An ongoing series of container recipes Story and Photos by Barbara Wise Sometimes the colors we use when planting container gardens just make us smile. This simple grouping of white, pale yellow, dark yellow, and green in a dark blue pot provides a cheerful spot of color. In the foreground is Goldilocks Rocks bidens (B. …
An ongoing series of container recipes Story and Photos by Barbara Wise Finding colorful plants that like shady locations can be a challenge. There are some plants, though, that always fit the bill when creating a shade-loving container garden. We start at the top with a coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides). Flanking the coleus are two Impatiens. …
Understanding what they are and their purpose in production Story and Photos by Bob Westerfield We live in a world full of modern conveniences. It’s hard to find anyone that doesn’t own at least one smart phone, computer, GPS, or a host of other electronic gadgets. But, in spite of all the technological advances, when …
Story and Photos by Yvonne Lelong Bordelon There are several species of Callistemon that will grow in Louisiana, but in my opinion the eye-catching lemon bottlebrush is the most tolerant of temperature extremes and poor soil. The large, red, bottlebrush-shaped flowers attract bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and nectar-feeding songbirds such as orioles and prothonotary warblers. Bottlebrush …
A healthy population of earthworms leads to a healthy garden Story and Photos by Kristi Cook I have worms. But I wish I had more. I’m talking about earthworms, some of nature’s most significant earth healers. These creatures can do everything from aerating garden soil and improving poor soil structure to fertilizing the garden. All …
Do you get overly attached to your plants? Story by Dan Gill I’ve attended several funerals in recent years. I guess as you get older that sort of thing is inevitable. Dealing with the death of a friend or loved one is never easy. The rituals and traditions that have been developed over time are …
Listen to what your plant is telling you Story and Photos by Susan Jasan Just as we communicate through facial expressions and the spoken and written word, plants communicate as well. When we learn a foreign language, it is to understand our neighbors, just as it is important for gardeners to understand the language of …
Story and Photos by Yvonne Lelong Bordelon “A garden to walk in and immensity to dream in – what more could he ask? A few flowers at his feet and above him the stars.” – Victor Hugo The woodland garden of Charles and Virginia Yarbrough in Baton Rouge is a garden after my own heart. …
The needs and rewards of a backyard wildlife habitat Story and Photography by Yvonne Lelong Bordelon If you appreciate wildlife and the outdoors like I do, then you may enjoy creating a wildlife habitat in your own backyard. You don’t have to have a large piece of land. Our first registered habitat, back in the …
An ongoing series of container recipes Story and Photos by Barbara Wise If one planter creates impact, add a few more and you create an explosion. When a commercial area wants to direct your path, create a barrier, or distract attention they will often utilize the calming beauty of a garden planter. Over the years …
