(For Release On Or After 10/27/06) Gardeners are often advised that the key to gardening success is planting the right plant in the right place. Although this sounds relatively simple, a lot goes into the decision of what plants should be used and where they should be planted in the landscape.

(For Release On Or After 07/07/06) If you regularly read national gardening magazines and get a variety of gardening catalogs, you may have noticed tropical-look landscaping is a trend gaining attention across the country these days. For Louisiana gardeners this hot concept is old hat. We’ve been gardening in the tropical style as long as anyone can remember.

(For Release On Or After 07/14/06) Whether we admit it or not, heat and humidity this time of year make gardening outside less enjoyable. I have to confess to retreating into the coolness of my air-conditioned home and spending less time in the garden now that mid-summer has arrived. But when I don’t spend as much time in my outside garden, I can turn to my collection of indoor plants to keep me happy.

(For Release On Or After 07/21/06) Some of the most beautiful flowers in our summer gardens are produced by vines. Better yet, since vines climb, the flowers often are produced at eye-level or overhead – allowing us the chance to easily smell the fragrance or closely examine the details of the blooms.

(For Release On Or After 07/28/06) Vines are an amazing group of plants with enough diversity to boggle the mind of any gardener. What binds these wonderful plants together is their universal lack of strong stems. Since vines don’t have to put effort and energy into producing a strong stem to hold the plant upright, what do you think they do with all of that energy? They grow.

(For Release On Or After 08/25/06) Bromeliads are a wonderful group of tropical or semi-tropical plants that are popular container plants. Because they are easy to grow, colorful and stay in bloom for a long time, they also are commonly used by florists as gift plants. As a result, even people who are not familiar with bromeliads sometimes find themselves the owners of plants they do not know how to grow.

(For Release On Or After 08/11/06) I was recently asked what should be done in the garden in August, and I replied, "As little as possible!" Seriously, though, there is at least one important task you can perform, and that’s evaluating how well your plants are doing.

(For Release On Or After 08/18/06) Reading garden books has always been a favorite pastime of mine, and I still keep my most useful references close at hand. But I have to admit that more and more I find myself doing research on my computer.

(For Release On Or After 08/04/06) August is a month when gardeners should think about two important aspects of landscape maintenance – fertilizing and pruning. This month is the latest time in the year when we fertilize lawns, hardy shrubs and ground covers in the landscape. It’s also the time to finish pruning many shrubs, cut back overgrown tropicals and trim some bedding plants.

(For Release On Or After 09/29/06) Lawn care definitely changes as the weather begins to cool, and by October the growth of warm-season grasses like St. Augustine, centipede, bermuda and zoysia begins to slow down.

(For Release On Or After 09/22/06) Many summer-blooming annuals, perennials and vegetables are setting seeds now, and you can harvest the seeds, store them and then grow a new crop of plants for your garden next year. This can be fun, save a little money and allow you to share seeds with gardening friends.

(For Release On Or After 09/15/06) Anyone cleaning out overgrown areas or even just weeding should beware. Poison ivy may be growing among the plants you are handling.

(For Release On Or After 09/08/06) Some of the most beautiful irises we can grow in our gardens are the hybrids of several species that grow right here in Louisiana. Called Louisiana irises, they are becoming increasingly popular in gardens all over the world.

(For Release On Or After 09/01/06) Labor Day often is touted as the traditional "end of summer," and according to the calendar, fall officially will begin with the fall equinox at 10:03 p.m. Sept. 22. In Louisiana, however, we know good and well that our summer season extends a good bit longer.

(For Release On Or After 10/20/06) When I was a child my family lived in Germany for a time. I remember attending the annual Oktoberfest in Munich, where thinly-sliced white radishes were served with salt as a nibbler to accompany the famed draft beer. Although I couldn’t appreciate the beer at that age, I loved the radishes. I also think of radishes in October for another reason, because this is a great time to plant them in your garden, and there are no vegetables easier to grow.

(For Release On Or After 10/13/06) I’m not a big fan of bringing in new soil and replacing the original soil in a garden bed. There are times, however, when it is necessary to purchase additional soil for the garden – especially when creating new raised beds or raising the grade of existing ones.

(For Release On Or After 10/06/06) Caladiums are among the most reliable summer bedding plants for providing color in shady areas. They stay attractive despite the intense heat of summer and are rarely bothered by insects or disease. By the end of September or beginning of October, however, they reach the end of their growing season and begin to decline in appearance.

(For Release On Or After 11/03/06) Louisiana gardeners often use containers of tender tropical plants on decks, patios, porches and courtyards to provide color and beauty through the summer. These plants thrive in outdoor conditions, but since they cannot withstand freezing temperatures they must be protected over the winter.

(For Release On Or After 11/10/06) Flowers are the delight of gardeners. Their beautiful colors, shapes and fragrances are the inspiration for gardening efforts by countless hobby horticulturists. But there is more to flowers than what meets the eye or the nose. Your taste buds also can appreciate the many edible flowers that we can grow.

(For Release On Or After 11/17/06) Insect outbreaks on indoor plants can be disastrous. So you need to keep a close watch on your houseplants to prevent major problems from developing.

(For Release On Or After 11/24/06) Hedges can create privacy, block unwanted views, screen out noise and serve other important roles in our landscape. If you’re considering planting a new hedge or replacing a lost one, now is a great time to get it done.

(For Release On Or After 12/22/06) The winter solstice occurred this week, and it marks a turning point in the length of our days and nights. Why is that important for gardeners? Mainly because it reminds us that changing of the seasons affects the way our plants perform.

(For Release On Or After 12/29/06) The next few weeks are an important time for planting tulips, hyacinths and other bulbs you previously stored in your refrigerator to get them ready for planting. Won’t it be great to get the refrigerator space back!

(For Release On Or After 12/15/06) An easy-to-make garland might be just what you need to spruce up your front entrance before your holiday company arrives, and you may be able to make one from the "trimmings" you have from pruning trees and bushes this time of year.

(For Release On Or After 12/01/06) This time of the year deciduous trees drop tons of leaves. Most people rake them up, put them in bags and place the bags on the curb to be picked up with the trash. What a shame!

(For Release On Or After 12/08/06) Paperwhite and amaryllis are two bulbs popular for "forcing" in Louisiana during the winter. Forcing bulbs means growing them to bloom earlier than they would under normal landscape conditions.

(Video 09/25/06) White flies can be found attacking a variety of ornamentals. They also like vegetables, such as eggplants, and can be seen on bedding plants like the ornamental sweet potato. (Runtime 1minute, 35 seconds)

(Video 11/13/06) This time of the year Louisiana gardeners are pulling out tired summer bedding plants and replacing them with cool-season bedding plants. That will keep our gardens beautiful and colorful through fall, winter and spring. But you could save those tender perennials you're taking out by potting them for the winter. (Runtime: 1 minute, 31 seconds)

(Video 10/02/06) Caladiums are one of the most reliable plants for color in shady areas of your landscape during the summer. But around September they begin to go dormant. Gardeners must decide whether to leave the tubers in the ground during the winter or dig them up and store them. (Runtime: 1 minute, 31 seconds)

(Video 10/30/06) Fall does not mean the end of Louisiana's gardening season. This is evident in the outstanding flowering plants that put on a great show this time of the year. Two you might not normally think about are azaleas and roses. (Runtime: 1 minute, 29 seconds)

(Video 10/23/06) Weed control is a never-ending issue for gardeners. The more we can do to make it easier on ourselves, the better it is going to be. Mulch is a good defense against weeds. Herbicide also can help, but when you’ve got weeds growing intimately among the desirable plants, you need to use a selective herbicide. (Runtime: 1 minute, 41 seconds)

(Video 10/16/06) One of the most delightful and hardy gingers that we can grow in Louisiana is the butterfly ginger. These tropical plants put on their best displays about this time of the year, and they will continue to bloom until the first freeze arises. (Runtime: 1 minute, 27 seconds)

(Video 09/18/06) Fading foliage may look bad, but it may not signal a problem. As we move into the late summer period, it is not unusual to see foliage deteriorating. This is typical at the end of the growing season. (Runtime: 1 minute, 19 seconds)

(Video 10/09/06) Gingers are becoming increasingly popular for Louisiana landscapes due to their tolerance of shade. The shampoo ginger gets its unusual name from the liquid it releases, which can be used to condition or shampoo hair. (Runtime: 1 minute, 19 seconds)

(Video 11/06/06) Fall weather means it’s time to get our cool-season bedding plants into the ground. Local nurseries should be full of wonderful selections. The advantage of fall planting is that these flowers will bloom through the fall and intermittently during the winter. Then they will put on a huge display in the spring. (Runtime: 1 minute, 42 seconds)

(Video 11/20/06) Ornamental grasses are reliable perennials that are easy to care for. In the fall, there is an ornamental grass that puts on a wonderful show. It is called the muhly grass, and it is grown for its wonderful, light, delicate, burgundy flower heads. (Runtime: 1 minute, 6 seconds)

(Video 11/27/06) Modern poinsettias are so beautiful, and they come in a wide variety of colors. When choosing a poinsettia for your home or office, first look at the foliage. You want it to be dark green and healthy without a lot of dropped leaves and bare stems. Also, avoid poinsettias where a lot of the true flowers have already fallen off. (Runtime: 1 minute, 14 seconds)

(12/04/06) Beautiful poinsettias play an important part in decorating for the Christmas holidays. These gorgeous plants, with their bright colors, enhance our homes, but many people may not understand what goes into producing a quality poinsettia plant. (Runtime: 1 minute, 50 seconds)

(Video 12/11/06) With winter comes the possibility of freezing weather -- even in Louisiana. If you have tropicals in your landscape, you will need to protect them. There are two basic ways to protect plants that are growing in the ground. You can mulch them or cover them. (Runtime: 1 minute, 29 seconds)

(Video 12/18/06) One of our most beautiful small native trees that shine in the winter time is our native yaupon holly. It produces bright red berries. An interesting aspect of these berries is that they are translucent. When you get the sun behind them, they are like stained glass. (Runtime: 1 minute, 21 minutes)

(Video 12/25/06) An outstanding plant that is native to the southeastern United States is Fothergilla. Its common name is witchalder, and it’s related to the witch hazels. It produces beautiful fall foliage and nice spikes of fuzzy white flowers in the spring. (Runtime: 1 minute, 24 seconds)

(Audio 08/14/06) This is a great time of the year to work with fern plants. The weather is hot, but since ferns grow in the shade, dealing with ferns allows you to work in the shade. Evaluate the performance of your ferns and trim unattractive fronds. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/14/06) Many gardeners put their container plants outside during the summer. This allows the plants to grow more vigorously. Plants may outgrow their pots while outdoors. Look for roots at the soil surface or roots growing from drainage holes as indications of this problem. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/28/06) Anybody who spends time outside should be concerned about mosquitoes. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill cautions to make sure you use a mosquito repellent whenever you are out in the yard or garden. Also, make sure you are not allowing mosquitoes to breed in your landscape. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/14/06) Even though it has weed in the name, the butterfly weed is a wonderful plant for gardeners hoping to attract butterflies. The female monarch butterfly will lay her eggs only on members of the milkweed family. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/14/06) In the months of August and September, Louisiana Irises and their hybrids are dormant. This makes it a great time to divide them and transplant them in other areas or share them with friends. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/14/06) Harvest season for pears peaks in August. To determine when to harvest pears look for a slight change in color. The fruit will turn from green to a more yellow color. It also will soften as it ripens. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/21/06) We have a long growing season in Louisiana. Most gardeners pruned their roses around February. We can expect another flush of flowers in the fall, and now is a good time to prune your roses again before they bloom this time. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/21/06) Fish are a wonderful addition to an aquatic garden. They are part of the natural ecosystem and will eat mosquito larvae in the water. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill warns against using koi, however, since they tend to eat plants in an aquatic garden. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/21/06) Ajuga is a great ground cover for Louisiana. There are different types of ajugas, but most of them have attractive foliage in shades of purple. They like shade but are prone to root problems in late summer. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/21/06) Even though palms are considered tropical plants, we can grow them successfully across the state. In North Louisiana, hardy palms are a fixture. Palms are easy to take care of, but gardeners should groom them as the fronds turn brown. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/21/06) When it is hot outside, gardeners need to avoid suffering from heat stress. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill advises gardeners to drink plenty of fluids, take breaks and try to work in the shade. Also, remember this is a stressful time for plants, and, therefore, a bad time to plant new trees or shrubs in the landscape. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/28/06) We fertilize lawn grasses to optimize growth. August is the last month Louisianans should apply fertilizer to our lawns, since we want growth of our grass to slow down in the fall as it prepares for winter. Fertilizing this time of year is optional, but if you do apply a fertilizer, apply it evenly over a freshly mowed lawn and water it in. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/28/06) Gingers and cannas add a tropical look to our landscapes. These two plants grow similarly -- with shoots that produce clusters of flowers. After those flowers fade, you can prune the shoots. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/28/06) Late summer is a great time to take cuttings from plants in your landscape. These cuttings can be rooted and used to propagate those plants. Then you can grow the resulting plants in other parts of your landscape or share them with family and friends. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/28/06) The hot summer helps define what plants we grow in our landscapes. This is a good time to evaluate your landscape and see what plants can tolerate the heat. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill says if you have a plant that is doing well now, you've got a winner. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/04/06) Many people select home sites because of the trees on the lots, but home construction on the property can damage the roots of trees. An arborist can assess the situation and give you advice before construction starts. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/04/06) By September, gardeners are ready for cooler weather. The month often offers varied temperatures, and gardeners can plant a mix of warm-season and cool-season vegetables. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/04/06) Shallots and green onions are popular and easy to grow in the home vegetable garden. While there may be some confusion about the differences between bunching onions and shallots, both can be planted now. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/04/06) Pecan harvest season is right around the corner, but that means you may see problems with your pecan trees. These trees have brittle wood, and a heavy set of pecans can cause branches to break. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/04/06) During rainy weather it is common to see mushrooms sprouting in our lawns. Although they are harmless to the grass, they can be a nuissance. In addition, while most are harmless, if you have children or pets it is best to pull up mushrooms before a small child or pet can get to them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/11/06) Despite the hot weather we have in September, most hardy plants in our landscapes need to start slowing down. If you apply fertilizer now, it tells the plants to continue to grow and stay active. Such plants will be unprepared for cold weather in November or December. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 9/11/06) There are many varieties of fall-blooming azaleas available to Louisiana gardeners. If you are looking for a particular variety or color, visit your local garden store while they are blooming. That will help you pick out the right type, so you'll know what you're getting when they bloom again next spring. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 9/11/06) Although it may seem that summer is heading for its end, there are lawn problems that can occur in September and October. Chinch bugs can be bad if it is dry and hot. Fungus problems such as brown patch can be common during rainy weather. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/11/06) Peaches are wonderful trees for home fruit production, but peach trees have more than their share of problems. A common problem on peach trees this time of the year is peach tree scale. Growers also may see the peach tree borer. Once you see it, though, it is too late to treat for this pest. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 9/11/06) Caladiums provide summer color in shady beds, but they soon will start looking tired, and their leaves will fall over. So it's time to decide whether to leave them in the ground or store them for the winter. While leaving them is an option, storing them is more reliable. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/18/06) Garlic is used in many Louisiana dishes and is easy to grow in the home vegetable garden. Purchase garlic bulbs at a nursery or even a grocery store. Break the bulbs up, and plant the toes into your garden. Just remember to be patient, because you won't harvest garlic until next year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/18/06) Composting is a great way to recycle the organic waste generated by your landscape. As we move into fall, many trees will start dropping leaves. The fallen leaves make a nice addition to a compost pile. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how to create a compost pile. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/18/06) The azalea lace bug is the most common pest on azaleas in Louisiana. We see a large generation of these pests in the spring and early summer, and they become active again in September and October. They feed on the underside of the azalea foliage. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/18/06) The summer heat can linger into September. It is not time to plant trees yet, but now is a good time to evaluate the need for shady areas in your landscape. Look around and see where planting a tree might shade a patio or a portion of your home. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/18/06) September is a good time to divide popular perennials in Louisiana gardens. These include Louisiana irises, day lilies, Easter lilies and cannas. These plants are dormant now but will become active in October. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/16/06) Even if the weather remains sunny and warm this time of year, you still need to remember that cool season for plants is right around the corner. Now is not the time to fertilize any plants that will go dormant over the winter. This includes hardy trees, shrubs, ground covers and lawns. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/16/06) Fall in Louisiana is a very active gardening time. Cool-season bedding plants can keep our gardens attractive. Most can take temperatures down in the 20s and teens. Decide on a color scheme, heights of plants and the numbers you need before going to the nursery. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/25/06) Plants are very effective in filtering harmful components out of the air. Homes are built airtight to save on utility bills, but pollutants can stay in our homes. Using various houseplants can help keep the air in your home fresh and clean. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/25/06) It is hard to predict what the weather will be like in early fall. It can turn cool and rainy or stay warm and dry. Gardeners should continue to water their landscapes if the weather remains dry. If you are planting seedlings, they will need to be watered daily. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/25/06) The end of the summer growing season is here. If you are putting in a new lawn or repairing a part of your existing lawn, the work needs to be done soon, since it's already too late to plant seeds and sodding should be done before mid-October. As the weather cools, lawns will go dormant. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/25/06) From late summer into October it is not unusual to see large webbing on the trunks of trees. People may associate this webbing with caterpillars, but it is actually caused by tiny insects called psocids or bark lice. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/02/06) The change in seasons becomes more apparent in October. Gardeners begin to focus on cool-season vegetables in their gardens. There are many transplants and seeds that can be planted into the garden now. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/02/06) Many of the plants we grow in our landscape will produce seeds. Gardeners can harvest these seeds from vegetables and flowers. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains the different ways to harvest seeds. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/02/06) Many gardeners grow summer-flowering bulbs. Some of these are still blooming now but are reaching the end of their blooming season. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill reminds gardeners not to fertilize these plants at this time. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/02/06) Caladiums begin looking tired around September. In October, gardeners need to decide whether to leave them in the ground or dig them up for the winter. Digging them up allows you to plant something else in the bed and keeps the caladium tubers from freezing and rotting during the winter. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/02/06) Gardeners use transplants to establish flowers and vegetables. Transplants can save four to eight weeks of growing time, but they will need transition time when going from nursery to garden. A dose or two of soluble fertilizer will help get them growing. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/09/06) Many people enjoy tropical container plants outside during the summer. If you are one of them, you will need to decide what to do with these plants over the winter. Options include taking them in all winter long, moving them during cold spells or, if they are inexpensive plants, leaving them out and letting them take their chances. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/09/06) Mulches are Louisiana gardeners' best defense against weeds. They also help preserve the soil. Mulches will break down over time, so they need to be reapplied periodically. The start of fall is a good time to evaluate your mulch needs. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/09/06) Many perennials that bloom in the summer can be cut back now. Removing faded flowers can make them look more attractive, and pruning also will help keep the plants healthy. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/09/06) Sweet peas are a wonderful cool-season flowering vine. They produce fragrant blossoms in the spring, but now is the time to plant sweet pea seeds. Pick a sunny location next to something the vine can climb on. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/09/06) Louisiana home gardeners can grow their own strawberries. The production occurs in the spring, with ripening starting around March. But gardeners should plant strawberries in October or November before winter sets in. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/16/06) As we move into the fall season, you need to be cautious about what you prune. If you cut back shrubs, you may stimulate growth, and there is no time for that new growth to harden-off before frosts arrive. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/16/06) Many plants are prone to scale infestations. Fall is a good time to control scale insects. Use an oil spray to control them if you see the signs of a scale infestation, which include tan or white bumps on the leaves or stems of the plant. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/16/06) Gardeners grow herbaceous perennials for their beautiful flowers. They make larger and larger clumps as years go by, and this diminishes the amount of flowers they produce. The period from October through March is a great time to divide perennials. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/23/06) Nurseries are full of blooming chrysanthemums during the fall season. Many people grow chrysanthemums for temporary color, but they are perennials. You can cut them back after they have finished blooming, and they will come back year after year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/23/06) In the fall, you often see recommendations for winterizing your lawn. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill says our winters are relatively mild, so winterizing is not necessary. If you do winterize, choose a product with a high third number and a low first number in the fertilizer ratio. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/23/06) Spring-flowering bulbs such as daffodils, hyacinths and tulips add beautiful color to the spring landscape. They can be expensive, so LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill recommends using them for embellishing your landscape. October to December is the best time to plant some of these spring-flowering bulbs. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/23/06) Azalea lace bugs are small insects that feed on the foliage of azaleas. They are active from September into November, and they leave behind white spots on the upper surface of the leaves – although the insects can be found on the underside of the leaves. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/23/06) Many hardy perennial herbs can be planted into your garden now. The best herbs for you to plant are those that you like to cook with. Plant them close to your kitchen to make it convenient for harvesting while cooking. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/30/06) There are vegetables that like Louisiana's cold season. Root crops can be direct-seeded in the garden this time of the year. You also can plant greens and sets of the onion family. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/30/06) Louisiana gardeners use many types of evergreen shrubs in their landscapes. Even though these plants are called "evergreen," some of their leaves will get old, and the plants will shed those old leaves. The leaves will change colors before they fall. But experts say there is no need to be concerned about this process. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/30/06) Fall tomatoes should be ready for harvest about now. They ripen slowly during cooler weather, but you can harvest them as soon as they have a pinkish tint to them. Bring the tomatoes indoors and allow them to ripen on a counter. And be sure to harvest all tomatoes if a freeze is predicted. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/30/06) Perennials are flowers that come back year after year. Most of them are in active growth during the summer. So fall is a great time to go through your flower gardens and cut back unattractive growth and faded flowers. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/30/06) Most of the shade trees we use in our landscapes are deciduous. This means they drop their leaves over the winter. It is important to get these leaves off the lawn. You can use them as a mulch or put them in a compost pile. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/06/06) We are well into the fall season, but chrysanthemums still are available in nurseries and garden centers. Chrysanthemums do a great job of punching up the color in your landscape. Potted chrysanthemums also brighten doorways. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/06/06) Lettuce is an easy vegetable to grow at home. You can buy transplants or start the plants from seed. If using seeds, remember lettuce seeds need light to germinate, so just press them lightly into the soil. While lettuce does well during cool weather, it can be damaged on a particularly cold night. (Runtime: 60 seconds)