Home > Lawn & Garden > Commercial Horticulture > Ornamentals > Top 10 Varieties Rated in 2007 and 2008 Ornamental Pepper Trials [Image: Chilly Chili] Forty-five old and new ornamental pepper varieties were evaluated in 2007 and 2008 at three locations: Hammond (LA), Crystal Spring (MS), and Verona (MS). The top 10 performers in the Hammond trial are presented in this photo gallery. Horticulture industry damage significant, but not major (Distributed 09/08/08) Louisiana’s commercial ornamental horticulture industry received significant but not major damage from the effects of Hurricane Gustav, according to experts at the LSU AgCenter. Landscape Mulch Demonstration Study [Image: colored red mulch] A demonstration of different landscape mulch materials is on-going at the Hammond Research Station. Here are photos of the different mulches currently being evaluated. More to come!!! Coleus Landscape Trials for 2008 - The Top Performers [Image: red hot rio] Forty three coleus varieties were trialed in landscape evaluation plots at the Hammond Research Station in 2008. Top performers were Red Hot Rio, Big Red Judy, Zen Moment, Lancelot, Ruby Ruffles, Mariposa, Henna, Indian Summer (not pictured), Royal Glissade, Pineapple Splash and Fishnet Stockings. Here is a photo gallery. Results are based on plant vigor, foliage attractiveness, and resistance to flowering. Plants were grown in full sun.  more articles... Plant Evaluations - Sun Garden 2008 A written overview of plants being evaluated in the sun garden landscape area at the Hammond Research Station in 2008. Azaleas - Louisiana's Most Popular Landscape Shrub [Image: azalea] Information on azaleas includes recommended cultural practices and other keys to be successful with this popular plant in your landscape efforts. Nursery Crop Outlook - 2008 Information on economic and marketing projections for nursery/floral crop producers in Louisiana for 2008. A national outlook is also provided. Razzle Dazzle Crape Myrtles - Introduction and Landscape Performance in 2007 [Image: cherry dazzle ] The newest series of crape myrtles are the 'Razzle Dazzle' series. There are hybrids and are dwarf in form. Landscape performance evaluations are underway at the LSU AgCenter. Nursery and Landscape News [Image: Nursery Notes header] Nursery and Landscape Notes is a quarterly newsletter for Louisiana's green industry professionals. It includes production information for nursery growers and cultural practice recommendations for landscape contractors. New plant information is also included. 2006 Impatiens Trial Results [Image: 2006 Impatiens Trial Results ] Impatiens are colorful summer-flowering annuals that provide season-long color in landscape and home gardens. The 2006 impatiens trial conducted at the LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station evaluated some of the latest release of mini impatiens, trailing impatiens, double impatiens and New Guinea impatiens. Landscapers and gardeners can choose impatiens for shade or sun areas according to the trial results. 2006 Caladium Trial [Image: 06' Caladium Trial] Colorful Caladiums are popular summer accents in our area; however, certain varieties are more suited to certain landscape conditions than others, and proper variety selection appropriate to the planting site is the key to achieving desired effects. The 2006 caladium trial at the Hammond Research Station documented 30 varieties for their early- and late-season performances as well as sun tolerance. Landscape Evaluation of Herbaceous Perennials at LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station (2005) [Image: 2005 Herbaceous Perennial Trial Report] With the new ornamental horticulture program initiated at the Hammond Research Station, more herbaceous perennial varieties were tested in 2005. This report presents trial resutls that commercial growers and consumers may find useful. Jefferson, Orleans Soil Contamination May Not Be As Serious As Feared LSU AgCenter experts say soil contamination in Jefferson and Orleans parishes from flooding after this summer’s hurricanes may not be as serious as originally feared. Initial results of tests conducted in October indicate no need for special preparations to the soils prior to planting and that there should be no danger for individuals digging or planting in the soil. Photo Gallery: Sweet Peas [Image: Sweet Peas] Sweet peas are an excellent cool-season annual for Louisiana. The flowers are popular for cutting and bundling because they come in an array of colors and have an intoxicating scent. Seeds should be sown directly in the garden in October or transplanted from containers in November. Sweet peas are vines so the plants need support (fence, netting, etc.) or a trellis to grow on. Sweet peas start blooming in late March and last up to two months, longer if deadheaded regularly. More...