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Zesty, vividly-colored zinnias are the foolproof flower in and out of the garden

BY HEATHER KIRK-BALLARD | Contributing writer
48 mins ago

Zesty zinnias (Zinnia elegans) are a Louisiana Super Plant for spring 2024.

Tour 7 eclectic 'tiny' gardens with Hilltop Arboretum's spring garden tour

Staff report
May 6, 2024

Garden enthusiasts are invited to join LSU Hilltop Arboretum's spring garden tour in downtown Baton Rouge from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 11.

Grab the gargoyles: Going goth with garden is growing trend for 2024

BY HEATHER KIRK-BALLARD | Contributing writer
Apr 30, 2024

Gardening has seen many trends in the past 200 years. Many reflect societal shifts, technological advances and ever-evolving aesthetic changes.

9 things you should be doing to transform your green spaces this month

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BY HEATHER KIRK-BALLARD | Contributing writer
Apr 23, 2024

As we transition from the lower temperatures of winter to the vibrant energy of spring, gardeners throughout the state are rolling up their sleeves, ready to nurture their green spaces into lu…

Wild Ones: Nurturing backyard native plants in Baton Rouge. Here's how you can, too

By MARY ANN STERNBERG | Contributing writer
Apr 22, 2024

Janine Kharey’s backyard is a maze of pots, planters and promise.

Go ahead, take the Baton Rouge Nature Challenge. There's a new app to help you.

By AMBER M. KING | Contributing writer
Apr 19, 2024

Remember when Pokémon Go mania had people exploring the outdoors in search of fictional game characters?

This Baton Rouge home adds unexpected whimsy to neo-traditional dining room and kitchen

BY LAUREN CHERAMIE | Staff writer
Apr 16, 2024

Looking to the stars is the typical direction when seeking inspiration. However, in the interior design world, looking down holds power, too. Specifically, looking at the floor — that is.

When you're fighting fire ants, compare products and methods carefully

BY HEATHER KIRK-BALLARD | Contributing writer
Apr 16, 2024

Fire ants are formidable pests in gardens and landscapes. They’re known for their painful bites and stings due to venom. When disturbed, fire ant mounds can unleash swarms of sterile female wo…

Delicious blueberries can beautify the landscape and boost health

BY HEATHER KIRK-BALLARD | Contributing writer
Apr 9, 2024

It's blueberry harvest season.

With more than a tinge of fringe, these trees are early spring stunners

BY HEATHER KIRK-BALLARD | Contributing writer
Apr 2, 2024

If you've caught sight of those stunning, petite, white-flowered trees this spring, you're witnessing one of the most dazzling spectacles of the season: the fringe trees. Every spring, I recei…

Here's how you can take part in helping migrating birds during Louisiana's peak seasons

BY COLETTE DEAN | Contributing writer
Apr 2, 2024

A loud thud on a windowpane is a sound no bird lover wants to hear.

Scent of a garden: Add fragrant flowers, herbs and vines to your landscape

BY HEATHER KIRK-BALLARD | Contributing writer
Mar 26, 2024

It's hard to deny the integral role that fragrances play in our everyday lives.

Catch Japanese magnolia's 'super' blooms and plant your own tree for next year

BY HEATHER KIRK-BALLARD | Contributing writer
Mar 19, 2024

Japanese magnolias are completing their bloom and flushing out new, light green foliage.

Louisiana Nursery’s new monthly seminar series designed to educate and inspire local gardeners

By Beau Mutrie for Louisiana Nursery
Mar 17, 2024

At Louisiana Nursery, 2023 was not only a celebration of our 40th anniversary as a company. It was also a year of planning, reevaluation and implementing change. From entry-level staff members…

First comes the flowers, then the fruit for these Louisiana tree and shrub favorites

BY HEATHER KIRK-BALLARD | Contributing writer
Mar 12, 2024

It’s that time of year when deciduous trees are putting on their leaves, while the oaks and pines are producing copious amounts of pollen.

With lawns springing to life, it's time to tackle weeds, but wait on using fertilizer

BY HEATHER KIRK-BALLARD | Contributing writer
Mar 5, 2024

As spring approaches in Louisiana, it's time to shift our focus from the quiet dormancy of winter lawns to the vibrant growth season ahead.

Two women transform nature into works of art: 'There is so much beauty.'

BY COLETTE DEAN | Contributing writer
Feb 27, 2024

“Blessed are they who see beautiful things in humble places where others see nothing.”

Spectacular, symbolic lilies are National Garden Bureau's pick of the year

BY HEATHER KIRK-BALLARD | Contributing writer
Feb 27, 2024

Every year, the National Garden Bureau shines a spotlight on a select group of plants, and for 2024, the lily has been chosen as one of those deserving special recognition.

Transforming your lawn: Louisiana Nursery offers expert tips for a picture-perfect yard makeover

By Beau Mutrie for Louisiana Nursery
Feb 25, 2024

With the spring season directly upon us, the Louisiana Nursery team is getting more questions about lawn care, weed prevention, fertilizer, best mowing practices and everything else that leads…

It's potato planting season in Louisiana: Dig in

BY HEATHER KIRK-BALLARD | Contributing writer
Feb 20, 2024

Are you ready for spud season? If you want to grow your own potatoes, it's time to dig into the dirt and get planting.

Set love and creativity abloom this flowery February with Valentine's and Floral Design Day

BY HEATHER KIRK-BALLARD | Contributing writer
Feb 12, 2024

As February unfolds, hearts beat a little faster in anticipation of two significant events: Valentine's Day on Wednesday and National Floral Design Day on Feb. 28. These occasions not only mar…

Unique houseplants can bring timeless elegance to any home and serve as a great gift

By Beau Mutrie for Louisiana Nursery
Feb 11, 2024

If you’re looking for the perfect gift for someone special in your life, consider a houseplant that can serve as a lasting reminder of your relationship.

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

BY HEATHER KIRK-BALLARD | Contributing writer
Feb 6, 2024

Every year, a series of gardening surveys is conducted to determine evolving trends in home gardening, consumer interests, perspectives and the types of information they value. The title of Ga…

5 homes for $400k or less in Mid City: breakfast nooks, historic charm and wood floors

BY LAUREN CHERAMIE | Staff writer
Jan 30, 2024

Mid City Baton Rouge is a booming mix of residential and commercial properties. From Mexican restaurants, to bakeries, to flower shops and gift stores, the area is a charming, cozy retreat fro…

Pause before you prune: Trimming plants' winter damage best delayed until spring

Jan 30, 2024

Put down the pruning shears.

Spring forward: Kickstart a bountiful garden with early seeding tips from Louisiana Nursery

By Beau Mutrie for Louisiana Nursery
Jan 28, 2024

If you’re a warm weather fan, you’re probably counting down the days until the arrival of spring. However, even as conditions remain wet and dreary outside, the good news is that you can start…

Bringing birds to the people: Organization finds and details accessible sites for successful outings

BY COLETTE DEAN | Contributing writer
Jan 22, 2024

When Alex Landry was researching a final course project for the Louisiana Master Naturalists of Greater Baton Rouge, he was excited to find a website that helps connect people with disabilitie…

Up your gardening game in 2024 for winning space that combats climate changes

BY HEATHER KIRK-BALLARD | Contributing writer
Jan 16, 2024

With a new year upon us, now is the time to sit down and reflect on last year and what you would like to do with your garden and landscape in 2024.