on Friday, May 13 were provided an opportunity to vote for their two “favorite” plants in the sun garden plant trial evaluation area at the station.

Over 500 cultivars of annual bedding plants (cool- and warm-season), herbaceous perennials, roses and companion shrubs are being evaluated currently at the LSU AgCenter's Hammond Research Station in the sun garden trial area. Here is a brief summary of a few of these plants from February-May 2011.

There are seven new lantanas from Plant Introductions in Georgia that we are evaluating at the Hammond Research Station.

The use of plastic mulch is a common practice for strawberry and vegetable growers, but there are two major problems with plastic mulch: it is expensive to install and at some point it has to be removed from the field. Several machines are available that help simplify the removal of the mulch.

Precision vertical plate seeders are available for planting many vegetable crops. These seeders use a vertical metal plate with the cells (holes) on the edge.

A standard sweep cultivator can do an excellent job of cultivating vegetable crops once the plants reach 4-6 inches, but it must run very slowly in small crops (1-2 inches) and has a tendency to throw soil over the crop plants. An alternative is a rotary tiller/cultivator.

A key component of a precision cultural system is precision bed shaping. A precisely shaped bed is essential to locate the crop row properly when planting and to provide a basis for guidance of subsequent operations.

Many years of testing at the LSU AgCenter have demonstrated that precision belt seeders deliver the best seed spacing uniformity of any type of vegetable seeder – if the seeds are spherical (round) or nearly so. Belt seeders are versatile and can meter a wide range of seed types and sizes.

All vegetable seeders require openers, coverers and presswheels to provide a furrow for the seeds and to then cover the seeds and assure proper soil contact. These devices must be matched to the soil type and condition for optimum germination and seedling vigor.

A seeder can be a tremendous aid in planting a vegetable garden. With it, you can stand and walk along the row pushing a seeder instead of having to make a furrow with a hoe, going back along the row bent over dropping seeds, and then covering and packing the row.

(For Release On Or After 05/04/12) Hydrangeas have a long tradition of use in shady Southern gardens. From late April through July, huge flower heads of light pink, pink, rosy red, lavender, light blue, bluish purple and blends of those colors as well as white appear above the rich green leaves.

Listing of retail businesses that sell Louisiana Super Plants.

This article provides links to sources for plastic mulch lifters.

A handy reference chart with information on changing soil pH with lime and sulfur applications.

Most commercial vegetable growers apply granular fertilizer in a preplant operation, and many also make sidedress applications of granular fertilizer. An excellent way to apply granular materials in either a broadcast or banding mode is with a pendulum-action spreader.

Flame weed control can be an effective adjunct to cultivation for some vegetable crops and some weeds. Flame weed control fits especially well in organic operations.

(Audio 04/23/12) Hydrangeas are a traditional Southern shrub. They bloom beautifully in partial shade. A great variety to try is the Penny Mac hydrangea, a spring 2012 Louisiana Super Plant selection. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

When growing carrots for commercial production, it is helpful to run a knife in the soil beside the rows. This breaks up any soil compaction, allowing the carrot roots to grow straight.

The use of plastic mulch is a common practice for nearly all strawberry growers and most vegetable growers. Installing the mulch is easier than it used to be when mulch was installed by hand, but it can be challenging.

Caladiums are wonderful warm-season bedding plants that add summer color to Southern landscapes. Variety trials have been conducted at the Hammond Research Station since 2008. This year, we have expanded to 55 varieties, including 9 new releases, for a full-sun trial. The Excel file lists varieties and field map. Landscape professionals are welcome to visit the station and see the best performers on site.

Cone guide wheels are the heart of a precision cultural system (PCS). Cone guide wheels allow an implement to follow along a shaped bed with no effort on the part of the tractor driver.

There is a wide range of seeder types and models available for direct seeding vegetable crops. Smaller growers typically use the less expensive seeders; larger growers can justify more expensive precision seeders.

Vacuum seeders are popular among larger commercial vegetable growers. They do a good job of singulating most vegetable seeds. They are especially useful for singulating the oddly shaped seeds that cause problems for most other types of seeders.

(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.

(Video 04/16/12) Spider flowers are traditional summer annuals grown in the South. But they have tiny spines that can be unpleasant to handle. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to a new type of spider flower that has virtually no spines and even more beautiful flowers than the others. It’s the Senorita Rosalita, and it’s a tough, durable Louisiana Super Plant. (Runtime: 1:54)

(Video 04/09/12) The LSU AgCenter’s Louisiana Super Plants program highlights tough and beautiful plants that work well in Louisiana landscapes. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to the BabyWing begonia – a Louisiana Super Plant that will provide nice color all the way through to October. (Runtime: 1:41)

(For Release On Or After 04/13/12) A new cleome called Senorita Rosalita is a radical departure from the cleomes, or spider flowers, we have grown in the past.

(For Release On Or After 04/06/12) The genus Begonia is large and amazingly diverse with a mind-blowing number of species. There are even plant societies devoted to this fascinating group of plants.

(Distributed 03/07/12) The LSU AgCenter and the Louisiana Chapter of the Azalea Society of America will be hosting an azalea symposium on Wednesday, April 4, at the Hammond Research Station.

Photos of interesting and blooming plants at Hammond Research Station in early to mid-April.

Here are some photos of ornamental plants in bloom at the LSU AgCenter's Hammond Research Station in late March 2011.

Here are photos of the new Early Bird series of crape myrtles in bloom at the LSU AgCenter's Hammond Research Station, mid-June.

Information about Super Plants selected for each season, beginning Fall 2010.

Description and photos of the Louisiana Super Plant Sorbet violas.

Description and photos of Evergreen sweetbay magnolia

Description and photos of the Louisiana Super Plant Coversation Piece azalea.

(Distributed 02/02/12) The LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station plays a vital role in the horticulture and landscape industries of the state, according to Regina Bracy, resident coordinator at the station.

(Distributed 01/31/12) HAMMOND, La. – The LSU AgCenter and the Tangipahoa Master Gardeners are sponsoring their annual camellia garden stroll from 1-4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 26, at the Hammond Research Station.

One of the most impressive camellia gardens in the state is located between Hammond and Robert at the Hammond Research Station.

(For Release On Or After 02/03/12) Last fall, the LSU AgCenter announced three outstanding Louisiana Super Plant selections for Louisiana landscapes. If you haven’t planted them yet, February is an excellent time to add these beautiful plants to your gardens.

(Audio 01/09/12) Gardeners can plant cool-season bedding plants through the month of March. Some plants will do better if planted now. Try cool-season Louisiana Super Plants such as Camelot foxglove and Swan columbine. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

The Zahara series of zinnias are new from Ball Horticulture Company for 2009. There are four cultivars and a mix available. This is a Zinnia marylandica species.

(Audio 11/28/11) Three outstanding plants have been named fall 2011 Super Plants. They include Belinda's Dream rose, Swan columbine and Redbor kale. Try these plants in your landscape this season. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 10/7/11) Belinda’s Dream rose is the first Louisiana Super Plant selection to be announced for the fall 2011 season. With beautiful flowers, excellent disease resistance and a bushy growth habit, it well deserves the recognition.

(Audio 12/05/11) Gardeners can add cool-season bedding plants to their winter flower gardens. Plants such as pansies, snapdragons and dianthus enjoy cool days and colder nights. Try the 2011 fall Super Plant Swan columbine. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 11/21/11) The saying goes, “out of sight, out of mind.” That slogan could apply to the obscure columbine. Not many Louisiana gardeners have ever heard of it. Until now. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains why the Swan columbine is a great Louisiana Super Plant worthy of the spotlight. (Runtime: 1:30)

(Video 11/21/11) The saying goes, “out of sight, out of mind.” That slogan could apply to the obscure columbine. Not many Louisiana gardeners have ever heard of it. Until now. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains why the Swan columbine is a great Louisiana Super Plant worthy of the spotlight. (Runtime: 1:30)

How long does it take for a newly planted tree to become fully established in the landscape? How much irrigation is required during establishment?

A current effort at the Hammond Research Station is the development of a “firewise” landscape around the new office building. We do not hear a lot about this topic in Louisiana, but “firewise” effort in home construction and landscaping needs to be considered.

The 'Drift' series roses from Conard-Pyle are being evaluated in landscape studies at the LSU AgCenter's Burden Center. Colors are red, pink, coral and peach. New for 2010 will be apricot and sweet.

The 'Drift' series roses from Conard-Pyle are being evaluated in landscape studies at the LSU AgCenter's Burden Center. Here is some information on performance.

(Video 10/10/11) Louisiana Super Plants are outstanding plants for landscapes throughout the state. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how the Super Plant Redbor kale is an ornamental plant as well as an edible vegetable. (Runtime: 1:38)

(For Release On Or After 10/14/11) Redbor kale is the first edible Louisiana Super Plants selection. It is an incredible multiuse annual for the cool-season flower or vegetable garden. Although perfectly edible, it is so attractive it is being promoted as an ornamental for planting in flowerbeds.

(Video) Take a visual tour of the landscape beds in the Sun Garden. In this garden, evaluations are conducted on over 500 varieties of annuals, herbaceous perennials, and ornamental shrubs.

(Video 9/26/11) Are you afraid to grow roses because you heard it was difficult? LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains there’s no need to have any fear about growing Belinda’s Dream roses. They’re the latest Louisiana Super Plant selection. (Runtime: 1:35)

(DIstributed 10/04/11) The LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station will hold their annual landscape horticulture field day for nursery, landscape and garden center professionals on October 18.

Not all gardeners have a green thumb. And consumers may want beautiful landscaping, but they may not be sure about which plants will work well in their yards. LSU AgCenter’s Super Plants to the rescue!

The LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station evaluates many ornamental plants for landscape performance under south Louisiana growing conditions. Evaluations include annual flowers, herbaceous perennials, trees, shrubs, roses, crape myrtles and more.

Entomosporium leaf spot, caused by the fungus Entomosporium mespili (formerly E. maculatum), is a common disease of various woody ornamentals in the family Rosaceae. In Louisiana landscapes, however, it is most commonly a problem on Indian hawthorn (Raphiolepis indica) and red tip photinia (Photinia fraseri).

Many new gaillardias have come on the market the past few years. Landscape performance is improving on these plants. Some of us know this plant by the common name of blanket flower. The new varieties are improvements made to the native species, at least in terms of flower color ranges and growth habits.

Herbaceous perennials are continuously gaining popularity in landscape plantings. However, nutrient requirement of many species in this group during their first year establishment in landscape is still unknown. Seven herbaceous perennials were studied for their growth, flowering, and overwintering survival in respond to a variety of fertilization regimes and fertilization recommendations were generated based on the restuls.

This report provides information on future plans, program significance, industry facts, and research highlights for the Hammond Research Station.

A demonstration of different landscape mulch materials is on-going at the Hammond Research Station. Here are photos of the different mulches currently being evaluated.

(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.

Alternanthera is what we used to call Joseph’s coat. The foliage of most Joseph's coats is multi-colored. The most spectacular of these is Brazilian Red Hot. We are currently evaluating the following varieties at the LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station.

Photos of spring blooms in the garden.

Azaleas are spring showoffs, even though some newer varieties now bloom in other seasons. Most of us may not realize that azaleas represent the main nursery crop grown in many states in the southeast and along the Gulf Coast. In Louisiana, they represent 7% of all nursery plants grown.There are many factors that play a role in the success or failure of an azalea planting in a landscape. These issues include planting time, sun exposure, soil pH, bed preparation and more. . .

(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.

Green industry professionals attending the landscape horticulture field day at the LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station in June were given the opportunity to “pick their winning plants” from the sun garden evaluation trial gardens at the station. Over 340 varieties were planted this year. The planting mostly consists of annual bedding plants and herbaceous perennials, but new roses and some “companion” woody ornamental shrubs (such as Southern Living plants) are also included.

Links to key publications and information related to the mission of the Hammond Research Station.

The establishment of the Margie Y. Jenkins Azalea Garden means that the Hammond Research Station will have a continuing feature to honor a remarkable woman. This garden will be a source of information, an inspiration, a delight to visit….much as Ms. Margie is and has been during her lifetime. The beginnings of Ms. Margie's nursery career are discussed here.

Green industry professionals, home gardeners and Louisiana Master Gardeners participated in the People’s Choice plant award selections at the LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station in May 2010.

Crape myrtles are the most popular summer flowering landscape tree in Louisiana. Here are the keys to blooming issues.

Vinca (Catharanthus roseus) is a very popular warm season annual bedding plant. Recommended cultural practices include a full sun planting location, acid soil, a well-drained bed, limited irrigation and correct variety selection.

(Distributed 07/08/11) Many great plants perform well in summer and fall in Louisiana. Some of these are tropical-like in appearance, including esperanzas, Pride of Barbados and cassava. All of these are low-maintenance in the landscape.

(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.

Lantana lace bugs have been very abundant in south Louisiana landscapes the past two years. Here is some identification and control information.

Studies in other states have suggested that cover crops, especially brassicas, can provide some of the benefits of a fumigant. A study was conducted at the Hammond Research Station to evaluate this concept.

(For Release On Or After 06/17/11) There is still time to add colorful bedding plants to your landscape, but it’s important for you to choose plants that are able to thrive in the intense heat of a Louisiana summer. Summer bedding plants come in a variety of heights, textures and colors, and they are adapted to grow in everything from moist, shady areas to hot, dry, sunny locations.

(For Release On Or After 06/17/11) There is still time to add colorful bedding plants to your landscape, but it’s important for you to choose plants that are able to thrive in the intense heat of a Louisiana summer. Summer bedding plants come in a variety of heights, textures and colors, and they are adapted to grow in everything from moist, shady areas to hot, dry, sunny locations.

(For Release On Or After 05/27/11) We all crave color in our landscapes. Beds full of annual and perennial flowering plants are often the primary source of landscape color, but they require a lot of work to keep them looking nice.

Butterfly Pentas -- Louisiana Super Plant Spring 2011. The Butterfly series of pentas will give yougreat summer color and maybe even more. Pentas (Pentas lanceolata) are also called Egyptian starflowers. The flowers are highly attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds.

(For Release On Or After 04/15/11) An outstanding angelonia has been named a spring 2011 Louisiana Super Plant selection. Serena series angelonia is a long-blooming summer bedding plant with a tough constitution and a long blooming season.

(Video 4/11/11) The LSU AgCenter introduces various Louisiana Super Plants throughout the year. They’re superior plants for Louisiana landscapes. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to the fragrant Frostproof gardenia. It’s a Louisiana Super Plant with a super smell. (Runtime: 1:36)

The LSU AgCenter's Hammond Research Station has established the Margie Y. Jenkins Azalea Garden in recognition of one of Louisiana's most widely known nursery owners and nationally known lover, breeder and authority of azaleas.

The winter 2011 issue of Louisiana Agriculture is 20 pages with articles about research on medicinal plants; rice production; weeds in rice, corn and wheat; and farmers markets, among others. The cover features one of the new Super Plants. Read more in the magazine.

Learn more about Louisiana Super Plants, including where to purchase. Louisiana Super Plants is a program that highlights tough and beautiful plants that perform well in Louisiana landscapes.

The Louisiana Super Plant program is an educational and marketing campaign that highlights tough and beautiful plants that perform well in Louisiana landscapes. Louisiana Super Plants have a proven track record having gone through several years of university evaluations and observations. Louisiana Super Plants are “university tested and industry approved”.

Nursery and Landscape Notes is a quarterly newsletter for Louisiana's green industry professionals. It includes production information for nursery growers and cultural practice recommendations for landscape contractors. New plant information is also included.

The current effort with the Margie Jenkins Azalea Garden at the Hammond Research Station.

Vegetable growers have many choices in tractors, ranging from older, smaller tractors to large, new tractors. Many are designed specifically for vegetable work.

A basic sweep cultivator can do an excellent job of cultivating vegetable crops but must be run slowly (1-2 mph) when the crop plants are small. A simple modification to a sweep cultivator allows high-speed cultivation of small vegetable crops.

Many growers pick up plastic mulch but several machines are available for this job. Work at the LSU AgCenter has demonstrated that, in some cases, plastic mulch can be picked up by a hay baler.

Nursery and Landscape Notes is a quarterly newsletter for Louisiana's green industry professionals. It includes production information for nursery growers and cultural practice recommendations for landscape contractors. New plant information is also included.

A quarterly newsletter from the Horticulture Division of the LSU AgCenter's School of Plant, Environmental and Soil Sciences. (PDF Format Only)

A quarterly newsletter from the Horticulture Division of the LSU AgCenter's School of Plant, Environmental and Soil Sciences. (PDF Format Only)