Southern Homestead Planting
A two-story Southern house built in the late 1800s is a significant and interesting architectural aspect of the station. This former residence (now the Southeast Region Office) is surrounded by “homestead” plants, which duplicate 30- to 50-year-old landscapes found throughout the South. View classic and enduring plant species such camellia, azalea, holly, wax myrtle, quince, gardenia, sweet olive, spirea, hydrangea, old garden roses, lantana, daylily, Louisiana iris, pecan, red maple and Southern magnolia. The landscape demonstrates how established plantings can be renewed and complemented with new and fresh additions. Be sure to view the splendid 80+-year-old Southern magnolia southeast of house.
Firewise Landscaping
A well-designed, fire-defensible landscape is the first step toward reducing risk from wildfires and is critical to the protection of home and property in the wildland-urban interface. The landscape surrounding the office building demonstrates the concepts of defensible space, proper placement of shrubs/trees, fire-resistant treatment of wood fences and proper selection of fire-resistant plant material.
Phenology Garden (established in 2007)
Phenology is the study of regularly recurring biological phenomena (such as plant budding) as influenced by climate. The phenological events of flowering ornamentals are being recorded in this research garden. These “events” will be used to predict insect pest activities that can be used to develop a biological calendar -- for a more effective and “greener” way to control pests in the landscape.
Crape Myrtle Collection
Nestled around and behind the Phenology Garden is a collection of 17 varieties of crape myrtles. Here one can view the significant differences in size and shape of crape myrtle varieties. Growth habits and pest resistance of the varieties are being evaluated.
Urban Forest
This area was planted in 2005 and includes 32 species of shade trees. Over time, these trees will provide research opportunities in suitability for urban uses and maintenance practices. The use of truly native trees will also be studied and promoted, as will cultivar evaluations and cultivation requirements of lesser known native trees and plants.
Sun Garden
Small island groupings of ornamental shrubs, annuals and perennials showcase some of the newer introductions in the plant world. More than 400 varieties of blooming plants are displayed here. Beautiful? Yes. But can they take the heat? The performance of these new plants is evaluated in full-sun conditions under all the heat and humidity that a Louisiana summer can bring.
Margie Y. Jenkins Azalea Garden
This garden was established in 2006 to provide a continuing feature to educate people about azaleas and native plants. It is named for Margie Y. Jenkins and recognizes the enormous contribution of “Ms. Margie” in promoting azaleas and native plants. The garden currently includes Robin Hill, Encore, Crimson and Southern Indica families of azaleas. More than 50 different species of native trees and shrubs can be found scattered among the azaleas.
Retention Pond & Constructed Wetland
This water feature adds an aesthetic drama to the entry of the station and also serves as a demonstration and research area on how landscape runoff can be reduced and how landscape pollution can be mitigated. Various floating systems are being evaluated for installation and maintenance ease and mitigation effectiveness for use in a municipal or commercial setting. Notice the native plants and non-invasive ornamentals in the floating systems.
Heritage Live Oaks
Two 100-year-old oaks at the front entrance to the station are used to demonstrate how to protect and preserve historic trees. Practices demonstrated include tree health assessment, mulching, proper pruning and minimizing root damage. A major branch on the north tree was lost during Hurricane Katrina. These trees are registered with the Live Oak Society.
Care and Maintenance Area
Research on landscape issues such as weed control, fertilization, pruning and mulching is conducted in this area. Several plant evaluations in this area include landscape roses, ground covers and daylilies. The daylily variety collection includes All-America Daylily Selection winners and popular daylily varieties.
Shade Garden
The performance of new plants and new varieties of old plants are evaluated under shade provided by an old stand of spruce pine, loblolly pine and oak trees. Plants evaluated in the area vary from year to year but usually include hostas, impatiens, shade coleus, torenias and others.
W.F. “Hody” Wilson Camellia Garden (located across Hwy. 1067)
Planted in the early 1940s and '50s, more than 600 camellia plants from the early work of W.F. “Hody” Wilson Jr. can be found nestled under a pine forest. A Camellia Stroll sponsored by Tangipahoa Master Gardeners is held annually in February.