2026 Speakers
James Burnett
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Erik Johnson
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TOPIC Adding Color to Your Garden
James Burnett describes himself as a “crazy ole man from the piney woods.” But as the many groups he has addressed will attest, he is so much more. He has been a flower lover since birth and was an art teacher at DeRidder High School for 40 years. He is a master gardener in Beauregard Parish and has a colorful garden that dazzles even the most successful home gardener. He specializes in Japanese maples, native azaleas and Japanese magnolias. He is most proud of the first Japanese maple he planted in 1985, which is still growing. During James’s lively presentation he will share photos of his garden and his tips for bringing color to home gardens. Brittany Rouse
TOPIC From Plants to Composition: Designing Intentional Landscapes
Brittany Rouse is a landscape designer and horticulture professional based in South Louisiana, specializing in creating functional, visually cohesive outdoor spaces rooted in strong design principles. With a background in art, she brings a unique perspective that blends creativity with practical, science-based horticulture. As co-founder of Rouse’s Horticulture, Brittany integrates the artistic elements of composition, balance, and spatial design with a deep understanding of each client’s property, needs, and intended use. Her work bridges the gap between aesthetics and function, transforming landscapes into intentional environments that are both beautiful and resilient. By focusing on structure, clarity, and purposeful plant use, she creates thoughtfully curated outdoor spaces that reflect both the landscape and the people who use them. |
TOPIC Re-greening the Developed World: Conservation for Birds and People
Erik Johnson grew up in the northeastern United States and migrated to Louisiana in 2003 to join Dr. Phil Stouffer’s lab as a M.S. and then Ph.D. student at Louisiana State University. After graduating in 2011, he joined the National Audubon Society as a conservation biologist focused on applied research of habitat restoration and management initiatives. He rejoined LSU as an Assistant Professor of Conservation Biology in fall 2025 where he continues to work on applied avian conservation research projects and train the next generation of students. Lee Rouse
TOPIC Mastering Shade in the Garden: Practical Tips for Growing Better Plants
Lee Rouse is a Baton Rouge-based horticulturist with over 20 years of commercial and academic experience, renowned for delivering engaging and practical presentations that inspire gardeners across South Louisiana. Holding a Master’s degree in Plant and Soil Systems from Louisiana State University, Rouse spent eight years teaching the Louisiana Master Gardener program at LSU AgCenter, leading 16 three-hour courses covering topics from botany and pest control to hydroponics. These sessions equipped countless gardeners with the skills to create thriving landscapes, making Rouse a sought-after speaker for clubs, nurseries, and community events. Lee and his wife, Brittany, operate Rouse’s Horticulture. |
2026 Event Schedule
The event’s schedule is as follows:
8:00 – 8:30 Check in
8:30 – 9:00 Announcements
9:00 – 10:00 Erik Johnson
Re-greening the Developed World: Conservation for Birds and People
10:00 – 10:15 Break
10:15 – 11:15 Brittany Rouse
From Plants to Composition: Designing Intentional Landscapes
11:15 – 12:30 Lunch
12:30 – 1:30 James Burnett
Adding Color to Your Garden
1:30 – 1:45 Break
1:45 – 2:45 Lee Rouse
Mastering Shade in the Garden: Practical Tips for Growing Better Plants
2:45 - 3:00 Wrap-up and silent auction results
Click here to register online with a credit card. Tickets will not be sent to attendees. Registration will be confirmed via email and admission will be from a master list at the event check-in table.
For people wishing to do so, a hard copy of the registration may be accessed by clicking on this link. Checks can then be made out to LPMGA and mailed to 110 Wicklowe Road, Lafayette, LA 70503. Checks must be received on or before June 5. Registration will be confirmed via email and admission will be from a master list at the event check-in table.
NO REFUNDS AFTER June 5.
Seating is limited and walk-ins cannot be accommodated.
For additional information, please email [email protected].
8:00 – 8:30 Check in
8:30 – 9:00 Announcements
9:00 – 10:00 Erik Johnson
Re-greening the Developed World: Conservation for Birds and People
10:00 – 10:15 Break
10:15 – 11:15 Brittany Rouse
From Plants to Composition: Designing Intentional Landscapes
11:15 – 12:30 Lunch
12:30 – 1:30 James Burnett
Adding Color to Your Garden
1:30 – 1:45 Break
1:45 – 2:45 Lee Rouse
Mastering Shade in the Garden: Practical Tips for Growing Better Plants
2:45 - 3:00 Wrap-up and silent auction results
Click here to register online with a credit card. Tickets will not be sent to attendees. Registration will be confirmed via email and admission will be from a master list at the event check-in table.
For people wishing to do so, a hard copy of the registration may be accessed by clicking on this link. Checks can then be made out to LPMGA and mailed to 110 Wicklowe Road, Lafayette, LA 70503. Checks must be received on or before June 5. Registration will be confirmed via email and admission will be from a master list at the event check-in table.
NO REFUNDS AFTER June 5.
Seating is limited and walk-ins cannot be accommodated.
For additional information, please email [email protected].
