(Distributed 04/12/13) HAMMOND, La. – As the peak of the spring bedding plant season arrives, we may need a few warm-season flowers in our shade areas around the landscape.

(Distributed 04/05/13) HAMMOND, La. – Joseph’s coat, which includes several species of Alternanthera, is one of those old garden plants that is becoming new again. These are foliage plants for the landscape.

(Distributed 03/28/13) HAMMOND, La. – In Louisiana, we are ideally located to grow many plants that are adapted to more tropical and semi-tropical climates. This is especially true south of Interstate 10 and Interstate 12.

(Distributed 03/22/13) HAMMOND, La. – Gardeners have long desired flowers that are low-maintenance in their landscape. But they also want these flowers to last spring through fall.

(Distributed 03/15/13) HAMMOND, La. – March is the time when home gardeners get seriously engaged in planting and enjoying the spring season. Many gardeners continue to use roses in landscapes across Louisiana. In addition to the popular Knock Out varieties, people frequently plant All-America Rose Selection (AARS) winners.

(Distributed 03/08/13) HAMMOND, La. – New varieties from the Encore azalea group are coming this spring. Many of the Encore azaleas now have improved cold hardiness (normally not a problem in Louisiana), sun tolerance and lacebug resistance. Encore azaleas bloom three seasons – spring, summer and fall.

(Distributed 03/01/13) HAMMOND, La. – The 2013 gardening season sees five new bedding plants named All-America Selection winners. These include Profusion Double Deep Salmon zinnia, Profusion Double Hot Cherry zinnia, Pinto Premium White to Rose geranium, Cheyenne Spirit echinacea (purple coneflower) and South Pacific Scarlet canna.

(Distributed 02/22/13) HAMMOND, La. – Home gardeners need to increase their knowledge and awareness of management practices recommended for roses in our landscapes.

(Distributed 02/15/13) HAMMOND, La. – Azaleas are Louisiana’s most popular shrub among home gardeners. Fall is the best time to plant azaleas, followed, in turn, by winter, spring and summer. The vast majority of azaleas are, however, planted in spring. This is, of course, when garden centers have the best selection and is the time of the year when gardeners see azaleas in bloom.

(Distributed 02/08/13) HAMMOND, La. – Flowering trees add considerable color and beauty to our landscapes during late winter and early spring. Many of the trees that flower this time of year can be considered low-maintenance compared to the amount of joy we get from them.