(Distributed 10/16/09) Azaleas are the most widely planted shrub in Louisiana, but few gardeners would ever think about planting them in the fall because many of the varieties aren’t blooming in the nurseries for gardeners to compare colors.

(Distributed 10/09/09) Petunias continue to be one of our most popular bedding plants. They long have been relied on for their consistent landscape performance and can be used as either warm-season or cool-season ornamentals.

(Distributed 10/02/09) Who knows when we will get another bad storm blowing through Louisiana? We may get just a nasty wind from some front or tornado-like activity. In any case, there will be fallen limbs and branches to deal with.

(Distributed 09/18/09) Thanks in part to technology and the age of communication, our gardens these days are more often being looked at as extensions of our homes to live in and use, rather than just being pretty plantings to look at.

(Distributed 09/11/09) Some of the most beautiful irises for our gardens are the hybrids of several native species. Called Louisiana irises, these plants are becoming increasingly popular in gardens all over the world.

(Distributed 09/04/09) Saving seeds from plants growing in your landscape can be a part of sustainable landscaping – it saves you money from unnecessarily buying new seed.

(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.

(Distributed 08/20/09) Ornamental grasses provide nice, low-maintenance options in sustainable landscapes. Many perennial types of ornamental grasses work well in Louisiana.

For more detailed information on composting, see these W.A. Callegari Environmental Center information articles.

(Distributed 08/14/09) Yes, we are getting to late summer and hopefully less lawn mowing over the next couple months. Nevertheless, it’s still important to mow your lawn properly.