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Limelight Hydrangea
Limelight hydrangeas bloom in full sun
(Video 07/09/12) Hydrangeas usually require shade to grow well. But a newer version called Limelight hydrangea – which grows taller and provides more blooms than traditional hydrangeas – can grow in full sunlight. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill places this lesser-known hydrangea in the limelight. (Runtime: 1:35)
Pruning Encore azlaeas
Pruning Encore azaleas
(Video 07/16/12) Encore azaleas are the only azaleas that flower in the spring, fall and summer. But don’t expect the Encore to display the full-scale blooms now that you see during the spring. It is normal to see some brown flowers mixed with sporadic color during the summer. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill describes the importance of properly pruning azaleas at the right time to ensure the best blooms later. (Runtime: 1:35)
Gaura
Gaura is a graceful native perennial
(Video 07/23/12) If you’re looking for plants that will grow well in your landscape, native plants can be a good choice. The gaura is a tough, native wildflower. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains why this graceful, low-maintenance perennial might work well in your flower beds. (Runtime: 1:33)
Hibiscus
Tropical hibiscus thrives in summer heat
(Video 07/02/12) It’s not a good idea to plant most trees and shrubs during the summer. Tropical plants, like the strikingly beautiful hibiscus, are an exception. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains the versatile uses of the hibiscus and gives tips on caring for this colorful plant. (Runtime: 1:41)
Figs
Purchase fig trees but wait until fall to plant
(Video 07/29/12) Figs are a popular fruit in Louisiana, and July is the time to purchase fig trees. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains the best time to plant fig trees and what you can expect from them during the early years.(Runtime: 1:33)
Insects are more abundant this summer
(Audio 07/30/12) A mild winter and early spring have led to pest problems. Many insects showed up early and in larger numbers. Look for signs of insect damage in your yard. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Chinch bugs are common lawn problem
(Audio 07/30/12) Chinch bugs are leading insect pests that attack our lawns. A sign of injury is a brown section of the lawn where the grass is straw-like and grass blades are rolled up. Chinch bugs tend to be worse later in the summer. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Plant tomatoes for fall crop
(Audio 07/30/12) It is popular to plant tomatoes in spring, but gardeners can get a fall crop as well. Buy different types of tomatoes such as heat-tolerant and standard varieties for the best chance of success. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Vegetable gardeners have options in August
(Audio 07/30/12) Gardeners can plant a wide variety of vegetables in August. Even though it is still really hot, we can plant cool-season vegetables alongside ones that prefer warmer conditions. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Prune overgrown plants in late summer
(Audio 07/30/12) By late summer many plants have gone through a long growing season. Pruning these plants can help revive them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
It's difficult to rid lawns of mushrooms
(Audio 07/23/12) Lawn mushrooms can be a nuisance, and there isn't much you can do to get rid of them. You can gather them up and throw them away if they bother you. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Gardening chores for July
(Audio 07/23/12) Even though it is hot outside, gardeners can stay busy this month tending to chrysanthemums, gladiolas, caladiums and coleus. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Cuttings create new plants
(Audio 07/23/12) This is a good time of the year to take cuttings from woody shrubs. Try taking cuttings from azaleas, camellias and hollies. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Bring flowers indoors with cuttings
(Audio 07/23/12) Most people plant flowers to enjoy the plants out in their landscapes. But cutting flowers and bringing them indoors is another way to enjoy them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Basil grows beautifully during summer
(Audio 07/23/12) Basil is a great herb to grow during summer. It is used widely in many cuisines. You can find different varieties of basil. Choose the type you like and plant it into a sunny location. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Plant pumpkins now for Halloween
(Audio 07/16/12) Pumpkins are very heat-tolerant, and pumpkin seeds can be planted this time of the year. It they're planted now, you'll have pumpkins ready for Halloween. You'll need a lot of space to grow them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Prune shrubs before flower buds set
(Audio 07/16/12) A number of spring-flowering shrubs need to be pruned by mid-July. These plants set their flower buds in late summer, so pruning too late can remove their flowers. Prune only if needed. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Blackberries are easy to grow
(Audio 07/16/12) Louisiana gardeners can grow a wide variety of fruit in their home garden. One easy fruit to grow is blackberries. They do require pruning. Be sure to prune only canes that produced blackberries this year and leave the other canes alone. They will produce next year's crop. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Bark lice won't harm trees
(Audio 07/16/12) It's not unusual to see patches of webbing in trees during summer. This webbing is created by psocids or bark lice. They are harmless to trees. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Options for shady lawns
(Audio 07/16/12) Having a shady yard can be a big plus in Louisiana's climate, but it can cause problems with lawns. You can mulch over areas of your lawn killed off by lack of sunlight or plant ground covers. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
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