Agriculture

Chaste trees make a great accent planting for the landscape. (Photo by Anna Ribbeck/LSU AgCenter)

Vitex is one of Louisiana’s finest blooming trees

Harlan Kirgan

Friday, May 31, 2024

If you’ve admired the stunning display of purple flowers in the landscape in recent weeks, you’ve witnessed one of Louisiana’s finest blooming small trees or large shrubs: the vitex, also known as the chaste tree.

Setting up a memorial garden can be a deeply personal and therapeutic process. (Photo by Heather Kirk-Ballard/LSU AgCenter)

Memorial gardens: Living tributes to loved ones

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Friday, May 24, 2024

Memorial gardens offer a beautiful and meaningful way to honor family members, friends and even pets who have passed away.

The LSU AgCenter H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research Station will hold its 115th annual field day June 25. In this photo, Adam Famoso, AgCenter rice breeder and resident coordinator of the station, addresses attendees at the event last year. (LSU AgCenter file photo)

June 25 field day to showcase AgCenter rice research

Harlan Kirgan

Wednesday, May 22, 2024

The LSU AgCenter H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research Station will open its doors to visitors June 25 for its 115th annual field day, where research projects aimed at developing new rice varieties, managing pests and improving other aspects of production will be showcased.

Porterweed is a great nectar source for pollinators. (Photo by Ashley Hickman/ LSU AgCenter)

Porterweed is a pollinator magnet and Super Plant for summer 2024g

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Friday, May 10, 2024

The buzz around planting for pollinators is not a new trend. In fact, we celebrate National Pollinator Week each June, and the month of May has been designated as Garden for Wildlife Month, according to the National Wildlife Federation.

Large flower heads on tall stalks make zinnias excellent cut flower selections

Zesty zinnias named Louisiana Super Plant for spring 2024

Harlan Kirgan

Friday, May 3, 2024

I am pleased to share that Zesty zinnias (Zinnia elegans) have been named a Louisiana Super Plant for spring 2024. Zinnias are beloved flowers for the garden for their bright, cheerful colors and large flower heads on tall, single stalks.

The central theme of gothic gardens is dark. (Photo by Heather Kirk-Ballard/LSU AgCenter)

Dark shades for a thrilling gothic garden

Harlan Kirgan

Friday, April 26, 2024

Gardening has seen many trends in the past 200 years. Many reflect societal shifts, technological advances and ever-evolving aesthetic changes. The early 19th century highlighted the Victorian age, when many landscape designs used bedding plants placed in complex patterns.

Friend or foe: Vermiculite, perlite and horticultural grit

Harlan Kirgan

Friday, April 19, 2024

Vermiculite, perlite, and horticultural grit can be added and mixed with compost to make your soil more open structured, more free-flowing, and free-draining. However, they each have different qualities and do not necessarily work the same way.

Right now is a great time to get those vegetable gardens growing. (Photo by Heather Kirk-Ballard/LSU AgCenter)

Spring showers to summer flowers checklist

Harlan Kirgan

Friday, April 19, 2024

As we transition from the lower temperatures of winter to the vibrant energy of spring, gardeners throughout the state are rolling up their sleeves, ready to nurture their green spaces into lush, blooming spaces.

Fire ants can bite and sting. Venom causes the stinging pain. (Photo by Claudia Hussender/LSU AgCenter)

Fighting fire ants

Harlan Kirgan

Friday, April 12, 2024

Fire ants are formidable pests in gardens and landscapes. They’re known for their painful bites and stings due to venom.

Southern highbush blueberries, needing fewer chill hours, are ideal for mild winters and bear fruit earlier in the season. Photo by Heather Kirk-Ballard/LSU AgCenter

Louisiana blueberry harvest season arrives

Harlan Kirgan

Friday, April 5, 2024

It’s blueberry harvest season. Blueberries are packed with important nutrients, including vitamins and ascorbic acid. They’re also a superior source of antioxidants such as anthocyanins, procyanidins, chlorogenic acid and various flavonoid compounds.