(03/03/17) BATON ROUGE, La. – As Louisiana gardeners prepare for the warmer days of the coming spring many are anticipating that first opportunity to begin work in their gardens and flowerbeds.

The LSU AgCenter has announced its lineup of spring garden shows that will kick off in March and continue into April in Baton Rouge, Lake Charles and New Orleans.

March 18-19, Baton Rouge

The 15th annual Baton Rouge Spring Garden Show is set for March 18-19 at the John M. Parker Coliseum on Highland Road in Baton Rouge.

The show will run from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. each day and include numerous vendors selling plants and a tremendous variety of yard, garden and patio merchandise.

LSU AgCenter horticulturist David Himelrick said the floor of the coliseum will be transformed into a world of plants and gardens for the event.

“You also will be able to walk next door and talk to some of the world’s best chili cooks,” Himelrick said.

In addition to the garden show and the 11th annual Louisiana State and Regional Chili Cook-off, participants also can visit the eighth annual Baton Rouge Spring Car Show.

Children’s activities also will be available.

For more information contact Himelrick at 225-578-2158.

March 24-25, Lake Charles

The 2017 Southwest Louisiana Garden Conference and Expo will be held March 24-25 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day at the Burton Coliseum, 7001 Gulf Highway in Lake Charles. Admission is $3 for individuals 13 years old or older.

The 18th annual show will include includes information about gardening, flowers, trees, shrubs, garden accessories, books, demonstrations, educational lectures and general garden tools.

Exhibitors and vendors will be on hand to supply products and information about plants and garden needs. The Federated Garden Clubs of Southwest Louisiana 2017 flower show will display their floral design and horticulture talents.

Programs about garden topics of interest will be presented by LSU AgCenter specialists as well as other guest speakers.

"The Garden Expo is a wholesome, educational environment and the perfect activity to bring together friends and families," said LSU AgCenter extension horticulturist Robert Turley.

LSU AgCenter professionals and Master Gardener volunteers will conduct a plant health clinic to diagnose plant problems and answer garden questions. The 4-H Cart Service will help visitors carry items to their vehicles.

More information is available at www.gardenfest.org or by contacting Turley at 337-475-8812 or rturley@agcenter.lsu.edu.

April 8-9, New Orleans

The 38th annual New Orleans Spring Garden Show will be held at the City Park Botanical Garden on April 8 from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and on April 9 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

LSU AgCenter horticulture agent Lee Rouse said the show will feature plant and garden products, exhibits and sales throughout the garden; a kid’s discovery area; educational programs; music; and arts and crafts.

Master Gardeners and LSU AgCenter horticulture experts will be available to answer questions from homeowners, who also may bring soil samples for analysis by the LSU AgCenter Soil Testing Lab.

Admission is $8 for adults and $4 for children ages 5-12. Children under 5 and members of Friends of City Park may enter for free.

For additional information, contact Anna Timmerman at 504-736-6519.