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Palm trees can flourish in Louisiana's heat
Palm Trees

(Video 07/20/09) Many people think of Florida or California when they hear the words palm tree. But palm trees can grow well here in Louisiana, too. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how to select and care for palm trees. (Runtime: 1:37)

Drought-tolerant plants cut down on watering chores
Drought-tolerant Plants

(Video 07/27/09) Tired of constantly watering your plants during the summer? Then you might be interested in planting drought-tolerant plants. On this edition of Get it Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to a number of plants that can hang tough during the heat of summer and therefore reduce your watering chores. (Runtime: 1:47)

Add heat-tolerant plants to existing flower beds
(Audio 07/27/09) Gardeners can plant a variety of heat-tolerant plants in their flower beds in July and August. Flowers like periwinkle and salvia can thrive in sunny spots, and caladiums can tolerate the shade. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

Herb garden enhances cooking
(Audio 07/27/09) If you planted an herb garden earlier this year, be sure to harvest those herbs. Take about a third of the plant at a time, and be sure to water the herbs during hot and dry spells. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

Rose quality diminishes in summer
(Audio 07/27/09) Roses do not bloom well during Louisiana's summer months. The intense heat can stress roses. The plants may continue to bloom, but the quality of the flowers diminishes. Just keep the plants in shape so they can bloom well in the fall. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Remove faded crape myrtle flowers for multiple blooms
(Audio 07/27/09) Crape myrtles are Louisiana's favorite summer flowering tree. They can have two and sometimes three flushes of flowers. If you can, take off the faded flowers. That will encourage more blooms. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Weeding keeps flower beds in shape
(Audio 07/27/09) Flower beds are especially visible in the landscape -- their colors draw the eye to them. It's important to keep your beds tidy. Weed, mulch and remove faded flowers to keep your beds in shape. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Plant palms during summer
(Audio 07/20/09) Palm trees should be planted in the heat of summer. Before you plant, think about the size and type of palm you want to plant. Pick a palm that is hardy in your area. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Summer rains can bring mushrooms
(Audio 07/20/09) Mushrooms pop up during rainy summer weather. They typically are harmless, but they can be a nuisance in lawns or flower beds. You don't need to use chemicals on them. Just gather them and dispose of them, if you wish. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Cuttings are not a quick means to grow plants
(Audio 07/20/09) July and August are a good time to take cuttings from plants in your landscape. Just remember you'll have to be patient, however, since it will take a few years before the plants you root and grow from cuttings will be large enough to plant into your landscape. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Basil is a great summer herb
(Audio 07/20/09) Basil is used in a variety of cuisines around the world. It is an easy herb to grow during the summer. You can find basil transplants at local nurseries or garden centers. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Cut flowers bring the garden indoors
(Audio 07/20/09) If you don't spend a lot of time outdoors during the summer, you generally don't get to enjoy the flowers in your landscape. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill suggests cutting the flowers and bringing them indoors. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Bog garden can make use of wet areas
Bog Garden
(Video 07/13/09) If you have areas in your yard that retain a good deal of water, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how low-lying, wet areas can be turned into bog gardens. (Runtime: 1:46)
Prune hydrangeas in July
(Audio 07/13/09) Hydrangeas have finished their blooming season, so July is a good time to prune them. If you wait too late, the plants will have set their flower buds for next year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)