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Choosing Plants for the Shade
Shade Garden Plants

(Video 8/13/12) It seems there’s no escape outside from the hot temperatures – except for the shade. So on this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill suggests doing some work in your shade garden. He offers some tips for properly selecting and growing shade plants. (Runtime 1:26)

Fountains create illusions of coolness
Fountains

(Video 8/20/12) Plants certainly make a garden special, but non-living items can help with overall effect. On this segment of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how you can use fountains to create illusions of coolness, even during the intense summer heat. (Runtime: 1:48)

Crape myrtles come in different colors and sizes
Crape Myrtle

(Video 08/06/12) Crape myrtles are blooming colorfully across Louisiana right now. If you want to add them to your yard, it’s a good time to view the different colors available at your local nursery. But it’s also important to do your own research on crape myrtles for your landscape – as LSU horticulturist Dan Gill explains on this edition of Get It Growing. (Runtime - 1:36)

Still time to plant palms
Palms

(Video 8/27/12) It’s still hot, but some plants like it that way. Tropicals, like palm plants, love the muggy, humid conditions. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill advises doing research for the type of palms that suit your needs and then getting those plants in the ground very soon. (Runtime: 1:52)

Not all fungi damage lawns
(Audio 08/27/12) Fungal diseases are common problems that can attack and damage our grass. Slime mold and mushrooms are fungi, but are not detrimental to our lawns. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Shallots, green onions are not the same thing
(Audio 08/27/12) Louisiana gardeners tend to call both shallots and green onions, green onions. They are different plants. Shallots produce large bulbs and green onions never make large bulbs, but rather multiply. They can be planted using sets this time of the year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Keep grass clippings out of trash
(Audio 08/27/12) We have several options when it comes to grass clippings, and throwing them away should never be one of them. They can be recycled back into the lawns if you mow regularly or bagged and used as mulch. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Gingers, cannas made need pruning
(Audio 08/27/12) Gingers and cannas are popular tropical plants in Louisiana landscapes. They perform well through summer and may need pruning late in the season. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Protect houseplants from insect pests
(Audio 08/27/12) Plants inside homes are not protected from insects. There are no naturally occurring predators indoors, and temperatures are mild, so pest problems can spread rapidly. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Palms can thrive in La. landscapes
(Audio 08/20/12) We are lucky in Louisiana to grow palms in our landscape. Palms are easy to care for. They need fertilizer in spring, some grooming from time to time and not much else. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Prepare roses for fall blooming
(Audio 08/20/12) August is a good time to get roses ready for fall blooming. Gardener should prune their roses back. Roses also should be fertilized and watered regularly. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Put away fertilizer after August
(Audio 08/20/12) We fertilize lawns to make them a deep green and encourage growth. August is the last month to apply fertilizer. We need lawns to slow down in fall to make them hardy as they head into winter. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Use ajuga sparingly
(Audio 08/20/12) Ajuga can make a nice ground cover. It has beautiful leaves, and certain types make lovely flowers, but ajuga can be prone to fungal issues. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Add plants to aquatic features
(Audio 08/20/12) Aquatic features can add a cooling effect to our landscapes. You can add plants to your garden this time of the year. Also consider adding fish if you don't already have some. (Runtime: 60 seconds)