LSU AgCenter researcher Charlie Johnson discusses this year’s fig crop with attendees at the Garden Fest at the Burden Center on June 30. (Photo by Johnny Morgan. Click on photo for downloadable image.) News Release Distributed 07/03/12
Whether you are young or old, the recent Garden Fest at the LSU AgCenter Burden Center provided something to tickle your fancy, according to Burden Center resident coordinator Jeff Kuehny.
For some, it was the early morning bloody mary contest, and for others, it was having a chance to sample some of the best watermelon in the South.
It didn’t matter where you were from or how involved in gardening you were, the fun-filled event provided entertainment with an educational twist.
The day began with omelets prepared by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and the Louisiana Egg Commission.
Activities included a hayride to fields to see research plots and to sample and rate tomatoes and watermelons grown there.
“This event is what we like to call from farm to plate,” said Kuehny. “We wanted this garden fest to be for the community as well as for producers.”
Even though the main feature of the day was fruit and vegetable research, Kuehny said he wanted the public to leave with an understanding of what it takes to grow the fruits and vegetables they buy at stores and farmers markets.
“We have a three-year grant from the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry to do research on tomatoes, peppers and the fall crops – lettuce and strawberries,” Kuehny said. “We’re highlighting the tomatoes and peppers here today.”
Plots showcased research with peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, corn, figs and watermelons by LSU AgCenter researchers Charlie Johnson and Kiki Fontenot, said LSU AgCenter horticulture agent Bob Souvestre.
There was also a midway with booths by plant societies, lawn and garden equipment vendors, the Master Gardeners booth, the Burden Horticulture Society and the plant diagnostic clinic where “The Plant Doctor” Nick Singh helped people assess their plant disease, insect and weed problems.
A highlight of the day was the bloody mary contest, where eight local restaurants competed with Mason’s Grill winning the contest.
Among the
Local Baton Rouge television personality Kim Rogers shares a light moment with Lt. Gov. Jay Dardenne, who served as one of the judges of the bloody mary contest during the Garden Fest at the Burden Center on June 30. (Photo by Johnny Morgan. Click on photo for downloadable image.) judges for the contest was Lt. Gov. Jay Dardenne, who said he got a message that he was needed to judge this early-morning bloody mary contest.
“I knew morning was the perfect time for this contest, and I wanted to support the LSU AgCenter, so I gladly accepted,” Dardenne said.
The Garden Fest drew its share of first-time visitors as well as some who were well aware of the work being done at the Burden Center.
Lyle Hitzman, a retired clinical social worker from Baton Rouge, had never been to the Burden Center but was impressed with what he saw.
“Just seeing the number of people out here is impressive, but the other thing that really impressed me is the wide variety of things like grafting plants, showing how to prepare landscape for your home and how to do soil tests. It’s exciting,” Hitzman said.
Leo Sanders, of Baker, said he found out about the garden fest through the newspaper and knew it was an event for him.
“I enjoy gardening, and as I had hoped, I learned a lot here. And it’s been big fun,” Sanders said. “I really enjoyed the taste testing and getting some answers to questions that I’ve had.”
LSU AgCenter gardening specialist Kiki Fontenot said in past years the event was geared more toward the commercial growers, but this year the AgCenter provided more to interest the home gardener.
“O
Watermelon is for everyone. Even the youngest in attendance had a good time enjoying the sweet melons at the Garden Fest on June 30. (Photo by Johnny Morgan. Click on photo for downloadable image.) ne addition this year is the heirloom tomatoes. They seem to appeal more to home gardeners because of that original tomato flavor,” Fontenot said. “The production is not as good as the hybrids, but they almost always appeal to home gardeners.”
Part of the excitement was to find the variety of tomato or watermelon they want to plant in their garden next year, Fontenot said.
Before the event ended at noon, participants were asked to judge vegetable dishes prepared by chefs from the Louisiana Culinary Institute and enter their name for a free three-hour cooking lesson.
Live music was provided with a different style of music played each hour, Souvestre said.
Kuehny said with the success of the event, it’s sure to be even larger next year.
Johnny Morgan