Home > Lawn & Garden > Commercial Horticulture > Ornamentals > Conference features evaluations of new landscape, garden plants [Image: Participants in garden at Hammond Research Station] (News Distributed 11/06/2009) HAMMOND, La. – Landscape and nursery professionals heard about the latest plant varieties and LSU AgCenter plant evaluations at a plant materials conference here Oct. 29. 'Drift' Series Roses - Landscape Evaluation Results (2009) [Image: pink] The 'Drift' series roses from Conard-Pyle are being evaluated in landscape studies at the LSU AgCenter's Burden Center. Here is some information on performance. 'Drift' Series Roses - Photo Gallery [Image: coral flowers] The 'Drift' series roses from Conard-Pyle are being evaluated in landscape studies at the LSU AgCenter's Burden Center. Colors are red, pink, coral and peach. New for 2010 will be apricot and sweet. Top 10 Caladiums Rated from 2009 Caladium Variety Trial [Image: 1] A total of 38 caladium varieties were evaluated at the LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station during the summer of 2009 for their landscape performance, including foliage color, fullness and plant uniformity. The top 10 performers are presented here. (Caladium tubers were donated by Classic Caladiums and Happiness Farms.)  more articles... Phenology Sequence of Flowering Woody Ornamentals Documented to Assist Landscape Pest Management [Image: 1] A phenology research garden was planted in fall 2007 at the LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station in Hammond, La. Data collected in 2008 indicated that a sequence of phonological events in advance of pest activities is available from 15 ornamental plants for predicting landscape pest activity. People's Choice Awards from Landscape Horticulture Field Day - 2009 [Image: purple flash] Green industry professionals attending the landscape horticulture field day at the LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station in June were given the opportunity to “pick their winning plants” from the sun garden evaluation trial gardens at the station. Over 340 varieties were planted this year. The planting mostly consists of annual bedding plants and herbaceous perennials, but new roses and some “companion” woody ornamental shrubs (such as Southern Living plants) are also included. Horticulture Professional Licenses and Permits [Image: ldaf] There are several state-regulated horticulture professions and two occupations that require a license or permit in Louisiana. Ornamental sweet potato options continue to expand [Image: Photo of Allen Owings] Ornamental sweet potatoes have gained considerable interest among land¬scape industry professionals and home gardeners over the past 10 years. Varieties include plants that are chartreuse-lime green (Margarita), blackish purple (Blackie) and tricolored (Pink Frost). 'Matrix' Pansy - Photo Gallery (Part II) / Trial Results, Spring 2009 [Image: red blotch] Photo gallery of the Matrix series pansies from landscape performance trials at the Hammond Research Station, spring 2009. Data also included. 'Matrix' Pansy - Photo Gallery (Part I) / Trial Results, Spring 2009 [Image: blue blotch] Photo gallery of the Matrix series pansies from landscape performance trials at the Hammond Research Station, spring 2009. Data also included. 'Lucky' and 'Landmark' Lantana - 2008 Landscape Results [Image: lemon cream] Results from landscape performance trials on Lucky and Landmark series lantanas from Ball FloraPlant at the Hammond Research Station in 2008. 'XXL' Pansy - Photo Gallery (Part I), Spring 2009 [Image: blue blotch] A photo gallery of the 'XXL' pansy varieties from landscape trial plantings at the Hammond Research Station, spring 2009. 'XXL' Pansy - Photo Gallery (Part II), Spring 2009 [Image: red wing] A photo gallery of the 'XXL' pansy varieties from landscape trial plantings at the Hammond Research Station, spring 2009. 'Sun Spun' Petunia - Photo Gallery, April 2009 [Image: burgundy] A photo gallery of the new 'Sun Spun' petunia varieties (Ball FloraPlant) from landscape trial plantings at the Hammond Research Station. Click for more information...