News Release Distributed 03/10/06
The 2006 Southwest Louisiana Garden Festival April 8-9 will provide the opportunity for area residents to buy plants and gardening accessories and get free advice on making things green again in their recovery from Hurricane Rita’s devastation, according to experts with the LSU AgCenter.
This 7th annual festival will be in Burton Coliseum at the corner of Gauthier Road and the Gulf Highway from from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. April 8 and from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. April 9.
"It’s a celebration of gardening," said Robert Turley, LSU AgCenter horticulturist in Calcasieu Parish. "There will be something for anyone who grows plants, whether its ornamentals, exotics, vegetable gardens or lawn care."
The event is sponsored by the LSU AgCenter and coordinated by its extension service agents in Calcasieu Parish.
Turley said he expects many people will be drawn to the event to get ideas for replacing trees and other plants lost to Hurricane Rita.
"We will have a plant health clinic where you can get all your questions answered," Turley said. "If you have a plant that isn’t doing well, bring it in, and we’ll provide some possible solutions. And we have speakers on the hour for both days."
More than three dozen vendors and exhibitors will be set up – displaying their products and services. Among them will be Gary Abraham of Prien Pines Nursery of Lake Charles.
"There will be a large variety of fresh flowers and shrubs," Abraham said. "It ought to be a good show."
People in Southwest Louisiana are eager to replace plants wiped out by the storm, he said.
"They’re buying a lot of everything right now," Abraham said.
In addition, area 4-H Club members will be available to help load and unload plants for a $2 charge.
Area garden clubs also will present a flower show with artistic arrangements and different horticultural specimens.
Admission is $2, but children age 12 and under will be admitted free. Proceeds will benefit the 4-H youth development program in Calcasieu Parish.
For more information about the show, call the parish office at (337) 475-8812.
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Contact: Robert Turley at (337) 475-8812 or rturley@agcenter.lsu.edu
Writer: Bruce Schultz at (337) 788-8821 or bschultz@agcenter.lsu.edu