State

Grow your own cut flowers and take a stab at floral arrangement at home. (Photo by Heather Kirk-Ballard/LSU AgCenter)

Grow your own cut flowers and take a stab at floral arrangement at home. (Photo by Heather Kirk-Ballard/LSU AgCenter)

Celebrating love and floral beauty in February

As February unfolds, hearts beat a little faster in anticipation of two significant events: Valentine’s Day on Feb. 14 and National Floral Design Day on Feb. 28. These occasions not only mark the celebration of love but also honor the artistry and beauty of flowers.
Gardening trends include planting to save the planet. Gardeners can plant fast-growing native trees, native grasses and herbaceous perennials. (Photo by Anna Ribbeck/LSU AgCenter)

Gardening trends include planting to save the planet. Gardeners can plant fast-growing native trees, native grasses and herbaceous perennials. (Photo by Anna Ribbeck/LSU AgCenter)

Native plants, moon gardens and cyber lime are gardening trends to watch in 2024

Every year, a series of gardening surveys is conducted to determine evolving trends in home gardening, consumer interests, perspectives and the types of information they value.
Mike Francis

Mike Francis

Energy program splits PSC

In a meeting that boiled over with testy exchanges and chanting crowds, Louisiana utility regulators adopted a long-awaited energy efficiency program they say will bring accountability to utility companies and stop them from charging customers for power they don’t use.
Sensitive plants such as tropical plants will suffer from freezing temperatures. Wait to prune until the spring when all danger of freezing has passed.

Sensitive plants such as tropical plants will suffer from freezing temperatures. Wait to prune until the spring when all danger of freezing has passed.

What to do in the garden after a freeze

Put down the pruning shears. With freezing temperatures across Louisiana and a dose of ice, sleet and even snow in some places, all of our gardens probably have suffered some damage.

Port of New Orleans funding announced

President Biden and U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced on Thursday more than $4.
Cleco

Cleco

Cleco asks Louisiana nonprofits to apply for corporate giving program funds

On Jan. 2, 1984, in the library of Central Middle School, 21 young ladies met and the dream of Maryland Graham became a reality, for the Eunice Branch of the National Association of University Women was now official. Helena Patton, the sectional director in Louisiana, assisted by Ezora J.

Louisiana state income tax filing begins Jan. 29

The Louisiana Department of Revenue (LDR) will begin accepting 2023 state individual income tax returns on Jan. 29. On Jan. 29, taxpayers can begin filing their state income tax returns electronically through Louisiana File Online, the state’s free web portal for individual tax filers.
Frozen blooms of Japanese magnolias will become mushy when ice thaws. (LSU AgCenter file photo)

Frozen blooms of Japanese magnolias will become mushy when ice thaws. (LSU AgCenter file photo)

Proactive steps to protect your plants

By Heather Kirk-Ballard LSU AgCenter horticulturist When winter weather forecasts call for freezing temperatures, it’s crucial to take proactive steps to safeguard both your home and plants from the impending cold snap.
LSU AgCenter economist Michael Deliberto speaks during the Louisiana Agricultural Outlook Forum Jan. 10 at the State Evacuation Shelter near Alexandria. (Photo by Olivia McClure/LSU AgCenter)

LSU AgCenter economist Michael Deliberto speaks during the Louisiana Agricultural Outlook Forum Jan. 10 at the State Evacuation Shelter near Alexandria. (Photo by Olivia McClure/LSU AgCenter)

Farmers should get some relief on input costs in 2024 challenges likely to remain

After a year of economic challenges amplified by unfavorable weather, Louisiana farmers recently got some good news from LSU AgCenter experts. The costs of inputs like fertilizer and fuel, while still high, are trending downward.
Gov. Jeff Landry shakes hands with Louisiana lawmakers while entering the State Capitol’s House chamber on Jan. 15, the first day of a special session on redistricting and election matters. (Michael Johnson/The Advocate, Pool)

Gov. Jeff Landry shakes hands with Louisiana lawmakers while entering the State Capitol’s House chamber on Jan. 15, the first day of a special session on redistricting and election matters. (Michael Johnson/The Advocate, Pool)

Bipartisan push for Louisiana’s second majority-Black congressional district

On the first day of a federal court-ordered redistricting special session, which also fell on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Louisiana’s elected officials appeared to adopt a motto from the civil rights leader. “It’s never the wrong time to do the right thing,” King said in a 1964 speech.