(11/13/19) BATON ROUGE, La. — Louisiana gardeners and others have a chance to “Get It Growing” next year with the new 2020 calendar from the LSU AgCenter.

Like previous editions, the LSU AgCenter Get It Growing calendar provides gardening enthusiasts with opportunities to learn more about their craft and to enjoy beautiful garden photos.

“The 2020 calendar is a showcase for one of the LSU AgCenter’s most popular information areas,” said Elma Sue McCallum, of LSU AgCenter Communications, who serves as the calendar’s coordinator.

“The AgCenter is a resource for Louisiana homeowners and gardeners who want to improve and maintain their yards and gardens,” she said. “The Get It Growing calendar provides a wealth of information geared to the seasons of the year that are unique to Louisiana.”

In addition to monthly gardening tips, the calendar features a special section on edible landscapes with advice from LSU AgCenter statewide consumer horticulturist and spokesperson for the LSU AgCenter Get It Growing program, Heather Kirk-Ballard.

“The calendar includes monthly tips that accompany beautiful photos of flowers, plants and gardens. It is a must-have for expert or novice Louisiana gardeners. With the holidays approaching, it also makes a nice gift,” McCallum said.

The 9-inch-by-13.25-inch, full-color, 32-page 2020 calendar includes an illustrated, step-by-step guide to creating a raised bed. It also provides a list of AgCenter lawn and garden publications along with information on the LSU AgCenter Master Gardener program and the AgCenter Plant Disease Diagnostic Clinic and Soil Testing and Plant Analysis labs.

Photographs for the calendar are chosen each year through a public call for entries in the fall. The 2020 calendar winners include Ronald Austin, of Shreveport; Glenda Balliviero and Norman Balliviero of Belle Chasse; Claudia Husseneder, of St. Gabriel; Debra Jones, of Walker; Igor Kamalov, of Baton Rouge; Hanna Kwasik, of New Orleans; Catherine Lorio, of Oscar; Nadine Melancon, of Lafayette; Conchita Richey, of Gonzales; Pat Riddick, of Baton Rouge; Rhoda Stevenson, of Campti; Maureen Theriot, of Harvey; and Dale M. Ulkins, of Baton Rouge

The Get It Growing calendar sells for $11.95 and can be purchased online at www.lsuagcenter.com/GetItGrowingCalendar. Phone orders can be placed by calling 225-578-2263. Sample photos and more information are available on the website.

Created as part of the AgCenter Get It Growing educational campaign for home lawns and gardens, the calendar is also sold at many bookstores, garden centers and gift shops across Louisiana.

With gorgeous flower heads that resemble spikes, celosia (Celosia spicata) are annual-blooming flowers that are a great addition to the landscape. They take very little maintenance and show off with blooms from summer to fall. Photo by Norman Balliviero, Belle Chase, Louisiana

Delicate and airy, cosmos (Cosmos sulphureus) are annual plants with a bloom time from early summer to late fall. They are easy to grow and are both heat and drought tolerant.They bloom best in full sun and attract many bees and butterflies. Photo by Claudia Husseneder, St. Gabriel, Louisiana

Caladiums (Caladium x hortulanum) are among the most interesting plants because of their heart-shaped leaves, which have many combinations of red, pink, white and green. They are a great selection for shady areas. Sun-tolerant varieties also are available. Photo by Catherine Lorio, Oscar, Louisiana

The water lily (Nymphaea spp.) is a wonderful addition to water gardens for colorful blooms from May to October. Photo by Nadine Melancon, Lafayette, Louisiana