Florence Crowder from the Baton Rouge Camellia Society will discuss recent work in preservation of historical camellia varieties during the annual conference of the Louisiana State Horticulture Society Jan. 13, 2016, at the LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station. One of the most impressive camellia gardens in the state is located between Hammond and Robert at the Hammond Research Station. (Photo courtesy of Regina Bracy, LSU AgCenter)

The meeting will begin with registration and plant auction setup at 8 a.m., followed by the educational program and business meeting from 9 a.m. until noon, said LSU AgCenter horticulturist Allen Owings.

An afternoon tour to Independence will visit Transcend Nursery owned by plant breeder Buddy Lee.

Topics for the educational program include a history of strawberries in Louisiana, an overview of a new LSU AgCenter program called Plants with Potential, as well as information on a Creole tomato variety trial.

“Our keynote speaker will be Florence Crowder from the Baton Rouge Camellia Society, who will discuss recent work in preservation of historical camellia varieties,” Owings said. “Winners of Louisiana State Horticulture Society awards at the 2015 state science fair will also present their projects.”

The brief membership meeting prior to lunch will include board elections, approval of last year’s meeting minutes, life member award presentations and an update on the Horticulture Society’s 2016 Spring Tour to Arkansas.

Registration is $10 per person payable at the door. Lunch will be included. LSHS membership dues are $35 annually and can be paid at the meeting. The annual LSHS journal is distributed as a member benefit at each annual meeting.

“Due to limited seating, we ask that you please RSVP your attendance to the Hammond Research Station at 985-543-4125 by Jan. 6,” Owings said.

The Hammond Research Station is located at 21549 Old Covington Highway (Louisiana Highway 1067) east of Hammond. The station is best accessed from Interstate 12 exits 42 or 47.

Johnny Morgan