more... > Parishes > Rapides > Lawn & Garden > 2009 Master Gardener Class [Image: 2009 Master Gardener Graduating Class] The fourth class of the Avoyelles/Rapides Master Gardener class held their graduation on Tuesday, April 21, 2009 in Mansura, Louisiana. How To Care For Cut Christmas Trees [Image: Photo of Christmas tree lot ] This article describes how to care for your Christmas tree once you get it home. Eastern Lubber Grasshoppers are on the Move [Image: eastern lubber grasshopper] Periodically, grasshoppers have been of economic importance, but a few species sometimes occur in large enough numbers to damage citrus, vegetable crops and landscape ornamentals seriously. One of the species most commonly causing damage is the eastern lubber grasshopper. Blossom-end Rot [Image: photo of healthy tomatoes] Blossom-end rot can occur when sunny days follow a cloudy, wet period. It is a symptom of calcium deficiency in the plant.  more articles... Mowing the Lawn [Image: mower safety] Mowing the grass correctly improves the health and appearance of any lawn. Your lawn will look greener, stay thicker, resist weeds more effectively by following some of these basic tips. What's Wrong With My St. Augustine Grass? Many Rapides Parish homeowners are asking about problems with St. Augustine grass. One problem could be gray leaf spot. Rose Care [Image: image of rose] Learn more about the care of roses and how they can add beauty to your landscape. Growing Vegetables [Image: plowed garden plot] Vegetables can be grown in containers, community garden lots, home yards or large ranch areas. To be successful, follow these basic rules. Control Burweed in Your Lawn Before it Becomes a Sticky Situation [Image: burweed] This article describes what herbicides homeowners can use to control those "sticky" weeds in their lawns. How to Take a Soil Sample [Image: Document cover image] Step-by-step instructions on taking a soil sample. This presentation was conducted by Terry Washington and Barry Crain. Crape Myrtles - Add beauty to any landscape [Image: Photo of crape myrtle trees in bloom.] Nothing says summer in the South like the fresh, airy blooms of crape myrtles. Follow these recommendations to ensure proper growth and blooming. Lawns A lawn can be functional and beautiful if planned properly. Find out which grass is best suited for your location. Fire Ants [Image: Fire ant mound] Provides information on fire ants including how to control and treat mounds.