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(Video 10/17/11) If you’re looking for a plant that blooms during the fall every year, then sedums would be a dependable choice. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how these tough plants come in different sizes and shapes. (Runtime: 1:38)
News Release Distributed 10/28/11By LSU AgCenter Horticulturists Dan Gill, Kyle Huffstickler and Allen Owings Your landscape can include many trees and shrubs that will provide significant color in fall and winter year after year. Although decidedly less than spectacular this far south, many trees in late November or early December produce leaves that turn various colors as they get ready to drop. A few trees that reliably color up well in Louisiana include: ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), sweet gum (Liquidambar styraciflua), Chinese pistachio (Pistachia chinensis), Callery pear (Pyrus calleryana), black gum (Nyssa sylvatica), crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica), dogwood (Cornus florida), Japanese maple (Acer palmatum), southern sugar maple (Acer barbatum) and some oaks. Generally, the farther south you live in Louisiana, the less fall color you will see. Plants also provide color in fall and fruit in winter. Hollies, with their brilliant red berries, are notable in this regard. Excellent choices for Louisiana include the popular Savannah holly and Foster’s holly (Ilex x attenuata Savannah and Fosteri), both small trees. Beautiful native hollies include the yaupon holly (Ilex vomitoria), deciduous holly (Ilex decidua) and winterberry (Ilex verticillata). A great thing about holly berries is that they are excellent wildlife food for birds. Shrubby hollies also produce colorful berries. Varieties include Burford, Dwarf Burford, Nellie R. Stevens, Needlepoint, Dixie Star, Dixie Flame and many others. For flowers in fall and early winter, choose sasanquas (Camellia sasanqua). Sasanquas are one of those indispensable shrubs for Louisiana landscapes and bloom from October well into December. Camellias (Camellia japonica) will begin to bloom in November and continue through winter until spring. Roses are also important for fall and early-winter color. Everblooming roses put on a wonderful show in October and November and will often continue to bloom through mid-December and beyond, weather permitting. Although generally not known for their fall blooming, azaleas that bloom during seasons other than spring are becoming more popular. The Encore azalea series is well known for fall bloom. Also notable are some of the Robin Hill azaleas such as Watchet and Conversation Piece and the popular Glen Dale variety Fashion. We often associate spring with colorful landscapes, but we need to remember that foliage and flowers can be achieved in the fall season with proper plant selection. Visit LaHouse in Baton Rouge to see sustainable landscape practices in action. The home and landscape resource center is near the intersection of Burbank Drive and Nicholson Drive (Louisiana Highway 30) in Baton Rouge, across the street from the LSU baseball stadium. For more information, go to www.lsuagcenter.com/lahouse or www.lsuagcenter.com/lyn.
(Video News 10/26/11) Switchgrass could be another source of energy from Louisiana and another source of income for landowners. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard spoke with a researcher growing switchgrass with pine trees. (Runtime: 1:54)
(Video 10/24/11) The plant nandina is also called heavenly bamboo. It’s a tough, versatile shrub that can provide nice fall color. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains important differences among a number of nandina varieties. (Runtime: 1:41)
News Release Distributed 10/20/11By LSU AgCenter Horticulturists Dan Gill, Kyle Huffstickler and Allen Owings Last fall, the LSU AgCenter announced a new plant marketing and promotion program called Louisiana Super Plants. The program identifies superior plants for Louisiana landscapes and assures wholesale growers are growing and retail nurseries are carrying the selections. Then, we get the word out to the gardening public about these outstanding plants. One of the debut Louisiana Super Plants from last fall was the Camelot series foxglove. This new foxglove earned its Super Plants title because it’s a significant improvement over varieties planted in the past. Foxgloves (Digitalis species and hybrids) are biennials or short-lived perennials. In Louisiana, we grow them as cool-season annuals from October-November to April-May. They bloom in spring or early summer and then typically die in the summer heat. Because Camelot foxgloves planted from seed bloom their first year, they are excellent for use in our climate. The Camelot series foxgloves come in four colors – Camelot Rose, Camelot Lavender, Camelot Cream and Camelot White. This hybrid series is bred to be especially strong and vigorous-growing. And these foxgloves are somewhat more heat-tolerant than foxgloves used in the past, allowing Camelot foxgloves to bloom well into late May or early June. Especially notable is an improvement in the flower spikes. The flowers are larger, and the spikes are taller than previously grown varieties. The bell-shaped flowers of foxgloves are arranged around a strong, tall stem that grows from the center of the plant. Typically, the flowers tend to hang down so you cannot see into the beautifully spotted throats. The flowers of Camelot foxgloves, however, are held more horizontally, creating a fuller-looking flower spike and revealing the spotted interior of the flowers. Louisiana gardeners are accustomed to (and even demand) that bedding plants be in bloom when they are purchased. Some cool-season bedding plants, however, will provide far superior results if they are purchased when young and before the colorful display begins. Good examples are ornamental cabbage and kale, delphiniums and hollyhocks. Young, not-yet-blooming transplants of these plants are best planted in fall or late winter – from November to February – for blooming in April, May and early June. Foxgloves also belong to this group. During winter these plants are perfectly hardy to whatever cold may occur, and there is no need to cover and protect them. During mild winter weather the plants will grow strong root systems and rosettes of large, slightly fuzzy leaves that are a beautiful addition to the winter flowerbed. For best results, get plants in the ground no later than the end of February to give them time to grow into large, vigorous plants before they bloom. A fall or late-winter planting will produce the most spectacular plants with the tallest and largest number of spikes. Most cool-season bedding plants prefer full sun, and Camelot foxgloves will grow in sunny locations. But they also do very well in beds that receive only 4 to 6 hours of sun per day. The foliage is typically darker green and larger in partly shaded spots. Plant foxgloves into well-prepared beds that have been generously amended with compost or other decayed organic matter and a light application of general-purpose fertilizer. Good drainage is important. Place the plants toward the back of the beds where the colorful 3- to 4-foot-tall flower spikes will form a dramatic background. These robust-growing plants should be spaced about 12 inches apart. After the main spike finishes blooming, cut it back, and the plants will send up numerous side shoots to continue the floral display for additional weeks. Eventually, with the hot weather of early summer, the plants will begin to play out and can be removed, composted and replaced with summer bedding plants. Camelot foxgloves are in your local nurseries now. It is best to plant them in the fall for best results. But garden centers also sell them in late winter and early spring. Visit LaHouse in Baton Rouge to see sustainable landscape practices in action. The home and landscape resource center is near the intersection of Burbank Drive and Nicholson Drive (Louisiana Highway 30) in Baton Rouge, across the street from the LSU baseball stadium. For more information, go to www.lsuagcenter.com/lahouse or www.lsuagcenter.com/lyn.
News Release Distributed 10/14/11 By LSU AgCenter Horticulturists Dan Gill, Kyle Huffstickler and Allen Owings Are you looking for something new to try in your cool-season landscape this fall and winter? There is much to select from in the way of annual flowers for planting during the cool season of the year. Most of us know about pansies, snapdragons, petunias, garden mums and older varieties of dianthus, but there is much more. Violas are the cousins of pansies and continue to gain in popularity. The Sorbet series of violas always perform well in LSU AgCenter landscape plant evaluations. The series blooms early and performs well from mid fall through May. Try these great alternatives to pansies. They should be planted in mass for a great flower show. The blooms will last two weeks longer into the later spring. Nicotianas are good alternative, cool-season bedding plants for south Louisiana. Nicotiana is flowering tobacco. Most of these for landscape use are “dwarf” in size but still reach heights of 24 inches. Nicotianas have less cold hardiness than some other cool-season flowers, so that needs to be considered. In south Louisiana, they should be able to withstand winter temperature conditions as long as plants are hardened off some before the first frosts and freezes. You also can plant them in mid- to late February. Plants will last until late spring. Flower colors available include white, lime, rose, red and more. They do best during the cool season in a full sun planting, but will perform better into late spring if partial shade is provided. Popular in the series are Nicki, Perfume and Saratoga. The best of new dianthus is the Amazon series. These are very prolific flower producers and should be planted in September, October or November. Flower heads are large and will last until mid-May in south Louisiana. The series also has cut-flower potential. Flower colors available in the Amazon series are Rose Magic, Purple, Cherry and Neon Duo. The Amazon dianthus are Louisiana Super Plants from 2010. Camelot foxgloves are new to the market. These are also called digitalis. For best results, plant in the fall, and 2 foot-tall spikes of flowers occur in the spring. Flowers come on 2-3 weeks before the popular Foxy variety and last 2-3 weeks longer. Camelot foxgloves were also Louisiana Super Plants in the fall of 2010. Flowers in the Camelot foxglove are lavender, cream, rose and white, with lavender, cream and rose being the better-performing colors. We know tall-growing delphinium, but now there is smaller variety for landscape beds. Diamonds Blue delphinium has intense blue flowers and is a new seed-propagated Delphinium chinensis. This plant is considered a first-year-flowering perennial but should be treated as an annual. Plant in full sun in the fall for great flowering performance from February through May. Space plants 12-14 inches apart. Plants reach a height of 18 inches with a 10- to 12-inch spread. If you want to try a tall grower for cut flower use, try the Guardian series. They are available in lavender, white and blue. We know ornamental kale and cabbage, but do we know the best? Redbor ornamental kale is incredible. It is a Louisiana Super Plant for this fall. It is one of the most vigorous-growing and heat-tolerant ornamental kales on the market. Extremely curly foliage, early dark purple foliage and a spring height of 3 feet are characteristic of this plant. You may also want to try Glamour Red, a new ornamental kale that is a 2011 All-America Selections winner. Visit LaHouse in Baton Rouge to see sustainable landscape practices in action. The home and landscape resource center is near the intersection of Burbank Drive and Nicholson Drive (Louisiana Highway 30) in Baton Rouge, across the street from the LSU baseball stadium. For more information, go to www.lsuagcenter.com/lahouse or www.lsuagcenter.com/lyn.
(Video 10/31/11) The relatively unknown bush clover is a drought-tolerant bush that blooms vibrant purple flowers throughout the fall. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains that these low-maintenance plants are a great addition to any landscape. (Runtime: 1:39)
News Release Distributed 10/07/11By LSU AgCenter Horticulturists Dan Gill, Kyle Huffstickler and Allen Owings Encore azaleas have gathered consideration attention over the past 10 years, but we need to remember we had great, fall-flowering – sometimes referred to a multi-seasonal-flowering – azaleas before the Encore varieties. A great example is the Fashion azalea variety. But another azalea group widely planted in Louisiana for fall blooming is the Robin Hill hybrids. These azaleas resulted from hybridization work conducted by Robert Gartrell of New Jersey in the 1950s and 1960s. These have large flowers on hardy plants, good form and foliage, and an intermediate growth size. Other main attributes are cold hardiness and an extended blooming season. Most years, Robin Hill azalea varieties will bloom for six months in Louisiana. You can get two to three months of bloom in spring and another three to four months in late summer through early winter. This group includes 70 varieties with 10-12 readily available in Louisiana. Louisiana nursery growers begin growing these popular azaleas in the 1980s, and they continue to be used around the state today. Varieties of the Robin Hill azaleas for Louisiana include Conversation Piece, Watchet, Nancy of Robin Hill, White Moon, Dorothy Rees, Roddy, Gwenda, Sir Robert and Sherbrook. Flower colors vary from white to pink, blush, bicolors and more. The newest variety is Freddy, a beautiful white-flowering sport of Watchet. It, however, is limited in availability for home gardeners right now. Some of the Robin Hill azaleas are being considered for Louisiana Super Plant status in the future. These azaleas are evergreen, just as most of the traditional azaleas. Most Robin Hill varieties are slow- to medium-growth-rate plants and reach mature heights of 3-4 feet with an equal spread. Just as with other azaleas, they prefer a partial sun to partial shade and need acid, well-drained soil. After planting and during the establishment phase, irrigate as needed to aid in plant establishment. Robin Hill azaleas should be pruned in spring within 2-4 weeks after the bloom cycle is completed. Fertilize in the spring also with a slow-release fertilizer after flowering. Mulch azalea beds with pine straw. Intermediate-growing azaleas, like Robin Hill varieties, work well in foundation plantings with Knock Out roses, Indian hawthorn, loropetalums and other popular shrubs. They are also great for use in beds underneath trees as a companion plant with hydrangeas and native shrubs. Including small-growing trees, such as redbuds and Japanese magnolias, add appeal to an azalea planting, and Japanese maples go great in azalea gardens as a smaller, signature, focal tree. Visit LaHouse in Baton Rouge to see sustainable landscape practices in action. The home and landscape resource center is near the intersection of Burbank Drive and Nicholson Drive (Louisiana Highway 30) in Baton Rouge, across the street from the LSU baseball stadium. For more information, go to www.lsuagcenter.com/lahouse or www.lsuagcenter.com/lyn.
News Release Distributed 10/06/11 When asked what Halloween means, kids usually put candy at the top of their list.
(Video 10/10/11) Louisiana Super Plants are outstanding plants for landscapes throughout the state. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how the Super Plant Redbor kale is an ornamental plant as well as an edible vegetable. (Runtime: 1:38)
(Distributed 10/24/11) SHREVEPORT, La. – The pecans may be smaller this year because of the drought, but the quality should be good, according to Randy Sanderlin, LSU AgCenter pecan specialist. The 2011 drought caused some trees to shed nuts in August. Yield will be affected statewide, but particularly in northwest Louisiana where the drought was more extreme.
(Distributed 10/20/11) Even though it’s early in the citrus season, producers say they have had a good growing season and expect an above-average crop this year.
(Distributed 10/06/11) MARSH ISLAND, La. – Herry Utomo, molecular geneticist at the LSU AgCenter Rice Research Station, looked over his crop of lush spartina, or smooth cordgrass, with satisfaction.
(Distributed 10/07/11) Fall is not complete without a visit to a corn maze or pumpkin patch. People in Louisiana who are looking for these activities can find them on the Internet, according to LSU AgCenter public relations and information specialist Pam Hodson.
(Distributed 10/03/11) With an eye to the future of bioenergy, the LSU AgCenter will offer four workshops for forest landowners and agricultural producers to help them identify opportunities in emerging markets for converting wood or agricultural crops into energy.
(Distributed 10/31/11) The LSU AgCenter’s 2011 poinsettia open house is set for Dec. 2 from 8 a.m. to noon at the Burden Center located at 4560 Essen Lane near the junction of I-10 in Baton Rouge.
(Distributed 10/03/11) The LSU AgCenter is strengthening its programs on human nutrition, Chancellor Bill Richardson said during a forum on childhood obesity in New Orleans Sept. 29.
(Distributed 10/04/11) Some people may be wondering if they should ever eat cantaloupe again. But LSU AgCenter food scientist Marlene Janes says she certainly plans to, although she recommends taking precautions.
(Distributed 10/27/11) MOUTON COVE, La. – Vermilion Parish 4-H leaders have been teaching two new words to 4-H Club members throughout the parish: resilient and subsidence.
(Distributed 10/04/11) MONROE, La. – Expanding the outdoor recreation industry on agricultural lands brings in revenue to help local economies, experts said at a paddling and canoeing business opportunities workshop.
(Distributed 10/10/11) ZWOLLE, La. – About 250 third-graders from eight schools in Sabine Parish learned about forestry, wildlife and furs, horses and gardening at the Zwolle Tamale Fiesta on Oct. 7.
(Distributed 10/25/11) BATON ROUGE, La. – In an effort to promote healthful eating habits and to provide food for those struggling in poverty, students at Westdale Heights Academic Magnet School learned about making the right choices related to food selections and conducted a food drive for the Baton Rouge Food Bank.
(Distributed 10/19/11) The LSU AgCenter’s 4-H Youth Wetlands Program will host a Louisiana Wetlands Exploration Day at Fairview-Riverside State Park in Madisonville on Tuesday, Oct. 25, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
(Distributed 10/05/11) The LSU AgCenter’s 4-H Youth Wetlands Program will host a Louisiana Wetlands Exploration Day at the LSU Hilltop Arboretum in Baton Rouge on Thursday, Oct. 20, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
(Distributed 10/07/11) JENNINGS, La. – Five agricultural aviation companies that serve the agricultural industry in Louisiana got their equipment tested recently (Oct. 4) at the Jennings airport with the help of the LSU AgCenter and the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry.
(Distributed 10/27/11) Baton Rouge area students learned about the importance of wetlands as part of Louisiana Wetlands Exploration Day on Oct. 20 at the Hilltop Arboretum.
(Distributed 10/13/11) Forage research and the importance of protein for dairy cattle will be highlighted at the LSU AgCenter dairy field day Dec. 8 at the Southeast Research Station in Franklinton.
(Distributed 10/31/11) ABBEVILLE, La. – Jayla Campbell, an eighth-grader from North Vermilion Catholic School, had never carved a pumpkin before the 4-H workshop held Monday (Oct. 31) at the Vermilion Parish Extension Office.
(Distributed 10/14/11) The LSU AgCenter School of Animal Sciences will hold its “From Cow to Cone” dairy education day at the 4-H Mini Farm Building on Nov. 2.
(Distributed 10/10/11) JENA, La. – Nineteen LaSalle Parish residents and elected officials have graduated from Lead LaSalle, a leadership and community development program of the LSU AgCenter and the LaSalle Economic Development District.
(Distributed 10/19/11) POLLOCK, La. – AT&T Louisiana donated $25,000 on Oct. 14 to the Grant Walker 4-H Educational Center Multipurpose Building Project.
(Distributed 10/04/11) The Louisiana 4-H Foundation has joined an online shopping mall hosted and sponsored by nonprofit organizations for the purpose of raising funds.
(Distributed 10/04/11) Former Baton Rouge resident Kellett Hathorn will be posthumously inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame on Oct. 7 for his lifetime achievements and contributions to 4-H.
(Distributed 10/03/11) The U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded the LSU AgCenter a five-year $17.2 million grant to speed up the process for developing biofuels and biochemicals from sugarcane and sweet sorghum.
(DIstributed 10/04/11) The LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station will hold their annual landscape horticulture field day for nursery, landscape and garden center professionals on October 18.
(Distributed 10/26/11) BATON ROUGE, La. – Socioeconomic status, rather than race, has the strongest effect on student achievement, according to a recent study conducted in the LSU School of Human Resource Education and Workforce Development.
(Distributed 10/05/11) The LSU AgCenter’s LaHouse will host two fall-themed events called “Haunted LaHouse” Thursday, Oct. 27, and Saturday, Oct. 29.
(Distributed 10/31/11) Landscapers, grounds crews, nursery staffs and others heard updates on research projects at the Hammond Research Station landscape field day on Oct. 18.
(Radio News 10/04/11) Farmers are close to wrapping up their soybean harvest. Harvest conditions have been ideal, but the growing season was not. Much of the state suffered with drought during spring and summer. LSU AgCenter soybean specialist Ronnie Levy explains. (Runtime: 1:20)
(Radio News 10/31/11) Louisiana sweet potato growers are harvesting an average to above average crop. LSU AgCenter sweet potato specialist Tara Smith says good weather during the harvest season has helped farmers get their potatoes in. (Runtime: 1:20)
(Video News 10/18/11) Trail riders, horse trainers and wanna-be cowgirls gathered with their horses at Parker Coliseum on LSU’s campus to learn to become Master Horsemen. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has the story. (Runtime: 1:36)
(Radio News 10/10/11) Participants of the LSU AgCenter's Master Horseman program attend eight, three-hour sessions where they learn knot tying, nutrition, groundwork and establishing communication and trust with their horse. LSU AgCenter horse specialist Neely Heidorn says that horse people tend to learn from other horse enthusiasts. (Runtime: 1:35)
(Video News 10/03/11) A grant will help Louisiana and other southeastern states develop biofuels. LSU AgCenter researchers working on the energy crops of sugarcane and sweet sorghum will benefit from the grant. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has the story. (Runtime: 2:02)
(Radio News 10/17/11) An LSU AgCenter forestry researcher is working on expanding Louisiana’s energy portfolio. Michael Blazier says Louisiana is fourth in the nation in terms of its fossil fuel production, and in its potential for producing biofuels from diverse biomass. Blazier is looking at growing switchgrass for bioenergy. (Runtime: 1:45)
(Radio News 10/21/11) Costumes and candy go hand in hand on Halloween, but LSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames suggests making some treats toys this year. Research shows children enjoy non-food favors just as much as candy. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Radio News 10/19/11) Pink abounds in October during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. LSU AgCenter nutritionists are promoting a healthful diet that can help prevent breast cancer and other forms of the disease. Heli Roy says the amounts and types of dietary fat you consume are important in cancer prevention. (Runtime: 1:45)
(Radio News 10/05/11) Louisiana’s cotton harvest started back in September with good harvesting conditions, but LSU AgCenter cotton specialist John Kruse says drought conditions during much of the growing season caused about $26 million in damage to the crop. (Runtime: 1:20)
(Radio News 10/25/11) The Louisiana 4-H Museum is now offering “Discovery Days,” an educational program series for groups of children ages 3 - 8. Children can learn about health and nature during these one-hour programs which include hands-on activities, stories, songs and rhymes. (Runtime: 1:10)
(Audio 10/28/11) The LSU AgCenter has released three new Louisiana Super Plants for fall 2011: Belinda’s Dream rose, Redbor kale and Swan columbine. These plants have undergone extensive research and are considered high-performing plants for all areas of Louisiana. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Video News 10/26/11) Switchgrass could be another source of energy from Louisiana and another source of income for landowners. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard spoke with a researcher growing switchgrass with pine trees. (Runtime: 1:54)
(Radio News 10/07/11) The outbreak of Listeria has raised food safety concerns. LSU AgCenter nutritionist and food safety expert Beth Reames says Listeria is a common microorganism. Most Listeria does not cause illness, but Listeria monocytogenes, found in the Colorado cantaloupes blamed for the outbreak, is deadly. (Runtime: 1:30)
(Video News 10/10/11) Drought conditions throughout most of the summer affected yields of Louisiana’s soybean and cotton crops. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard reports that despite challenges, yields are fair. (Runtime: 1:35)
(Radio News 10/24/11) Beautiful plants and the research that goes into them were on display at the LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station’s annual landscape horticulture field day. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Allen Owings says a focus of the station is to evaluate bedding plants, herbaceous perennials and roses in landscape situations. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 10/17/11) It's time to check your flower beds if your summer bedding plants are fading. Plant cool-season plants that will provide color through fall and winter and into spring. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(For Release On Or After 11/04/11) Louisiana gardeners seldom grow columbines (Aquilegia species and hybrids) in their flower gardens. This is likely due to unfamiliarity with columbines – there is no tradition of using columbines here in the Deep South – and lack of availability in local nurseries.
(For Release On Or After 10/21/11) Cooler mornings in October make it a joy to get out and work in the home vegetable garden. A number of delicious and nutritious vegetables will thrive in the coming cool season. Indeed, some of our favorite vegetables can only be grown in Louisiana from October through April.
(Video 10/24/11) The plant nandina is also called heavenly bamboo. It’s a tough, versatile shrub that can provide nice fall color. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains important differences among a number of nandina varieties. (Runtime: 1:41)
(Audio 10/17/11) Gardeners can change the color of their hydrangeas this month by applying lime or aluminum sulfate. Hydrangeas provide beautiful blooms during the summer. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Video 10/17/11) If you’re looking for a plant that blooms during the fall every year, then sedums would be a dependable choice. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how these tough plants come in different sizes and shapes. (Runtime: 1:38)
(Video 10/10/11) Louisiana Super Plants are outstanding plants for landscapes throughout the state. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how the Super Plant Redbor kale is an ornamental plant as well as an edible vegetable. (Runtime: 1:38)
(Audio 10/17/11) Spring-flowering bulbs are available at nurseries and garden centers. Most spring bulbs are planted in November or December. Hyacinth and tulip bulbs should be chilled in the refrigerator and planted in late December or January. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(For Release On Or After 11/18/11) Flowers are the delight of gardeners. Their beautiful colors, shapes and fragrances are the inspiration for gardening efforts by countless hobby horticulturists. There is more to flowers, however, than meets the eye – or the nose. Your taste buds can also appreciate the many edible flowers that we can grow.
(Audio 10/24/11) Louisiana wildflowers put on an outstanding display in the fall. Look around and notice what's out there - wonderful plants like the narrow-leaf sunflower and asters. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 10/31/11) Louisiana Super Plants program promotes outstanding plants for Louisiana landscapes. Selections for this year include Belinda's Dream rose, Redbor kale and Swan columbine. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 10/24/11) In fall, you may hear about winterizing your lawn. This means applying the mineral nutrient potassium to the lawn. All plants need potassium, but winterizing the lawn is optional. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 10/10/11) Many of the herbs that Louisiana cooks enjoy using grow well in winter. Check local nurseries for transplants of popular herbs. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 10/17/11) Scale insects are difficult to diagnose on plants. Once they are visible, they have settled on the plant and never move again. They also protect themselves with a shell and don't really look like bugs. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(For Release On Or After 10/28/11) We’ve become accustomed to running out and buying flats or pots of blooming bedding plants to create “instant flower gardens.” This last-minute approach, however, will simply not work when using spring-flowering bulbs in the landscape. If you want beautiful beds of daffodils, tulips or Dutch irises next spring, you should think about planting them now.
(Audio 10/31/11) Leaves on evergreens can change colors and drop. Gardeners who notice yellowing leaves on their evergreens should not be concerned if the plant appears otherwise healthy. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 10/31/11) Many deciduous trees will start to drop leaves in November. Those leaves are valuable to gardeners. Consider raking them up and using them as mulch, and remember if you let them stay on the lawn, they can damage the grass. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 10/10/11) Louisiana deciduous trees drop most of their leaves in November and December. Plan now to use these leaves as mulch or to turn them into compost. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 10/31/11) Gardeners looking for fall bedding plants should consider two Louisiana Super Plants. The Amazon dianthus and Camelot foxglove were fall 2010 super plants, but they should be readily available at nurseries and garden centers again this year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(For Release On Or After 10/7/11) Belinda’s Dream rose is the first Louisiana Super Plant selection to be announced for the fall 2011 season. With beautiful flowers, excellent disease resistance and a bushy growth habit, it well deserves the recognition.
(Video 10/31/11) The relatively unknown bush clover is a drought-tolerant bush that blooms vibrant purple flowers throughout the fall. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains that these low-maintenance plants are a great addition to any landscape. (Runtime: 1:39)
(Audio 10/17/11) Caladiums have gone dormant by now. The tubers can be saved from year to year. Dig up your tubers this month, and let the foliage dry. Store them inside your home so they can survive through the winter. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 10/10/11) Louisiana vegetable gardeners can plant strawberry plants in fall. If you want strawberries in spring, plant them soon. Look for Louisiana varieties at local garden centers. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 10/10/11) Gardeners often put their container plants outside for the summer. When winter approaches, move your plants to a shady location. This will prepare them for the move back inside. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 10/24/11) Before you go to the nursery to purchase cool-season bedding plants, consider preparing your beds first. This way you'll only buy the plants needed to fill those beds. Think about a color scheme and how much mulch you will need to cover the beds. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 10/10/11) October brings relief from summer heat. It can be one of our drier months, too. But with cooler weather we may forget our plants still need water. If a dry spell occurs during the next few weeks, be sure to irrigate the plants in your landscape. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(For Release On Or After 10/14/11) Redbor kale is the first edible Louisiana Super Plants selection.
(For Release On Or After 11/11 /11) The vegetables we grow in Louisiana during the cool season are some of the most delicious and nutritious that our home gardens can produce. Many of the vegetables we planted in late summer and early fall are ready to harvest – or will be soon. It is important to harvest vegetables at the proper stage for best results.
(Audio 10/24/11) Chrysanthemums symbolize the fall season in flower beds. They are triggered to bloom when the nights are long. You can find blooming plants available, but choose a plant with plenty of unopened buds so you can have a long season of color. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 10/31/11) Gardeners can plant a number of cool-season vegetables into their vegetable gardens in November. Many popular vegetables such as leafy vegetables, root crops and cole crops can tolerate cold weather. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 10/24/11) Storms and high winds are common in Louisiana in the summer. Trees in your landscape may have suffered broken limbs. This is a good time to inspect your trees that may have been damaged. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
