The LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station will hold their annual landscape horticulture field day for nursery, landscape and garden center professionals on October 18.

The field day will begin with registration at 8:30 a.m. Walking tours of landscape research projects and demonstration plots is scheduled from 9 a.m.–12:00 noon with snacks and refreshments served afterwards, said resident coordinator Regina Bracy.

“Providing service to the landscape portion of the horticulture industry is the focus of research efforts at the Hammond Research Station,” Bracy said.

Topics to be addressed at the field day include an overview of ornamental plant variety evaluations in the sun and shade gardens at the station.

Included will be Drift roses and new plants from Proven Winners, Ball Horticulture, PanAmerican Seed, Sakata Seed, Southern Living Plants and other companies.

Highlighted plants will include hostas, caladiums for sun and shade, SunPatiens, Flutterby Petite buddleia, acalypha, alternanthera and more.

“Research in the care and maintenance area will highlight plant growth regulator studies, fertility studies and more,” Bracy said.

Attendees also will be provided a short update on the popular Louisiana Super Plants program.

Tours will conclude in the Margie Y. Jenkins Azalea Garden, which features many azaleas and companion plants, including underused native species, Bracy said.

Two new gardens at the station include the crape myrtle evaluation garden and the easy care rose garden.

“In the rose garden, varieties are grown with minimal inputs and evaluated for growth, bloom and disease resistance,” Bracy said. “Earth-Kind roses and heirloom hybrid tea varieties also can be found here.”

A summary publication of the research evaluations will be provided to each attendee. No registration for the field day is required.

For more information about the landscape horticulture field day, contact the Hammond Research Station at 985-543-4125. The station is located approximately six miles east of Hammond at 21549 Old Covington Highway (La. Highway 1067).