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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

June Gardening To Do List

Fri, 15 May 2026 17:51:43 GMT

June is a great season for gardeners, and though much of the early season planting is already finished by June 1, there is much more care a garden needs throughout the month to have the best results for top produce, pungent herbs, and the most beautiful blooms.

In the garden, June is the time to…

-Plant summer, heat-loving annuals.

-Plant tropical shrubs & vines.

-Deadhead roses to ensure repeat blooms

-Feed blooming shrubs and flowering plants with a water-soluble fertilizer.

-Mulch, mulch, mulch.

-Adequately water the garden with a weekly deep, thorough soaking instead of a daily light sprinkling.

-Water between 6am-10am to avoid evaporation.

-Water lawn in the morning to prevent disease from watering before dark.

-Keep birdbaths clean and full of water.

-June is peach month! Continue a recommended spray schedule to help keep the tree healthy all year.

-Check gardenias for whitefly. It's a black, sooty mold that normally indicates an insect infestation. We can help!

· Deadhead Blooms
Trim off spent blooms from annual flowers to encourage additional blooming and extend their growing season.

· Trim Bulbs
Once spring blooms have finished flowering and the foliage is completely brown, trim the foliage to make room for summer flowers and to keep beds looking neat.

· Prune Flowering Shrubs
After spring flowering shrubs have stopped blooming, prune them appropriately to keep their desired shape.

· Adjust Watering
As spring rains taper off and summer temperatures heat up, adjust watering schedules as needed. Soaker hoses are ideal for beds and gardens, and lawns should be watered deeply but less frequently to encourage strong root growth.

· Plant Warm Season Crops
Fruits and vegetables that require warm soil are best planted in June, such as corn, pumpkins, beans, squash, and cucumbers.

· Deepen Mulch
Add additional mulch to gardens and flowerbeds to conserve water and minimize weed growth. Grass clippings are a good, inexpensive option.

· Divide Perennials
If perennial plants are becoming too large or need better control, they can be best divided in June and transplanted to new locations. Now is also a great time to add new perennials to the yard.

· Harvest Spring Produce
Cool season fruits and vegetables will be nearly spent in June, but there is time for one last harvest of strawberries, radishes, lettuce, and spinach.

· Thin Seedlings
Before new crops get too dense, thin rows and beds to give them appropriate room for robust growth. Thinning blossoms and early fruits on trees will encourage larger produce instead of stunted crops.

· Keep Weeding
Weeding is a never-ending task, and it is important to keep up on the chore in June when the garden is still getting a strong foothold. Regular weeding now will help crops get a good, sturdy start for better results in autumn.

· Stake Plants
As new crops get taller, loosely stake thin or floppy plants to keep them from tipping and breaking. June is also the best time to begin training vines and climbing plants to keep them under control.

Watch for Pests
June is when pests come out in force, including slugs, aphids, and a variety of funguses and
diseases. Watch for these pests carefully, and take steps to eradicate problems before they grow
out of control.

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.

Don't Wait! Root Stimulate for Summer Planting Success

Mon, 11 May 2026 15:21:57 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.

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.

Prepping Your Yard for Graduation Season

Fri, 08 May 2026 19:17:12 GMT

Graduation season is one of our favorite times of year — the yard fills with family, the porch becomes a gathering spot, and the whole neighborhood seems to glow with celebration. If you’re hosting a graduation party this spring, here’s your go‑to checklist to get your outdoor space party‑ready, South Louisiana style.

Yard Prep Checklist

1. Fresh mulch refresh

A new layer of mulch instantly brightens beds and helps plants handle the early‑summer heat.

2. Pressure‑wash touch‑ups

Sidewalks, patios, and porches look brand‑new after a quick wash — especially important with all the photos guests will be taking.

3. Colorful bedding plants

Zinnias, vinca, lantana, pentas, and coleus thrive in our climate and add instant celebration energy.

4. Mosquito control plan

Citronella, lemongrass, and mosquito‑repelling patio candles keep guests comfortable long after sunset.

5. Shade + seating zones

Pop‑up canopies, umbrellas, and clusters of chairs help guests spread out and stay cool.

6. Outdoor lighting glow‑up

String lights, lanterns, and solar stakes make your yard feel magical once the sun goes down.

7. Plant clean‑up + shaping

A quick trim around walkways and porches makes the whole yard look polished for photos.

Garden‑Inspired Graduation Gift Ideas

1. Potted citrus trees

Perfect for grads moving into apartments or dorms with balconies.

2. Low‑maintenance houseplants

Snake plants, pothos, and ZZ plants survive even the busiest freshman schedule.

3. Custom garden gift baskets

Think: gloves, tools, seeds, and a gift card to your garden center.

4. Outdoor décor for their next chapter

Wind chimes, porch flags, or a small patio set for their first home away from home.

A graduation party is really a celebration of growth — which makes the garden the perfect place to host it. With a little prep, your yard can become the backdrop for memories your grad will never forget.

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!

"Scent"sational Flowers & Plants for Springtime

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 18:22:36 GMT

If you love the beauty of a garden as well as sweet-smelling flowers and plants to give both your eyes and nose a Springtime delight, then check out these “nose”worthy specimens!

Gardenia:

Gardenias are one of the most iconic sweet smelling shrubs around, and we are lucky that they do so well in our climate. Their smell is often bottled for perfumes or added to extracts in soaps and lotions. Planting these at an entrance or around your outdoor entertaining area is sure to have your guests breathing in a deep breath to savoy the smell.

Butterfly Bush, Buddleia:

While there are many different varieties of Butterfly Bush with colors ranging from white to purple, pink, blue or even yellow, two things they all have in common are their honey-like fragrance and being a magnet to butterflies. In fact they are so rich in nectar, they are highly attractive to other beneficial insects and pollinators like bees, moths and hummingbirds, too. They are flowering shrubs that produce distinctive flowers starting in spring and lasting into fall.

Scented Geranium (Pelargonium Citronella):

This perennial that we’ve also nicknamed “Mosquito Plant/Shocker” has a strong citronella scent we find pleasant, but mosquitos hate. This is an ideal plant to banish the bug (mosquitoes), which is why we recommend planting this in your entertaining area, such as in container gardens. It’s also a great plant to crush the leaves and rub them on your skin while outdoors; offer some leaves to your company as a fun “party trick!” As a bonus, it blooms clusters of lavender-pink flowers adorned with deep crimson brush marks on the tops of their petals.

Rosemary:

Rosemary is an attractive perennial shrub with fragrant leaves. It’s also a popular culinary herb with a wonderful aroma and piney taste, which goes well with chicken, steak, pastas potatoes, or soups. In liquid form, its scent is enjoyed in soaps, diffusers and more! Rosemary also blooms small, sweet blue flowers.

Skinner’s Banana Shrub:

Is this a banana tree? Nope, it’s a magnolia, but its blooms smell just like bananas! It’s a worthwhile broadleaf evergreen shrub reaching heights of 10ft in full sun. The spring time flowers are small, cup-shaped and cream in color with a pleasing banana scent! This is a perfect plant for a border or screen hedge!

Citrus Trees:

Before you can pluck an orange or other citrus for your snack, the tree becomes covered in blooms! These blooms are white, fragrant sweet-smelling flowers with the buzz of pollinators in the air nearby!

Society Garlic:

These spring-blooming perennials produce stalks of star-shaped purple flowers. The plant gets its name from not only looking like garlic/chives, but smelling like garlic. However, it’s not garlic and is ornamental only, meaning to be enjoyed by your eyes and nose and not your taste buds! It’s a great plant for a full sun flower bed or container since it only reaches about a foot tall and wide. Plus, the garlic smell adds a twist of garden delight!

Specialty Roses:

“Take Time to Stop and Smell the Roses” is an idiom that means to relax and take time out to enjoy and appreciate the beauty of life. But, it’s also literal because the Specialty Roses smell absolutely heavenly. Planting a rose garden is a beautiful way to share the love of gardening with the love of beautiful blooms, beautiful scents and flowers worthy of being in a vase for interior enjoyment.

Lavender:

Lovely lavender adds a relaxing vibe and aroma to a garden or container. Lavender grows 1-3’ tall and has those long airy spikes with soft blue-violet flowers quintessential with the Mediterranean. The oils in the flowers are what give this herb its distinctive fragrance. When inhaled, lavender has calming properties that reduce anxiety, as well as being a gentle sedative for sleep. Its name derives from the Latin root “lavare,” which means “to wash,” because it was used in baths to purify the body and spirit.

Magnolia:

Plant Louisiana’s state flower as a show of culture as well as to enjoy the fragrant (and large) white flowers of this “famous face.” This evergreen tree is low maintenance and adaptable, not to mention making a strong southern statement. The blooms begin to burst open in spring & summer unleashing the sweet aroma of its flower. Don’t want a 40’+ tree in your front yard? The Little Gems, reaching only 12-14’ tall, offer a great alternative.

Confederate Jasmine:

These are some vines that really shine…or should we say “smell?!” Planting Confederate Jasmine along a fence, on a trellis, arbor or even a mailbox, adds a beautiful look and a strong sweet smell. This evergreen climber is known for its fragrant white star-shaped blooms, which will be more prolific when planted 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.

Spring Hydrangea Growing Guide

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 18:17:25 GMT

As spring finally awakens, there is no doubt that we will begin to see bursts of color throughout the landscape. While we are grateful for these spring flowers, we are also anxiously awaiting the return of one of our favorite blooms. The hydrangea, that graces us with its beauty all summer long will be making an appearance soon! So, what are the things we do to keep these beauties healthy and ready for bloom season?

Water

Hydrangeas should never dry out - especially during hot weather. Check your plant’s water needs regularly during the spring through summer, and water as needed.

Light

Depending on the variety, there are hydrangeas that grow well in whatever light conditions you have: full shade, partial shade and full sun. Most hydrangeas will grow well with 4-5 hours of sun and prefer morning sun to the hot afternoon sun.

Mulch

In an effort to preserve moisture to their shallow roots, hydrangeas should be mulched with 2-3 inches of shredded bark over their root zone.

Pruning
Pruning is primarily divided between 2 methods. It is imperative that you know the variety of your hydrangea so that it can be properly pruned. Pruning a hydrangea the wrong way may lead to the absence of flowers during the growing season.

Pruning Method One: Macrophylla, Oak Leaf & Serrata Hydrangeas

These types of hydrangeas typically bloom on ‘old wood’ – growth from the previous season. Flowers usually appear in June and July but the future season’s flower buds form on the stems during late summer & early fall. These hydrangeas should be pruned immediately after flowering so they can produce buds for the next season. Do not prune these hydrangeas in late fall, winter or spring.

Pruning Method Two: Arborescens and Paniculata Hydrangeas

The hydrangeas in this group flower on new wood – growth from the current season. Do not prune these hydrangea types in the late spring or summer since they are about to bloom on this year’s new growth. Pruning is typically done in early spring or late fall. However, spent blooms can be left on the plant in fall for winter interest. ‘Arborescens’ hydrangeas should be cut back 12”-18” from the ground in early spring to help prevent flopping during the upcoming season. ‘Panicales’ can be pruned to shape.

Exceptions

· All dead or broken branches and stems should be removed from the plant each year.

· If your hydrangea is outgrowing its space, it can be pruned, but that may mean forfeiting blooms for the short-term. It is always good to choose a hydrangea that can grow to its full size without needing to be pruned to fit the area.

· After 5+ years of age, one third of the living stems can be removed. This will revitalize the plant.

· ‘Deadheading’ spent flowers is not the same as ‘pruning’. It is okay to cut off spent blooms during the growing season for any type of hydrangea. However, be careful not to cut too much of the stem on macrophyllas and oakleaf varieties so buds will not be removed for the following year.

Endless Summer and other re-blooming varieties bloom on both ‘old’ and ‘new wood’.

Beneficial Garden Bugs

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 17:42:48 GMT

Most people see insects in their garden and immediately think that they must take certain measures to get rid of them. But many of the insects that we may see can be extremely beneficial to the plants in our home gardens. Here are a few examples of beneficial insects and pests that can be spotted in the garden.

Beneficial Garden Bugs

Praying Mantis: (Predator)
Praying mantises have long necks and front arms, triangular heads, and elongated bodies that can resemble leaves or branches. They can camouflage themselves very well and can adapt to their surrounding colors. They are mostly known to eat insects like crickets, grasshoppers, spiders, frogs, and lizards.

Ladybugs: (Predator)
Ladybugs are rounded insects with shiny covered wings and their colors range from orange, red, yellow, and black. They can be seen with spots and without. Like the praying mantis, ladybugs are predators that feed on pest insects in the garden such as aphids and mites and other soft-bodied insects.

Butterflies: (Pollinator)
Butterflies are beautiful and elegant insects that are quite enjoyable to look at. There are many different species and they can have many different colors and some very interesting patterns. Besides being beautiful multi-colored insects, they can help our growing gardens. Butterflies are excellent pollinators. As butterflies move from flower to flower feeding on the nectar, pollen that has stuck to them is transported to the next flower they feed on.

Bees: (Pollinator)
Bees are another excellent pollinator. Honey is not the only benefit of bees. They are another extremely beneficial and necessary insect in the garden and crops. As they fly around in search of and feeding on the nectar of flowers, pollen gets attached to the hairs on their bodies and is transferred to another flower.

Pests

Pest insects can damage and even ruin our gardens. There are a variety of different pests that can feed on your home garden that you may have taken such diligent care of. These are just a few pests that you may encounter in some of your home gardens.

Aphids (Plant Lice):
This garden pest can be described as a small, soft bodied insect that is typically a yellowish-green color and can be both winged or wing-less. Aphids, which are a type of plant lice, can reproduce very quickly. You will see these garden pests dwelling on the underside of just about everything, but they tend to like vegetable plant leaves and stems such as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and collard greens - typically, younger plants. Aphids are sucking insects that can wreak havoc on the leaves of your vegetable plants. They will feed on the leaves and can cause them to become curled and discolored.

Tomato Hornworm:
These insects affect tomato plants. The larva can be described as a long thick pale green worm with chalky streaks across its body. You will also notice small spots along the sides of their bodies and they have red or black spiky tails. The adult tomato hornworms are brownish gray moths that are decorated with orange spots on the abdomen. The eggs can be seen on the underneath of the tomato leaves and are greenish-yellow in color. The larvas of the tomato hornworm are fast eaters. They have been known to eat nearly an entire tomato plant in just a couple days.

Whiteflies:
Whiteflies can be a huge problem in late summer. They are very small, only a little bigger than a gnat and have small white wings. These pests tend to fly up and off of the plant when it is shaken or disturbed. These pests are also a sucking insect that will feed on the plant leaves, which can also cause the plant to look diseased. They can be seen on a wide variety of plants including Confederate roses and vegetables such as tomatoes, eggplants, okra, beans, and sweet potatoes, just to name a few.

Spring is in the Air: Air Plants

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 15:48:36 GMT

If you’re searching for the easiest plant to grow, air plants, or Tillandsia, should be on your list.

Did you know air plants are in the Bromeliad family? This is a larger family than the Broussards, with over 650 species that vary in size, texture, shape and color. They are native to the West Indies, Mexico and much of Central & South America. In that habitat, this unusual species attaches itself to rocks and trees using its roots. They get nutrients and water from the air, which is how they came to be known as air plants. The cool fact is, as its name implies, no soil is necessary for this plant to grow and thrive!

Even though there are so many varieties of air plants, they can fall into two different categories: Xeric and Mesic.

What are the Xeric types?
These air plants have flattened, silvery leaves that are covered with tiny hairs. These hairs assist them in absorbing moisture, which is how that have adapted to surviving desert conditions.

What are the Mesic Types?
These air plants boast darker green, smooth and often curly leaves that thrive in high-humidity rainforest conditions.

With such little maintenance requirements, air plants are not fussy and will adapt to your office or home conditions with minimal care! Here are some guidelines to keep them healthy and top-notch.

Light:

Air plants require plenty of light, so place them somewhere light streams though. However, direct sun will dry out their leaves quickly and can cause them to dehydrate and wilt. Therefore, placing them in the light of your office or kitchen windowsill is more idyllic than outside on your patio table where the sun shines directly.

Water:

Both types, Xeric and Mesic, of air plants should be soaked in clean room-temperature water for about 20 minutes. The Xeric types should be spritzed twice a week and soaked once a month. The Mesic types like to be spritzed every other day and once a week. Spritzing should also be done with clean, room-temperature water in a spray bottle. After soaking, shake off any water left on the plant and place it somewhere with good air circulation so it can dry quickly.

If you notice the leaves are beginning to wrinkle or roll, this is a sign of dehydration. Give them a good soaking session and spritz them more frequently so they can perk back up.

Temperature:

Our typical indoor temperatures are perfectly suitable for air plants, which makes them ideal for home and office décor. To be exact, they like temps ranging from 50-90 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pruning:

Don’t fret because it is common for the outer leaves of an air plant to dry out and turn brown. You have not failed! These spent leaves can simply be removed. If the leaf tips show the same signs, you can cut off the tips and carry on with regular care. The plant will continue to grow and have a fine future.

Cheers for Clematis

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 20:41:13 GMT

Clematis vines are unsurpassed for their profusion of colorful flowers. They offer a diverse range of flower color, size, and form. Flower colors range from blends of blue and red to yellow and white. Clematis vines can be used in both formal and natural landscapes. They provide the vertical element in a garden or can be left to ramble through other plants. They should be planted in an area that receives 5-6 hours of sunlight. Clematis vines require cool, damp soil, not wet. Clematis vines can be planted deep in the soil and benefit from having the crown buried 4" below the soil surface. Plant Clematis where the base of the plant receives some shade.

For Clematis care:

When you get it home, place it into the sunshine.

Clematis prefer to be grown DRY, so just spot water. Water only when plants are dry using a water soluble fertilizer such as 20-20-20 or 20-10-20 at a rate of 150 ppm constant liquid feed. A clear water irrigation is a good idea every 3rd or 4th watering.

Continue to tie plants to trellis-winding around trellis. Do not cut back as this will be where the next buds will appear. Plants will have to be tied every week to keep the nice appearance.

Pruning Your Clematis

Although pruning is not necessary, in order to achieve the best flowering from your clematis, they are routinely divided into the following three pruning categories:

Type 1. These grow directly from old stems, so prune right after all flowering is completed. Prune if space is limited or to remove dead and weak stems. Do not prune late in the season. Clematis can be pruned as short as 6" above the crown of the plant.

Type 2. Clematis typically flower before mid-June on stems from the previous season's wood. Pruning should be completed in late winter or early spring when buds begin to swell. Remove dead material above these swelling buds. Be sure all new growth is retied.

Type 3. This group blooms later and from new growth. They should be pruned in February or March as new leaf buds begin to show low on the plant. Remove all dead material above the buds at this time. This can be as short as 6" above the crown of the plant.

Spring Must Have Flowers and Shrubs

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 20:25:43 GMT

We all love when spring springs to life! The flower and shrub selections are endless- with all sizes, textures and colors that vibrate with the season. We invite you to stroll the garden center and see the wide range available. We put a list together of our “20 must haves” that we know you’ll dig this Spring!

Cajun Hibiscus:
It’s kick this list off with some of our favorite Cajuns! These locally-grown favorites are packed with Pop and Pizazz, much like us Cajuns! The blooms are stunning, with many being two-toned in color, double blooms, ruffled or even a combination of the three! Large, evergreen leaves match the large, sometimes 5’’ across flowers, all with names we can appreciate like the “Bayou Rose,” “Creole Lady” or “Cest Bon!”

Distylium:
These may just be the “best landscape plant you’ve never heard of” as the Southern Living Plant Collection labels this evergreen, compact-growing landscape shrub. The foliage is dense with layered branches giving landscapes an interesting look. To add to its allure, it’s also resistance to pests, heat and drought-tolerant and low maintenance!

Snow Girl Gardenia:
Despite the word “snow” in its name, this gardenia blooms all spring throughout summer. There is low to no maintenance required for this beautiful landscape or patio star that only reaches about 18-24’’ tall and 30-36’’ wide. We all love the gardenia’s fragrance, but this one has a sweet & small daisy-like look to pair with its tiny evergreen leaves. Pro tip: to maximize bloom, trim lightly just after the first blooms have finished.

NonStop Begonias:
Are they begonias or roses?! These are begonias, but they look like sweet roses! This Non-Stop variety is given its name due to its vigorous growth habit, bearing masses of pretty rose-like flowers in a range of colors including red, yellow, white, pink and even an orange/coral tone. It’s a perfect variety for something interesting in partial shade/sun containers!

Celosia:
These annuals are vibrant, stand out plants, and are known for their unique feathery or crested flower heads that are available in a variety of colors. Whether planted in a Spring-Summer flower bed as a border, or in a container, these are fun options as standalone varieties or planted mixed up! These are also great annuals to let kids have fun in gardening!

Bird of Paradise:
Resembling a tropical bird perched atop a rainforest plant, this landscape shrub is a distinctive showpiece. It’s an easy to grow tropical that enjoys full sun and flowers in early Spring. As a bonus, this plant loves our high humidity and heat, but it does not like the unusual cold snaps we have, so be sure to offer it protection.

Clematis:
Every flower gardener should know the pleasure of growing clematis. If you already have one in your garden, you're probably scheming about how to squeeze in another! New to clematis? It’s easy to grow with many varieties of out of this world blooms, and is the most stunning climber we’ve ever known!

Coleus:
Who says flowers can have all the fun with color? These annuals are grown for their foliage, but their foliage is packed with POP! Coleus varieties number in the hundreds and each has a unique color and pattern to leaves that look amazing as a border plant or mixed in container gardens. Try one with lime green coloring planted next to one with magenta, green, and pink in an eye-catching pattern. Coleus is an excellent choice for shade areas, giving a dark area lots of color without the need for flowers!

Cupcake Azalea:
Your search for a new and truly colorful landscape plant ends here! This new “Bloom-a-thon” azalea boasts masses of single bright pink flowers all Spring, some sporadic blooms in Summer, and another wave in late summer through fall! They stay dwarf at only 1.5-2’ tall x 2.5-3’ wide. They are an excellent choice for a mass planting in a partial sun area.

Cuphea Honeybells:
Massive flower power in a hearty little plant, 'Honeybells' shrugs off high heat and continues in bloom all summer. It requires little in the way of care, just fertilize and water regularly. Best as garden edging and planted in pots and window boxes, since it is a trailing plant!
Also check out the Firecracker/Cigar Plant (Cuphea Ignea) has orange tubular flowers with red overtones and hot pink throats along the branches from early spring to late winter, which are interesting on close inspection. Reaching about 3’ x 3’, hummingbirds are attracted to their color and shape! Another Cuphea not to miss is the Funny Face variety, which has trumpet blooms resembling two eyes and a tongue sticking out!

Lime Sizzler Firebush:
A hummingbird attractor, Lime Sizzler™ Firebush features showy cymes of scarlet tubular flowers with orange overtones at the ends of the branches from late spring to mid-fall. It has attractive light green-variegated yellow foliage with hints of peach which emerges coppery-bronze in spring. The pointy leaves are highly ornamental and remain yellow throughout the winter.

Fignomenal Fig Tree:
“Fignomental” indeed, this self-fertile, low-maintenance dwarf fig tree is a high-yielding variety ideal for small spaces and container growing! It matures to only 28 inches tall and wide, and produces deep brown fruit with a sweet, reddish pulp. Fruit matures from late Spring through Fall.

Hollywood Hibiscus:
Plants made for the red carpet, the Hollywood Hibiscus series are tropical, low-maintenance Proven Winners shrubs known for oversized and bright blooms bringing you straight to Paradise. Thriving in full sun and heat (perfect for our summers), these are ideal for containers and/or landscapes that need a pop of color- Hollywood style!

Specialty Roses:
Roses in white, red, purple (yes! Check out the Heirloom) and shades of pink are always stunning in a garden or even cut flower arrangement. To take it up a notch, specialty roses like the Judy Garland, Pumpkin Patch, Wild Blue Yonder, Marilyn Monroe, Parade Day and George Burns (to name a few) give a POP and punch of unique color to a rose garden!

SunPatiens:

Continuous color in both sun and shade! These low-growing, bright bloomers are ideal in pots, baskets and landscapes as border plants! They don’t just tolerate full sun and high temperatures; they thrive in it. They’re the ideal plant for worry-free color; sun or shade, rain or shine, spring through fall.

Carolina Jessamine:
Take your garden higher with this stunning climbing shrub! In Spring, the Carolina Jessamine irrupts in bright yellow blooms and quickly covers the trellis, fence or arbor its attached to. It’s the state flower of South Carolina, thus its name. Its blooms are a trump-shape and are attractive to butterflies!

Forest Pansy Redbud:
Dormant all winter, in early Spring, magic happens! Delicate purple/pink flowers cover the branches, making it impossible not to be a showcase tree. New foliage appears scarlet-purple and matures to maroon. It will grow about 20’ tall with a 25’ wide canopy ideal for summer shade in the full sun!

Peggy Martin Rose:
This rose is a survivor. It’s also known as the “Katrina Rose” because it survived being submerged for 2 weeks after Hurricane Katrina. It’s actually an unnamed rose, but later named after the New Orleans gardener, Peggy Martin, whose home and property was under water after the storm in 2005. This is a remarkable climber that takes over any fence, wall, arbor or trellis, and covers it in pink roses without the threat of thorns.

Alonia Big Bicolor Angelona:
Angelonia are known as the “snapdragon” of the summer, since their tall spike-like flower blooms resemble that of a snapdragon. The Alonia series have flower blooms that fit the word “big” in their name! Their blooms are double/triple in size of the smaller Angelonia varieties. They are pollinator-friendly and heat-tolerant, making them one of our top summer annual choices!

Abutilon “Flowering Maple”:
Also nick-named the Chinese Lantern, likely due to their flowers have a papery consistency, this unique topiary is a tropical that is low-maintenance. It provides lots of blooms in the form of pendant bell-shaped flowers and dramatic maple shaped leaves. A happy Abutilon can bloom nearly non-stop from late Spring until the first frost.

Please note- All Seasons may or may not have these plants in stock available to purchase at the time you come to purchase these. If you're ever looking for something specific, please call the garden center at 337.264.1418 or send an email question via this link prior to your shopping visit!

Flowers that Give You Bloom for your Buck

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 18:54:41 GMT

Want a showy garden but on a budget? Annuals will give you loads of color for one season, and now we are in Spring through Summer. Perennials will last 2-3, sometimes more seasons with an “intermission” of sorts usually in the fall-winter months. Check out these impressive and inexpensive blooms for both annual and perennial choices. We have LOADS more available, so DIG gardening and shop here this Spring!

Celosia (Annual)

This classic cutting-garden annual comes in shapes and sizes that most people have never even tried. There are the brainy-looking “crested” celosia, soft plumed varieties, and fluffy arrow-shaped types. All are superb for adding texture in the border, in a container or the vase.

Monarda/Bee Balm (Perennial)

If you have a big space to fill, bee balm will “bee” all the buzz. In most gardens, it spreads vigorously but not aggressively, making a towering clump of spiky crimson blooms that draw hummingbirds, bees and butterflies. Chances are, you’ll be attracted to the fresh, minty scent as well — you can make a brightly flavored tea from the flowers and leaves.

Zinnia (Annual)

Zinnias are a “must-have” flower, easy to grow and impossibly cheerful. All spring & summer, you’ll be blown away by a rainbow of color that blooms its brains out. Flowers attract butterflies, and make excellent cut flower arrangements!

Salvias (Perennial)
There are hundreds of varieties of salvias in pinks, purples, whites, blues, and reds, which make a statement in any flowerbed, or container. The bees, butterflies and hummingbirds can’t resist their constant flower spikes of densely packed tubular-shaped flowers.

Penta (Annual)

Pentas bloom non-stop throughout our hot summer, and what’s not to love about that? To add to their charm, their blooms are shaped like a five-pointed star. These clusters of color are also an attractor for pollinators. Whether you plant one color in mass as a border for a landscape, or mix the colors in a container garden, you will get pop after pop of color!

Black-Eyed Susans (Perennial)

These bright yellow, daisy-like flowers with dark centers, which gives them their name, bloom constantly in spring-summer. Each flowers is 2-3 inches white, and will sit upon 1-2’ tall stems. They attract birds and butterflies, and brings the trendy wildflower look to a flowerbed or container garden.

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.

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.

Is it an Annual or Perennial?

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 20:00:56 GMT

One of the most joyous parts of gardening is planting COLOR! Unique, pretty, fragrant and COLORful flowers. Now you probably know, or remember, that we generally categorize flowers into two different categories. Can you guess the two categories? The first one is pretty easy, “Annuals,” and the second one, what is it again? “Perennial!”

If you’re not completely sure on the difference between the two, let’s clear the air for you.

An annual plant can be started from seeds or by transplants, and its defining characteristic is that it lives its complete life cycle within one season, or possibly up to a year, and then dies.
An annual flower spends most of its energy producing flower and seeds for the purpose of reproduction. Hence why annual plants provide us with such striking and bold color in the garden. Depending on the type of plant, annuals can grow in full sun areas, full shade areas, in cold winter weather, and hot summer weather. So when selecting annual plants for Southeast Louisiana, make sure that you are choosing the right plant for the right location and for the right season.

A true perennial plant is one that completes its life cycle within a season, and goes through a period of dormancy where it stores energy in its roots, underground, to be able to produce foliage and flowers in the next season. In the simplest of terms, a perennial plant will “come back each year.” Similar to annuals, different perennials will perform better in different locations. Here in the Lafayette area, with our lack of cold temperatures and abundant rain through the winter, be sure to plant your perennials in a well-drained flower bed. If the bed holds water, or receives too much water through the winter months, there is a high chance that the roots of the plant will rot through the winter months when it is dormant.

Now that we are all clear on the difference between annual and perennial plants, we know that the thought of having ALL perennial plants that will ALWAYS come back year after year sounds amazing, but it is important to be realistic when planning out your flower beds. The MOST colorful, full and beautiful flower beds are not commonly filled with exclusively perennials. While several perennial plants provide beautiful color during their blooming period, annuals plants will almost always have more color for a longer period of time. So don’t be discouraged when you begin to shop for your flowers and find that all of the pretty colorful ones that you like the most are annuals.

Be open to mixing annuals and perennials together, and be open to having to replant some annuals once or twice a year.

Lucky Flowers for Beginners

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 19:54:37 GMT

Don't say you have a brown thumb! Try these easy-to-grow, can't-kill beauties and watch your beginner's thumb turn green.

Sunflowers

Sunflower seeds are large and easy to handle, so they're great for children or beginner gardeners. You can find sunflower seeds in many different sizes and colors; they grow happily in sunny gardens. Plant a few seeds at a time over the course of several months to have nonstop blossoms from early summer through first frost. Even if you don't want to start from seed, we will be stocked with sunflowers for Spring and Summer!

Zinnia

Look for zinnias in almost every color except blue; they're also available in a variety of heights. The flowers may look like daisies or dahlias- even pom poms! Plant them in the sun and space them as directed on the seed packet or label; good air circulation helps prevent disease. These are also a butterfly magnet as a bonus!

Marigolds

Cheerful marigolds are easy to grow in sunny spots, brightening your garden with shades of yellow, red and gold as they bloom all summer long. African or American type marigolds grow 3 to 5 feet tall, but you can find shorter and more compact varieties.

Vinca

Vinca are the workhorse of the summer garden, outperforming all others in challenging, hot beds. The key to success with Vinca is knowing when to plant them. Those that are planted early while days are cool may be prone to root-borne fungus. Wait until daytime temperatures are in the upper 80s and at least 70 at night before planting to prevent infection. If a bed of Vinca does get fungus, plant something else there the next year to end the cycle.

Impatiens

Impatiens ask little more than a shady spot and enough water to keep them from wilting. Plant these pretty annuals when the weather is reliably warm. In recent years, many impatiens have succumbed to downy mildew.

Begonias

Tough, can't-kill summer begonias are great for hanging baskets, containers or garden beds. Give them partial sun or shade and they'll reward you with lots of lush color.

Pentas

Bring butterflies to your beginner's garden with Pentas in red, white, pink and/or purple. Pollinators absolutely love the blossoms, and the plants are absolutely trouble-free in full sun. Taller varieties are more vigorous and free-blooming, and look good in the back of flowerbeds for some height.

Daffodils

Plant daffodil bulbs and stand back. They'll burst into bloom each spring, filling your garden with color and fragrance. Give these hardy bulbs a sunny or partly sunny home in the garden or in containers.

Cosmos

Add cosmos plants to your garden or grow these daisy-like flowers from seeds. These annuals are so undemanding, they'll bloom even in poor soils. They like full sun (but appreciate afternoon shade in our hot climate) and tolerate drought once they're up and growing.

Geraniums

Great in window boxes, hanging baskets, pots or the garden, geraniums are low-maintenance plants. Grow these perky flowers for color from spring until frost; they prefer full sun, but may need some afternoon shade in our hot region, especially when we get "cookin" from June-August.

Morning Glories

To help morning glory seeds sprout, soak them in tepid water the night before you plant or file the hard seed coat to open it. Once they're started, morning glories can take care of themselves. But because they drop their seeds and self-sow readily, be careful where you plant them or you'll be pulling volunteers for years! To help control unwanted seedlings, mow, rake or heavily mulch the ground underneath the plants.

Blanket Flower (Gaillardia)

Blanket flowers (Gaillardia) are native wildflowers in parts of the U.S., and they grow robustly in full sun. These butterfly magnets bloom almost nonstop. They are aptly named, as a mass planting will so envelop the earth with blooms you won’t be able to see what’s beneath!

Daylilies

These sun-loving perennials bloom dependably in almost any kind of soil, as long as it drains easily. Best of all, you can divide them after a time and expand your garden. The dwarf, re-blooming ‘Stella’ is very popular, but the varieties of size and color they come in are staggering!

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.

Spring Hydrangea Guide

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 17:10:44 GMT

Water

Hydrangeas should never dry out - especially during hot weather. Check your plant’s water needs regularly during the spring through summer, and water as needed.

Light

Mulch

In an effort to preserve moisture to their shallow roots, hydrangeas should be mulched with 2-3 inches of shredded bark over their root zone.

Pruning Method One: Macrophylla, Oak Leaf & Serrata Hydrangeas

Pruning Method Two: Arborescens and Paniculata Hydrangeas

Exceptions

· All dead or broken branches and stems should be removed from the plant each year.

· After 5+ years of age, one third of the living stems can be removed. This will revitalize the plant.

Endless Summer and other re-blooming varieties bloom on both ‘old’ and ‘new wood’.

Amazing Azaleas

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 19:22:02 GMT

Azaleas seem to boldly announce the arrival of spring when we see their bright blooms appear all over town and neighborhoods.

Did you know that evergreen azaleas are primarily native to Japan and China?

One of the best effects in a landscape is to plant a mass of the same variety. The result is simply stunning when viewed from a distance. As they mature, they will grow together creating a single mass appropriate to the space. Large-growing varieties make the perfect privacy screen or backdrop for seasonal bedding plants.

The flowers azaleas produce come in a variety of colors, some even with stripes. The blooms can range from 1/2 to 5 inches across depending on the variety. Re-blooming varieties, such as the Encore, are very popular and recommended for continuous enjoyment. Encore Azaleas have a wide range of colors to choose from as well!

The location they are planted is important, but varies depending on the variety. In general, evergreen azaleas do best in partial shade. In sun, you may find that some of the colors do not last well, and are prone to sun damage. Also be careful because the evergreen azaleas planted in full sun are prone to lace bug, an insect pest that lives under the leaves and sucks out the chlorophyll leaving tiny white dots.

Azaleas prefer a moist, well-drained soil. If the soil is rich in organic matter, that's a plus!

They are welcomed for container plantings. You'll want to break up the root ball to encourage the roots to start growing and become well established. They are very shallow rooted, so set the plant at the same level or even a little higher than the soil. To maintain soil moisture, always mulch- even if planted in a container.

Be careful fertilizing and always read labels or talk to us if you're unsure. We recommend applying two weak applications spaced apart to avoid the risk of burning the delicate roots. Always fertilize after blooming, but avoid doing so in late summer and/or fall. If fertilized at this time, they will be discouraged from going dormant.

Pruning should be done after their blooming cycle is complete, before fall. Be careful to avoid removing any more than 1/3 of the branches because it could weaken the plant. Be careful also not to prune in fall because it may encourage late season growth vulnerable to winter damage. General pruning can be done in the spring and early summer to shape them. Avoid pruning after mid-July because that's when they begin forming their buds. You don't want to cut those!

If you'd like to share them with a friend, good news: they transplant easy! Be sure to use a root stimulator to avoid transplant shock and, yes, stimulate the roots.

Share the joy of amazing azaleas!

· Planting & Caring for Encore Azaleas

· Encore Azaleas are similar to traditional azaleas in that they require proper planting, watering and care to thrive. Here are a few simple guidelines to help your new plants grow to their full potential:

· Sun Exposure

· Encore Azaleas perform best in sites that offer anywhere from full sun to part shade. All day filtered sun or morning sun with afternoon shade are okay. A minimum of four hours of direct sunlight per day is required for proper blooms. Too much shade can result in skipped or significantly reduced bloom cycles.

· Check Soil Drainage

· Encore Azaleas grow best in a soil that is well-drained but moist. As with many other plants, they do not like a constantly soggy or wet soil, which can lead to root rot and other plant diseases. If you are uncertain about soil drainage in the area you intend to plant your Encore Azaleas, it’s well worth taking the time to test the drainage before planting. To test soil drainage, diiiig a hole 12" wide by 12" in the planting area. Fill the hole with water and let it drain. Then, after it drains, fill it with water again, but this time clock how long it takes to drain. In well-drained soil the water level will go down at a rate of about 1 inch an hour. A faster rate, such as in loose, sandy soil, may signal potentially dry site conditions . A slower rate indicates poor draining soil and could be a caution you might need to improve drainage , plant in a raised mound or bed, or look for plants that are more tolerant of wet or boggy conditions.

· Spacing

· How you intend to use your Encore Azaleas will determine how far apart you space them . When planting a hedge, space plants the same width apart as the mature dimensions specify. This measurement should be taken from the center of one plant to the center of the other. If you want space between plants separate them by more than the mature width dimensions.

· Planting

· Dig a hole at a depth equal to the height and two to three times as wide as the container your Encore Azalea was growing in. Turn and break up the soil removed from the planting hole. Mix some compost, such as Root Zone Organic Planting Mix with the soil. This is especially important iiiiiiiif you have heavy clay soil. Remove your Encore Azalea from its container and carefully but firmly loosen some feeder roots around the surface of the root ball. Set the plant into the hole you've prepared, making sure the top of the root ball is slightly above the soil level. Pull your soil around the plant, water thoroughly and cover with a 1- to 1.5-inch layer of shredded wood mulch or pine straw.

. Water

Water your Encore Azalea deeply when you first plant it. During the first growing season keep the soil moist, but not wet, until winter. New azaleas will die quickly if the soil dries excessively, and they can develop root rot if the soil stays constantly soggy. So just keep the soil moist during the first growing season. Your Encore Azaleas should not need regular watering after the first year unless there are periods of excessive drought. Wilting new leaves are a sign your plants need a good deep soaking.

Fertilizer

Fertilize with the recommended levels of azalea food or a "goof proof' organic fertilizer such as Nitroganic soon after planting . After, feed after the first bloom cycle in spring. To avoid damage from an early frost in fall, cease feeding after August.

Pruning

Encore Azaleas do not have to be pruned, or their flowers deadheaded .That being said, they respond very well to pruning and, in fact, will benefit from it. Encore Azaleas are unique in that they bloom in the spring, summer and fall. So when is the best time to prune them? Unlike most other types of azaleas, which only set flower buds one time a year during fall and then bloom in spring, Encore Azaleas produce buds every time new growth is produced. So, pruning Encore Azaleas immediately after the spring bloom cycle will encourage more new growth, and consequently more flower buds. When pruning a healthy Encore Azalea, use sharp pair of bypass hand pruners to cut back branches that have outgrown the rest of the shrub and are spoiling the shape of the plant. Cut these branches back to a point just a couple or few inches above the main form of the plant. Make your cuts about an inch or so above a leaf.

Fall & Winter Planting Care: Encore Azaleas do well and are easier to establish when they are planted in fall. New roots produced in fall will help the azalea benefit from an early spring root flush so it will flourish in the next growing season. During the first winter, it's a good idea to cover your young azalea with insulating covering when temperatures are forecast to drop below 20 degrees F. As your Encore Azalea matures, it will need less winter care. Although less watering is necessary when planted during the fall or winter seasons ; do not allow the roots to become dry.

Best Products for Roses

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 20:14:37 GMT

When the calendar page turns to February, we all think of Roses! Roses say “love” with their beauty and fragrance. Planting roses now ensures vigorous blooms for Valentine’s Day and beyond. Whether you enjoy the soft, quintessential romantic tones of pinks, reds and whites or say your love loud with yellow or purple, we have the rose for your garden.

To hold hands with your new rose, here is a guide of products.

Please visit with a knowledgeable employee at our garden center to determine which of these is the best fit to help your rose garden take root and grow.

Bayer All-in-One Rose & Flower Care

This product’s exclusive 3-in-1 formula feeds and protects in one easy step. The fertilizer promotes strong roots and beautiful blooms. The insect control keeps small biting pests like Thrips, Aphids and others away. The disease control helps with black spot, powdery mildew, rust and Southern blight. One application of this will protect your roses for 6 weeks.

Fertilome Rose & Flower Food with Systemic Insecticide

This product is excellent in early Spring & early Fall. It will help to boost an attractive Spring & Fall display by promoting strong roots and beautiful blooms. With a systemic insect control built it, it will protects plants from damage by aphids, whiteflies, mealybugs, scale among other pests. As a bonus- it boasts “rainproof protection” so no worries if you put down the product only for it to get wet. This will feed for up to 8 weeks and treats up to 32 rose bushes (or 200 sq ft) so get growing y’all!

Organic Options:

These options are favorable year-long fertilizers, which break down into soil to become part of the soil’s eco system. This helps to feed for a long time.

Espomoa Rose-Tone {Rose & Flower Food}

This product is designed to supply the necessary nutrients for growing prize-winning roses. It’s created from natural and organic plant food, but not containing any sledges or fillers. How does it work? The organics inside break down gradually to provide a long-lasting food reservoir throughout the growing season. There is also a proprietary blend of microbes that biologically enhances the mix, called Bio-Tone, thus resulting in superior plant growth.

Natural Guard by Fertilome {Rose & Flower Food}

This product is formulated to create more flowers that are larger and more vibrant. Inside this organic product is all natural options that can be used with confidence in your garden. Like Espoma’s Bio-Tone, this product has a similar ingredient “BIOZOME.” BIOZOME is a micro-nutrient fertilizer that contains all the essential micro-nutrients Boron, Cobalt, Copper, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Molybdenum, Sulfur and Zinc.

Dr. Earth Rose & Flower Fertilizer

This product is a liquid rose and flower fertilizer, which is absorbed much quicker and produces results much faster. It contains PreBiotic and ProMoisture Hydrate, which is to feed flowering plants naturally and promotes bigger, more abundant blooms. The PreBiotics (soluble sugars) provide the existing soil microbes with food and energy to multiply more quickly. ProMoisture Hydrate (Aloe vera) concentrate assists in the hydration of biotics in the soil by coating them with a patent-pending slimy layer to enhance mircrobial hydration.

Happy Frog Jump Start Fertilizer

This product is great for any new planting, including roses! It is specifically formulated to get new plantings established faster. This proprietary mix of fertilizers supplies phosphorus, which is necessary for root development. It also contains calcium, which builds stronger cell walls, boosting the plant’s ability to resist disease. Mycorrhizal fungi are included to help increase root efficiency, which may enhance nutrient uptake and water absorption.

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!

Houseplants: Choosing the Right Indoor Greenery

Thu, 11 Jan 2024 15:48:05 GMT

Check out these top choice houseplants and our tips for keeping them lush and lovely.

Bromeliad

Bromeliads come in a variety of colors and sizes. They're known for their thick leaves and red flowering spikes, a feature that only comes once in its lifetime. Proper watering is key to the growth and well-being of bromeliads. When watered too much, the plant can suffer from root rot; however, when not watered enough, they can quickly dry out. Bromeliads thrive best in sunny rooms with indirect sunlight.

Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree

Open up the pages of any home decor magazine and you're certain to find designer homes filled with fiddle leaf fig trees. These natural beauties are loved by designers for their sculptural qualities and their ability to grow more than eight feet tall. These trees thrive in areas with plenty of indirect sunlight and temperatures above 55 degrees Fahrenheit. The best way to tell if a fiddle leaf tree needs water is to stick your finger into the soil. If the top of layer of soil is dry, but the lower layers are moist, that means it's in great shape.

Succulents

A beautiful way to dress up small surfaces around your home is with groupings of young succulents. They come in a variety of species and cost approximately $3 per plant. For succulents to thrive, they must be placed in rooms with direct sunlight and watered generously in the summer -- but allow the soil to dry out completely between watering. During the winter, you can water every other month.

Philodendrons

Tropical plants, especially philodendrons, are popular with designers due to the shape and large scale of their leaves. In order for philodendrons to flourish, they should live in spaces which receive indirect sunlight and offer plenty of shade. In order to ensure proper growth, keep their soil moist at all times and make sure the room's temperature remains above 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

Sansevierias

Sansevierias (Snake Plants) are some of the toughest plants you can find. Whether indoors, in your garden or on your balcony, these spiky beauties can put up with almost anything. They’re easy to grow, but there are a few things you should know. Easy does it with the watering – this is essential to Snake Plant care. You want to be careful not to overdo it because your plant will rot out. Always make sure the soil is almost completely dry before thoroughly watering again.

Dracaena
Dracaena plants, with their many varieties, are popular houseplants with origins in Madagascar and other Indian ocean islands. Generally, they reach a height of about three feet indoors, and have a bushy tree type of look. They all have glossy leaves that can grow up to one foot long and a couple of inches wide. They enjoy filtered indoor light (such as through a sheer curtain in front of a sunny window) or a semi-shade spot is an ideal location. Never place a dracaena plant in direct sun, as the rays will scorch its foliage.

Maidenhair Fern

Maidenhair ferns are known for their flowing, feminine style. But unlike most ferns, the maidenhair is a bit more fickle and requires special care. These particular ferns require a shady environment with no direct sunlight or bright light, otherwise its leaves will quickly start to discolor. Since maidenhair ferns love humidity, place them on top of a watering tray to regulate the dampness of their environment, and be sure to spray frequently.

Peat Moss

Once houseplants are placed into their planters, camouflage the soil and fertilizer with a decorative top layer of Spanish or peat moss. The moss will trap escaping moisture, preventing plants from drying out too quickly. This top-coat isn't a perfect fit for all plants, though, because some plants prefer a more arid environment.

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!

buyallseasons

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

Why Pollinators Matter

Top Pollinator Plants for Louisiana Gardens

Pentas

Salvia

Milkweed

Lantana

Coneflower (Echinacea)

Bee Balm

Plumbago

Simple Ways to Support Pollinators

Every Garden Can Make a Difference

5 Heat-Loving Plants That Thrive in Louisiana Summers

1. Hibiscus

2. Mandevilla

3. Pentas

4. Vinca

5. Elephant Ear

Summer Care Tips

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

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

What Is Doveweed?

What Is Virginia Buttonweed?

Why We Recommend Celsius®

Benefits of Celsius®:

Best Results Start Early

Need Help Choosing the Right Lawn Solution?

Grow your Own Grilling Herbs

Fresh Flavor, Right Outside Your Door

Why Herbs Thrive in Louisiana

Best Grilling Herbs

Rosemary

Thyme

Basil

Oregano

Parsley

Containers or Garden Beds?

Watering in Louisiana Heat

Harvesting for Maximum Flavor

Simple Ways to Use Your Grill Garden

The Benefits of Growing Your Own

Ready to Start Your Grill Garden?

An Interview with a Horticulturist

Ladybugs: Nature's Pest Control

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Why gardeners love ladybugs

Ladybug Garden Checklist

June Gardening To Do List

Garden Fungus Among Us

Preventing and Banishing the Colorado Potato Beetle in Vegetable Gardens

Tips and Tricks for Longer Bloom Times

Shade-Loving Plants for Containers and Hanging Baskets

Succulents

Coral Bells

Begonia

Hydrangea

Ferns

Lamium

Hosta

Clematis

Torenia

Mint

English Ivy

Columbine

Rosemary

Creeping Jenny

Citronella Geranium

Don't Wait! Root Stimulate for Summer Planting Success

Tropical Paradise with Plants

Colorful Plants that Take the Heat

Summer Loving Annuals for Sun & Shade

Prepping Your Yard for Graduation Season

Yard Prep Checklist

Garden‑Inspired Graduation Gift Ideas

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

Bougainvillea & Hibiscus

"Scent"sational Flowers & Plants for Springtime

Spring Hydrangea Growing Guide

Beneficial Garden Bugs