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Nurturing your Garden in Late Summer

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 14:53:57 GMT

As we ride out this last stretch of summer, it’s time to start looking forward to fall gardening weather. Here is a list of what to do in the garden and landscape into September.

Watering: Help struggling plants survive drought stress by watering them early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are cooler. This reduces water loss due to evaporation and allows the plants to absorb water more effectively. Be sure to water deeply at the base of the plant. This encourages plants to develop deep root systems, making them more resilient to drought.

Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to deliver water directly to the soil at the base of the plants. This minimizes evaporation and helps prevent wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. Establish a watering schedule to keep track during extended drought periods. Lastly, avoid fertilizing during periods of drought and heat stress, as this can increase water demand and stress the plants even further.

Rose care: This is the time of year we typically recommend trimming ever-blooming roses by a third for new blooms in October and November. Pruning plants during a drought requires a more cautious approach. Pruning can have both positive and negative effects on plants during drought conditions, so it's important to assess the situation carefully.

Pruning during drought can help reduce the water demand of the plant by decreasing the overall foliage and transpiration rate. Removing dead, damaged and nonessential growth allows the plant to allocate its limited resources more efficiently to the parts that matter most for its survival.

But pruning during a drought period can also exacerbate the stress plants are experiencing due to water scarcity. Pruning can temporarily slow down growth and recovery.

Some guidelines for pruning during drought conditions are to limit pruning to essential tasks such as removing dead, diseased and damaged canes. Avoid heavy pruning or shaping cuts that can lead to significant water loss through wounds. If you decide to prune, do so early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are cooler to minimize stress on the plant.

Keep a close eye on the pruned plants and be sure to water them appropriately. Newly pruned plants may require extra attention and care to recover.

After removing canes from your roses, disinfect pruners to prevent disease spread. When removing diseased material, rinse your pruners in a 10% bleach solution and then in water before making any new cuts. This will help prevent the transfer of disease to other parts of the plant or other plants in the garden.

Do not prune once-blooming roses, as you may reduce the blooms for next year. You may remove any dead or diseased canes, however. Hold off fertilizing until temperatures and rain become more consistent.

Fungal disease prevention: Spray roses for blackspot and powdery mildew using appropriate fungicides. You may choose to use triforine, thiophanate methyl or copper oleate. Follow manufacturer’s directions carefully. Rake up and remove all fallen leaves to prevent further infection of rose bushes and dispose of them in the trash. Do not compost infected plant material.

Bed maintenance: Trim and stake tall plants and deadhead annuals, perennials and vines. Remove tired plants and think about replacements for cooler weather. Start selecting cool-season annuals and perennials for the landscape. This is also a great time to start thinking about what trees and shrubs to plant in the fall.

Lawn care: Watch for chinch bug damage, treating with insecticides if necessary. Fire ants are a problem on the lawn as well. Treat with granular baits if needed.

Transplanting and vegetables: You can transfer fall tomato plants. Be sure to monitor for pests and diseases. You’ll be able to replace spent summer crops with broccoli, cabbage, kale and more in the upcoming months. Consider keeping productive spring plants like eggplants and peppers.

Complete these tasks to ensure your garden thrives into the fall and remains resilient against drought and heat and the threat of hurricanes.

Simple Transformations: Summer to Fall Container Gardens

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 14:48:05 GMT

There’s no need to completely rework your summer containers to give them fall flair. Instead, here’s some ideas for updating existing container gardens (or, if you’re inspired, potting up new ones), including one plant to add for instant drama, and a zero-effort, lazy-gardener’s trick for covering a bare spot.

1. Add bold foliage plants.
Swap tired warm-season flowers for richly colored foliage plants, leaving mature evergreens and long-lasting perennials in place. Add height to the design, with brightly colored foliage plants providing seasonal interest.

Plants you may have in your container, like coleus and sweet potato vine, that are not winter-hardy, could be traded for dianthus and petunias moving into the holidays.

2. Tuck in cool-season flowers.
After removing summer annuals past their prime, fill in the gaps with cool-season bloomers in fall colors. Although they may look tender and delicate, pansies are actually some of the most cold-tolerant annual flowers. We advise waiting until the nighttime temperatures stay consistently in the 60s for planting pansies.

For a rich autumn color palette, choose pansies in vibrant hues like orange, gold, red and deep purple or bicolored combinations, avoiding pastel pinks, blues and pale yellows. Combine them with coral bells, another cool-season favorite, for a long-lasting display.

3. Plant an ornamental grass for instant drama.
To give some serious pizazz to existing container gardens by adding just one plant, reach for Purple Fountain Grass. The dramatic ornamental grass can reach 3 to 5 feet tall and 2 to 4 feet wide (although usually smaller in containers) with a vase-like shape topped with fuzzy purple seed heads.

4. Play up texture.
Consider adding one or more textural ingredients like plants with berries, twiggy branches, grassy leaves or broad foliage.

Even easier: Add texture without planting by sticking dried curly willow branches or ornamental seedpods from floral displays into the pot.

5. Pop in late-blooming perennials.
We have plenty of late-summer and fall-blooming perennials. Just adding a few coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, or chrysanthemums can transform existing container displays. The flowers will add color through fall and come back in spring for another bloom period.

6. Incorporate dark foliage.
Deepen existing container designs with the addition of one or more cool-tolerant, dark-leaved plants, like an ornamental pepper Black Olive variety.

7. Cover a bare patch with a pumpkin.
It’s a great gardener’s hack! If you’ve pulled out some tired-looking summer annuals but don’t have the time to hunt down a replacement plant, plunk a pumpkin down to cover the bare spot.

8. Reshuffle your container layout.
Sometimes all containers need is a regrouping, rather than a replanting, for a fresh perspective. Take stock of all your potted plants and see which ones could work together as part of a fall container vignette. Do you have ornamental grasses in one pot that complement the leaf tones of a plant in a container across the yard? If the light requirements of the plants match, move the containers together as a combination.

9. Change the underplanting.
Update the look of containers with shrubs, small trees or mature vines without any major repotting by changing any low-growing plants beneath them.

The Fall Migration: Hummingbirds in Acadiana

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 14:43:06 GMT

In mid-August, the Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds are back in our area for their fall migration! Since you can expect to see increasing numbers of them, stock your feeders and yard with plants to attract & fuel them for their long journey south!

The Ruby-Throated Hummingbird, the East Coast’s most common hummingbird, is certainly one of the most fantastic creatures in Gulf Coast gardens. These garden jewels will stay with us until they begin to migrate further South, usually in mid-October. To understand why we see so many hummingbirds in spring and fall, and very few or none in summer or winter, let’s learn a little bit about these fascinating friends.

Considered the acrobats of the natural world, hummingbirds are an endless source of amazement. Not requiring forward thrust to maintain flight, the peerless hummingbird can hover in place, perform somersaults, or even fly backwards and upside down! Their behavior is also quite spirited. Hummingbirds are extremely active, territorial, and even aggressive, behaving much like tiny little warriors, competing for the best food and shelter. And all this from the smallest feathered animals on earth.

The metabolism of a hummingbird is extraordinary. Their hearts beat a staggering 1,200 times per minute, whereas in full flight – up to 50 mph – their wings may beat as many as 200 times per second! You can clearly hear a hummingbird in flight, oftentimes before you ever see it. This astounding capability helps to explain their diminutive size – a larger bird would never be able to power such thrust. They hold virtually every record on being tiny, from lightest bodyweight to shortest beak-to-tail length to lightest eggs, all in support of that Olympian speed and endurance.

It is a wonder that such tiny things can explode with such energy, but there is at least an easy answer as to how that’s possible – hummingbirds are voracious eaters. They are so territorial over food resources because their very lives depend on a steady intake of calories to maintain that movement. Seeds are simply too heavy and slowly digested to do the hummingbird any good. Hummingbirds will feed up to ten times per hour on straight sugar – in the form of plant nectar, of course – just to keep themselves in the air. Insects & spiders are also an important source of protein and minerals. The plant in turn gets pollinated by the hummingbird, so the act of feeding is mutually beneficial, and is one of the most fascinating relationships in nature. The showy petals exist exclusively to attract insects and birds to the plants; otherwise we would not have any beautiful flowers at all.

Hummingbirds are so dependent on a steady diet of nectar that they are particularly attuned to the seasons. The places on earth that provide a food source year round are few, so they migrate vast distances (4,000 miles for the west-coast Rufous Hummingbird) to follow the sequential spring and fall bloom of plants, from tropical Central America all the way up to Canada and back. They cannot afford for a plant to stop blooming before moving on to find more food, so they probably use the duration of daylight to determine when it is time to start moving south.

Their lean build comes at the expense of sparse reserves of fat. It is impossible for hummingbirds to endure times without a food source. Another hardship of the hummingbird is that its short, stout wings are not made for gliding flight. They flap their wings for every inch of the 25 or so miles per day they may travel. In fall, many Ruby Throats congregate along the Gulf Coast to store up enough energy for one final burst across the Gulf of Mexico or across arid portions of Mexico before reaching the rainforests of the equatorial zone. When we have mild winters, it is becoming more and more common for some hummers to stay along the coast instead of braving ahead to Mexico, including some western species we would not otherwise see! Winter sightings in Louisiana have included the Rufous, Black-Chinned, Buff-Bellied, Calliope, and Allen’s and Anna’s hummingbirds.

So, what can we do to get more hummers in our yard every year? The main ways to attract them to your garden/landscape are to accommodate them with food and water. Of course, hummingbird plants are a must! The aptly named Autumn Sage (Salvia greggii) hits a peak bloom in the fall, but any variety of Salvia will be a hummingbird favorite. A number of other tubular blooms are great nectar plants for hummingbirds, from Porterweed to Cigar Plant to Mexican Fire Bush to Cat’s Whiskers. Bottlebrush is a shrub that blooms in spring and fall and is another favorite. If you have a large area for a big, woody vine, Trumpet Creeper is an absolute hummingbird magnet! See an associate at the Garden Center for a more planting ideas!

Of course, hummingbird feeders provide an easily maintained source of nectar – stir 1 part white sugar into 4 parts hot water, and always let it cool before filling your feeder. Don’t want to make it yourself? We sell already made, pour and go nectar! Always keep hummingbird feeders clean and free of mildew with a pipe cleaner. Hummingbirds, with their high metabolism, also like a place to perch nearby for frequent breaks. Small trees or large hedges are ideal, but a metal or wooden perch can be hung on a shepherd’s hook, as well. Bird baths should be kept clean and full for hummingbirds and other migratory birds, especially at this time. Last but not least – please do not spray your hummingbird plants with chemicals or systemic insecticides. If insecticides are needed, use horticultural oils or insecticidal soap!

An amazing fact is that a hummingbird that feeds in your yard one year will return to that food source every year! So, if you’ve seen them in your yard before, make sure to keep up your supply for them. If you don’t get as many or any, come over and let us help you change that for this season!

If you use nectar, it’s important to always keep it clean and fresh. Hummingbirds stay clear of fermented nectar, which supports deadly mold growth. Feeders should be cleaned twice once a week in our hot weather. This prevents harmful microorganisms from forming.

Summer Plants to Attract Hummingbirds

Want to appeal to hummingbirds? Consider these flowers they love to visit during their fall migration:
For further growing information on each one, come visit us! We’d love to tell you all about these, and send them home with you!

Bee Balm
Bottlebrush
Butterfly Bush
Canna Lily
Cardinal Flower
Cleome
Cigar Plant
Compact Fire Bush
Pentas
Lantana
Daylilies
Flowering Tobacco
Impatiens
Porterweed
Salvia
Verbena

Hummingbird Fun Facts:

During their migrations, they fly 500 miles nonstop over the Gulf of Mexico! To make that journey, they need to weigh 1.5x their usual weight. Bring on the nectar!
Flying speeds can reach up to 60mph! They can fly forward, backward, up, down, upside down briefly, and even sideways! However, flying is their only mode of transport- they cannot walk.
Hummingbirds beat their wings 78 times per second! When diving, it more than triples to 200 times per second!
Their heart beat 1,260 times and they take about 250 breaths per minute.
Their tongues can reach out over 2-3’’! Perfect for trumpet-shaped flowers!
They live an average of 3-5 years.

For more migration information, visit: https://www.hummingbirdcentral.com/hummingbird-migration.htm

Come see us to stock up on everything you’ll need to supply our quick-winged friends for their journey! Good luck viewing hummingbirds in your own back yard!

Plants to Attract Hummingbirds

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 14:38:37 GMT

Want to appeal to hummingbirds? Consider these flowers they love to visit.

Little John Bottlebrush
Hummingbirds love these red “bottle-brush-“ shaped blooms that pop out at the perfect time hummingbirds are fluttering fast through Acadiana. These are hardy evergreen dwarf shrubs that go great in any landscape. The “Hannah Ray” tree-form variety is a wispy focal point.

Bee Balm

Bee balm's blooms appear in mid to late summer, and can even remain into the fall. The striking flowers come in white, pink, red or purple, and complement the dark, aromatic foliage. This perennial is susceptible to powdery mildew, so plant in full sun to part shade and select resistant varieties. Bee balm likes medium to wet soil and works well in a wildlife garden. Bee balm is attractive to bees, but this bergamot is equally attractive to hummingbirds.

Butterfly Bush

Buddleia davidii attracts butterflies with its blooms of lavender, pink, white, purple, red or yellow. These blooms can appear beginning in early spring and continue until first frost. In full sun, butterfly bush can grow up to 10 feet tall. Butterfly bush is an aggressive grower, and removing spent blooms will encourage more attractive, fragrant flowers for a long period. Grow in massed plantings in cottage gardens and butterfly gardens, and use in border plantings.

Cardinal Flower

Lobelia cardinalis features reddish purple stems, bronzy leaves and scarlet flowers. A perennial, it can reach four feet tall and spread up to 36 inches wide. Cardinal flower appreciates full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Consider growing in a container in a wetlands setting, and water this plant often. Cardinal flower blooms beginning in mid summer through the first frost.

Cigar Plant
Cigar plant is slow to take off in spring, but by the time hummers arrive in fall, they are in full bloom! Many varieties are available, but the name comes from the orange variety with a purple-black tip on the tubular bloom, resembling a smoldering cigar. Pink and yellow varieties are also common. A related plant, the Bat-Face Cuphea, makes bright red blooms with two purple wings that resemble a bat’s ears. Hummers love them all equally.

Delphinium

Hummingbirds love delphinium, which blooms in early summer. Height for these perennials can average anywhere from 2 to 8 feet tall, depending on variety. Delphinium requires rich soil, and areas with relatively cool summers. ‘Diamonds Blue’ is a variety bred for the heat that will tolerate our weather much better.

Foxglove

If you’re thinking about adding a cottage-garden look, you may want to consider foxglove (Digitalis purpurea), which may extend up to 6 feet when in bloom, depending on the variety and growing conditions. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun to medium shade. Its blossoms — in purple, pink, yellow and white — attract hummingbirds. Please note that all parts of the plant are poisonous to people, pets and livestock. Foxglove is considered invasive along the West Coast and in some parts of New England.

Mexican Fire Bush

This subshrub or perennial plant produces loads of orange tubular blooms that are a delight to hummingbirds. It will flower best in uninterrupted full sun, and doesn’t mind being a little dry. Flower time is from early summer all through fall. Though a variegated variety, ‘Lime Sizzler’ adds a wonderful chartreuse splash to tropical gardens, the old-fashioned standard will produce the most flowers.

Porterweed

Though each flower is very tiny and dainty, they are borne on long flowering stems, so plants are typically loaded with little purple flowers that hummers love. Porterweed is semi-tropical, and might not survive a sudden, hard freeze. Keep it in a pot that can be brought in on cold nights, or replant in spring. Though they are typically purple, red or coral varieties are also available.

Salvia

All salvia species are characterized by vertical spikes of vibrant flowers that can be found in hues of blue, red, pink or violet. Bloom time varies according to variety, and their flowers are a welcome sight for hummingbirds. Salvia microphylla 'Hot Lips' is an erect, clump forming perennial salvia that is noted for its compact form, long bloom period, purple stems and red and white flowers.

Yarrow

Varieties of the tough summer-blooming yarrow come in yellow, white, orange, red, pink and coral. Butterflies and hummingbirds enjoy its blooms, which start early in the season and can last into mid fall, depending on the species and variety. Yarrow grows best in well-drained, average to poor soil, and can reach up to 48 inches.

Trumpet Vine
A beautiful climber for any structure, this vine blooms trumpet-shaped coral flowers that are also known as “hummingbird vine” since they love it! The foliage is dense and evergreen, and it loves full sun to part shade.

Please note All Seasons may or may not have these in stock. Please contact us to confirm their availability! You can call us at 337.264.1418 or contact us here.

August Gardening To Do List

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 14:19:30 GMT

Plants like azaleas and camellias will benefit from a little extra water this month. Most established plants need about one inch of water per week to perform at their best. Water until you see run off, and the best time is between 6-10am. The morning hours are also the best for watering lawns. Turf will have time to dry before night, which will prevent disease. Mound up the mulch, too! Make sure all planting areas have a two-inch layer of mulch. Mulch helps to regulate soil temperature, conserve moisture in the soil and prevent weed development.

-Apply Fungicide Lawn F-Stop to prevent Brown Patch & lawn fungus.

-Prune drift and repeat flowering roses in mid-month. This stimulates vigorous growth for the fall blooming season. Cut the bushes back about one-third their height and remove any dead growth.

-After pruning roses, fertilize with Bayer 3 in 1 or any good rose fertilizer.

-Control pests on roses by using a recommended insecticide or miticide. We can help!

-Prune off seedpods and any yellow or brown foliage on Louisiana irises since they are semi-dormant now in late summer.

-Cut faded flowers and seed heads from flowering annuals & perennials.

-Harvest mint, basil, rosemary, lemon balm and Mexican tarragon regularly to keep the plants controlled and shapely.

-Transplant and/or divide Louisiana irises.

-Stroll through your garden and make fresh cut flower arrangements with your garden blooms.

-Don't forget to fertilize and water houseplants!

-Keep birdbaths full of water and clean for the feathered flyers.

-Keep hummingbird feeders clean and full of nectar: the Ruby-Throated hummingbirds begin arriving in mid-month.

-Plant sunflowers to be ready for fall arrangements. Seeds usually take about 60-80 days from sowing until the first flower color.

-For proper flowering, water bougainvillea only when wilted, provide full sun, very little fertilizer and let it become root bound in the container. Huh? Yes, bougainvillea produces an abundance of flowers if left alone.

-Prune any citrus now that was damaged in winter. If pruned earlier, good “live” wood may have accidentally been removed.

-If ferns are requiring a daily watering, consider dividing into two new plants.

-You still have time to fertilize your lawn. Apply all granular material on a dry lawn and water very soon after application. St. Augustine grass may be fertilized up to three times during the growing season- April, June and Mid-August.

Note: Small, yellow aphids on butterfly wee or milkweed will not damage the plants or affect the feeding of adult and larval monarch butterflies. Controlling them may adversely affect the caterpillars.

How often Should I Water My Garden in Louisiana Summer?

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 13:32:09 GMT

How Often Should I Water My Plants During Louisiana Summer?

Louisiana summers are known for intense heat, high humidity, and long stretches of sunshine. While our landscapes are filled with plants that love warm weather, even the toughest plants can become stressed when temperatures climb into the 90s.

One of the most common questions we hear at All Seasons is: “How often should I water my plants during the summer?”

The answer depends on the type of plant, soil, location, and weather conditions—but with the right watering habits, you can keep your garden healthy and thriving all summer long.

The Best Time to Water Your Plants in Louisiana

The best time to water is early in the morning, between 5 AM and 9 AM.

Morning watering allows plants to absorb moisture before the heat of the day arrives and gives leaves time to dry, which helps reduce the risk of fungal problems.

If morning watering is not possible, water in the late afternoon or early evening . Avoid watering during the hottest part of the day because much of the water can evaporate before reaching the roots.

How Often Should You Water?

There is no one-size-fits-all watering schedule, but these guidelines work well for many Louisiana gardens.

Newly Planted Flowers, Shrubs, and Trees

New plants need consistent moisture while their roots become established.

Water:

Every day or every other day for the first 1–2 weeks
Slowly transition to deeper, less frequent watering as roots grow

A deep watering encourages roots to grow downward, creating stronger and more drought-resistant plants.

Annual Flowers and Hanging Baskets

Annual flowers such as vinca, pentas, begonias, and tropical plants often need more frequent watering during Louisiana heat.

Water:

Flower beds: About 2–4 times per week depending on rainfall
Containers and hanging baskets: Often daily during extreme heat

Containers dry out much faster because they have limited soil volume.

Tip: If your hanging basket looks wilted in the afternoon, check the soil before watering. Some plants naturally droop during extreme heat but recover in the evening.

Shrubs and Landscape Plants

Established shrubs generally need less frequent watering than flowers.

Water:

1–2 deep waterings per week during hot, dry periods

Examples:

Gardenias
Loropetalum
Hydrangeas
Azaleas
Camellias

Water slowly at the base of the plant so moisture reaches the root zone.

Trees

Trees need deep watering to encourage strong root systems.

Water:

Newly planted trees: 2–3 times per week during summer
Established trees: Deep watering during extended dry periods

A slow soak is much better than frequent shallow watering.

Signs Your Plants Need More Water

Your plants may be thirsty if you notice:

�� Wilting leaves
�� Drooping flowers
�� Leaves turning brown around the edges
�� Dry, cracked soil pulling away from the container
�� Slow growth
�� Newly planted plants looking stressed

Remember: wilting does not always mean a plant needs water. During extreme heat, some plants temporarily wilt to protect themselves. Check the soil moisture before watering.

Signs You May Be Overwatering

Too much water can be just as harmful as too little.

Look for:

�� Yellowing leaves
�� Mushy or soft roots
�� Fungus or mold on soil
�� Leaves dropping even though soil is wet
�� Poor growth

Plants need oxygen around their roots, and constantly wet soil can prevent roots from functioning properly.

Mulch Helps Your Plants Survive Louisiana Heat

One of the easiest ways to reduce watering needs is adding mulch around your plants.

A 2–3 inch layer of mulch helps:

✔ Keep soil cooler
✔ Hold in moisture
✔ Reduce weeds
✔ Protect plant roots from temperature changes

Avoid piling mulch directly against tree trunks or plant stems, as this can cause problems over time.

Watering Tips for Louisiana Summer Gardens

�� Water deeply instead of frequently

A quick sprinkle only wets the top layer of soil. Deep watering encourages stronger roots.

�� Check your soil before watering

Stick your finger 1–2 inches into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water.

�� Pay attention to containers

Potted plants may need daily watering during extreme heat.

�� Adjust after rainfall

Louisiana thunderstorms can provide plenty of water, but heavy rain does not always soak deeply into the root zone.

�� Group plants with similar needs together

Plants that need frequent watering should not be mixed with drought-tolerant plants.

Keep Your Louisiana Garden Thriving All Summer

Summer heat can be challenging, but with proper watering habits, your plants can continue looking beautiful through August and beyond. The key is consistency, deep watering, and paying attention to what your plants are telling you.

At All Seasons, we’re here to help you choose the right plants, soil, and products to make your Louisiana landscape successful—even during the hottest months of the year.

Stop by All Seasons for expert advice and everything you need to keep your garden growing strong all summer long!

What to Plant in August - A Complete Guide

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 13:30:49 GMT

August in Louisiana may bring some of the hottest temperatures of the year, but that doesn’t mean your garden has to slow down! In fact, August is the perfect time to prepare your landscape for a beautiful fall season. With the right plant selections, proper watering, and a little extra care, your garden can continue thriving through the heat and into cooler months.

At All Seasons, we help Louisiana gardeners choose plants that are suited for our unique climate, from heat-loving flowers to fall vegetable crops. Here are some of the best plants to add to your garden in August.

Vegetables to Plant in August in Louisiana

August is the beginning of fall gardening season in South Louisiana. While the weather is still hot, many cool-season vegetables can be started now so they are ready to harvest when temperatures begin to drop.

Best vegetables to plant:

Broccoli – Start transplants now for a fall harvest.
Cabbage – A great cool-weather crop that performs well in Louisiana gardens.
Collard Greens – A Southern favorite that becomes sweeter after cooler weather arrives.
Kale – Hardy, nutritious, and perfect for fall gardens.
Swiss Chard – Adds beautiful color and grows well in containers.
Lettuce – Plant toward the end of August or start indoors for later transplanting.
Carrots – Direct sow seeds for a fall harvest.
Beets – Enjoy a colorful root crop later in the season.
Green Beans – Bush beans can still be planted for a late summer harvest.
Squash and Cucumbers – Can be planted for a late-season crop if given enough sunlight and water.

Tip: Add compost or fresh soil amendments before planting fall vegetables. Healthy soil helps plants handle Louisiana’s heat and humidity.

Flowers That Thrive in Louisiana’s August Heat

If your summer flower beds are looking tired, August is a great time to refresh them with plants that love heat and humidity.

Heat-loving flowers to plant now:

Pentas

Pentas are one of the best choices for Louisiana summers. Their clusters of colorful blooms attract butterflies and continue flowering through the heat.

Vinca

Also called periwinkle, vinca thrives in full sun and tolerates hot, dry conditions once established.

Lantana

A tough, colorful perennial that handles heat, humidity, and drought while attracting pollinators.

Tropical Hibiscus

Bring a tropical look to your landscape with hibiscus. With proper watering and fertilizer, they will continue producing large, beautiful blooms.

Zinnias

Zinnias are fast-growing annuals that provide bright color and attract butterflies.

Angelonia

Sometimes called summer snapdragon, angelonia loves heat and blooms continuously throughout the summer.

Herbs to Plant in August

Fresh herbs can still be grown successfully in Louisiana during late summer, especially in containers where you can control watering and placement.

Try planting:

Basil
Rosemary
Thyme
Oregano
Mint (best grown in containers because it spreads quickly)
Lemongrass
Parsley

Keep herbs in a location that receives plenty of morning sun and afternoon protection during the hottest part of the day.

Trees and Shrubs to Add in August

While fall is often considered the best planting season, many container-grown trees and shrubs can still be planted in August with proper care.

Great choices for Louisiana landscapes include:

�� Little Gem Magnolia – A compact evergreen magnolia perfect for smaller yards.

�� Gardenias – Fragrant flowers and glossy green foliage make them a Southern favorite.

�� Loropetalum – Adds beautiful color and texture to landscapes.

�� Palms and Tropical Plants – Create a vacation feel while thriving in our warm climate.

�� Crape Myrtles – Provide summer blooms and beautiful structure.

When planting during August, water deeply and consistently while new roots establish.

August Gardening Tips for Louisiana

Because August heat can be stressful on plants, follow these tips to keep your garden healthy:

Water deeply, not just frequently

A quick sprinkle only wets the surface. Water slowly and deeply to encourage stronger roots.

Add mulch

A 2–3 inch layer of mulch helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weeds.

Remove spent blooms

Deadheading flowers encourages continued blooming and keeps plants looking their best.

Watch for pests

Warm, humid weather can increase insect activity. Check leaves regularly for signs of damage.

Plant in the morning or evening

Avoid planting during the hottest part of the day to reduce stress on new plants.

Start Planning Your Fall Garden Now

August is not the end of gardening season in Louisiana—it’s the beginning of a new one! By planting heat-tolerant flowers, starting fall vegetables, and preparing your soil now, you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful and productive garden when cooler weather arrives.

Visit All Seasons for expert advice, quality plants, soil amendments, and everything you need to keep your Louisiana garden thriving all year long.

Please note All Seasons may or may not have these in stock. Please contact us to confirm their availability! You can call us at 337.264.1418 or contact us here.

July Gardening Tips for Louisiana: How to Keep Your Garden Thriving in the Summer Heat

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 13:16:00 GMT

July in Louisiana brings sunshine, long days, and plenty of heat—but that doesn't mean your garden has to slow down. With the right care routine and the right plant selections, your landscape can continue thriving through the hottest months of the year.

From watering strategies to heat-loving flowers and preparing for fall planting, these July gardening tips will help your yard stay healthy, colorful, and ready for the seasons ahead.

1. Water Your Plants Properly During Louisiana Summers

Louisiana summers can be tough on plants, especially during periods of high temperatures and humidity. Proper watering is one of the most important things you can do to keep your garden thriving.

Follow these summer watering tips:

Water early in the morning when temperatures are cooler.
Give plants a deep watering to encourage strong roots.
Avoid frequent shallow watering that only wets the surface.
Check container plants daily since pots dry out faster than garden beds.

A plant with a healthy root system is much more prepared to handle summer heat.

2. Add Fresh Mulch to Protect Plant Roots

Mulch is one of the easiest ways to protect your landscape during July.

A fresh layer of mulch helps:

Maintain soil moisture
Keep roots cooler
Reduce weed growth
Improve the appearance of flower beds

For Louisiana landscapes, pine straw, pine bark, and shredded hardwood mulch are excellent choices.

3. Keep Flowers Blooming With Regular Deadheading

Many summer flowers will reward you with more blooms when you remove old flowers.

Plants that benefit from deadheading include:

Zinnias
Pentas
Coneflowers
Salvias
Angelonia
Lantana

Removing faded blooms allows the plant to focus energy on creating new flowers instead of producing seeds.

4. Choose Plants That Love Louisiana Heat

Not every plant struggles during July. Many varieties actually perform their best during hot summer weather.

Some of the best heat-tolerant plants for Louisiana gardens include:

Pentas: A favorite for butterflies and pollinators.
Vinca: Thrives in heat and handles full sun beautifully.
Angelonia: Provides nonstop color throughout summer.
Lantana: Loves heat and attracts butterflies.
Plumbago: Offers beautiful blue blooms during summer.
Gomphrena: A low-maintenance flower that handles heat well.

Choosing plants suited for our climate makes gardening easier and more successful.

5. Monitor Plants for Summer Pests

Warm temperatures can increase insect activity. Check your plants regularly for signs of pests.

Common summer garden pests include:

Aphids
Spider mites
Whiteflies
Caterpillars
Scale insects

Look underneath leaves and along new growth where pests often hide. Early detection helps prevent bigger problems later.

6. Take Care of Your Container Gardens

Container plants need extra attention during Louisiana summers because pots heat up and dry out quickly.

Helpful container gardening tips:

Check soil moisture daily.
Move sensitive plants to areas with afternoon shade if needed.
Use quality potting soil that holds moisture while draining well.
Refresh plants that are struggling with new summer favorites.

Containers are a great way to add seasonal color to patios, porches, and outdoor living spaces.

7. Keep Harvesting Your Vegetable Garden

If you have a vegetable garden, July is a great time to enjoy the rewards of your hard work.

Continue harvesting:

Okra
Peppers
Tomatoes
Cucumbers
Eggplant

Frequent harvesting encourages many vegetables to continue producing throughout the season.

8. Start Preparing for Your Fall Garden

While summer is in full swing, July is also the perfect time to start planning your fall vegetable garden.

Begin preparing for cool-season crops such as:

Broccoli
Cabbage
Cauliflower
Kale
Lettuce
Carrots

Planning ahead ensures your garden is ready when cooler temperatures arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions About July Gardening in Louisiana

What plants can survive Louisiana heat in July?

Plants like pentas, vinca, angelonia, lantana, plumbago, gomphrena, and sun-loving tropical plants perform well during Louisiana's hot summer months.

How often should I water my garden in July?

Most gardens benefit from deep watering several times per week, depending on rainfall, soil type, and plant variety. Container plants may need watering every day during extreme heat.

Is July too hot to plant flowers in Louisiana?

No! July is a great time to plant heat-loving flowers that thrive in warm weather. Choosing plants suited for summer conditions will give you the best results.

Should I fertilize my plants during the summer?

Yes, but use caution. Slow-release fertilizers are often a better choice during hot weather because they provide nutrients gradually without stressing plants.

What vegetables can I grow in July in Louisiana?

Heat-loving vegetables like okra, peppers, eggplant, and some varieties of tomatoes can continue producing in July. It is also a good time to start planning fall crops.

Keep Growing With All Seasons Nursery & Landscaping

Gardening in Louisiana comes with unique challenges, but with the right plants and proper care, your landscape can stay beautiful all summer long.

Whether you need colorful summer flowers, landscape advice, gardening supplies, or help creating your dream outdoor space, the team at All Seasons Nursery & Landscaping is here to help.

Stop by our garden center and let us help you find plants that thrive in Louisiana's climate.

Refreshing Container Gardens Mid-Summer

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 13:07:08 GMT

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Southern Summer Hydrangea Care Guide

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 13:02:54 GMT

Summer Hydrangea Care Guide

Keep your hydrangeas thriving through the Louisiana heat - Hydrangea may look delicate, but with the right care they can stay lush and beautiful all summer—even in intense heat.

1. Water Deeply

Hydrangeas are thirsty plants, especially in summer.

Water deeply 2–4 times per week (more during heat waves)
Aim for 1–2 inches of water weekly
Water at the base , not over the leaves
Best time: early morning

Wilting in the afternoon?
That can be normal in extreme heat. If they’re still wilted by morning, they need water.

2. Morning Sun, Afternoon Shade

In Louisiana, too much harsh afternoon sun can scorch leaves and blooms.

Ideal placement:
✅ Morning sun
✅ Bright filtered light
✅ Afternoon shade

Watch for:

Brown crispy edges
Faded blooms
Drooping leaves

Those usually mean too much sun or not enough water .

3. Mulch Is Your Best Friend

Add 2–3 inches of mulch around the base.

Mulch helps:

Hold moisture
Keep roots cool
Reduce weeds

Keep mulch a few inches away from the stems.

4. Deadhead Spent Blooms

Snip off faded flowers to keep plants tidy and encourage energy toward healthy growth.

Cut just above a healthy set of leaves.

5. Fertilize Lightly

Too much fertilizer = big leaves, fewer blooms.

Use a slow-release flowering shrub fertilizer in early summer if needed.

Avoid heavy fertilizing in extreme heat.

6. Don’t Panic Over Leaf Spots

Humidity can cause fungal issues.

Common summer problems:

Leaf spots
Powdery mildew
Yellowing leaves

Help prevent this by:

Improving airflow
Avoiding overhead watering
Removing damaged leaves

7. Protect New Plantings

Recently planted hydrangeas need extra attention.

New plants may need:

More frequent watering
Temporary shade cloth
Extra mulch

They’re more vulnerable than established shrubs.

Quick Hydrangea SOS

Droopy? → Needs water or shade
Brown edges? → Too much sun
No blooms? → Wrong pruning or too much fertilizer
Yellow leaves? → Water stress or drainage issues

Backyard Staycation

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 18:37:31 GMT

Why not create a backyard living environment that makes you want to take a “staycation” this summer, and all year? Outdoor living has never been more popular! Grill outside while cheering on your favorite teams; sip wine while visiting with friends on a chilly evening near the outdoor fireplace; smile while watching the kids jump from a natural rock waterfall that spills into the pool; or perhaps sit quietly after a long day reading a new book. Outdoor living inspires a connection back to nature. The goal is to step out of the four walls brimming with artificial sunlight. See, feel, hear, and experience Mother Nature!

Homeowners are yearning for an improved outdoor environment. Outdoor living spaces are like outside “living rooms” complete with the luxuries from inside your home. Cypress pavilions create a backdrop ideal for Southern entertaining and memory-making. With a travertine stone patio, the living space can be extended, a courtyard can be conceptualized, or it can play the role as a more natural setting for a pool. Having a pool brings the essence of summer into a backyard year-round. By incorporating a hot tub, fountain, waterfall, slide, tanning ledge and night lighting, your favorite getaway spot becomes more than “just a pool.” Relax an afternoon away while listening to the trickle of water from a pond and/or stream in your backyard. The possibly of what your outdoor “room” will be are endless!

We can’t forget adding plants to a space to really enhance the laissez-faire attitude! Success is achieved when the right plant is in the right environment. Another key component is to note the neighboring plants adjacent to where the new plant will join. This is relevant because a variation in texture is an important element of landscape design. It’s not how a plant looks, but how it looks in relationship to everything else around it. It’s essential to have a distinction in size, texture and blooming sequence. Not only will it make a landscape look beautiful immediately, but it will look incredible down the road.

Backyard landscaping and outdoor living enhances the senses and soothes stress daily. What are you waiting to? Live life outside!

Contact our Landscaping Services to schedule your Free Consultation for an outdoor living masterpiece!

Read our other blog "Bring your Vision to Life with Backyard Landscaping"

Five Reasons Why It's Okay to Be a Houseplant Hoarder

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 18:29:52 GMT

Whether you have a few ficus or a dozen dracaena, you probably already know that they benefit you just by being there. There's nothing like the sight of fresh greenery thriving in your home, but did you know that houseplants have benefits that go beyond just making your home look nice? Here are some reasons why it's okay to adopt as many houseplants as you want!

They Reduce Stress

Everyone has a little, some have a lot. We're talking about stress and the obvious truth is, it isn't good for you. Want to combat some of those worries? Introducing a houseplant (or a few) will help. Pick up a snake plant the next time you're here. They're easy to care for and their air purifying qualities can aid in reducing anxiety and relieving respiratory problems and headaches.

They Give Purpose

Houseplants don't survive without a little care and a lot of love. One of the best things about these beneficial additions to your home is that they are easy to care for. It doesn't take much time but you will feel great knowing you are helping keep one alive and thriving.

They Purify the Air

Did you know that studies done by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) show that indoor air can be more polluted than outdoor air? Introducing a few houseplants can help bring your air pollution down and help you breath a sigh of relief. Spider plant, Boston Fern and golden pothos are all great air purifiers removing a variety of toxic chemicals from your indoor air including formaldehyde.

They Help Our Health

What if you could place something in your home that will help keep you from getting a sore throat or even stave off that next headache? Studies have shown that adding plants to your home or office can actually reduce these types of illnesses.

They Make You Smarter

Plants won't turn you into Albert Einstein, but they can help improve your concentration. A study published by the Journal of Environmental Psychology shows that having plants in an office increases worker's attention span. Adding some greenery to your home or office can also help your problem-solving skills. So add a spider plant, palm or peace lily to study areas and offices. See how your concentration improves.

Don’t Wait! Root Stimulate for Summer Planting Success

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 18:16:47 GMT

Many people are asking whether this or that plant can be planted in the summer. The fact of the matter is that Louisiana has a climate that allows for planting 365 days a year, with a little understanding of how plants work and what they need.

Virtually all outdoor landscape plants follow a seasonal succession of growth stages. Tropicals like palms and hibiscus love the heat and grow very well throughout summer; however, any hardy plants that are planted in summer may require a little additional care. Woody plants like trees and shrubs are growing very actively in spring as they are waking up and putting on fresh growth, and there is a second period of root activity in fall when some plants are converting some of their nutrients into starches to be stored in root and stem tissues as the plants prepare to go dormant in winter. In the summertime, roots are still actively supplying plants with water, oxygen, and minerals, of course, but we can give them a little nudge to make roots grow more quickly at the time of planting.

Garden center employees will often suggest buying a root stimulator, good at any time of the year, but especially important in summer when plants are tired and stressed from high heat and long days. Is this snake oil, or some kind of voodoo?

The fine print on the label says it contains something called indole-3-butyric acid. What exactly is this? Well, butyric acid is a synthetic plant hormone that very closely imitates the function of the natural hormone, auxin, in plant development. Auxin is the hormone that tells the tip of a stem or root to grow, and there is an auxin receptor at every node and tip of every stem and root.

For example; when our roses become leggy and we cut them back to make them “full” again, we are removing the auxin receptor at the end of that branch, forcing all the side buds along the stem to receive more of the hormone. This is what creates new side branching, which are the next stems to grow and produce new flowers.

Just as we deadhead or cut back bushes and shrubs to make them prettier, we tell people to trim or tease the root system of a plant that has just been taken out of a container before planting. This breaks off the tips of those roots that have begun to encircle the base of the pot it was grown in and will allow new side shoots to form at the edges of the root system so the newly forming roots can grow outward and downward, instead of continuing in a spiral.

When plants are first in the ground they don’t have the ability to reach any of the water in the soil that is not directly against the existing roots. Many people make the mistake of seeing that some part of their flowerbed is moist and think their plant is okay, but the new plant already drank all of the water right next to its roots and there will be a little halo of dry soil surrounding that new plant.

This is where Root Stimulator comes in. Hardy, woody plants are not going to grow a whole lot when daytime temps are in the mid-90’s and nighttime lows are 78-85 degrees (heat-loving tropicals are an exception to this rule). Plants really like grow when there are warm days and cool nights and soil temperatures are 55-65 degrees. We can force the plant’s roots to think it’s time to grow, however, by applying the butyric acid. Our root stimulator also contains a wetting agent, which actually helps moisture reach root surfaces, helping those baby roots access every last bit of water available in sun-scorched soils. This will encourage rapid development of new feeder roots and help with easy water absorption while the plant is trying to become established.

The fertilizer in root stimulator contains relatively high phosphorus which encourages branching development (think of roots as underground branches), and lower amounts of nitrogen which encourages leaf growth. If roots are what give the plant water, then leaves, which are exposed to the sun and wind, are what are losing it, which is why plants will constantly be thirsty for more. Applying a fertilizer with low nitrogen in summer will reduce that plant’s leaf growth, limiting the amount of water it needs to survive.

The larger the root system gets with time, the more water the plant can absorb, even if we are not getting much rain. This is why fully established plants should only ever be irrigated if we are in a serious drought. The surface of our soil may dry very quickly, but the roots of healthy plants are reaching far into the ground to access groundwater not available at the surface.

Root stimulator is very easy to use – all you need is a watering can. Simply mix 3-1/2 tablespoons (1.75 oz) of root stimulator into a gallon of water, and water your transplants with it once every two weeks until they get established. Small bedding plants can get about a pint (16 oz) of water, whereas larger plants 2-3 feet tall can get about a half gallon. Larger shrubs and trees will like a full gallon of root stimulator solution once every two weeks. It is important to note that Root Stimulator is not rated for edible plants.

Doing this even once is great for the plant, but it can be repeated once every two weeks throughout the growing season. When days get shorter and nights begin to get a bit cooler in fall, root stimulator will no longer be necessary. By the following spring, your plant should have a well-established root system, and will be ready for conventional fertilizer like tree and shrub food or all-purpose fertilizer.

"Sun" Sational Summer Shrubs

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 18:11:18 GMT

These astounding shrubs can get any gardener through the summer doldrums.

Bottle Brush

Bottle brush (Callistemon) has very aptly-named flowers on medium to large shrubs or small specimen trees. It performs well in pots if kept moderately dry in the winter. Plant in full sun, well-drained soil. Many have survived our recent freezes, proving their hardiness. Come August, hummingbirds will flock to them all over your landscape! The added benefit to that is they will remember where those bottlebrushes were, and keep returning year after year!

Gardenia

Cape jasmine is an evergreen shrub with intensely fragrant ivory flowers. often grown as a landscape shrub or even a potted plant near a doorway or area frequented by guests. Plant in sun or part shade.

Abelia

Abelias, like the kaleidoscope or twist of lime, are fantastic choices for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds. Staying fairly small, their leaves turn colors to attract attention and they bloom sweet white flowers! Plant in full sun or part shade.

Crape Myrtle

Crape Myrtles are super summer-flowering shrubs or container specimen if a dwarf variety. Plant in full sun, and check out our darker leaf varieties for a new specimen interest!

Rose

America's official Floral Emblem comes in many forms, sizes and flower colors, with some being very disease-resistant as well. Selections can be found to grow in every climate, and many are fragrant to boot! The best selection of roses arrives in early winter. At that time, pick your favorites to enjoy through the seasons into summer!

' Anthony Waterer' Spiraea

'Anthony Waterer' spirea has masses of dark pink to crimson red flower. Plant in full sun or part shade.

Vitex

Chaste trees flower heavily in the summer and are super attractive to bees. The shrub is very drought-tolerant. Enjoy new arrivals like the Pink Pinnacle or Blue Puffball, or old favorites like the Delta Blues or Shoal Creek. Plant in full sun.

Angel Trumpet

Brugmansia is a summer-blooming shrub for us in South Louisiana. With blooms truly show-stopping in white/purple or yellow, you’d think these really are the trumpets of the angels.

Rose of Sharon/Althea

Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) flowers resemble a rose-like hibiscus and are available in sweet shades such as light pink, white, light purple, and even a more vibrant purple. Plant in full sun or part shade.

Yucca

Yuccas flower in the spring and summer with edible flowers. These strappy-foliage plants look great in rock gardens or areas with succulents or agave. Plant in full sun.

Pineapple Guava

Pineapple guava has incredibly exotic flowers that are perfectly edible. Plant in sun.

Magnolia 'Little Gem'

Magnolia grandiflora ‘Little Gem’ is a compact shrub with super glossy evergreen leaves and highly-fragrant, small white flowers that appear from spring to fall—the longest blooming magnolia! Plant in full sun to part shade.

Hydrangeas

With their cotton candy-colored blooms and ability to take the shade, hydrangeas are one of the most beautiful summer-flowering shrubs. Flowers of hydrangea macrophylla can be pink, blue or in-between depending on the acidity of the soil—a lower pH yields deeper blue flowers; higher pH in alkaline soils results in pink flowers. We have the right products to do the trick on your soil if you want to play the color changing game!

Oakleaf Hydrangea

Oakleaf hydrangea is a woodland native whose flower bracts remain well into winter. Plant in part sun to shade.

Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

Brunfelsia pauciflora is an old "passalong plant" whose flowers fade from purple to white, giving its common name. It flowers best in full sun, but thrives in hot summers if kept in light shade.

Oleander

Oleander is a multiple-stemmed shrub for which dwarf forms are available, some with variegated leaves. It thrives on neglect and drought. Note: All parts of the plant are extremely poisonous if ingested. Plant in full sun.

Please note All Seasons may or may not have these in stock. Please contact us to confirm their availability! You can call us at 337.264.1418 or contact us here.

Patriotic Plants

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 18:04:13 GMT

The colors red, white, and blue are always on our minds during summer, as the anniversary of our nation’s independence approaches. What better way to celebrate your pride than by planting a red, white, and blue garden? Blue is one of the most elusive colors in nature, but we still have plenty of options for you, in both shady or sunny areas.

Blue Daze (Evolvulus glomeratus)

Blue Daze is a gorgeous tender perennial that typically considered an annual in Louisiana, though they will often persist year to year if the winter is mild. This mat-forming groundcover will become loaded with true-blue flowers that open in the morning and close at night, like its cousin, the much more aggressive Morning Glory. Always well-mannered, there is now a dwarf version called ‘Blue my Mind’ that is even more compact.

Vinca, Madagascar Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus)

Vinca is the workhorse of the summer garden, thriving on heat and neglect. Technically a tender perennial, vinca is considered an annual, as it dislikes both heavy frost and cool, damp soil. Plant some red and white vinca behind Blue Daze, and your patriotic garden will give nonstop blooms well through summer into late fall.

Pentas (Pentas lanceolata)

Pentas are a great annual or tender perennial for the middle or back of beds. Requiring very little maintenance, Pentas are attractive both to the human eye and to all types of hummingbirds and butterflies. Available in red or white as well as shades of pink and purple, you can’t go wrong with putting a few Pentas in your flowerbeds!

F irecracker Cuphea, Bat-Face Cuphea (Cuphea llavea)

This trailing perennial gets more loaded with red tubular blooms the hotter it gets. A hummingbird magnet, Firecracker Cuphea is related to Cigar Plants and Mexican Heather, and is every bit as tough. They will make a sprawling, groundcover-type perennial in the ground, but this plant also looks great in hanging baskets or in pots.

Endless Summer Hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla)

The best-blooming shrubs for summer color in the shade, Hydrangea offers large flowers in blue, white, and pink, and Endless Summer varieties are particularly happy to rebloom throughout summer into fall. Blue Hydrangeas can be turned pink and vice versa by changing the acidity of the soil, but white hydrangeas are distinct varieties and must be purchased as such. Blushing Bride is the white Hydrangea in the Endless Summer line.

Plumbago, Cape Leadwort (Plumbago auriculata)

Plumbago is one of the most vigorous and free-blooming perennials you can put in your garden, coming back reliably year after year and typically blooming from April to first frost. Plumabgo is one of the true-blue flowers that do very well in our climate, and they also come in white! Plumbago is a large, bushy perennial, so it can serve as a foundation plant in landscape designs, much the same way shrubs are used in the back of beds to unify a color scheme.

Salvia (Salvia spp.)

Salvia are actually a large genus of closely related plants that have common characteristics, including large, tubular, colorful blooms that flower over a very prolonged season. Red perennial salvias include Autumn Sage and Pineapple Sage, where as blue blooms can be obtained by planting Black and Blue or Victoria Blue Salvia. These plants are perennial, meaning they come back year after year, and they are a favorite of hummingbirds whenever they are in bloom!

Wax Leaf Begonia (Begonia semperflorens)

Begonias are old-fashioned favorites for shady areas (although there are types that take sun, as well), and they come in red and white, as well as shades of pink. They are drought-tolerant, bug resistant, and free-blooming without the use of special fertilizers, although they don’t like areas that stay especially wet. Begonias are essential for those trying to brighten dull, shady areas of the yard, especially if soil is poor and nutrients are scarce, such as around the roots of trees in the landscape.

Mandevilla (Mandevilla spp.)

Mandevilla is a tropical flowering vine that can endure light frost, and blooms nonstop from summer into fall. Large, trumpet-shaped blooms in red, white, or pink can easily cover a trellis, fence, or mailbox. Be creative and find different things for Mandevilla to climb on. A living wall can be obtained by planting a Mandevilla on the edge of a patio and attaching string, wire, or netting from the eave, allowing Mandevilla so scramble up and make a solid curtain of blooms. When winter comes and sun on the patio is more appreciated, the Mandevilla will die back naturally and re-sprout the following spring if its root is protected from frost.

Knockout and Drift Roses (Rosa hybrida)

These ever-blooming landscape shrub roses defy the conventional thinking that roses must be high-maintenance. They can thrive on neglect and are much less prone to disease than classic florists’ roses, although they do their best when given on occasional trim and a dose of fertilizer. They come in a wide variety of colors for any taste, but the classic red for both are probably the most hardy and free-flowering. Knockouts become very large and impressive with maturity, and Drifts are miniature roses that fit well in the front of flowerbeds as a groundcover.

Wishbone Flower (Torenia fournieri)

Torenia, also known as the adorable wishbone flower, is a newer tool in the arsenal of the shade gardener that offers especially vibrant colors in shady areas. Blooming in a wide variety of colors, we of course want to focus on the blue and white varieties for shady areas (a purply maroon is also available). The Kauai Torenia is the newest bedding plant for shade to join the family of LSU Super Plants, recognized by LSU Agricultural Research Station to be especially free-flowering and pest-resistant.

Caladiums (Caladium x hortolanum)

Caladiums rely on their bold, beautiful leaves to create a show in shady areas, so blooming – a physiological event sometimes difficult to perpetuate in bedding plants – is not required for them to look their best. They are always shining bright! Coming in a wide variety of red, white, and mottled tones, there are even caladiums that take sun. Some of our favorites are the newer hybrid forms, ‘Florida Moonlight’ and ‘Florida Sweetheart’. Their leaves seem delicate and silky, but, like silk, are very tough and durable.

Please note All Seasons may or may not have these in stock. Please contact us to confirm their availability! You can call us at 337.264.1418 or contact us here.

Bring Your Vision to Life with Professional Landscaping

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 17:55:25 GMT

Not sure where to start? That’s where we come in.

Creating a beautiful outdoor space can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our professional landscaping team can help transform your backyard into a custom outdoor oasis designed around your lifestyle, space, and vision.

Whether you’re dreaming of a peaceful garden retreat, a backyard built for entertaining, or a complete landscape makeover with patios, fountains, and plant installations, we can help bring your ideas to life.

From design to installation, we’re here to make your dream yard a reality.

Your Summer Escape Starts Here

Your backyard should be more than just outdoor space—it should be a place where memories are made.

From family gatherings and cookouts to peaceful evenings under the stars, the right combination of furniture, fountains, décor, plants, and thoughtful landscaping can transform your yard into a destination you never want to leave.

Whether you want to refresh your space yourself or work with our landscaping team for a complete transformation, All Seasons is here to help.

Visit us today to shop our outdoor collections or ask about our professional landscaping services. Let’s create your perfect summer escape together.

How to Keep Your Garden Thriving in the Louisiana Summer Heat

Summer in Lafayette brings long sunny days, vibrant blooms, and plenty of time outdoors—but it also brings intense heat, humidity, and stress on your plants.

If your garden is looking a little tired, don’t worry. With a few simple care tips, you can keep your landscape healthy, colorful, and thriving all summer long.

Water Smarter, Not Harder

One of the biggest mistakes gardeners make during summer is watering at the wrong time.

The best time to water is early in the morning, before the heat of the day sets in. Morning watering gives plants time to absorb moisture before the sun causes rapid evaporation.

Avoid watering during the hottest part of the afternoon whenever possible, since much of that water can evaporate before reaching the roots.

Deep watering is also better than frequent shallow watering. You want water reaching the root zone, where plants need it most.

Mulch Makes a Huge Difference

Mulch is one of the best defenses against summer heat.

Adding mulch around trees, shrubs, flower beds, and container plants helps:

● Retain moisture

● Keep soil cooler

● Reduce weeds

● Protect roots from heat stress

A fresh layer of mulch can dramatically improve plant health during the hottest months.

Choose Heat-Loving Plants

Not every plant loves Louisiana summers—but some absolutely thrive in them.

Some of our favorite summer performers include:

● Vinca

● Pentas

● Lantana

● Hibiscus

● Plumeria

These plants love sunshine and can handle the heat while keeping your garden full of color.

Feed Your Plants

Summer growth means your plants are working hard.

Regular fertilizing helps replenish nutrients and encourages healthy blooms, stronger roots, and fuller foliage. Whether you’re growing flowering plants, tropicals, shrubs, or container gardens, feeding them properly can make a noticeable difference.

Not sure what fertilizer you need? Our team is happy to help you choose the right product for your plants.

Don’t Forget About Your Landscape

A beautiful yard takes more than watering alone.

Pruning, replacing struggling plants, refreshing flower beds, and updating focal points like fountains or pottery can instantly improve curb appeal.

Need help bringing your outdoor space back to life? We offer professional landscaping services and can help transform your yard into something beautiful, functional, and summer-ready.

Let Us Help Your Garden Thrive

Louisiana summers can be tough, but your garden doesn’t have to suffer.

With the right care—and the right plants—your outdoor space can stay healthy and beautiful all season long.

Visit All Seasons for expert advice, quality plants, garden essentials, and professional landscaping services. We’re here to help your garden thrive through every season.

Celebrate National Pollinator Week with the Best Pollinator Plants for Louisiana Gardens

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 13:00:31 GMT

June is a beautiful month in Louisiana gardens. Flowers are blooming, butterflies are fluttering, and bees are hard at work. That's why National Pollinator Week, celebrated each June, is the perfect time to recognize the important role pollinators play in our environment and learn how you can support them right in your own backyard.

Why Pollinators Matter

Pollinators such as bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, moths, and even some beetles are responsible for helping plants reproduce. In fact, nearly one out of every three bites of food we eat depends on pollinators. Beyond food production, pollinators help maintain healthy ecosystems and support the growth of flowering plants that beautify our landscapes.

Unfortunately, pollinator populations are declining due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and environmental changes. The good news? Home gardeners can make a big difference by planting pollinator-friendly gardens.

Top Pollinator Plants for Louisiana Gardens

If you're looking to attract more bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, consider adding these garden favorites:

Pentas

A Louisiana summer favorite, pentas produce clusters of colorful blooms that attract butterflies and hummingbirds all season long. They thrive in heat and bloom continuously with minimal maintenance.

Salvia

Available in a variety of colors, salvias are magnets for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Their drought tolerance makes them a great choice for Louisiana summers.

Milkweed

Milkweed is essential for monarch butterflies. It serves as both a nectar source for adults and the host plant for monarch caterpillars.

Lantana

Lantana thrives in the Louisiana heat and provides continuous blooms that butterflies love. It is one of the easiest pollinator plants to grow.

Coneflower (Echinacea)

Coneflowers attract bees and butterflies during the growing season and provide seeds for birds later in the year.

Bee Balm

As its name suggests, bee balm is a favorite of bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Its vibrant flowers add bold color to garden beds.

Plumbago

Plumbago's sky-blue flowers attract butterflies while providing long-lasting color throughout the warm season.

Simple Ways to Support Pollinators

Creating a pollinator-friendly garden is easier than you might think:

Plant a variety of flowers that bloom throughout the year.
Choose plants with different flower shapes and colors.
Avoid spraying pesticides when pollinators are active.
Provide shallow water sources for bees and butterflies.
Leave some areas of your garden natural to provide shelter and nesting sites.

Every Garden Can Make a Difference

Whether you have a large landscape or a few containers on a patio, every pollinator-friendly plant helps create valuable habitat. By adding nectar-rich flowers and reducing pesticide use, you're helping support the bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds that keep our gardens thriving.

This National Pollinator Week, celebrate nature's hardest workers by planting a garden that is beautiful, beneficial, and buzzing with life. Stop by our garden center to explore our selection of pollinator-friendly plants and let our team help you create a landscape that both you and your local pollinators will love.

5 Heat-Loving Plants That Thrive in Louisiana Summers

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 13:19:50 GMT

Louisiana summers are hot, humid, and challenging for many plants—but these five garden favorites thrive in the heat and provide beautiful color all season long.

1. Hibiscus

With its large, tropical blooms, hibiscus is a summer showstopper that loves Louisiana's heat and sunshine.

Why it thrives:

Loves full sun
Blooms all summer
Perfect for patios and landscapes

2. Mandevilla

This fast-growing vine produces stunning flowers and adds vertical color to trellises, fences, and containers.

Why it thrives:

Excellent heat tolerance
Continuous blooms
Great for sunny spaces

3. Pentas

A favorite for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds, pentas provide nonstop color throughout summer.

Why it thrives:

Handles heat and humidity
Pollinator-friendly
Easy to grow

4. Vinca

Vinca is one of the most dependable annuals for Louisiana gardens, even during the hottest months.

Why it thrives:

Drought tolerant
Thrives in full sun
Constant blooms

5. Elephant Ear

For a lush tropical look, elephant ears deliver dramatic foliage that flourishes in summer.

Why it thrives:

Loves warm temperatures
Fast-growing
Makes a bold landscape statement

Summer Care Tips

Water deeply and consistently.
Apply mulch to help retain moisture.
Water early in the morning.
Remove spent blooms to encourage new growth.

Looking to refresh your landscape? These heat-loving plants are proven performers that can handle Louisiana's toughest summer weather while keeping your garden colorful and vibrant.

The Fastest Way to Clean Up a Weed-Filled Lawn This Summer

Fri, 29 May 2026 13:39:43 GMT

Take Back Your Lawn: Why Celsius® Herbicide Is a Game Changer for Doveweed & Buttonweed

If your lawn suddenly looks patchy, overrun, or covered in stubborn weeds that just won’t quit, you may be dealing with two of the South’s most frustrating lawn invaders: doveweed and Virginia buttonweed.

The good news? There’s a solution that works — and it’s called Celsius® Herbicide.

What Is Doveweed?

Doveweed is a thick, grass-like weed that thrives in hot, wet Louisiana summers. It spreads aggressively through lawns, especially in St. Augustine and centipede grass, creating dense mats that choke out healthy turf.

You’ll usually notice:

Thick, shiny leaves
Fast spreading in damp areas
Bright green patches that grow quicker than your lawn

Left untreated, doveweed can quickly take over an entire yard.

What Is Virginia Buttonweed?

Virginia buttonweed is another common Southern lawn weed known for its deep roots and rapid spreading growth. It often survives mowing and comes back stronger throughout the summer.

Signs of buttonweed include:

Small white star-shaped flowers
Low-growing stems that spread outward
Tough root systems that are hard to kill

Many homeowners struggle with buttonweed for years using basic weed killers that simply don’t work.

Why We Recommend Celsius®

Celsius® Herbicide is one of the most effective professional-grade weed control options available for warm-season lawns. It targets difficult weeds like doveweed and buttonweed without damaging most Southern turf grasses when applied correctly.

Benefits of Celsius®:

Controls stubborn summer weeds
Safe for many warm-season lawns
Works even in high Louisiana heat
Great for St. Augustine, Bermuda, and centipede lawns
Easy spray application

Unlike many over-the-counter weed killers, Celsius® is specifically designed to tackle the tough weeds common in Southern landscapes.

Best Results Start Early

The sooner you treat doveweed and buttonweed, the easier they are to control. Once these weeds mature and spread, they become much harder to eliminate.

For best results:

Apply during active weed growth
Follow label directions carefully
Avoid mowing immediately before or after treatment
Repeat applications may be needed for severe infestations

Need Help Choosing the Right Lawn Solution?

Our team is here to help you identify lawn weeds and recommend the best treatment plan for your yard. Stop by the garden center with photos of your lawn, and we’ll help you get your grass back on track this summer.

Healthy lawns start with the right products — and the right advice.

Grow your Own Grilling Herbs

Fri, 22 May 2026 13:26:06 GMT

Fresh Flavor, Right Outside Your Door

In Louisiana, grilling season isn’t just a season — it’s a way of life. From backyard burgers to fresh Gulf seafood, nothing elevates your grill like herbs picked just minutes before cooking.

The good news? Most grilling herbs thrive in our warm, humid climate. Whether you’ve got a patio, porch, or backyard bed, growing your own is easier than you think.

Why Herbs Thrive in Louisiana

Our long growing season and abundant sunshine make Louisiana ideal for herb gardening.

Warm temperatures encourage fast growth
Many Mediterranean herbs love heat
Containers help manage drainage during heavy rains
Fresh herbs reduce grocery trips and food waste

With proper drainage and airflow, herbs flourish beautifully here.

Best Grilling Herbs

Rosemary

A grilling classic. Perfect for chicken, steak, and roasted potatoes.

Loves full sun
Drought-tolerant once established
Great in containers or landscape beds

Thyme

Excellent for seafood, vegetables, and marinades.

Handles heat well
Prefers well-drained soil
Low-growing and compact

Basil

Essential for summer grilling and fresh sauces.

Thrives in Louisiana heat
Pinch often to prevent flowering
Ideal for containers near the kitchen

Oregano

Bold flavor for meats and grilled vegetables.

Heat-loving
Spreads easily in beds
Very low maintenance

Parsley

Brightens grilled dishes and compound butters.

Prefers morning sun, afternoon shade
Keep soil consistently moist

Containers or Garden Beds?

Both work beautifully — but here’s what we recommend locally:

Containers

Easier drainage control during heavy summer storms
Moveable during extreme heat or cold snaps
Perfect for patios and outdoor kitchens

Raised Beds or In-Ground

Allow herbs like rosemary and oregano to become long-term landscape staples
Great for gardeners who cook often

Pro tip: Mix herbs in a large container for a “grill garden” right by your back door.

Watering in Louisiana Heat

Summer humidity can be intense, but herbs still need consistent care.

Water deeply, not lightly
Ensure containers have drainage holes
Avoid soggy soil — especially for rosemary and thyme
Morning watering is best

Overwatering is more common than underwatering, especially during rainy stretches.

Harvesting for Maximum Flavor

The more you harvest, the fuller your plants become.

Cut herbs in the morning for strongest flavor
Never remove more than one-third at a time
Regular trimming encourages bushy growth

Fresh-picked herbs have stronger oils and aroma than store-bought — you’ll taste the difference immediately.

Simple Ways to Use Your Grill Garden

Toss rosemary sprigs directly on coals for smoky aroma
Make herb butter with parsley and thyme
Blend basil into marinades
Skewer vegetables with oregano and olive oil
Infuse olive oil with fresh herbs for brushing meats

Your garden becomes part of the cooking experience.

The Benefits of Growing Your Own

Fresher flavor
Cost-effective
Always available
Beautiful and fragrant
Attracts pollinators

Plus, there’s something satisfying about stepping outside, snipping what you need, and heading straight to the grill.

Ready to Start Your Grill Garden?

Whether you’re planting in pots or building out a backyard herb bed, we’re here to help you choose the right varieties for our climate.

Stop by the garden center to explore fresh herb arrivals, containers, and expert advice — and let’s make this grilling season your most flavorful yet

An Interview with a Horticulturist

Thu, 21 May 2026 20:46:03 GMT

Click Here to watch our Recent Interview with Lafayette & Vermilion Parish's Horticultural Agent, Ms. Audrey Kolde!

Ladybugs: Nature's Pest Control

Fri, 15 May 2026 19:00:39 GMT

Ladybugs are one of the most helpful insects you can have in your garden. They may be small, but they are powerful natural pest control, feeding on aphids, mites, and other soft-bodied insects that damage plants.

A single ladybug can eat dozens of aphids a day, and their larvae are even more aggressive feeders. When you see them in your garden, it’s a sign your plants are part of a healthy, balanced ecosystem.

Why gardeners love ladybugs

They naturally reduce aphids and other pests without chemicals
They protect flowers, vegetables, and shrubs
Their larvae do most of the heavy pest control work
They support a healthier, more balanced garden overall

Ladybug Garden Checklist

☐ I have flowering plants like alyssum, dill, or marigolds
☐ I avoid broad-spectrum pesticides in my garden
☐ I’ve provided a shallow water source for insects
☐ I’ve checked plants for aphids and pest activity
☐ I leave beneficial insects (and larvae) undisturbed when possible

Encouraging ladybugs is one of the simplest ways to keep your garden naturally healthy and thriving all season long. When they show up, your garden is doing exactly what it should — working with nature instead of against it

Garden Fungus Among Us

Thu, 14 May 2026 14:08:10 GMT

If your plants suffer from fungus, know that it is not isolated to your area, and issues can be treated!

The two most common fungus are Early Blight and Leaf Spot. Both of these start at the bottom of the plant and move upwards over time.

To combat these, Fertilome’s Broad Spectrum Fungicide and Hi-Yield Vegetable, Flower, Fruit and Ornamental Fungicide are the standby fungicides with Chlorothalonil as the active ingredient. This fungicide is able to be applied to almost all vegetables, fruits and berries. This will prevent and keep these two fungus from spreading.

With all fungicides, we recommend two applications 7-14 days apart, and always follow the label’s instructions.

If you’re wanting an organic fungicide alternative, try Fertilome Broad Spectrum Fungicide Natural Guard Brand Copper Soap Fungicide. This will do everything the above products will do PLUS it will remedy bacterial issues.

Another organic choice is Fertilome Triple Action. This is hydrophobic extract of neem oil, so it is an insecticide, fungicide and a spider mite control. This is not the strongest fungicide for the garden, but the added ability to kill insects makes it a good choice when you are not sure if you have an insect or fungus problem in your garden. When temperatures are above 90 degrees F, spray only in the morning and if the plant is stressed by lack of water, water 24 hours prior to treatment in order to hydrate the plant.

When you apply any fungicide, please follow the product’s labeled directions. Also, start at the bottom of the plant. If any leaves are infected, pick them off and discard.

Preventing and Banishing the Colorado Potato Beetle in Vegetable Gardens

Thu, 14 May 2026 13:52:54 GMT

What is the Colorado Potato Beetle? This species of beetle was first recognized as a pest in Colorado potato crops in 1859. It has since traveled East and throughout the country. Today, you will find them to usually begin in zucchini and squash gardens, but quickly move to everything else.

How will you know if you have a Colorado Potato Beetle problem in your garden? You will see holes in the foliage and their bright orange egg clusters. The egg clusters are in 10-30 and will be on the under side of the leaf.

To remove the egg clusters, use a piece of folded duct tape, and dispose immediately. Eggs will hatch within two weeks, move around the plants while eating the leaves. It’s imperative to remove and dispose of these clusters ASAP before they hatch because it’s the best preventative measure for this bug problem in your garden.

To treat them once they hatch, or as adults, the best would be an organic product with Spinosad, which will also kill other insect infestations. We recommend the Spinosad “Green” label Spinosad Soap. It not only has Spinosad, but it also contains an insecticidal soap, which will knock out the Colorado Potato Beetle in minutes to die on the ground. We do want to mention, however, that using any product with soap will need to be applied in the evening during our hot months, and washed of off in the mornings. The reasons are because if left on the foliage of your plant in the heat/summer, your plant can burn. Another reason to apply in the evening and wash it off in the morning is to reduce any risk to the pollinators that are essential visitors to your garden.

However, resistance to pesticides can become an issue. If you notice the insecticide you are using becomes less effective, rotate products to increase the effectivities. We recommend to always use a Spreader Sticker to help the product “stick.” For other product recommendations to battle the Colorado Potato Beetle, or any other insect problem your garden is facing, visit us in our Plant Health Care Room!

Mark your calendars to attend a Summer Seminar on July 18 at 10am to learn from an expert on summer issues in your gardens- from insects to fungus to heat best practices! Learn more here.

Tips and Tricks for Longer Bloom Times

Mon, 11 May 2026 15:39:08 GMT

Keep the color going in your summer landscape with these easy tips…

Flowers in the Landscape

Adding flowering plants to the landscape is the quickest way to add visual appeal. "Planting flowers" can mean different things to different people, but no matter what type of plant they select, everyone wants their flowers to last as long as possible. It’s important to choose plants that do well in our area’s summer conditions. There are lots of options, depending on the need/want for annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees, herbs, etc.

Use Annual Flowers and Foliage for Colorful Accents

Before extending the bloom season, it's important to know what the bloom season should be. Annual flowers produce blooms soon after sprouting from seed, and continue flowering throughout their short single-season lifespan. Most trees, shrubs and perennials have a more compact bloom season, and even re-blooming varieties have bloom/rest cycles that preclude a constant color show. Optimizing the bloom season requires a slightly different approach for each of these categories.

Learn more on the difference between annuals and perennials from our blog here!

Choose the Right Annuals

A key to keeping annuals blooming heavily for several months is planting those species that are coming into season. At any given time there are species that are coming into their bloom season and others that are finishing up. For example, in the South pansies and begonias may both be seen in garden centers in late February; but pansies will soon peter out because of the heat, while it is just getting warm enough to plant begonias.

Use Perennials for a Punch of Color

The great benefit of perennials in the landscape is that they come back year after year, however they tend to have a shorter bloom season than annuals. While annuals are best used in limited pockets to add a punch of color, perennials are best peppered throughout the landscape to add subtle change and bright "sparks" throughout the season.

Re-blooming Plants Extend the Flowering Season

One way to extend the flowering season in the landscape is to plant re-blooming shrubs and perennials. These cultivars outperform their old-fashioned peers by flowering on both old (last year's) growth and new (this year's) growth. Plant re-blooming varieties of roses, hydrangeas, azaleas and others and you will enjoy flowers from spring through fall.

Mix Seasonal Bloomers

Mixing spring, summer and fall bloomers of different species into a blended border is a fantastic way to extend the bloom time of the planting while adding dramatic seasonal change.

Maintain Good Fertility

Fertility is an important component for bloom production. Annuals, perennials and shrubs each have their particular needs. Feed annuals a granular time released fertilizer at planting time to keep the foliage looking great, and supplement with a liquid "bloom food" throughout the season. Perennials and shrubs should be fed general purpose plant food as they begin to grow in spring and after removing spent blooms. We can help show you which is which in our Plant Health Care room!

Deadheading Helps Plants Flower Longer

"Deadheading" is the practice of removing spent blooms. Cutting or pinching these old flower heads away helps the plant focus its energy on flower production, instead of ripening seeds. Deadheading can reduce the time between flower cycles by several weeks in the case of many re-blooming shrubs and perennials. It also helps keep annuals looking neat and tidy. Many flowers, such as zinnias, coreopsis, marigolds, salvia, scabiosa and others, bloom longer when you deadhead them.

Weed

Weed out what you don't want, so favorite flowers don't have to compete for nutrients.

Prune

For heavy bloom production, hard pruning can be a real help. Pruning stimulates branching, and more branch tips means more flowers. Pruning can be as simple as deadheading, or it can be much more aggressive. Shrubs are often pruned hard at some point (depending on their flowering time) to maintain their size and stimulate branching (read: blooms). Perennials, too can be cut back hard after their first bloom cycle to rejuvenate foliage and stimulate a secondary bloom cycle.

Watering Is Key to Bloom Production

Stressed plants are capable of flowering rather intensely. This is probably a survival instinct that ensures the plant reproduces. Don't use this instinct as a strategy. Maintaining a healthy soil moisture level will ensure both good bloom production and the longevity of the plant itself. The generally used rule of thumb is one inch of water, from a combination of rainfall and irrigation, per week.

Container Plantings

Colorful containers are wonderfully flexible, but require a bit of extra attention to provide consistent color. Water and fertilization will need to be provided perhaps twice as often, or more, compared with in-ground plantings. The good thing is the ease of popping out tired plants and popping in new ones as the season progresses. Our Potting Station can help create a beautiful piece for you! Or, you can visit our garden center to shop our pre-made containers!

Click here to read our blog on how to create a container garden!

Foliage Plants

If a colorful, visually appealing landscape is your goal, flowers aren't the only game in town. Consider the effect that foliage can have on the overall picture. Bold colors and textures, structure and even motion are some of the benefits that leaves bring to accent flowers. Foliage lasts all season without the maintenance requirements of flowers, and many of the "foliage plants" offer flowers of their own, like the ornamental flower/seed heads on this purple fountain grass.

A Colorful, Mixed Landscape

Long-blooming flowers are beautiful, all the more in a well-mixed landscape. Strategically placed annual flower beds, well positioned containers filled with color, expansive perennial gardens and shrub borders all bring their own unique presence to a well-cared for landscape. Providing for their basic needs and tweaking your maintenance habits will ensure that they all maximize their effects on the big picture.

Shade-Loving Plants for Containers and Hanging Baskets

Mon, 11 May 2026 15:27:06 GMT

Looking to add color to a shady spot in the yard or under a covered patio or porch? Here is our list of plants that love life in the shade.

Succulents

You may think all succulents love the sun, but the truth is there are several that do better in light shade, especially during the summer months. They can tolerate some morning sun, but the scorching afternoon sun may fry them to a crisp. How do you know if your succulents need more sun? If they start to get leggy and weak and refuse to flower, then move them to a spot with more sun. Succulents that like shade include: fairy crassula, sedum, aloe vera, jade, devil’s backbone, many different kinds of Sansevieria (snake plant) and kalanchoe. Good vine-like or cascading succulents for shade include wax plant, burrow tail, mistletoe cactus, string of pearls, string of hearts and rosary vine, Christmas cactus, Easter cactus and night blooming cereus.

Coral Bells

Coral Bells have varieties that are striking in borders with other shade-loving perennials, but they also look fabulous planted solo in containers. This hardy perennial is evergreen so plant it in a container that will lend interest to your winter landscape. They prefer partial shade and are also deer and rabbit resistant.

Begonia

The begonia family is huge, the topline way to divide the varieties up is by root type. Tuberous begonias are a herbaceous perennial that is usually grown outdoors. Begonias with fine-fibrous root systems are best as houseplants. Both kinds prefer low light and well-drained soil. Tuberous begonias will bloom all summer long in the right conditions. In our warmer climate, plant in dappled to full shade. Begonias look great next to other shade-loving perennials like hosta and heuchera. The bronze-leaf varieties can handle more sun conditions than their green-leaf cousins.

Hydrangea

There are several compact varieties of hydrangea that make perfect pot dwellers. The biggest challenge to growing hydrangeas in pots is providing sufficient water. They’ll need more water than their in-the-ground counterparts. Plant in big pots, a minimum of 18" to 20" across. This size will provide enough soil to give roots room to spread and to keep you from having to water multiple times a day. Place your hydrangea pots so that they receive morning sun and afternoon shade.

Ferns

Ferns in hanging baskets are the quintessential front porch accessory, and they're so easy to grow and care for! Keep your ferns out of direct midday sun and make sure to give them enough water to keep the soil damp. A couple of inches of organic mulch will help keep them moist and healthy. Also make sure they are protected from wind and heavy rains.

Lamium

Also known as deadnettle, this easy-care perennial is part of the mint family. It’s a shade lover with silvery foliage that blooms in the summer, producing clusters of pink or white flowers that resemble snapdragons. It is often grown as a ground cover but can look absolutely charming in a shady pot as a standalone or as a spiller mixed with other shade lovers.

Hosta

This common shade garden plant can make a happy home in pots. All hostas like rich, well-drained soil. They don’t like dry conditions so provide ample water and spread mulch around them to help retain moisture. Most hostas grow best in part shade, although some varieties can tolerate a little direct sunshine. Hostas' spikey white to lavender blooms beckon bees, butterflies and hummingbirds.

Clematis

Clematis has about 300 species and an even bigger number of hybrids. With that many to choose from you should be able to find one that will grow in your yard’s conditions in just the right color. And as an additional bonus, there are varieties of clematis that are evergreen. Vining clematis looks wonderful in a container climbing up an arbor, pergola or trellis. Clematis does best in moist, well-drained soil. Plant them deeply and add mulch, but don’t pile up the mulch around the stems, it can cause wilting. Fill the rest of the container with flowering annuals or other small, shade-loving perennials.

Torenia

Torenia, also known as Wishbone Flower, makes the LSU SuperPlant list for its star performing qualities in a shade garden. These little bell-shaped flowers add rainbow bright colors like pink, purple, magenta, blue and white to a shady area. With their mounding habit, they make excellent filler plants in a container. There are even some varieties that will trail over your container.

Mint

Mint comes in a variety of fragrances, including peppermint, spearmint, apple, chocolate and orange. Harvest it to flavor teas, salad or cocktails. Mint is best grown in a container because it is a quick grower and tends to be invasive.

English Ivy

English ivy is a popular container plant for many reasons. It looks great as a spiller mixed with flowering plants or other textural greenery like ferns and hostas. It is perfect for the lazy gardener, just give it a little water when it gets dry and you're good to go. English ivy is available in a variety of sizes and variegated green and white foliage. It’s also evergreen, so it’ll look great with your spring and summer bloomers as well your fall mums, winter cabbages and cold-hardy pansies.

Columbine

Columbine is easy to grow because it adapts to a wide variety of conditions. Columbine attracts hummingbirds and butterflies, but deer and rabbits will leave it alone. It will self-seed so put it in a container that offers room to grow. Columbine varieties offer an array of colors and growing height.

Rosemary

Rosemary can be such a versatile part of your landscape. This easy-to-grow herb is known to be a sun lover, but it can also thrive with heavy afternoon shade. Rosemary - whether it’s a variety that grows upright or spills like ivy - makes a great ornamental addition to large containers and hanging baskets. It’s evergreen and does prefer moist, well-drained soil. Harvest it to season meats, potatoes and even cocktails.

Creeping Jenny

Creeping Jenny is a ubiquitous ground cover because it's easy to grow, but also because it can be invasive, so using it in a container is a smart idea. It is low-maintenance, prefers soil on the moist side, and it grows well in sun or shade although it may acquire a golden hue if kept in a sunny spot. In the deep cold, the color will fade, but next season it will strike back with a vengeance.

Citronella Geranium

Citronella geranium is an aromatic, hardy perennial with gray-green lobed leaves and pink flowers. It's most valued for its distinctive, warm musky fragrance, primarily used in perfume and potpourri, or as a natural insect repellant. They can be clustered in pots around seating areas to keep mosquitoes from sheltering in nearby vegetation. For best results, plant them where it will receive morning sun and afternoon shade.

Please note All Seasons may or may not have these in stock. Please contact us to confirm their availability! You can call us at 337.264.1418 or contact us here.

Tropical Paradise with Plants

Mon, 11 May 2026 15:01:11 GMT

Although we complain when it starts to warm up, it is the heat that allows us to grow some of the most amazing plants - blooming tropicals! These plants can be planted in your landscape or containers while taking our heat and bloom all summer long!

We define tropicals as woody stem shrubs and vines that perform at their peak when it's hot and humid. There are lots of plants that fit this description; by far the three at the top of the list are Hibiscus, Bougainvillea and Mandevilla. These beauties come in an array of exotic colored flowers. They bloom either perpetually or in cycles from at least May through September. Other popular tropicals include Ixora, Allamanda, Jatropha, Cordyline, Shrimp Plant and Bird of Paradise.

Unlike most other plants, the heat actually makes these plants actively grow, so you can plant them well into the summer and have them thrive!

Tip: Since these plants grow and bloom in the hottest time of the year, proper fertilization is important for optimum plant health and performance. Ask us for the right products, and we'll point you in the direction of success.

Do yourself a favor and create a Backyard Paradise with tropicals in your landscape and relax just like you would if you were on a tropical vacation.

Here are some tropical plant choices! These and more available at our garden center!

Hibiscus (Shrubs and Tree Forms)

Bougainvillea

Mandevilla

Ixora

Duranta

Princess Flower (Tibouchina)

Allamanda

Elephant Ear

Banana Plant

Shrimp Plant

Cordyline

Palm Trees

Bird of Paradise (Orange & White)

Please note All Seasons may or may not have these in stock. Please contact us to confirm their availability! You can call us at 337.264.1418 or contact us here.

Colorful Plants that Take the Heat

Mon, 11 May 2026 14:55:23 GMT

It’s not too late to add colorful bedding plants to your landscape, but it’s important to choose plants that are able to thrive in the intense heat of a Louisiana summer. Summer bedding plants come in a variety of heights, textures and colors, and they are adapted to grow in everything from moist, shady areas to hot, dry, sunny locations.

You can create cool, elegant color schemes with pastels, or an explosion of bright, vibrant colors full of excitement with more vivid colors. Summer plants can be used in flower beds, mixed borders, containers and hanging baskets to provide the color you crave wherever you want it. Check out the following plants and many other delightful choices for summer color here!

Angelonia are among the most reliable and heat-tolerant plants for sunny, well-drained locations.

Create a patriotic garden: Plant white Angelonia!

Blue Daze is a low-growing, shrubby bedding plant that loves summer heat and sun. Neither insects nor diseases bother this plant, whose grayish foliage and clear, blue flowers add a cool note to the garden. The flowers tend to close up in the afternoon during the intense heat of midsummer, but the plants stay neat, attractive and free from pests from the time you plant them until the first freeze.

Create a patriotic garden: Plant blue Blue Daze!

Pentas stay in constant bloom all summer and into fall, with flowers in shades of white, pink, rose, lavender and red. They are absolutely care free other than trimming occasionally, and they are simply irresistible to butterflies.

Create a patriotic garden: Plant red Pentas!

The common Lantana or ham and eggs (Lantana camara) has been refined into a number of garden varieties that are among the best plants for summer color. Few plants combine constant flowering, heat tolerance and ease of care as well as lantana does. Lantanas are irresistible to butterflies and are an important plant to include in flower gardens planted with these delightful insects in mind. The Bandana lantanas are Louisiana Super Plant selections that are especially compact and floriferous.

The narrow-leaf Zinnia (Zinnia angustifolia) is usually a brilliant, in-your-face orange. But it also comes in yellow and creamy white and loves hot, sunny areas. It is low-growing, is constantly covered with flowers and looks particularly nice cascading over the edge of raised planters. Also look for the excellent Profusion zinnias and Zahara zinnias in many colors. They are especially disease resistant.

A versatile and reliable plant that does well in part shade to shade is the wishbone flower, Torenia . This annual plant provides a tremendous display of blue, purple, lavender, rose, pink or white flowers over an extended period. The Louisiana Super Plant selection Kauai series torenias are outstanding. They make ball-shaped plants under a foot tall and come in a variety of beautiful colors.

Along with torenias, Begonias are also a great choice for shade. BabyWing begonia is a Louisiana Super Plant selection that is vigorous and blooms prolifically. Coleus, caladium and impatiens are additional plants that provide abundant color in partly shaded conditions.

Don’t let the heat of July and August do your garden in. Choose your plants carefully, and watch your garden thrive despite the weather.

Look for these other great heat-tolerant plants for colorful summer flower beds here:

Low-growing (less than 2 feet tall) – Mexican heather, ornamental peppers, ornamental sweet potato, coleus, impatiens, periwinkle, dwarf cosmos, wax begonia, dwarf pentas, dwarf globe amaranth, Victoria salvia, marigold, portulaca, blue daze, perennial verbena, purslane, abelmoschus, narrow-leaf zinnia, wishbone flower, caladium, balsam, gaillardia, celosia, lantana, scaevola.

Taller-growing (over 2 feet tall) – butterfly weed, rudbeckia, angelonia, shrimp plant, cleome, Fireworks gomphrena, melampodium, four o'clock, cosmos, hardy hibiscus (mallow), sunflower, salvias, cigar flower, Mexican sunflower (tithonia).

Please note All Seasons may or may not have these in stock. Please contact us to confirm their availability! You can call us at 337.264.1418 or contact us here.

Article by LSU Ag Center. Visit online here!

Summer Loving Annuals for Sun & Shade

Mon, 11 May 2026 14:49:20 GMT

These plants will grow, bloom and perform throughout the summer and fall until it's time again for the cool weather annuals.

Here are the most popular, top performing heat loving annuals for our area:

Sun loving summer annuals include:

Vinca – Heat and drought tolerant, and offering continual without deadheading, these are a staple summer flowering plant. Vinca do not like cool weather or too much moisture, so be sure to place them in an area that will be well-drained.

Zinnia – Zinnias are great plants for butterfly gardeners. They really bring in loads of the hovering beauties into the back yard. Zinnias do require some deadheading to promote rebloom, and the lower foliage in summer can get tired, so use these in the middle or back of a flowerbed.

Angelonia – These are sometimes called Summer Snapdragons. Their tall, spiky blooms are surely reminiscent of cool-season snapdragon flowers. Angelonia are heat and disease resistant. The Serena varieties are an LSU Super Plant.

Lantana – Like several on this list, Lantana are especially popular with butterfly enthusiasts. Lantana grow in very challenging, poor soils with plenty of sun. Too much shade or too much nitrogen fertilizer may result in of an abundance of leaves but few blooms. Put this one out by the mailbox where you might not always get to it with the hose, and it will appreciate the neglect.

Penta – Pentas are my all-time favorite problem-free annual. Heat and drought tolerant, bug and disease-proof, Pentas are not especially fussy about sun or soil, either. They give good rebloom without deadheading, and they are another great nectar plant for pollinators.

Strap Leaf Caladiums – Many know caladiums as a great source of color for shady areas, but did you know that several varieties can take full sun? These bold foliage plants always look good, because they do not depend on flowering to look good. See a sales associate to find out how to pick out the varieties that take sun.

Sun Coleus – Just like caladiums for sun, many new coleus varieties are true sun-lovers. This is another plant that is always a stunner in the garden, because they get their visual appeal from the leaves, not flowers. Keep coleus well-watered until fully established, and they will be very tough and durable plants after they have spread their roots.

Salvia – Annual and perennial salvias alike are true staples of the summer garden. Many get a second wave of heavy blooming from late summer into fall, when more sensitive garden plants are slowing down. Salvias attract another favorite garden visitor – hummingbirds!

Bronze Leaf Begonia – Tropical, heat-loving, and drought tolerant, begonias are great garden plants. Did you know that bronze-leaved varieties take full sun? They are very water-wise, and handle drought well, but cannot handle wet soils. Plant them in well-drained beds.

Purslane / Portulaca – These two succulent summer annuals are different plants, but their care is very similar. These plants like LOTS of sun and VERY little water. Good to plant in sandy or rocky soils, or great in pots, especially those that don’t get watered often. These plants can survive, and in fact bloom and be healthy, with several weeks without water.

Shade loving summer annuals include:

Impatiens – Impatiens are a great plant in partly sunny to shady locations that get plenty of moisture. Many folks are opting for the newer New guinea Impatiens for their improved vigor and resistance to fungus.

Caladiums – While some types of Caladiums have been proven to endure some sun, all Caladiums do very well in shade. Bold, tropical leaves, in tones of red, pink, white, and green, brighten up the shadiest corners with an uninterrupted show until fall. If plants flower, blooms should be pinched off so the plant can produce more beautiful leaves.

Green Leaf Begonia – While impatiens are moisture lovers, begonias can do dry shade very well. The clean green leaves are not fazed by heat, and they plants bloom continuously without additional fertilizer or deadheading. In the right spot, begonias sometimes survive the winter and come back year after year!

Torenia – Torenia is also known as wishbone flower. It is a dainty and compact plant, but it puts out loads of blooms even in shade, and it does not slow down with the heat. There are upright and trailing types, but both stay in place well, and do not become lanky or messy. They also do very well in hanging baskets!

Shade Coleus – Traditionally, Coleus have been shade plants, and they continue to be one of the most exciting plants to use in less sunny areas of the flower bed. The amount of color choices and leaf types is incredible! There is truly a coleus out there to please everyone.

Potato Vine – Potato vine is a plant that can grow well in very challenging conditions. Since the root is a giant tuber, they do not need loads of organic material to put out good growth. I especially like to use it among the roots of large shade trees as a ground cover. The lime green varieties look especially bright and cheerful in shady areas.

Lysimachia – Creeping Jenny and its relatives are going to really shine in shady areas, but can take some good sun, too. They make bright, carefree groundcovers, and look especially good in hanging baskets. Creeping Jenny can brighten any planter combo with its vigorous, chartreuse shoots of perfect rounded foliage.

Within these categories there are different series and within each series there are different varieties to choose from. When replacing your annuals you should add some fresh soil and a slow release fertilizer.

Remember to properly water your annuals until they are established and growing!

Please note All Seasons may or may not have these in stock. Please contact us to confirm their availability! You can call us at 337.264.1418 or contact us here.

Prevent Crape Myrtle Bark Scale & other Insect Infestations with Tree & Shrub Drench

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 20:44:19 GMT

The Tree & Shrub Drench by Fertilome is a “Must Do” product for your trees and shrub in Spring!

All your plants need is a once a year application to prevent things like insect infestations and Crape Myrtle Bark Scale. This is ideal for trees and shrubs such as Magnolias, Hollies, Azaleas, Oaks, Roses and More!

What is Crape Myrtle Bark Scale? It’s due to a recent (2024) invasive insect from Asia that is small and white or gray. They appear to only be affecting Crape Myrtles at this time, but in their native area, they affect a number of other plants. The Scale is a bark or felt scale due to the waxy coating on the insects. They will be found on the stems, large twigs, and trunks but rarely on the foliage.

How do you know if your Crape Myrtle is under attack? One of the first signs is the black sooty mold that is present from the large amounts of honeydew produced by these insects.

Control can be difficult and can require multiple applications to ensure successes. If the infestation is severe, it may take multiple applications for multiple years.

If you already have the issue, we recommend using Hi-Yield Dormant Spray during the tree’s dormant season. This has been found to be the most effective. Spray all the trunks and branches very thoroughly and the oil will suffocate the insects.
Next, spray when the insects are out. For this, we recommend using Horticultural Oil or Broad Spectrum Insecticide- both of which have shown to be effective. Spray then repeat at least once 10-14 days later.
The shells from the insect will remain on your plant, so scrape them off on a white sheet of paper then crush them to ensure they are dead.

The easiest application to do, however, is the preventative Tree & Shrub Drench by Fertilome.
Again, you only have to apply this once a year, and it’s worth the prevention!

To apply, simply mix it in a bucket and pour around the base of the plant.

Bougainvillea & Hibiscus

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 18:27:09 GMT

We all love the tropics- the bright colors and inviting tones! Bring that feeling into your garden with two of the best-looking tropical bloomers!

Bougainvilleas enjoy to be “root-bound”, meaning they are an excellent choice for a container or hanging basket! They flower the heaviest when the roots are slightly crowded in the container. If they are planted in the ground, you’ll notice they tend to stay more green.
If you have some from last year and want to encourage it to bloom, a simple tip is to “tip prune” off about ½ inch of the stem tips. This encourages more branching and ultimately more flowers!

Another fact about Bougainvilleas is they flower the heaviest when they are water-stressed. This may not make much sense to you because we like to care for our plants and give them drinks often. However, there are some plants, like these, that enjoy being more drought-tolerant. Think of them like a desert plant: they are under water-stress, then water pours into them and BOOM- they bloom! Withhold water for extended periods to force the plant into bloom. Our advice would be to wait until you see the leaves slightly wilting. At that point, it’s ready to receive a thorough watering session so it can perform for you!

Hibiscus bloom on new wood, so it’s always important to “tip prune” them back. Also, pinch off old flower buds to help the plant perform best with less “baggage.” Pests like aphids and white flies effect their blooms as well, so preventive measures work best. We can help provide you details.

One of the most common questions we get from concerned customers is that their Hibiscus’ leaves are yellow. Yellowing leaves is an indication of overwatering or underwatering. In the summer, it’s usually underwatering. Just like us, plants need lots of water in the hot summer months.

We have a homemade superbloom tonic when you want to kick-start your Bougainvillea and/or Hibiscus to bloom:

1 gallon of water
2 tablespoons of Fertilome all-purpose plant food
2 tablespoons of Fertilome Blooming & Rooting
2 tablespoons of Epom Salt

Fertilize with this mixture every other week for results!

When your Bougainvillea and/or Hibiscus are already blooming, and you want the blooms to continue, our recommendation is to maintain a slow-release fertilizer schedule, every 3 months during their growing season. Our best slow-release fertilizers formulated for these specific plants are HibisGain and BouGain.

As always, we want to help you know it to be able to grow it! We are always here to provide the education and products to ensure gardening success and a green thumb you can be proud of!
Please come visit us to DIG IT!

Houseplants, and Light, Humidity, Watering and Fertilizing

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 16:01:32 GMT

With houseplants, care is the number one question we get. Here are some answers for you!

Don’t take light lightly:

One of the first steps when you purchase a houseplant is to select the location where it will reside and determine the amount of light that location receives. It is a good idea to observe your chosen area for an entire day, noting the amount of light that area receives.

Plants that thrive in low light need 3-4hours of indirect light each day.
Low light plant options:

Arrowhead Plants
Chinese Evergreen
Lucky Bamboo
Monstera
Pothos
Snake Plant
Spider Plant
ZZ Plant

Plants that thrive in medium light need a bright room most of the day (yet out of direct sunlight.)
Medium light plant options:
Aluminum Plant
Anthurium
Bird’s Nest Fern
Boston Fern
Dieffenbachia
Philodendron
Prayer Plant
Rex Begonia
Peace Lily

Plants that thrive in high light love a south or southwest facing window where light will shine on them directly for most of the day.
High light plant options:
Croton
Ficus
Jade Plant
Norfolk Island Pine
Palms
Polka Dot Plant
Schefflera
Sago Palm
Succulents

Please note All Seasons may or may not have these particular plants in inventory at this time. Please call us at 337.264.1418 to check or contact us online if you are looking for something specific!

A word about watering…

Overwatering houseplants is the leading cause of plant failure.

Keep an eye out for dry soil in your houseplants. Check them frequently, especially during the winter. Water as necessary. As a general rule, most plants prefer the surface of the soil to dry slightly between watering.

Help with humidity…

Most tropical foliage plants will look their best with a boost of humidity. You can increase their humidity intake by running a cool-mist humidifier, misting them daily, placing them on a water filled pebble tray or giving them a weekly shower.

Facts on fertilizing…

Houseplants benefit from a feeding with a balanced fertilizer, labeled for houseplants, once a month- year round. Find options in our Plant Health Care room and/or talk to an associate!

Mulch Madness

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 14:21:53 GMT

Mulch helps plants and keeps soil healthy. All plants greatly benefit from mulching.

The application or re-application of mulch is important to provide your garden once per year. Cedar or cypress bark is recommended due to its resistance to rot and fade, and has the ability to stabilize soil in beds and retain moisture. Cedar also repels insects. Other grades of mulch are available, but you will find that they will fade and float away, thus not being as effective.

Here are some of the benefits :

· Conserving soil moisture

· Preventing crusty soil at the surface

· Maintaining the ideal soil temperature

· Reducing weed seed germination

· Reducing weed growth

· Preventing the splashing of soil fungus during rain and watering

· Lessening cold damage

· Slowing soil erosion

· Reducing soil compaction

· Adding a clean and beautiful look to a landscape

Following the LSU AgCenter's recommendation, we suggest mulching annual bedding plants and herbaceous perennials to about 1'' deep; shrubs to 2'' and trees 3-4'' deep.

Be careful not to use excessive amounts of mulch. If it is too deep around plants it creates health-related problems for plants. Research has shown that mulching deeper than 4'' is not healthy.

We recommend:

Cedar Mulch at first:

This is best to be used for brand new beds. It will lock everything in there without a runoff. Plants will stay where you planted them. All material and products will stay put. Ideally, create it to be about 2’’ thick. Natural Cedar oil is a insect repellent for an added benefit. This mulch is exceptionally long-lasting. This mulch suppresses weeds well.

However, don’t keep applying it : Cedar on top of cedar, on top of cedar. This creates a barrier where water won’t get through. When it's applied over and over, it binds very strongly. After the initial application, switch to Grade A Cypress mulch.

Grade A Cypress is fungus resistant for established beds, locks in moisture and temperature. When the soil is at a continued temperature, rather than going from one extreme to the other, it is more beneficial. This mulch also locks in nutrients and suppresses weeds well.

You can add new mulch to old mulch and do not have to use the same mulch material each time.

Soil Secrets

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 22:02:24 GMT

One of the top questions we get asked by customers is what soil we recommend for planting in the ground or in a container. We carry many options of soils, and agree that it can be overwhelming. Here are our recommendations:

Planting in the Ground:

Happy Frog Soil Conditioner

In every bag of Happy Frog Soil Conditioner you’ll find finely-screened aged forest products, earthworm castings, and bat guano, not to mention soil microbes to help increase root efficiency and encourage nutrient uptake. There is also added humic acid, which may increase the uptake of important micronutrients to your plants.
This conditioner can be used to plant within your native soil, build up a bed, or even used as top dress mulch.

Planting in a Container:

Happy Frog Potting Mix

Your potted plants deserve the best. Their roots can’t seek out nutrition in the ground, so you have to bring it to
them. That’s why Happy Frog Potting Soil is amended with soil microbes that can help improve root efficiency and encourage nutrient uptake. Between the earthworm castings, bat guano, and aged forest products, your container plants have never felt so good.

Garden tip: Happy Frog Potting Soil is designed for container planting. Whether you’re growing a ficus in the dining room, a geranium on the patio, or a lemon tree on the deck, use our Potting Soil in your containers.

Ocean Forest Potting Mix

This potting mix is a powerhouse blend of aged forest products, sphagnum peat moss, earthworm castings, bat guano, fish emulsion, and crab meal. Aged forest products, sandy loam, and sphagnum peat moss give Ocean Forest its light, aerated texture. Garden tip: Designed for containers and ready to use right out of the bag.

Strawberry Fields Potting Mix

Strawberry Fields ^® Fruiting & Flowering Potting Soil is designed to pump up your blooms, fruits and berries with no hang-ups.

Fafard Ultra and Pro Potting Mixes

These mix contains vermiculite, perlite, RESiLIENCE ^® , compost, bark and/or other forest products, Canadian sphagnum peat moss, dolomite lime and a wetting agent. RESiLIENCE ^® is an all-natural, water-soluble mineral offering gardeners real growing benefits. Numerous trials have shown that plants grown in RESiLIENCE ^® -enhanced mixes may exhibit:

· Earlier Flowering

· Better Root Growth

· Longer Time Before Wilting

· Increased Stem Diameter

· And Quicker Recovery from Infrequent Watering

The Power of Pollination

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 20:28:57 GMT

Spending time in the garden often involves shooing away bees, but have you ever stopped to think about the benefits that these and other garden pollinators provide to our environment?

Think back to elementary or middle school. You probably learned that a pollinator helps carry pollen from the male part of the flower to the female part of that or other flowers. Although some plants and flowers do not need insects or animals to aid in pollination, many do. Some common pollinators are bees, wasps, moths, butterflies, birds, flies and small mammals like bats.

Why is this important to us? According to the National Park Service, one out of every three bites of food you eat only exists because of these pollinators. These foods include fruits, vegetables, and seeds. Even the air we breathe is affected by pollination. Look around you. Those plants you see help to clean the air, supply oxygen, and feed wildlife. When you think of these things, it really puts the importance of pollinators into perspective.

What can you do to help your friendly neighborhood pollinators? Here are some great tips from The National Park Service. Although these things may seem small, they are a BIG help to birds, bees and other helpful creatures.

Plant native flowers that bloom at different times. Also, planting flowers of different sizes and colors in clumps as opposed to scattering them in your landscaping is beneficial to pollinators by making it easier for them to locate their lunch.
Give your pollinators a drink! A shallow dish of water placed on your deck or patio will help pollinators stay hydrated. Don't forget to partially submerge stones or rocks in the container so they have somewhere to rest while drinking. Otherwise they may drown.
Did you know that many plants that are called weeds are actually useful to pollinators? So you can take a break from pulling some of those weeds.
Limit pesticides. Before using a pesticide, ask yourself: Are flowers in bloom or are pollinators active during the pesticide application? Are there alternatives? We carry organic solutions to many gardening issues. Remember, pollinators can be harmed if they consume nectar or pollen that has come into contact with pesticides. Alternatively, you can help reduce the risk of exposure by applying pesticides at night when bees and other pollinators are not active.
Nesting and sheltering sites are always appreciated! Remember that different types of pollinators require different things. Some bees and pollinating beetles may use downed tree limbs and logs; many butterflies lay eggs and rear their young on host plants; a small patch of bare ground might serve ground-nesting bees. Potential nesting sites include trees (both living and dead), shrubs, brush piles, bare ground, and bee boxes.

Build a Backyard Sanctuary for Pollinators

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 20:25:29 GMT

Pollinators play an important role. In fact, they are essential in the eco system surviving. The simple truth is that we can’t live without them! Virtually all of the world’s seed plants need to be pollinated. Let’s celebrate pollinators and help them do their job, which benefits us most of all, by cultivating the specimens they need to thrive.

Butterflies:

Everyone loves to watch butterflies flutter from flower to flower. It brings us a sense of relaxation to watch a butterfly, and to know we have planted what they love brings accomplishment!

The most important thing to remember when creating a butterfly garden is to plant both nectar and host plants.
Providing host plants for caterpillars to feed on, you will have a front row seat to the metamorphosis process! The caterpillars will consume the host plants then become a chrysalis before the adult butterfly emerges looking for the nectar plants. Then, the females will lay the eggs to hatch into a caterpillar so the cycle can continue. It’s important to plant host plants and not be discouraged with caterpillars eating the plant. It’s usually only temporary!
Some host plant ideas are: Passionflower, Milkweed, Swamp Milkweed, Asters, Butterfly Weed, Dill, Hollyhock, Sassafras, Fennel, etc.

Nectar plants for the butterflies serve their purpose, and are beautiful in your space! There are so many choices, and they all pack a pop of color to enjoy all season! A great idea to cover a problem area while luring butterflies to your yard is to buy seeds and sprinkle them in that area. The seeds will germinate and create a lasting love for you, and the butterflies! If you don’t have room for a garden, hanging baskets will do the trick just as nicely.
Some great nectar plant ideas in shrubs are: abelias, butterfly bush, honeysuckle, spiraea, etc.
Some great nectar plant ideas in perennials are: yarrow, butterfly weed, aster, daisy, cosmos, coneflower, joe-pye weed, sunflowers, salvias etc.
Some great nectar plant ideas in annuals are: lantana, zinnia, penta, marigold, verbena, geranium, portulaca, allysum, impatiens, etc.

One last important thing to note when planting your butterfly retreat is not to use any pesticides! You may be killing off the very insects you made the garden for. There are natural remedy options to repel harmful insects, like aphids. Talk to us in the Plant Health Care room to help point you in the right direction!

Bees:

As stated in the introduction, every garden requires pollinators, and bees are among the finest, and hardest working! Without bees, there would be limited flowers and far fewer fruits and vegetables to enjoy. In fact, about 30% of the food we all eat depends on the pollination of bees.

Besides planting flowers they enjoy, consider bringing more bees to your garden by providing a safe place for their shelter and to lay their eggs. Pollinator houses are trendy and compact enough to be part of your patio décor.

There are many bees that are great pollinators, such as the carpenter, mining, sweat and cellophane bees. However, some of the most well-known and easily identified bees are the honey and bumble bee. Both of these live in social colonies and are cavity nesters.

They require a constant supply of floral nectar close to their hive all summer long. Some of the biggest threats to the healthy and continued existence of the honey and bumble bee are their habitat loss.

Some great nectar plant ideas in trees and shrubs are: apple, redbud, willow, blackberry, blueberry, etc.
Some great nectar plant ideas in perennials are: aster, bee balm, black-eyed Susans, goldenrod, joe-pye weed, penstemon, coneflower, savlias, stonecrop, sunflower, etc.
Some great nectar plant ideas in annuals are: lantana, aster, catmint, alyssum, salvias, zinnias, lavender, marigolds, calendula, etc.

As with butterflies, keep the bees in your garden by eliminating chemical use, especially when plants are in flower.

Hummingbirds:

The ruby-throated hummingbirds zip across our Southern skies twice a year. They begin migrating from Mexico during the late winter and early spring to head up north for the summer. Then, once it’s fall again (usually August), they will make their way back south to Mexico.

Fun facts about hummingbirds:

They are the smallest bird in the world! They can beat their wings about 75 times per second! Wow! They can drink 8x their body weight, and also consume about 500 insects daily! Time to get their feeders and your yard ready to fuel them!

Hanging hummingbird feeders with sugar water attracts birds looking for a snack. Most feeders are red since this is the color proven to attract them. We sell safe nectar ready to hang to welcome these winged creatures! It’s important to note that if you’re DIYing your nectar, do not use red dye. Hanging a feeder from February through October is a good plan of action!

You can also charm hummingbirds to your yard with a selection of their favorite nectar-producing flowers. They are actually attracted to plants with color, and not plants with scent. Red is their choice in color, but any other bright colors like pink, purple, orange and yellow will also attract them. Another important factor to their favorite plants is the shape. Tubular-shaped flowers accommodate their long, narrow beaks.
Some great nectar plant ideas in shrubs are: azaleas, butterfly bush, abelias, bottle brush, etc.
Some great nectar plant ideas in vines are: honeysuckle, tangerine beauty crossvine, etc.
Some great nectar plant ideas in perennials are: bugleweed, bee balm, cardinal flower, columbine, coral bells, daylily, delphinium, gaura, hollyhock, hosta, phlox, gayfeather, rose mallow, cuphea , salvias, etc.
Some great nectar plant ideas in annuals are: fuchsia, penta, geranium, sage, nasturtium, petunia, pineapple sage, red salvia, zinnia, etc.

An important note, similar to the butterflies and bees, refrain from using insecticides when attracting hummingbirds. They rely on insects for protein, especially during the summer, so they’ll help to clean out your beds of pests!

For all pollinators, make sure you offer them an available water source, such as a birdbath!

Flowers that Attract Butterflies

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 20:07:53 GMT

Start planting now to make sure butterflies have your garden on their radar!

Butterfly Bush (Buddleia)

Butterfly bushes (Buddleia or Buddleja) are large, fast-growing shrubs whose flowers are irresistible to butterflies. Buddleias are easy-care plants and have a fragrant scent, making them delightful for an outdoor gathering.

Phlox

Phlox is a low-growing, spreading plant that forms a blanket of blooms all summer. Perennial varieties are great for a year-round groundcover.

Coneflower (Echinacea)

Coneflower is one of the best flowers for attracting butterflies. It adds a flashy touch of color to the late summer landscape. Plant echinacea among a low growing perennial bed where showy flowers will stand above the rest.

Lantana

Lantana produces profuse color, showing off clusters of tiny, eye-catching blooms in a variety of hues. Typically grown as an annual, it's an excellent low hedge or accent shrub that you can also train as a standard. It attracts butterflies and tolerates our heat.

Zinnia
Zinnias are an absolute butterfly magnet. They are rich with nectar, and butterflies will gladly float around a large patch of zinnias for hours each day. Deadhead to promote rebloom, and consider planting a dwarf variety such as ‘Profusion’, so they don’t flop over later in summer. The "Double" varieties are gorgeous, resembling a lion's mane, but butterflies can have trouble reaching the nectar.

Passion Flower
Passion flower is an exquisite and beautiful bloom, and it is also the host plant of the beautiful Gulf Fritillary. Simply put, putting a purple passion vine in your yard guarantees heavy interest from butterflies, year after year. The caterpillars will eat the foliage before sprouting into butterflies, but passion vine is vigorous enough to regrow from any damage. This vine does like to spread; it would be better alone on a fence or trellis than in a mixed bed with other perennials.

Black-Eyed Susan

Black-eyed Susan is one of the great wildflowers of North America and was one of the first to become a domesticated garden flower. Its showy golden yellow flower head with black centers are a visual delight.

Heliotrope

Heliotrope has a sweet, pungent scent that some liken to the smell of cherry pie. It is large flowered yet compact and has attractive, dark green foliage and a bushy habit.

Lavender

Lavender is a perennial favorite for gardeners and butterflies alike, producing tall, fragrant spikes of purple blooms. Hailing from the Mediterranean, it's drought-resistant and can take the heat.

Milkweed

The only food source of Monarch caterpillars and a preferred source of nectar for many butterfly species, including the adult Monarch, there are over 100 varieties of milkweeds in North America.

Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)

A type of milkweed, drought-tolerant butterfly weed isn’t picky about growing conditions. Give it a sunny spot, and you’ll be on your way to a flowery summer. Butterflies, bees and other pollinators can’t resist these bright orange blooms. This perennial pushes through soil in late spring, well after other plants are up and at ‘em.

Pincushion Flower

Pincushion Flower is an annual that is a member of the aster family. The plants grow easily from seed and with enough water and a little shade, will bloom from midsummer to any frost. We also have them all spring in the transplant form.

Agapanthus

Agapanthus comes to life in late summer. It features large, elegant, deep blue bell-shaped blooms that are clustered together on tall, sturdy stems. These showy flower heads stand well above the plant's foliage.

Aster

Aster is an herbaceous perennial that comes in a wide variety of colors. Its daisy-like flowers bloom in late summer and autumn in a sunny site.

Salvia

Salvia produces fragrant foliage and tall spikes of flowers, usually in shades of purple or white. Its nectar attracts butterflies and hummingbirds.

Sunflowers

Cheerful, colorful sunflowers attract both bees and butterflies to the garden.

Goldenrod

Goldenrod is a perennial with bright yellow flowers that add color to a late summer garden.

Penta

Butterflies and hummingbirds can’t resist penta's flowers, which perch prettily atop deep green leaves. Plants grow 18 to 24 inches tall and 10 to 15 inches wide.

Joe-Pye Weed

This statuesque plant adds strong architectural interest to your flower border and attracts butterflies by the dozen. Because perennial foliage usually declines after the plants bloom, choosing a late-season bloomer such as Joe-Pye weed ensures you have lush, beautiful foliage all season long.

Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)

This stunning American wildflower loves moist, shady woodland areas and attracts butterflies and hummingbirds for miles around.

Please note All Seasons may or may not have these in stock. Please contact us to confirm their availability! You can call us at 337.264.1418 or contact us here.

Create a Container Garden

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 16:07:24 GMT

Container gardening is a great way to enjoy all the pleasures of a garden without as much space, labor or time, but you don't have to sacrifice beauty. Plan your containers to use spillers, thrillers and fillers in dramatic combinations, and you'll have showstopping containers in no time.
A key tip is to make sure you know where your container will be placed (sun/shade/partial) so all the plants will “speak the same language.” For example, a shade-loving thriller like Cordyline doesn’t enjoy the sun like fillers Zinnia would. For the best success, pick plants that enjoy the same conditions! We are always here to help!

STEP 1: THRILLER
The “Thriller” should be the largest, most colorful or most unusual in the container. Your “Thriller” is what draws attention to your container, and they are placed in the center or back of the container you choose.

STEP 2: FILLER
The “Fillers” function is to fill the space between the “Spiller” and the “Thriller.” The “Filler” should not outshine the “Thriller,” but work as a bridge between the “Spiller” and the “Thriller.”

STEP 3: SPILLER

The “Spiller” adds character to the container and softens the edges. Plants suitable for “Spillers” should have a trailing growth habit. “Spillers” should be planted around the rim of your container.

Thrillers

A thriller is the centerpiece of a container, and is often a tall, dramatic plant that immediately draws the eye. Opt for unique plants with unexpected textures or structures to create that thrilling spotlight in any container. An alternative idea is to have the thriller be an evergreen that is a staple year-round, and add in fillers and spillers to match the season. The selection of thriller plants, both in evergreen or seasonal varieties, is immense and would take a nice long stroll around our Garden Center to decide. However, here are some top ideas to get you inspired…

Popular thriller plants include:

· Elephant ears

· Fountain grasses

· Boxwoods, like the Spiral

· Sky Pencil Holly

· Agave

· Agapanthus

· Junipers

· Salvia

· Foxtail Ferns

· Palms

· Bleeding hearts with use of a trellis

· Clematis with use of a trellis

· Dwarf Meyer Lemon Tree

· Lilies

· Canna Lily

· Cordyline

Fillers

Filler plants are smaller, mounding plants that literally fill in the excess space in a container, but they don't have to be boring. Look for colors, foliage shapes and textures that contrast well with your spillers and thrillers, and don't shy away from unusual options. The selection of filler plants, is immense (almost anything in our front color area) and would take a nice long stroll around our Garden Center to decide. However, here are some top ideas to get you inspired…

Great fillers include:

· Herbs

· Small low and mounding ornamental grasses, like Aztec

· Begonia

· Coleus

· Hostas

· Ferns

· Oxalis

· Any seasonal color like zinnia, marigolds, celosia, vinca, etc

Spillers

Spillers are trailing plants that deliberately spill over the edge of containers to create a more organic, living feel to the arrangement. They can make a small container seem much larger. The selection of filler plants, is immense and would take a nice long stroll around our Garden Center to decide. However, here are some top ideas to get you inspired…

Top spiller plants include:

· Sweet potato vines

· Clematis (could be a thriller also with the use of a trellis)

· Nasturtium

· Verbena

· Trailing Petunias

· Ivy

· Lysimachia (Golden Globes blooms a yellow flower)

· Delosperma/Ice Plant

· Sedum, such as Lemon Ball

· Trailing Vinca

· Creeping Fig

· Creeping Jenny

· Cuphea (Honeybells, White, Bat Face, Bleeding Heart)

No matter which spillers, thrillers or fillers you choose for containers, use each container as an opportunity to experiment with new and unique textures, colors or arrangements, and have fun choosing new plants to try. The more dramatic the arrangement, the more attention your amazing containers will get!

Tips for Planting Bulbs

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 16:34:37 GMT

Bulbs in Bulk - When purchasing bulbs in bulk, check the quality to make sure the bulbs are firm and not moldy or squishy.

Full Sun - For hyacinths, choose a site that gets full sun, though most daffodils can tolerate part shade.

Good Soil - Make sure soil is rich in organic matter and well drained because bulbs are highly susceptible to rot.

Make Them Pop - Give bulbs a dark green backdrop, such as an evergreen hedge, for making their colors pop.

Plant in Masses- Plant bulbs en masse, not in small clusters, to create the biggest impact.

Sweeps of Color- Plant in sweeping drifts of color, not in uniform rows, for a bigger visual punch.

New Heights- Consider hillsides for taking advantage of varying heights of flowers, making a planting bed seem larger.

Color Block- For the boldest effect, plant in masses of one color -- and one that complements adjacent plantings of spring annuals or blooming shrubs and trees.

Planting Bulbs- Save time – and your back – by placing bulbs, tip end up, on top of the planting bed, then cover them with a layer of several inches of soil, instead of digging individual holes for bulbs. Don’t worry if the bulbs tip over; they will work themselves upright.

Extend Growth- Extend the bulb bloom season by combining varieties that bloom early, mid- and late spring.

Contrasting Colors - Under plant beds of annuals, such as pansies or violas, with bulbs to create a complementary-color foil and extend the bloom season.

Mix Flowers- Combine container gardens of fall and winter annuals with bulbs for surprise additions next spring.

Avoid Mulch- Don’t mulch over bulb plantings because that layer of insulation withholds extra moisture in the soil and could cause bulbs to rot.

LSU Ag Center Horticulture Hints

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 18:38:20 GMT

Follow the below link to view the Winter Issue of LSU Ag Center's Horticulture Hints!

Click here to be directed to the Winter Issue of LSU Ag Center's Horticulture Hints!

Louisiana: Vegetable Planting Calendar

Thu, 18 May 2023 12:46:19 GMT

Starting to plan the fall veggie garden? Or already elbows deep in it? Have you seen this handy informational sheet on planting and harvest dates from the Urban Farmer? This is a good guide to the last and first frost dates throughout the state, as well as a crop-by-crop calendar for the year. We typically go by zone 9 recommendations; of course winters like last year’s can always surprise, and may cause damage to crops in January.

Planting vegetable seeds or transplants at the correct time is important to getting the most out of your garden. Knowing your first and last frost dates will help you start your vegetable seeds at the right time.

Louisiana is in USDA plant hardiness zones 8-9.

Louisiana Last & First Frost Dates

*Based on statistics there is a 10% chance that frost will occur before or after these dates. Watch your local weather for more accurate dates.

Louisiana on average has approximately 250 days between the last and first frost. Using the planting schedules below will help you get the most out of your garden.

Zone 9 Planting Schedule:

View more Here

For the Birds: Common Feeder Birds in Acadiana

Thu, 18 May 2023 12:23:01 GMT

Year-round

Spring & Fall Migration

Summer Birds

Winter

The Joy of Bird Feeding

Thu, 18 May 2023 11:55:30 GMT

Why feed birds?

It takes time, money, effort, and dedication to consistently feed birds the most nutritious and most attractive foods. Why do we do it?

Enjoyment

The most obvious benefit is simple enjoyment their company can bring us- their colors, their songs, their behaviors. While birds will naturally visit any backyard, adding feeders and bird friendly plants will attract more species and keep them there longer.

Interacting with nature

For many urban birders, the birds they see at their feeders may be the only wild animals they have a chance to interact with. This can be an ideal activity for senior citizens, individuals with limited mobility, or young children to get their first exposure to nature. Children can enjoy the whole process, from buying the food, filling the feeders, and watching the birds.

Giving Back to Nature

While feeding the birds brings backyard birders many benefits, it also benefits the birds by replacing food sources that have destroyed by development. When homes are built and landscaped, birds lose important nesting spots, shelter, and natural food sources, but proper feeding and landscaping can help replace those resources. Our efforts to create inviting habitats in our yards and to provide food and water actually do make a difference.

Your own organic pest control

Birds eat much more than seed, suet, and nectar. Feeding birds in your backyard invites them to feast on the insects such as mosquitoes, snails, and spiders in your landscape.

Combined with Gardening

Truly useful habitat for the birds combines food, water, and places to raise their young. We can provide some food and water, but birds still have to have trees, bushes, perennials, annuals, and “wild places” to thrive.

Bird Feeders

With the right bird feeders, seed and other foods you can better attract birds.

Feeders are not “one size fits all”–different species are attracted to different designs.

A platform feeder or tray is any flat, raised surface onto which bird food is spread. Trays are a great first feeder and attract most species of feeder birds. Backyard birds find food by sight and if you offer foods on a tray with nothing to come between the birds and the food you make it especially easy. Birds prefer its ease of landing and wide space for scratching around for their favorite seed.

Tray feeders are great for viewing birds and their behavior; however, a tray feeder’s capacity is low and the food can get wet, it needs to be filled every day or so.

Even though one feeder can serve many species, a variety of feeders can entice even more birds.

A hopper feeder is a platform upon which walls and a roof are built, forming a “hopper” that protects seed against the weather. This feeder can hold a seed blend that attracts 80% of the local birds and last four or more days before refilling.

A suet feeder provides a very high energy food and is a favorite of woodpeckers. The best suet for bird feeding is a “suet blend cake” made with high-quality rendered beef kidney fat and added protein such as peanuts, nuts, and dried insects.

Tube feeders work well for sunflower hearts or for blends combining sunflower hearts, peanut pieces, and safflower. Tube feeders have smaller food openings and fewer places to perch. This is a good solution for too many doves or house sparrows at your feeder.

Cylinder feeders

Circular cakes called “cylinders hold seed together with a natural protein binder. Cylinders can contain seeds, suet, nuts, or various combinations of those ingredients. Cylinders are great all the time, but they are perfect when you go on vacation because there is always something to eat. Cylinder are exposed to rain so use smaller cakes or cut them in half crosswise and put out half at a time.

Nectar feeders are specially made to dispense nectar through small holes. Choose a feeder that is easy to take apart and clean, because the feeder should be washed or run through the dishwasher frequently.

Characteristics of feeders to consider include:

Visibility so birds will notice the new feeder and see the available seed
Appropriate feeding ports for seed type and desired bird species
Multiple perches or platforms to accommodate many birds comfortably
Feeder capacity and refill frequency expectations
Pest-resistant features, such as built-in baffles or no-chew construction
Suitability to the climate to keep seed dry, if needed
Durability and ease of maintenance and cleaning to keep the feeder in top shape
Demonstrate how the feeders meet those characteristics.

Types of seeds

Like people, birds have different preferences when it comes to food.

The most common type of seed offered at feeders in North America is black-oil sunflower seed . It is high in energy and has thin shells, making it the preferred food item for a wide variety of birds. Black-oil sunflower is among the favorite feeder foods of cardinals, chickadees, finches, and sparrows. Sunflower seeds mimic the seeds of trees including pine, spruce, fir, elm, and sweetgum, plus flower seeds of all sizes, and of course, sunflowers. Sunflower seeds without hulls are called chips, hearts, or kernels. Sunflower-loving birds split sunflower seeds (cadinals), pound them open (chickadees and titmice), or swallow them whole (doves).

Safflower seed is a whitish seed similar to sunflower in its amount of fat, protein, and calories. It is an excellent problem-solver when used alone in a feeder, because while blackbirds, European starlings, and many squirrels don’t like it, Northern Cardinals, chickadees, House Finches, Tufted Titmice, and many other sunflower-loving birds do. You may have to do a 5ifty-fifty blend of sunflower seeds and safflower seeds to introduce it.

White proso millet , a shiny round seed, is the best small seed to include in blends or offer alone. Such beautiful birds as Dark-eyed Juncos, White Crowned Sparrows, and Painted Buntings are attracted to millet. None of the other grains, such as milo, wheat, and canary seed, are liked as much as white millet, so look for blends that have white millet and none of those other grains.

Birds constantly seek out high-energy foods, and peanuts are one of the highest calorie foods they can find, second only to sunflower hearts.

Peanuts are fed to birds in a variety of forms, including peanuts in the shell, shelled peanuts, peanut pieces, and peanut hearts.

Peanuts in the shell are a challenge and only a few birds have the beak strength to open them. Blue Jays, Tufted Titmice, and many woodpeckers can crack holes in the shells. Jays love peanuts in the shell; they often cache peanuts for later retrieval. Chickadees and titmouse hold the peanuts in their feet and peck it into smaller bits.

If you use a no-mess blend such as sunflower chips, peanut pieces, and hulled white millet , you will avoid piles of shells on the ground or deck. With additions of tree nuts and dried fruit, you can broaden the appeal to even more birds.

Getting the right feeder and filling it with seeds is a great start. But are you providing the best space for the birds? There are many factors that that go into backyard birding and these are some of the common mistakes.

1 . Not providing clean water

Birds rely on food AND water from their favorite backyards. Providing a source of water along with your feeder will make your backyard a one-stop shop for birds. Empty and refill your bird bath every few days in both summer and winter.

2 . Using Bargain Basement Birdseed

The cheapest birdseed is often loaded with inexpensive fillers such as cracked corn, milo, oats, or wheat. These seeds and grains appeal to very few species, and other birds will toss the seed to the ground instead of eating it, causing a mess of sprouting weeds. Birders can save money on birdseed by choosing the types of seeds their birds prefer and only offering those good foods so none goes to waste.

3 . Using Only One Kind of Bird Feeder

Birds have different diet preferences, and different species prefer different feeder styles. Open feeders with trays or perches will attract a decent variety of birds, but to maximize bird feeding it is essential to use different feeders. Consider a mesh sock for goldfinches, nectar feeders for hummingbirds, suet feeders for woodpeckers, mealworm dishes for bluebirds, and jelly feeders for orioles.

4 . Not Cleaning Bird Feeders

Dry seed in feeders should be changed every 5-7 days and the feeders should be cleaned monthly. Hummingbird feeder nectar should be changed every two to three days, and cleaned weekly. Don’t overfill feeders until you know how much the birds will eat. Cleaning feeders regularly helps prevent bacteria that can be harmful to birds. If there is any moisture from rain or sprinklers, feeders should be cleaned more often. Clean feeders with hot soapy water or a mixture of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water to get rid of bacteria, fungi, or mold. Rinse thoroughly. Wear gloves.

5 . Not Feeding Winter Birds

Many novice birders assume it isn't necessary to feed birds in winter because there are no birds around. In fact, feeders can be even more critical to winter birds than they are during the summer when hatchlings need to be fed, and there are dozens of winter backyard birds, many of which aren't around in the summer, that will happily visit bird feeders for a healthy winter meal.

6 . Making Bad Hummingbird Nectar

The best way to attract hummingbirds is to use the right red feeder with clear hummingbird nectar. The red dye found in some homemade nectar or other brands can be harmful to hummingbirds. Never use any sweetener other than plain white sugar to make nectar. Choices such as honey, brown sugar, fruit juices, and artificial sweeteners do not provide the proper sugar concentration for hummingbird food, and they can produce mold that is deadly to the birds. Use a product that contains feeder fresh or nectar defender in your hummingbird nectar recipe. There are other ways to attract hummers. Plant salvias, pentas, cannas, bee balm, porter weed, and other hummingbird friendly plants to make your garden a hummingbird haven.

7 . Not providing shelter

Birds find comfort in natural shelter from shrubs, trees, and bushes.This provides cover, protection against predators, and nesting areas. Make sure trees and taller shrubbery aren’t too close to feeders because this can give cats an advantage.

8 . Letting Feeders Get Empty

Birds can be forgiving if a feeder is empty for a few days, but a feeder that is consistently empty won't attract birds. Wild birds won't starve if feeders are empty since they get most of their food from natural sources, but they also won't return to an unreliable food source. Refilling feeders more promptly will attract a wider variety of birds in every season and will help keep the feeder clean and in good repair. A seed cylinder is a good choice if your will be out of town a few days.

9 . Ignoring Natural Bird Food Sources

Feeding birds does not have to mean putting out multiple bird feeders and spending money on expensive seed, not to mention the time and effort to fill and clean feeders. Birders who avoid natural foods such as fruit trees or nectar-producing flowers, or who kill insects that birds can feed on, are depriving birds of the most nutritious, easiest, and most economical food sources available.

10 . Not Protecting Bird Feeders

There are many other forms of wildlife that will raid feeders before birds can even get a chance to have a meal. Raccoons, deer, squirrels, rats, and even bears will snack at feeders, often depleting the seed supply or even breaking the feeders without letting any birds get a bite. At the same time, unprotected feeders also expose birds to predators when their senses are dulled by feeding.

11 . Storing Seed Carelessly

Birdseed does have a long shelf life, but only if stored properly. Seed that isn't stored well can spoil and be invaded by pests such as mice, rats, larvae, silverfish, earwigs, or moths. As seed gets old and dries out, it is also less nutritious and will not attract as many birds. If water gets into the seed, mold can grow that can make birds sick and the strong smell may attract even more unwanted pests.

In the Zone: An Article on Plant Growing Zones

Thu, 18 May 2023 11:31:28 GMT

Have you gone to a nursery to purchase a plant only to be confused by the zone indicated? Usually the zone on the label is the plant hardiness zone, but it is becoming common to include heat zones.

First, let’s discuss plant hardiness zones. This set of numbers is about minimum temperatures a plant can withstand in winter. It does not include information for annuals. The plant hardiness guide was developed by the USDA and has been revised many times. The most current revision was in 2012 and was based upon weather data collected from 1976–2005.The U.S. is divided into 11 planting zones of 10obands. Each planting zone is further subdivided into “a” and “b”, representing 5o bands. We live in zone [9], with minimum temperatures ranging from [20-30oF]. Our subzone is “a”, the coolest portion of zone [9]. We can expect minimum temperatures of [20-25oF].This does not consider unusually harsh winters or weather patterns. It is interesting to note that other areas sharing our zone include England and [Oregon State]. Clearly something else is at work here!

Most areas of our country are more interested in minimum temperatures. However, we are more concerned with maximum temperatures of summer. England and Washington State have cooler summers than ours. Plants grown successfully in those areas reflect the cooler summers they enjoy. Another zone map not so widely used, but important for us, is the Heat Zone Map developed by the American Horticultural Society (AHS). It is designed to reflect days with temperatures over 86oF in a given zone. This is the temperature when plants begin to suffer heat damage. Have you noticed how much happier our plants are with the onset of fall?

Heat stress is more subtle than cold stress when a plant simply dies. We notice heat stress when plants stop growing, develop pale leaves, and become more susceptible to pests. So what is our heat zone? The AHS map shows that the western third of Lincoln Parish is in zone 9 (120-150 days over 86o) and the eastern two-thirds is in zone 8 (90-120 days over 86o). Temperatures were analyzed from 1974-1995 from each area of the US. Cities tend to be warmer than rural areas. There are 12 plant heat zones in the U. S. Incidentally, the heat zone for Seattle and Washington State, is, meaning they can expect to have one day with temperatures over 86o.

This information is meant only as a rough guide since many factors may influence what actually occurs in a given area. Microclimates can exist within any of the zones. Microclimates may affect your planting area by 1-2 zones. Are you planting close to a brick or concrete wall? Are you in a valley or on top of a hill? To determine your microclimate actually measure temperatures and compare to other areas of your garden.

If you look up growth zones for Chrysanthemums you might see this series of numbers: 4-10, 12-1.

The first two numbers indicate the plant hardiness range, with the first being the coolest; the second set is the heat range with the first being the warmest. We know chrysanthemums grow in our area and this is indicated since our hardiness range of [9] is between 4 and 10. Our heat zone is [9] which falls within the range of 12-1. We can expect this plant to grow well in our area if all other growth requirements are met.

Plant hardiness and heat zones are tools to give a rough estimate of a plant’s ability to thrive in a given area. The hardiness zones do not give us information about maximum temperatures, day-length, soil moisture, or microclimates. Use these numbers as guides to enhance your enjoyment of gardening!

Article by LSU Ag Center. Visit online here . Edited to reflect the Lafayette Parish Heat and Hardiness Zones!