News Release Distributed 09/12/13

HAMMOND, La. – The LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station will hold its annual landscape horticulture field day for nursery, landscape and garden center professionals on Oct. 10.

Providing service to the landscape horticulture industry is a major focus of the research and extension program at the Hammond Research Station, said Regina Bracy, resident coordinator at the station.

The field day will begin with registration at 8:30 am. Walking tours of landscape research projects and demonstration plots is scheduled from 9 a.m.-noon, with snacks, refreshments and lunch provided.

No registration fee or RVSP required to attend the field day, which is intended for professional horticulture industry personnel.

Topics for the field day include:

– An overview of ornamental plant variety evaluations, including annual bedding plants, herbaceous perennials, roses, new crape myrtles, new shrubs and hardy hibiscus.

– Updates on insect, disease and weed concerns, featuring studies using plant growth regulators to manage shrub growth and reduce pruning.

– A look at a new research field for long-term woody plant evaluations.

– A tour of the expanding new Piney Woods Garden.

– Information on the newest Louisiana Super Plants.

Attendees will receive a booklet summarizing current activities and research, said Allen Owings, a horticulturist at the station.

For more information about the landscape horticulture field day, contact the Hammond Research Station at 985-543-4125.