News Release Distributed 04/28/11

The LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station will hold an open house from 9 a.m. to noon May 21.

The event will feature more than 500 varieties of blooming plants, according to Regina Bracy, resident coordinator at the station.

“This is a great opportunity to see what’s new in the plant world – all in one location,” Bracy said.

Research at the station focuses on landscape horticulture, including plant selection, fertility, weed control and plant growth regulators in more than 15 acres of research beds. Plants on display for the open house include perennials and annuals that cover a wide array of growing conditions, including beds in full sun, part sun and shade.

“We have the largest herbaceous – or nonwoody – ornamental plant trial in Louisiana,” said LSU AgCenter horticulturist Allen Owings.

“We want people to visit the station and see for themselves what we have to offer,” Owings said. “The open house will provide visitors an opportunity to identify plants they may want to plant in their own landscapes.”

The Hammond Research Station is located on Louisiana Highway 1067 approximately 6 miles east of Hammond. For more information on landscape horticulture research at the station, call 985-543-4125 or visit www.lsuagcenter.com/Hammond.

Rick Bogren