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Take time to 'Knock Out' faded roses
Roses

(Video 05/11/09) Knock Out roses look beautiful in landscapes this time of year. But they can grow very large, and faded flowers can cause them to lose some of their attractiveness. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill shows you one way to help your Knock Outs remain a knockout. (Runtime: 1 minute, 48 seconds)

Lady bugs offer an alternative to pesticides
lady bugs

(Video 05/25/09) If you’re having insect problems on your plants, you may want to consider an alternative to insecticides. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how predatory insects like ladybugs can kill pests just as effectively. (Runtime: 1 minute, 44 seconds)

Summer-flowering bulbs love Louisiana's heat
(Audio 05/25/09) Gardeners use a variety of bulb plants in their landscapes. Many summer-flowering bulbs used in Louisiana are tropical plants that thrive in the heat. You can find a variety of plants available for many different situations. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

Flower pots need proper cleaning
(Audio 05/25/09) Growing plants in containers makes plants portable and gives you the opportunity to enjoy them where they couldn't be grown otherwise. The containers can become dirty over time, and gardeners will need to clean them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

Try different spinaches for summer greens
(Audio 05/25/09) Cooked greens are a traditional part of Louisiana cuisine. But many of these greens will not grow during our summer months. Swiss chard will grow into June, however, and a few of the best summer greens are Malabar spinach and New Zealand spinach. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Aphids are a nuisance on crape myrtles
(Audio 05/25/09) Louisiana gardeners are lucky to be able to grow crape myrtles, but aphids can be a nuisance on these small trees. To control the pests, treat the trees with insecticides in late May or early June. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Black spot can damage roses
(Audio 05/25/09) If you grow roses in Louisiana, you are familiar with the disease black spot. It attacks the foliage of the plants. Since some of the roses we grow are susceptible to the disease, regular control measures are needed. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Baldcypress has distinctive look
Cypress Tree
(Video 05/18/09) The baldcypress tree is readily identified with swamps, but it’s also a species that has become popular as a landscape tree. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains why a cypress is a good tree to plant. (Runtime: 1 minute, 31 seconds)
Spanish moss lives on trees but won't hurt them
(Audio 05/18/09) Spanish moss does not hurt trees. It's not a parasite and it won't take nutrients from the tree. It lives on the tree but gets water and minerals from rain water. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Plant hyacinth bean for attractive flowering vine
(Audio 05/18/09) Louisiana gardeners can use a number of annual flowering vines. A great one to grow is the hyacinth bean. It produces wonderful lavender flowers in the summer and through the fall. It also has attractive foliage and seed pods. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Be careful when pruning blackberry plants
(Audio 05/18/09) Blackberry plants are productive in May. After you harvest berries, you have to be careful when pruning -- and not just because of the thorns on the plant. Don't cut back the canes that didn't produce any fruit. Those will produce fruit next year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Warm-season bedding plants brighten summer landscapes
(Audio 05/18/09) Louisiana gardeners use a wide variety of warm-season plants to provide color to our summer landscapes. Gardeners should prepare beds properly before putting in new plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Newly planted trees need proper irrigation
(Audio 5/18/09) Newly planted trees will need watering to help them survive their first summer in the ground. A great way to water a tree is with a 5-gallon bucket with holes at the bottom. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Plant palm trees during the summer
(Audio 05/11/09) For the most part, Louisiana gardeners should plant trees during our cooler winter season. But there is at least one exception. Palm trees do best when planted during the hot summer months. (Runtime: 60 seconds)