So you want to attract the hummingbirds
Few sights are more thrilling in the garden than to see rapidly moving hummingbirds darting among the flowers. So favored are the jewel-colored birds, feeders are put up to entice them into the...
View ArticlePreventing nematodes
You may sometimes read or hear about planting certain plants around other plants to prevent insect problems. This is called companion planting. The idea is certain plants will give off aromas that will...
View ArticleGetting through your tomato problems
Home vegetable gardening has become increasingly popular over past few years. We often see an increase in vegetable gardening when we have an economic downturn like the one we recently got through...
View ArticleHow to deal with poison ivy
I recently came across some poison ivy as I was working in an out of the way part of my landscape. Poison ivy is abundant in the summer time in urban, suburban, and rural landscapes. I keep an eye out...
View ArticleFall is the time to plan your landscapes
November thru February is the prime planting season for hearty trees, shrubs, ground covers, and vines in Louisiana. So now is a time to assess your landscaping situation and make plans for what you...
View ArticlePlan your spring flowering bulbs now
These days we're used to the instant gratification of planting blooming bedding plants for immediate color in our landscapes. But if you want spring flowering bulbs to brighten your gardens this...
View ArticleReplace warm season colors with cool season colors
Flower beds in our landscapes can stay colorful and attractive here. We put up with a ridiculously long and hot summer season, but we're compensated for this with a relatively mild winter. Because our...
View ArticleHelp your tropical plants get used to the dark
Louisiana gardeners often use containers of tender tropical plants on decks, patios, porches, and in courtyards. They provide color and beauty through the summer season. These plants thrive in the...
View ArticleColder weather is immanent, but don't panic
Colder weather is coming this week. As always, whenever the first cold snap hits in this season, gardeners panic just a little bit. Remember that this will not be a hard freeze. Temperatures below 30...
View ArticleCool weather means it's time to talk herbs
Culinary herbs can be used to make all our cooking more delicious and they're wonderful for the yard. Herbs can be loosely grouped into cool season annuals and warm season annuals. Annuals live for a...
View ArticleManage your indoor pest problems
You may think that house plants are shielded from insect problems, but that's simply not the case. When they do occur, indoor pest infestations can be devastating if they're not dealt with promptly and...
View ArticleFreeze events and citrus
The possibility of freeze damage in winter should always be considered when growing citrus trees. A variety of factors determine how much freeze damage is done to a citrus tree when a freeze does...
View ArticleDon't forget to enjoy the gift of your garden
I often write columns on what needs to be done in the garden. I remember once meeting a gentleman who said his wife read my columns faithfully, then make a list of gardening tasks he could do. He made...
View ArticleGardening trends, an end-of-the-year look
As we reach the new year, I thought a look at current trends in landscaping would be interesting. Technology and the age of communication are definitely changing the way we live, work, and garden....
View ArticleProtect your plants against freezes
Despite the relative mildness of Louisiana winters overall, severe freezes do occur, and they can be devastating to tropical plants. All it takes is one night of temperatures in the low 20s or teens to...
View ArticleProtect your trees from construction damage
When construction is done around existing trees, whether building a new home, an addition, a sidewalk, or a driveway, be aware that trees can easily be damaged. When damage happens, trees can decline...
View ArticleKnow your poisonous plants
The fact that many of the plants we grow as ornamentals are considered poisonous is a topic that horticulturists don't often discuss. After all, cases of people eating poisonous plants is relatively...
View ArticleTake a look at fertilizer for your plants
Fertilizers are something we think about a lot in the spring. Plants are waking up and ready to grow in February and March. Fertilizers are simply materials we put in the soil that put nutrients into...
View ArticleDan's final Bayou Garden; say hi to Lee Rouse
While our quick April Fool's joke on this week's program may have alarmed you for a brief moment, Dan Gill will be moving on from Bayou Garden and he's passing Bayou Garden off to the capable hands of...
View ArticlePrepare your beds
When it comes to preparing beds for flowers, vegetables, or shrubs, you must do it properly to ensure success. Before planting, do a thorough job of removing any weeds that may have grown in the bed....
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