(Audio 05/05/08) Summer is a great time to plant a lawn in Louisiana. The weather is warm, and that stimulates the grass to establish quickly. The best method when planting a lawn is to use sod. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/05/08) Houseplants embellish our homes and purify the indoor air. But plants were not meant to be kept indoors. So let them enjoy some time outside this summer. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 05/05/08) Too much moisture on a plant’s root system can cause root rot -- a condition that can be detrimental. In this edition of Get it Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill looks at root rot problems on a Florida anise shrub. (Runtime: 1 minute, 36 seconds)

(Radio News 05/05/08) Bell peppers are popular in home gardens. They also are prominent in Louisiana cooking. We usually eat them green, but yellow and red bell peppers simply are green peppers that have ripened. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/05/08) Herb gardening is popular in Louisiana. Garden-fresh herbs make dishes tastier. Cool-season herbs reach their most productive period in May but will produce less as the weather gets warmer. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/05/08) Gardening in the shade during the summer makes it more enjoyable. A wonderful plant for shady areas is the caladium. They grow from tubers, and you can purchase them this time of the year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 05/30/08) You’ve got to think that a vegetable with a name like yardlong bean would be incredibly productive – and you would be right.

(For Release On Or After 05/23/08) My introduction to the angel’s trumpet came when I moved to New Orleans. Wandering around a friend’s garden at dusk, I caught a whiff of an amazing fragrance hanging in the air.

(For Release On Or After 05/16/08) The orchid family contains more species than any other family of flowering plants. No other group of plants can provide more beauty, color and diversity.

(For Release On Or After 05/09/08) Nearly any plant may be grown in a container outdoors as long as you provide the cultural requirements the plant needs.

(For Release On Or After 05/02/08) As time goes by, more and more plants have become available with chartreuse, yellow-green or golden foliage. For some gardeners it takes a little getting used to.

(Video 04/28/08) As the days become warmer, flowers on Louisiana iris are beginning to wilt. So what kind of care should you provide your iris plants at this point? LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill answers that question in this edition of Get It Growing.

(Audio 04/28/08) Sometimes you will notice that leaves on your evergreen plants turn yellow and drop off. This usually occurs around spring and early summer, and LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill says it doesn't necessarily mean there is a problem with the plant. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/28/08) The May planting season calls for more heat-tolerant vegetables. Even though the weather may be mild in May, temperatures continue to climb. By harvest time for the things you plant now the weather likely will be very hot. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/28/08) The Louisiana Iris is a wonderful native plant you can use in your landscape. In this edition of Get It Growing, you will find helpful advice on maintaining these plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/28/08) You still have a chance to plant roses in your landscape, even though warmer weather is right around the corner. Container roses are available at local nurseries. Plant roses in well- prepared beds where they will get plenty of sunlight. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/28/08) Crape myrtles are popular in Louisiana landscapes. They require relatively little care and bloom for a long period of time in the summer, but aphids can be a problem for this flowering tree. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 04/21/08) When your roses are not looking their best, you’re faced with several options for care. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill shares the basics with you in this edition of Get It Growing. (Runtime: 1 minute, 33 seconds)

(Audio 04/21/08) Flowering bulbs beautify Louisiana's spring gardens. You should continue to care for them after they flower. Removing the seed pods will allow the plants to put their energy into their bulbs and foliage. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/21/08) April is the peak month for wonderful cool-season bedding plants. You should not plant them around this time, but you can admire those that are in your landscape. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/21/08) Warmer weather allows container plants to grow more rapidly. During this time these plants need more attention. Be sure to give them what they need in terms of fertilizer. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/21/08) As plants begin rapid growth in summer, you may notice a white powdery mildew on their leaves. Before you use a fungicide, be sure your plants really need it. It is common for plants to get over powdery mildew without our help. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 04/14/08) Springtime and iris go together. In this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to some native Louisiana iris. (Runtime: 1 minute, 36 seconds)

(Audio 04/14/08) Gardeners can begin planting summer bedding plants around mid- to late April. LSU AgCenter horticlturist Dan Gill says there are many options when choosing warm-season plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/14/08) Caladiums are grown for their colorful foliage. They grow best in areas where they receive sun in the morning and shade in the afternoon, but they also do well in shady areas. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/14/08) Our permanent lawn grasses grow best during the warm summer weather. Now is a great time to plant a new lawn, and LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill recommends solid sodding for such a project. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/14/08) As temperatures increase, Louisiana gardeners contend with a variety of pests such as weeds, insects and disease problems. A proper diagnosis of the problem will allow proper treatment.(Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/14/08) Well-adapted perennials will live for many years in your landscape. Now is the time to check local nurseries for flowering perennials. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 04/07/08) Looking for a small tree that’s ideally adapted for your landscape? In this edition of Get it Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to a native Louisiana tree that’s extremely functional and adaptable. (Runtime: 1 minute, 34 seconds)

(Audio 04/07/08) We delay fertilizing our lawns a little while in the spring to allow them to wake up and establish a strong root system. Now is a good time to fertilize. Fertilizing your lawn is optional, but you should consider doing it if you want your grass to be greener and grow more vigorously. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/07/08) Many of the herbs in our gardens are sensitive to heat. You should harvest and preserve these herbs now before the summer heat starts. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/07/08) Tomato vines have a tendency to sprawl out on the ground if they are not properly supported. This can cause fruit rot. Here are two ways to help support your tomatoes. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/07/08) Louisiana gardeners should have their tomato transplants in their gardens by mid-April. This allows the tomato plants to settle in and set fruit before summer's intense heat arrives. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/07/08) When it is time to choose what plants you would like to add to your garden in April, select warm-season bedding plants. Many nurseries will still have cool-season bedding plants available, but you should avoid those. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 04/25/08) Nature never created a houseplant. The plants we call houseplants are native to various, generally tropical, areas of the world, and in all cases their natural habitat is outdoors.

(For Release On Or After 04/18/08) When you think about adding color to your landscape, flowering bedding plants are usually the first thing that comes to mind. Many plants with colorful foliage, however, can serve the same purpose.

(For Release On Or After 04/11/08) Interest in growing herbs has been rising over the years as Louisiana gardeners increasingly have planted herbs in herb gardens or containers or in beds among existing plants.

(For Release On Or After 04/04/08) It’s amazing how many times I’ve gotten questions about growing grass in shady areas. This is a common issue because shade trees in a landscape grow larger over time.

(Audio 03/31/08) Around early to mid-spring you may notice strange holes appearing in your trees. These holes are created by small birds called sap suckers. As their name indicates, these birds feed on the sap from trees. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/31/08) Spider mites attack a wide variety of ornamentals and vegetables in our gardens. These insects are related to spiders, but they are hard to see. They are particularly bad in the spring during warm, dry weather. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/31/08) Educational programs for gardeners are plentiful in the spring. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill encourages novices and experienced gardeners to take advantage of garden shows and educational opportunities. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/31/08) April is one of the busiest months for planting in the home vegetable garden in Louisiana. Many of the outstanding spring and summer vegetables should be planted this month. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 03/31/08) Easter has passed, but LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill says not to throw out Easter lilies. These great plants can live in our landscapes for years. (Runtime: 1 minute, 31 seconds)

(Audio 03/31/08) The best time to prune spring-flowering shrubs is right after they finish flowering. If you wait too long, you can remove next year's flower buds. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/24/08) You still have time to plant roses from containers into your landscape, but it's too late to plant bare-root roses this season. You should avoid getting those roses, which are packed in plastic tubes. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/24/08) Easter lilies are sold by the thousands to decorate for the holidays. After the holidays, they can be planted in your landscape. These great plants will bloom for you year after year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/24/08) When considering purchasing a new home, it is best to hire a licensed arborist to inspect the trees on a property. If there is an issue with the trees, the price can be negotiated to take these expenses into account. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 03/24/08) Although azaleas color our landscapes this of the year, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill says one misunderstood plant, which happens to be gray, also can be interesting. In this edition of Get It Growing, Gill says Spanish moss can be a striking enhancement to azaleas and trees in your landscape. (Runtime 1 minute, 29 seconds)

(Audio 03/24/08) We spray fruit trees to prevent insect problems and ensure that the trees produce good quality fruit. Different fruit trees have different insect and disease problems. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/24/08) The rose-blooming season begins in April and extends through the early part of June. This is when we find our highest quality roses. In early spring, we have to watch for tiny insects called thrips that can attack our roses. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/17/08) In gardening, a bed is a specially prepared area for planting. Before planting, prepare the soil in your bed to give your plants a good start. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/17/08) Louisiana lawns usually begin to wake up in the month of March. But you should wait until the very last week in March to begin fertilizing. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/17/08) Brown patch is a common fungus disease that attacks lawns in Louisiana. It usually affects St. Augustine. You should watch for these common signs to protect your lawn. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/17/08) Louisiana's weather conditions in March are still cool enough for you to divide your perennials. In this segment of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how you should complete such tasks. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/17/08) Adding mulch to your beds is a good way to suppress weeds. In this segment of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill gives some helpful advice for adding mulch. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 03/17/08) During the spring, it’s a great idea to stop and smell the flowers. In this edition of Get it Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains why the banana shrub might be one of the perfect plants to perk up those olfactory senses. (Runtime 1 minute, 31 seconds)

(Audio 03/10/08) March is a great time to fertilize your shrubs, but shrubs normally don't need to be fertilized. Those won't appear different in any ways before or after you fertilize them. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/10/08) You should remove faded or unattractive flowers from your cool-season bedding plants to encourage them to bloom as long as possible and to keep them looking attractive. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Video 03/10/08) Many people plant flowering bulbs during the spring. In this edition of Get it Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to a bulb plant that is changing its gloomy reputation. (Runtime 1 minute, 30 seconds)

(Audio 03/10/08) When gardeners use the word perennial, what they are really talking about is a hardy and herbaceous plant. A perennial is a plant that lives for many years, and they are wonderful for our flower gardens. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/10/08) In Louisiana, we grow a wide variety of vegetables in our spring and summer vegetable gardens. You might be surprised to learn that some of the most popular vegetables we eat actually are the "fruit" of the plants. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/10/08) March is transitional month for gardeners. It's too late to plant cool-season bedding plants and too early to plant warm-season plants. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill says there are alternatives for your beds. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/03/08) The buckmoth catepillar is a stinging catepillar found primarily around oak trees. If you have had problems with this pest in the past, then you can anticipate and prepare for it for future years. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/03/08) Louisiana's mild winters are pleasant, but do come with some drawbacks. Cool-season weeds can begin growing in the mild weather right on into spring. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/03/08) Many spring-flowering bulbs bloom in March. Here are a few tips that can help you enjoy this wonderful display of color. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/03/08) You can begin to fertlize your roses now than we are moving into spring. You can use an all-purpose fertilizer or you can use one that is specifically formulated for roses. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/03/08) In Louisiana we can start our spring planting in early March. Some of the most popular vegetables that people grow can be planted from now untill the end of April. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Video 03/03/08) Are you ready for some brilliant colors? Well, you’ve got it – if you plant colorful petunias. In this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains it's important to plant those pretty petunias right now. (Runtime 1 minute, 30 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 03/21/08) I am often asked about low-maintenance landscaping. After a brief conversation, however, I often get the feeling that what the person actually is looking for is a no-maintenance landscape. Unfortunately, if you are going to have a landscape with trees, a lawn, shrubs and flowers, maintenance is going to be involved.

(For Release On Or After 03/28/08) The cucumber family, properly known as the cucurbitaceae (cu-cur-bit-A-cee-ee), provides a wide variety of vegetables popular for the spring, summer and fall home vegetable garden.

(For Release On Or After 03/14/08) Almost every landscape has shady areas, and ferns are a great group of plants that are just perfect for shady spots.

(For Release On Or After 03/07/08) Gardening is no different from any other human endeavor. Whether you want to repair your own car or cook a fancy meal, there is information you must understand and techniques you have to learn and do properly.

(Audio 02/25/08) Plants must receive the proper amount of light so they can thrive. Plants can adapt ,within reason. But make sure you plant in the right place. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/25/08) By late February the spring flowering bulbs that were planted last fall are well into their growth. The foliage of these plants is very cold hardy and should be of no concern. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Video 02/25/08) When you’re looking for plants for this season, it’s a good idea to think about some perennials. In this edition of Get it Growing, LSU AgCenter Horticulturist Dan Gill explains why it’s important to look for hardy perennials that don’t have flowers yet. (Runtime 1 minute, 28 seconds)

(Audio 02/25/08) Perennials are very popular in Louisiana. Dividing perennials helps them propagate. You should divide perennials before the end of March. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/25/08) Adding organic matter to your bed can be done in a variety of ways. Organic matter is generally derived from plant parts that have been allowed to decay, but you could also use other sources of organic matter, such as compost, manure or grass clippings. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/25/08) If you plant your caladium tubers indoors in late February or early March, by the time April is here they will have sprouted and will create more color in your landscape. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/18/08) You can clip back ground covers now before new growth appears. This is done to remove unattractive foliage from the plants and also rejuvenate them. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/18/08) There may be times when you want to move a young tree in your landscape. If you do make sure that you finish while it is inactive. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/18/08) The United States is divided up into hardiness zones that are based on the average lowest winter temperatures that occur in an area. You can't be sure which hardiness zone you garden in just by looking at a map. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/18/08) It is a good idea to finish your tree planting before March. Planting now allows trees a chance to become established in this cool weather before the hot summer days arrive. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/18/08) Decorative ponds and water gardens are not uncommon in today's landscapes. Late winter or early sping are good times to clean these because the plants and fish are not very active. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Video 02/18/08) Now’s the time to get some of your flowering plants into their flower beds. In this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter Horticulturist Dan Gill gives you some good choices of hardy annuals for your cool-season garden. (Runtime 1 minute, 33 seconds)

(Audio 02/11/08) February is your last opportunity to plant bare-root roses. These are the roses you will see that have their roots encased in a plastic cylinder. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/11/08) This is a great time of year to plant gladiolas. This is because gladiolas do not bloom very well when the summer gets very hot. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/11/08) Colorful bedding plants are great during the summer, but during the cool season these plants will not grow. It is too cold and they are prone to freeze damage. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Video 02/11/08) Some container plants that bloom well in the summer can also bloom well in the winter. In this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter Horticulturist Dan Gill brings us inside his greenhouse, where he’ll introduce us to a beautifully blooming South American plant. (Runtime: 1 minute, 35 seconds)

(Audio 02/11/08) Louisiana gardeners can grow a wide variety of fruit trees in their home orchards. It is very important to prune these trees properly. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/04/08) To grow Irish potatoes you need a well prepared bed and a location with full sun. They are a productive crop and not very difficult to maintain. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/04/08) One of the most common types of pest that threaten indoor plants is the spider mite. Spider mites are tiny bugs that you can only see with a magnifying glass. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/04/08) It is a good idea to prune back roses around this time of the year. You can prune your roses back as early as the last week of January. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/04/08) By this time in the winter season, most of our tropical plants have sustained some damage due to the cold weather. There are some rules to follow when pruning back these damaged plants.(Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/04/08) Many cool-season root crops and some leafy vegetables can be planted in February. Some of them include beets, broccoli, carrots and cauliflower. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 02/04/08) Cold weather means lots of dead plants with brown leaves and stems. In this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter Horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to a plant which is anything but dead or brown at this time of year. (Runtime: 1 minute, 33 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 02/29/08) Mention blooming wildflowers and most people think of country meadows and drives along rural roads. Wildflowers, however, can be found everywhere – even along the Interstates and in major metropolitan areas.

(For Release On Or After 02/22/08) Color is very important to us. We use it everywhere in our surroundings, including in our landscapes and on our bodies.

(For Release On Or After 02/15/08) Most trees are just beginning to enter a growth phase – or they will within a few weeks. Fertilizing this month provides them with nutrients just when they can use them most effectively.

(For Release On Or After 02/08/08) Homeowners often are dismayed to find trees that existed on their lots when their houses were build start declining in health or dying a few years after construction. But this tragedy can be avoided if existing trees are properly protected during construction around them.

(For Release On Or After 02/01/2008) At some point, many gardeners discover there is a much greater selection of annual flowers and vegetables available in seed catalogs than can be found at local nurseries. To grow those wonderful plants, however, you must be able to grow your own transplants from seed.

(Audio 01/28/08) Ground covers are excellent for areas where grass does not grow well. Choose good hardy ground covers that will do well in our warm climate. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/28/08) An advantage of preparing beds ahead of time is that it allows the bed to mellow out. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/28/07) Louisiana gardeners do two major prunings to their everblooming roses. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/28/08) Spring-flowering bulbs should be planted in early December at the latest. They should add wonderful color to your winter landscape. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 01/21/08) Cooler temperatures create a lull in planting for landscapes. But In this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter Horticulturist Dan Gill explains why it’s a good idea to head to your local nurseries right now. (Runtime 1 minute, 33 seconds)

(Video 01/28/08) You would think it ill-advised to plant during the cold season, but some cultivars are at their best when planted in the cold – like herbs. (Runtime 1 minute, 37 seconds)

(Audio 01/21/08) Any plants that bloom from the months of February through April have already set their flower buds. Any pruning during this time of year would remove those flower buds. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/21/08) An added bonus of planting camellias is that they bloom during the winter. Planting them now would produce an immediate burst of color in your landscape. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/21/08) When you water an indoor plant depends on how fast the soil dries out. You want to water the plant thoroughly. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/21/07) Indoor plants are prone to a variety of pests, and mealy bugs are one of the most common types. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/13/08) Fertilizers can be stored for later use if they are in a place where they will not absorb moisture. It's very important to seal your fertilizers in air-tight containers. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/14/08) You can plant Irish potatoes in your vegetable garden from about mid-January through February. They will be ready to harvest in April or May and will be delicious. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/14/08) January is a great time to prune a variety of plants in your landscape. Its easy to prune dormant shrubs and leafless trees. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/14/08) Beets and Swiss chard are essentially the same vegetable. We eat the roots of beets and the foliage of Swiss chard. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/14/08) We can continue to plant trees and shrubs all through Louisiana's mild winter season. Planting early allows these plants to get some root growth and become established before the intense heat of summer arrives. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Video 01/14/08) Plants will begin to show signs of nutrient deficiency in multiple ways. In this week’s Get it Growing segment, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains when and how to fertilize your plants. (Runtime 1 minute, 34 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 01-25-2008) It would be hard to dispute that the most popular summer flowering shrub is the rose. Most roses need at least some annual pruning to maintain an attractive shape, remove dead wood and encourage vigorous growth and blooming. This is generally done from the last week of January (South Louisiana) through mid-February (North Louisiana).

(Video 01/7/08) January is a great time to plant ornamental shrubs to brighten your winter landscape. Grape holly is a great plant to add to your home to provide both color and greenery to your yard. (Runtime: 1 minute, 29 seconds)

(Audio 01/07/08) Dan talks about planting mail-order roses. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/07/08) Gardeners that overseed their lawns with ryegrass are rewarded with a beautiful green yard over the winter; however, they also must maintain their growing lawn. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/07/08) Parsley is available and used in two varieties as both a garnish and an ingredient in cooking. You can begin growing your own parsely transplants around this time. (Runtime 60 Seconds)

(Audio 01/07/08) You can start your own transplants indoors this time of year. You can use either a large window or fluorescent light. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/31/07) Now that the holidays are over you need to determine what to do with your holiday plants. Some should be kept, and others should be discarded. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/31/07) Since Louisiana's winters are so mild, you can plant cool-season plants. You should also actively monitor the growth of the cool-season plants that you have already planted. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/31/07) Cool-season weeds grow actively from January through February. If you feel the need to eradicate those weeds, then you can use a herbicide on a mild day. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/31/07) You can plant a number of vegetables in January. They vary from a number of root crops to a few leafy greens. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/31/07) Roses can be planted all through the winter. As soon as you have those roses, get them into your garden so they can establish their roots. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Video 12/30/07) Hydrangeas bloom beautifully in the spring, but winter is a great time to purchase these plants at huge discounts. In this week’s Get it Growing segment, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill gives you some do's and dont's of maintaining hydrangeas during the plants' off season.

(Video 12/24/07) Some people like to use living trees to celebrate the Christmas holidays. Some popular choices include Leland cypresses and junipers. (Runtime: 1 minute, 33 seconds)

(Audio 12/24/07) Roses can blooming well into December in Louisiana. Enjoy the flowers, but keep in mind that they will be damaged by a freeze, so cut the blooms to enjoy indoors. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/24/07) When ordering seeds from a gardening catalog, it is tempting to order too many seeds or seeds that may not grow well in Louisiana. When planting new vegetables you should try new cultivars. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/24/07) Most fall color begins in early November and will last into December. Fall color is more vivid in the northern part of the state where you will notice shades of purple, orange and bright red. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/24/07) One of the most popular plants for decorating our homes during this season is the holiday cactus. Even after the holidays, they are beautiful plants for your home. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/24/07) Most plants in Louisiana landscapes are not bothered by the cold. This is not the case for tender tropical plants. A hard freeze will damage them and pruning will be necessary. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 01/18/2008) The third Friday in January is Arbor Day in Louisiana, a day we set aside to appreciate trees and plant them. If you are thinking about adding some trees to your existing landscape, planting should ideally be done now through early March while it is cool and plants will have a chance to make root growth before it gets hot.

(For Release On Or After 01/11/2008) Although winter temperatures in Louisiana are generally relatively mild, they are punctuated by periods of moderate to severe freezes. Freezing weather is often followed by extended periods when temperatures stay above freezing.

(For Release On Or After 01/04/2008) All-America Selections is a nonprofit organization for evaluating for home garden performance new seed-grown flowers and vegetables from around the world. Although using an All-America Selection Winner in your garden doesn’t guarantee success, these plants are often a good choice for reliable performance.

(Audio 12/17/07) In Louisiana, you can grow camellias in your winter landscape. Watch out for dry spells and be sure to water your camellias if there is one. Camellia buds are hardy and will bloom even if they have suffered through freezes. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/17/07) In early December, we see a lot of leaves dropping from our trees. You can use these leaves as mulch for flower beds or as compost, but do not allow them to accumulate on your lawn. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/17/07) It is important to store your garden chemicals properly for the winter. Be aware that liquid garden chemicals can freeze if they are kept in a cold place. Keep them locked up if you have children in the house. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/17/07) Growing plants from seed is very rewarding. Leftover seeds can be stored so that they are fresh and ready for future planting seasons. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/17/07) In Louisiana, we have the option of overseeding our dormant brown grasses with cool-season grasses. These grasses will keep our lawns a beautiful emerald green color throughout the winter. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 12/17/07) Hedges or screening plants create privacy in our landscape. The Russian olive grows rapidly and creates height and volume. It also produces fragrant flowers this time of year. (Runtime: 1 minute, 38 seconds)

(Audio 12/10/07) Many gardeners do not realize that apples can be grown in Louisiana. The apple trees must be able to survive Louisiana's mild winter. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/10/07) Louisiana's mild winter allows cool-season weeds to grow. It is a good idea to pull these weeds or use a weed killer to eliminate them. A think layer of mulch can help prevent winter weeds.

(Audio 12/10/07) Gardeners often worry about wind chill during winter, but it has no effect on plants. Plants are affected by the actual temperature. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/10/07) In the case of an unusually cold winter, tropical plants will need additional protection. There are a variety of ways to protect these warm-weather plants. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/10/07) Winter weather drastically cuts down on landscape maintnance. It is a good idea to store and maintain your tools. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Video 12/10/07) Camellia sasanquas brighten up the fall and winter landscape. The sasanqua variety also has a wonderful fragrance. Now is a great time to plant them, and you can find them in full bloom at your nursery or garden center. (Runtime: 1 minute, 40 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 12/28/2007) The basic techniques of gardening today are not that much different than those our great grandparents used. Still, technology and the age of communication are definitely changing the way we live, work and garden. Gardeners will, with greater ease and frequency than ever before, exchange ideas and be exposed to new concepts about how and why we garden. How will the new trends affect the plants we use and how we design with them and care for them?

(For Release On Or After 12/21/2007) The pace of things tends to slow down a bit this time of year in the garden. Although we may continue to plant, prepare beds, harvest winter vegetables and enjoy cool-season flowers, most gardeners find this a more relaxed time of year. This is especially true for high-maintenance jobs like mowing lawns, shearing hedges and watering, since lawn grasses and shrubs are dormant, and cooler, wetter weather reduces the need for extra irrigation.

(For Release On Or After 12/14/2007) The majority of the plants in our landscapes are completely winter hardy. The primary concern during freezes is our tender plants in the ground or in containers outside. These plants – native to tropical regions of the world where it never freezes – do not have the ability to protect themselves from sub-freezing temperatures. If we want them to survive freezing temperatures during winter, we must provide protection for them.

(For Release On Or After 12/07/2007) We use a variety of decorative plants to dress up our homes during the holidays. Poinsettias, holiday cactuses and living Christmas trees, in particular, play an important part in decking the halls. How well you care for them once you get them home has a lot to do with how long they will stay attractive.

(Audio: 12/03/07) Louisiana gardens stay attractive through winter if kept tidy and neat. It is a good idea to remove older dying plants and their remnants.(Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/03/07) Christmas trees are a great tradition. For the freshest tree, you should consider going to a local tree farm. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio: 12/03/07) As winter progresses, it becomes harder for cool-season plants to establish themselves. It is a good idea to finish cool-season plantings by early December. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/03/07) A variety of plants are used in holiday decorations. To keep these plants healthy and attractive, you must attend to their needs. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/03/07) As we move into December, winter arrives in earnest with colder weather and an occasional freeze. Vegetables growing during this time must be hardy enough to thrive in these conditions. (Runtime: 60 Seconds)

(Video 12/03/07) Most gardeners are familiar with the standard cool-season bedding plants, but LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces us to some unusual ones many gardeners may not have seen before. (Runtime: 1 minute, 32 seconds)

(Video 11/26/07) Louisiana gardeners can choose from several fall-blooming shrubs. One of the most beautiful is cassia. This plant produces large, bright yellow flowers. (Runtime: 1 minute 33 seconds)

(Audio 11/26/07) November and early December are the ideal times to plant hardy trees and shrubs into your landscape. Fall planting is beneficial because it allows the trees and shrubs to get well-established before the heat of summer arrives. (Runtime: 60 seconds)