Home > Lawn & Garden > Home Gardening > Landscaping > A Guide to Louisiana-friendly Landscaping - Louisiana Yards & Neighborhoods [Image: La Yards and Neighborhoods] This handbook provides helpful ideas, information and techniques to create and maintain a more environmentally friendly landscape. You will learn the basics of designing a landscape using carefully selected plants suited to Louisiana growing conditions. $12.00 + tax. You can order this book from our online store, by using the Order Publication link below. Choices for Summer Vegetable Gardens [Image: Okra, Tomatoes] There are not a whole lot of heat-loving vegetable crops, laments LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske. In late spring, you can plant collards, vine crops such as squash, cucumber and pumpkins, or crops like okra, malabar vine spinach and southern peas. Micro-Irrigation for Home Landscape Plantings Information on benefits of micro-irrigation systems for a home landscape and basics/guidelines on installation and ideas to consider. Reduce Stormwater Runoff [Image: Louisiana Yards & Neighborhoods: Reduce Stormwater Runoff] Rain that falls in your yard should soak into your yard. It's good for the landscape and protects waterways.  more articles... Landscapes for Wildlife [Image: Louisiana Yards & Neighborhoods: Landscapes for Wildlife] As our communities expand, we lament the loss of birds and other wildlife, but often our own yards are partly to blame. You can provide habitat for wildlife in your landscape. Manage Yard Pests [Image: Louisiana Yards & Neighborhoods: Manage Yard Pests Responsibly] A responsible and environmentally friendly approach to pest management is Integrated Pest Management. Common Landscape Diseases [Image: Louisiana Yards & Neighborhoods: Common Landscape Diseases] Diseases occur on landscape plants when environmental conditions are suitable for pathogens to develop on them. Prevention is the key to management. Weed Management [Image: Louisiana Yards & Neighborhoods: Weed Management] Weeds are the No. 1 pest in Louisiana lawns. They are in direct competition with lawns for essential nutrients, water and light. Water Efficiently [Image: Louisiana Yards & Neighborhoods: Water Efficiently!] Adequate soil moisture is essential for a thriving landscape. Providing uniform moisture is critical for most plants to prevent drought stress during dry periods. Fertilize Effectively [Image: Louisiana Yards & Neighborhoods: Fertilize Effectively] Fertilizers provide mineral elements needed for plant health. Fertilizing can be done by applying composted organic material, packaged fertilizer or a specific mineral, such as iron. Maximize Mulch [Image: Louisiana Yards and Neighborhoods: Maximize Mulch] A mulch layer around trees, shrubs, planted beds and bare ground provides many benefits. Right Plant, Right Place [Image: Louisiana Yards & Neighborhoods: Selecting the Right Plant for the Right Place] Developing an attractive, properly functioning landscape is best done using a process. LYN Introduction, long version [Image: Louisiana Yards & Neighborhoods: Planning Your Louisiana-friendly Yard] The goal is to encourage homeowners to create and maintain landscapes in ways that minimize environmental damage/impact through educational programs and outreach activities. LYN - Introduction, short version [Image: Louisiana Yards & Neighborhoods: Planning Your Louisiana-friendly Yard] The goal is to encourage homeowners to create and maintain landscapes in ways that minimize environmental damage/impact through educational programs and outreach activities. Click for more information...