(Video 06/29/15) The delicate white flowers of baby’s breath are used to enhance a floral bouquet. But the newer baby’s breath euphorbia adds the perfect touch to a summer landscape. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to this drought-tolerant plant. (Runtime: 01:40)
(Audio 06/22/15) Wet, muggy Louisiana weather tends to attract more snails and slugs to gardens. To get rid of these pests, try using baits or beer traps. Listen for more tips on dealing with snails and slugs in your garden. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 06/22/15) Profusion zinnias, a hybrid between zinnia angustifolia and zinnia elegans, perform beautifully in flower beds despite the intense summer heat in Louisiana. Unlike zinnia elegans, Profusion zinnias don't have problems with insects and diseases. Listen for more information on these beautiful summer flowers. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 06/22/15) Every once in a while, knees produced by baldcypress trees become a problem in landscapes. Thankfully, there is something you can do to remove the knee without damaging the tree. Listen for more information on dealing with cypress knees in your landscape. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 06/22/15) Although petunias are an extremely popular bedding plant, these flowers usually begin to languish around June or July. If you want petunias that are more heat-tolerant, try planting Wave petunias. Listen for more information on petunias in the summer. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 06/22/15) Tarragon is a delicious herb that can be added to numerous dishes such as chicken and vegetables. Since French tarragon cannot withstand the Louisiana heat, try planting Mexican tarragon for a tasty alternative. Listen for more information on growing Mexican tarragon. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Video 06/22/15) Day lilies are beautiful, low-maintenance perennials that bloom dependably every summer. Some day lilies even bloom more than once a year. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to these delicately ornamented summer favorites. (Runtime: 01:46)
(Audio 06/15/15) Pentas are great flowers for adding color to your summer garden. These flowers come in a variety of colors and will bloom throughout the summer. Listen for more information on beautiful pentas. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 06/15/15) Because of their height, trees in our landscapes are vulnerable to being struck by lightening. If one of your trees is struck, you may have to wait six to twelve months to find out whether or not your tree is going to survive. Listen for more advice on dealing with trees that have been struck. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 06/15/15) Although container plants are great for placing on patios or decks in the summer, be wary of the water damage the drainage can cause to wood. Boost your container plants by placing stones or bricks underneath them. Listen for more tips on container plant placement. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 06/15/15) Caterpillars are a major problem for ornamentals, vegetables, and fruit trees. To get rid of these pests you can either handpick them off of your plants or use an organic pesticide. Listen for more information on caterpillar control. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 06/15/15) Gardenias are refreshingly fragrant flowers typical to Southern gardens. When gardenia bushes finish blooming in June, it is important to do any pruning before they set their buds for next year in July. Listen for more information on pruning gardenias. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Video 06/15/15) With lots of rain, we worry about proper drainage for most plants. But some thrive in a water-saturated environment. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to a few that love soggy soils. (Runtime: 01:47)
(Audio 06/08/15) If you're a Louisiana gardener, make sure you're taking measures to protect yourself from the summer heat when working in your yard for long periods of time. Drink plenty of fluids, garden in the shade, and wear loose comfortable clothes. Listen for more tips on staying safe in this summer heat. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 06/08/15) It's important to pay attention to pruning your once-blooming roses after they produce flowers in late April and early May. By pruning now, your plant has enough time to produce new growth that will yield flowers next year. Listen for more tips on pruning once-blooming roses. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 06/08/15) Horticulturists define a sucker as an undesirable fast-growing shoot. It is very important to deal with suckers properly, particularly when pruning. Listen for more information on dealing with suckers in your landscape. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 06/08/15) Although there are various diseases and pests that can be detrimental to our lawn in the summertime, slime mold is relatively harmless. Slime mold may look terrible, but it actually helps decay organic matter in our lawns. Listen for more information on these fungus-like organisms. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 06/08/15) Contrary to popular belief, lichens are not parasites. However, lichens do tend to grow more easily on weak and struggling plants. Listen for more information on what to do if you notice excessive lichen growth on your plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(For Release On 06/19/15) Summer-flowering vines can provide color, fragrance and interest to Louisiana landscapes. They can also provide screening and even shade if they are allowed to cover an overhead structure. Indeed, no other group of plants can provide the same effects as vines.
(For Release On 06/26/15) Landscapes are dynamic creations that are always changing. Plants grow larger. New plants are added along the way. Plants die. Even trees may be lost in storms. Over the years, a landscape can change radically from its original look.
(For Release On 06/12/15) If you picked dewberries or blackberries from the wild as a child (or adult) and miss those wonderful, shiny black fruit bursting with sweet juice, you’ll be glad to know that blackberries are easy and productive in the home garden.
(For Release On 06/05/15) Adequate moisture is critically important to landscape plants, but too much rain or excessive watering can bring problems of its own. We’ve seen a wet spring and early summer this year, and it has caused a variety of problems. Wet soil can create stressful conditions for bedding plants, vegetables, shrubs and even trees – especially those planted this year.
(Video 06/08/15) If you’re looking for eye-catching flowers for your garden, celosia is a great choice. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill describes the different types of celosia and their dependability for surviving hot summer conditions. (Runtime: 01:24)
(Video 06/01/15) Color for summer gardens doesn’t have to come from bedding plants alone. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains why the tropical vine mandevilla is perfect for abundant blooms throughout the hottest months. (Runtime: 01:41)
(Audio 06/01/15) Vine ripened tomatoes produce some of the best quality and flavor. You can pick ripe tomatoes out of your garden and use them in your kitchen right away. Listen for more information on tomato care and harvesting. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 06/01/15) Creating compost by recycling the organic waste that your landscape produces is one of the best things you can do for your garden. This allows your landscape to function without dealing with unnecessary debris. Listen for more information explaining how compost helps your home garden. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 06/01/15) June is the month when hurricane season kicks into gear. It is important to watch your landscape with the possibility of high winds in mind. Listen for information on making sure your landscape is prepared for hurricane season. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 06/01/15) Mowing lawns is a huge part of landscape care in the summer. Cutting your grass regularly and at the proper height is one of the most important things you can do to keep your grass healthy. Listen for more information on summer lawn care. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 06/01/15) There is a special group of vegetables that you can plant in your summer garden that do extremely well tolerating the heat. Some of these plants include cantaloupe, collards, eggplant, and okra. Listen for more information on these delicious summer vegetables and plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)