State

Multiple species of periodical cicadas, including this Magicicada tredecim, have historically existed in Louisiana. Photo courtesy of Louisiana State Arthropod Museum

Multiple species of periodical cicadas, including this Magicicada tredecim, have historically existed in Louisiana. Photo courtesy of Louisiana State Arthropod Museum

For the first time since 1803, two broods of cicadas to emerge at the same time

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, February 23, 2024
For the first time since 1803, two broods of periodical cicadas — one that appears every 17 years and another that emerges every 13 years — will come from the ground simultaneously in the United States this spring and summer.
The lily was named plant of the year by the National Garden Bureau. They make great cut flowers, and they grow well in the garden. (Photo by Heather Kirk-Ballard/LSU AgCenter)

The lily was named plant of the year by the National Garden Bureau. They make great cut flowers, and they grow well in the garden. (Photo by Heather Kirk-Ballard/LSU AgCenter)

Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, February 23, 2024
Every year, the National Garden Bureau shines a spotlight on a select group of plants, and for 2024, the lily has been chosen as one of those deserving special recognition.

Don Breaux was serious lawman, usually

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, February 23, 2024
I have been trying to recreate in my mind’s eye just how much the driveway dipped behind the old Lafayette City Hall at the point of Jefferson and Lee Streets. I’m doing it because that dipping drive nearly got Donald Breaux fired from the job that began a remarkable law enforcement career.
Potatoes can be harvested by digging carefully around the roots and gently pulling the plants from the soil. (Photo by Kathryn Fontenot/LSU AgCenter)

Potatoes can be harvested by digging carefully around the roots and gently pulling the plants from the soil. (Photo by Kathryn Fontenot/LSU AgCenter)

Potato-planting time arrives in Louisiana

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, February 16, 2024
Are you ready for spud season? If you want to grow your own potatoes, it’s time to dig into the dirt and get planting. Not only are potatoes simple to grow, but they also pack a punch of essential nutrients, including calcium, iron, potassium and vitamins B6 and C.

The Duke and Duchess charmed all

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, February 16, 2024
There was a big scandal when King Edward VIII abdicated the British throne in 1936 to marry the twice-divorced American socialite Wallis Simson. But that was ancient history by the time the couple made an ever-so-brief appearance on Opelousas.
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

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, February 9, 2024
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

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, February 2, 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

(not verified)
Friday, January 26, 2024
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.
Former New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees has been named of king of Washington Mardi Gras. A poster of him decorates the lobby of the Washington Hilton, where Washington Mardi Gras is held. (Photo by Julie O’Donoghue/Louisiana Illuminator)

Former New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees has been named of king of Washington Mardi Gras. A poster of him decorates the lobby of the Washington Hilton, where Washington Mardi Gras is held. (Photo by Julie O’Donoghue/Louisiana Illuminator)

Louisianians throw a party in Washington

(not verified)
Friday, January 26, 2024
Official events didn’t kick off until Thursday, but thousands of Louisianians started to arrive Wednesday for the rolling, four-day political festival called Washington Mardi Gras. The 75-year-old party culminated Saturday with a ball, indoor parade and costumed krewe members.
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

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, January 26, 2024
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.