News Release Distributed 05/12/11

The LSU AgCenter’s Burden Center in Baton Rouge will hold its annual garden festival with hayrides to the demonstration plots beginning at 8 a.m. and ending at noon June 18.

The event will feature numerous varieties of tomatoes, watermelon, peppers and sweet corn, according to Jeff Kuehny, resident director. Also featured will be All-America Selections of vegetables and ornamental annuals, perennials and roses.

“This is a great opportunity for consumers, home gardeners, chefs and growers of vegetables, fruits and ornamentals to learn about recommended horticultural crops,” Kuehny said.

LSU AgCenter experts will conduct informational programs. Kathryn Fontenot will host the vegetable tour; Charlie Johnson will host the fruit tour, and Allen Owings will lead the All-America Selections tour.

Participants will not only hear the latest information on numerous horticultural crops but also be invited to taste, smell and rate their favorites.

“We have expanded this year’s festival to include many of the local horticulture organizations, including the Burden Horticulture Society, rose society, bonsai society, herb society and camellia society,” Kuehny said. Local landscape and horticulture industries, East Baton Rouge Parish Extension and a plant health clinic also will have informational booths to visit.

Whether you just love strolling through gardens, growing your own garden or producing for the local markets, this is a one-stop festival for all.