Our Mission
The mission of the Louisiana Master Gardener volunteer program is to support the LSU AgCenter’s Cooperative Extension Service by using research-based information to help educate the public on best management practices in consumer horticulture and environmental stewardship. We hope you will find our site provides you with resources, inspiration, and encouragement for your gardening projects. Gardening Questions?? Call the Master Gardener Hotline at 318-698-0010. How do I become a Master Gardener? For more information about Louisiana Master Gardeners and statewide programs you can go to https://www.lsuagcenter.com/topics/lawn_garden/master%20gardener LSU AgCenter Covid 19 RecommendationsMark A. Wilson
Assistant Extension Agent – Horticulture Specialist Northwest Region recently sent this email to NWLA Master Gardeners Office Closed At the close of business today(Monday, March 16) LSU AgCenter will be closing all Offices AgCenter offices to visitors effective March 17, 2020, until further notice. I am closing the horticulture office as part of this mandate. That being said I would strongly recommend you all as Master Gardeners do the same for your office. I will be changing the message on the answering machine to reflect the closing of the office. April Meeting Canceled After speaking with the city they have determined all events with more than 50 people are to be canceled until April 13th. This means that the April Master Gardener Monthly meeting will not be held. As we process through the Covid 19 Pandemic, check back to see when events are returned to the calendar.
It is that time of year again!
Many of us suffer from springtime allergies! Everything is coated in yellow now.
Do You Know Where Master Gardeners Volunteer?
Randle T. Moore Center is the home of the Northwest Louisiana Master Gardeners
2020 Superplants Announced by LSU AgCenter
A few of the Superplants
A catalog of the Louisiana Super Plants since 2010.
Each spring and fall the LSU AgCenter announces a new list of plants deemed worthy to be Louisiana Super Plants. These are reliable and beautiful plants selected for superior performance under Louisiana growing conditions. Click this link to see the list from the LSU AgCenter. Plant of the Month
Plant of the Month for June
Lantana (June is Pollinator Month) There are seven types of lantana flowers. Did you know that lantanas belong to the verbena family? They do have very different ways to care for them and the hardiness levels are different. This time of year lantana is the perfect type of pollinator plant for hot climates and they are very low maintenance, tolerate all types of soil and dry conditions. They can be used in containers, in the ground and in hanging baskets. Lantana has been hybridized and there are currently over 150 species of lantana plants. Common lantana grows in full sun and the common variety can grow up to 4 feet tall. In temperatures lower than 28 degrees, they will die back but they will re-emerge in the spring. Wild lantana can grow up to 6 feet tall. This particular type of lantana has scented foliage. If you crush the leaves you will smell an intense fragrance. Does not grow natively north of Mexico. Popcorn lantana grows up to 5 feet tall and has showy fruits which are more appreciated that the flowers. Trailing lantana can grow up to 10 feet long and can grow in full sun to partial shade but like well draining soil. It is perfect as a ground cover or in hanging baskets and blooms from April to October. The foliage is aromatic. Texas lantana can grow up to 6 feet tall and is also known as "Calico Bush". It is sometimes mixed up with wild lantana but is native to Texas, Mississippi, Arizona, Louisiana, and New Mexico. Buttonsage grows only up to 3 feet tall and has fragrant flowers. It is native to Florida and South America and grows in coastal areas. Lantan Pastazensis is endemic to Ecuador and considered and endangered species, with a vulnerable conservation status. Wondering What is Wrong With Your Plant?
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We are getting close to the end of June when the temperatures are getting higher and that means it is time to try to find some cooler things to do that are garden related.
As Covid-19 persists, organizations and businesses are promoting activities and ideas about keeping gardening going. You can check out the LSU AgCenter for past articles and videos if you want new ideas or how to correct garden problems. Go to facebook and check out the Northwest Louisiana Master Gardeners site for information and you can also go to most universities' websites that have agriculture programs for more information. Recently, I have been watching videos by the Tarrant Region Water District and Texas A&M Agrilife Extension where I watched a video of the facebook live of Gardening in the Gulf Coast. You can find these by checking on facebook for the great gardening programs. Also, very short but informative are 10 minute Daily Dose of Hort by Dr. Gary Bachman, horticulturist/professor from MSU Extension Center (Mississippi) on facebook. Become a friend of Allen Owings, Senior Horticulturist at Bracy's Nursery and horticulturist at Clegg's Nursery (Emeritus Professor at LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Stations and LSU Department of Horticulture) who keeps us all up to date on the gardening world! One of my favorite past times is to watch Laura's videos on facebook or youtube, Garden Answer. She usually posts a new video each day. I am sure that each of you have found many more sites to check into so have fun planning, planting and pruning! Northwest Louisiana Master Gardeners can record volunteer hours and education hours online at the LSU AgCenter website here. Click here.
NWLAMG NEWS
Upcoming Activities
Check the NWLA Master Gardeners' Calendar for interesting gardening activities taking place around North Louisiana!
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