(Audio 08/13/07) We start looking for pears to ripen on our trees in August. They will start to change color, with a red blush appearing on the fruit. You also might notice the fruit soften or drop out of the tree. If that happens before they're ripe, you can ripen them off the tree for fresh eating. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/13/07) Many gardeners grow plants in containers. Container plants growing outdoors may need to be repotted after vigorous growth during the summer. You can see wilting and stunted growth on a plant that has outgrown its container. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/13/07) When it's hot outside, gardeners need to look for jobs that can be done in the shade. Ferns work great in shady areas, and this time of the year they may have unattractive fronds that need tending. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/13/07) The Louisiana Iris becomes dormant in the months of August and September. Then they begin active growth again in October. That means now is a great time to divide and transplant these plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/12/07) Louisiana gardeners can plant milkweed or butterfly weed for migrating monarch butterflies. Monarchs lay eggs on the butterfly weed. Although these plants may have other insect problems, remember that using insecticides on them will harm the butterflies. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 08/13/07) Despite the intense heat this time of the year, you can still add warm-season bedding plants to your landscape to provide that great color we all crave. Stop by your local nursery or garden center, and you’ll find they have a wide selection of wonderful plants in just about every height and color you can imagine. (Runtime: 1 minute, 33 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 08/31/07) In Louisiana our ever-blooming roses fortunately provide us with two really great seasons of bloom, and now is the time to prune in preparation for one of those seasons.

(For Release On Or After 08/24/07) Sharing plants is one of the pleasures of gardening. When gardeners get together and a plant is complimented, it is not unusual for the admirer to be offered a "piece" to take home and root.

(For Release On Or After 08/17/07) Flower beds that are past their prime and overrun with weeds can be a common sight in our late-summer landscape. But you don’t have to just give up and accept such sad-looking elements in your landscape, since there are ways you can freshen up these tired beds.

(For Release On Or After 08/10/07) Growing plants in containers outdoors is popular for a variety of reasons, and such plants can be used to enhance your outdoor landscape.