(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 05/25/11) To help Louisiana residents determine if they’re ready for a hurricane, LSU AgCenter housing specialist Claudette Reichel developed a 20-question quiz.

(Distributed 05/25/11) Just in time for Memorial Day weekend and the unofficial kickoff to the summer grilling season, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has updated its recommendation for safely cooking solid cuts of pork.

(Distributed 05/20/11) Buddleias, known by most home gardeners as butterfly bush, are becoming increasingly popular in the home landscape. These perennials are highly regarded by butterflies as a nectar plant.

(Distributed 05/13/11) If you’re looking for a tough plant that will keep blooming throughout summer and into fall, consider gomphrena. This very tough plant likes really high temperatures. Sometimes called globe amaranth, legend has it that the original planting was at the gates of Hades.

(Distributed 05/06/11) If you like the flowers of shade-loving impatiens, you’ll be excited to know about a new type of impatiens that thrive in our Louisiana summer heat and humidity – SunPatiens.

(Distributed 04/29/11) Midspring is here, and it’s time to mow, mow, mow.

(Distributed 04/21/11) We are approaching the time of spring to get your heat-loving, warm-season bedding plants into the ground. Anytime from mid-March through May in Louisiana is a great time to add new flowers to your landscape beds.

(Distributed 04/15/11) Although dyed Easter eggs may look like decorations, they are a perishable food. Improper care of perishable foods can trigger foodborne illness, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames.

(Distributed 04/15/11) Who knows how much rain we’ll get during spring and summer? We need to keep in mind that many areas of Louisiana are experiencing below-average rainfall amounts. And it’s common to get significant rain events followed by three to four weeks of dry weather. How do we irrigate our landscapes under these conditions?

(Distributed 04/08/11) Most Louisiana gardeners are familiar with Knock Out roses. They have introduced roses to many home gardeners who otherwise never would have grown them. And they fit perfectly into a sustainable, low-maintenance landscape.

(Distributed 04/01/11) Lantanas continue to be one of the most popular herbaceous perennials for Louisiana landscapes. Many varieties – some old and some new – offer a multitude of growth forms and flower colors. Lantanas can be added to the landscape from now through summer for great color into late fall.

(Distributed 03/29/11) The advent of warmer weather and plenty of plants in bloom means honeybees are active. Spring swarms are common as bees look to establish new colonies, and they may find your yard enticing. LSU AgCenter county agent Keith Hawkins says it is best to leave a colony alone or call in an experienced beekeeper.

(Distributed 03/25/11) Azaleas are Louisiana’s most popular shrub in home landscapes. Although fall is considered the best time to plant azaleas, the vast majority of azaleas are planted in spring. This is, of course, when garden centers have the best selection and is the time of year that gardeners see azaleas in bloom.

(Distributed 03/25/11) The Institute of Medicine recently announced new recommended intakes for vitamin D, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames.

(Distributed 03/18/11) Blooming from late March to early May, the Louisiana iris is a floral ambassador that has carried our state’s name all over the world.

(Distributed 03/15/11) Tuesday, March 22, is American Diabetes Alert Day, an annual event sponsored by the American Diabetes Association to alert Americans of their risk of developing diabetes.

(Distributed 03/11/11) Invite a rainbow into your yard this summer – plant a flower garden. Warm-season bedding plants grow and flower best during April through October, and we can begin planting them as early as late March in south Louisiana. Gardeners who planted cool-season bedding plants generally will wait for those plants to begin to fade in late April or May, however, before removing and replacing them with warm-season bedding plants.

(Distributed 03/04/11) “Eat right with color” is the theme for this year’s National Nutrition Month in March sponsored by the American Dietetic Association.

(Distributed 03/04/11) Beneath the mighty, majestic live oak surrounded by Southern magnolia, azalea and sweet olive stands the camellia – what many in the South may refer to as “The Queen of the Garden.”

(Distributed 02/25/11) Growing roses in Louisiana is a challenge for landscape professionals and home gardeners alike. A major problem in rose production and landscape performance is disease (blackspot and powdery mildew, primarily) brought on by environmental conditions of our region. Heat and humidity have an adverse affect on many rose varieties we grow in Louisiana.

(Distributed 02/22/11) Homeowners living on property passed down from family sometimes can’t take advantage of their property rights.

(Distributed 02/18/11) Southern live oaks, known by the scientific name Quercus virginiana, are one of the most popular trees found in Louisiana landscapes. They certainly are considered to be a signature tree in many public places across the state and are widely used in home landscapes.

(Distributed 02/11/11) Petunias are one of the most popular flowers in Louisiana. They can be planted in fall for cool-season color or planted in late winter or early spring for warm-season color.

(Distributed 02/09/11) The 2010 Dietary Guidelines, released in January by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health and Human Services, are the first to address an unhealthy public. With a majority of the country’s adults either overweight or obese, the new recommendations are especially urgent for consumers and health professionals.

(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.