Home > News Archive > 2012 > April > Lantana montevidensis provides spring & summer color [Image: Lantana Montevidensis] (Video 04/23/12) Lantanas have beautiful flowers that can nicely color a landscape. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to a tough lantana that produces beautiful white and lavender flowers. (Runtime: 1:33) Autumn fern is evergreen with copper color [Image: Autumn Fern] (Video 04/16/12) Ferns can dot landscapes with a lush-looking appeal. Some types are evergreen, and some types are not. One unique evergreen fern garners attention not only because of its green display, but also thanks to some bonus color. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to the autumn fern. (Runtime: 1:31) Family Nutrition Night combating obesity (Radio News 04/26/12) Louisiana has one of the highest obesity rates in the nation. A statewide LSU AgCenter program is looking to minimize the problem by getting entire families to participate in their Family Nutrition Night. (Runtime 1:00) Consider environments for summer landscape planning (Distributed 04/26/12) Keep environmental conditions in mind when you select plant materials for a home landscape. The size of the planting area is important along with other site characteristics, such as sun or shade exposure, wet or dry locations, and exposure to windy conditions.  more articles... Wheat crop maturing early [Image: picture] (Video News 04/25/12) Louisiana’s wheat crop is in good condition despite the warm and wet weather conditions. LSU AgCenter correspondent Craig Gautreaux reports that farmers will begin harvesting much earlier than normal. (Runtime: 1:50) Harvest cool-season herbs while you can (Audio 04/30/12) As the weather gets warmer in May, many cool-season herbs start to languish. Harvest these herbs generously. Freeze or dry the extras and use them throughout the year. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Give houseplants summer vacation (Audio 04/30/12) Many people use tropical plants as houseplants. These plants must be indoors during cold weather, but will thrive if placed outside during the summer. Gradually allow them to adjust to outdoor conditions. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Palm trees like warm weather plantings (Audio 04/30/12) Most trees are best planted in the fall. The one exception is palm trees. Plant these while the weather is warm. Make sure the palm tree is hardy for your area. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Plant heat-tolerant vegetables this month (Audio 04/30/12) Summer is right around the corner, but there are still plenty of vegetables we can plant in our gardens. Plant heat-tolerant vegetables that can withstand our summer temperatures. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Bell peppers change colors over time (Audio 04/30/12) You can find bell peppers in a variety of colors. Colored bell peppers are simply ripe green bell peppers. If you leave a green bell pepper on the plant, it will change colors. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Agritourism workshop set for June 6 in Vidalia (Distributed 04/24/12) VIDALIA, La. – The LSU AgCenter will hold a workshop for landowners to start or extend an outdoor recreational business on their property held June 6 at the Vidalia Conference and Convention Center at 112 Front St. Registration will begin at 8 a.m., with the program running from 9 a.m. until 3:15 p.m. Kids get the farm feel for a day [Image: Farm Day] (Distributed 04/20/12) Many students have seen cows, but not many had touched one until they attended Farm Day at the LSU AgCenter campus dairy on April 18-20. Tropical-like plants can highlight summer landscapes [Image: Louisiana Red copper plant] (Distributed 04/20/12) Mid- to late spring is when we start seeing tropical-like plants take off and start growing as we enter our warmest time of year. Instead of summer being a “down time” in the landscape, you can use these plants to enhance your warm-season efforts. LSU AgCenter to establish Master Rice Grower program (Distributed 04/20/12) CROWLEY, La. – Officials with the LSU AgCenter and the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry met on April 18 with representatives of the Kellogg Co. to work on details for a Master Rice Grower program that will encourage sustainable farming practices. Click for more information...