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The Duke and Duchess charmed all

Jim Bradshaw
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)

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Celebrating love and floral beauty in February

Heather Kirk-Ballard / LSU AgCenter horticulturist
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)

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

Heather Kirk-Ballard / LSU AgCenter horticulturist
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

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Energy program splits PSC

Wesley Muller / Louisiana Illuminator
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.
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.

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What to do in the garden after a freeze

Heather Kirk-Ballard / LSU AgCenter horticulturist
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.

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Port of New Orleans funding announced

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, January 26, 2024
President Biden and U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced on Thursday more than $4.9 billion in funding from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to 37 projects through two major discretionary grant programs, the National Infrastructure Project Assistance (Mega) grant...

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Louisiana state income tax filing begins Jan. 29

Harlan Kirgan
Wednesday, January 24, 2024
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)

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Proactive steps to protect your plants

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, January 19, 2024
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)

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

Olivia McClure / omcclure@agcenter.lsu.edu
Friday, January 19, 2024
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.