February marks the perfect moment for rose pruning in South Louisiana gardens, a crucial task that sets the stage for a magnificent spring display. Armed with clean, sharp pruners, gardeners should focus on removing dead, diseased, and crossing branches. This strategic pruning promotes optimal air circulation, which is essential for preventing fungal issues common in our humid climate.

For hybrid tea roses (Rosa × hybrida), maintain a height of approximately 24 inches, making decisive cuts at 45-degree angles just above outward-facing buds. This technique encourages outward growth, creating that classic vase-shaped form that maximizes sunlight exposure and air flow. Remember to sanitize your pruning tools with alcohol between plants – this simple step prevents the spread of diseases that could compromise your entire rose garden.

Different rose varieties require tailored approaches. While hybrid teas benefit from aggressive pruning, climbing roses need patience – wait until after their first spring spectacular to conduct any major pruning. Old garden roses, those romantic connections to our horticultural heritage, prefer a gentler touch. Focus solely on removing dead wood and providing light shaping to maintain their naturally graceful forms.

Complete your pruning ritual by applying a fresh layer of mulch and incorporating a balanced fertilizer. This foundation of care supports vigorous spring growth and abundant blooming. Keep your pruning tools sharp throughout the season – clean cuts heal quickly, reducing stress on your plants and minimizing disease entry points.

By: Mandy Hatman

As winter releases its grip, Louisiana's native plants prepare to paint our landscapes with vibrant colors and intricate textures. This February presents the ideal opportunity to incorporate these local treasures into your garden, creating a space that celebrates our unique botanical heritage while providing practical benefits.

The Louisiana Iris (Iris giganticaerulea and related species) stands as a testament to our state's natural beauty, with its dramatic blooms typically unfurling from late March through April. These stunning natives thrive in our climate, offering low-maintenance elegance to both wet and well-drained areas. Pair them with the early-blooming Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens), whose tubular flowers become natural feeding stations for returning hummingbirds and awakening butterflies.

For ground-level interest, the Louisiana Phlox (Phlox divaricata) creates carpets of soft blue flowers that shimmer in spring breezes. This native ground cover excels in partially shaded areas, perfectly complementing larger shrubs like Virginia Sweetspire (Itea virginica) and American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana). These woody natives not only provide year-round structure but also offer crucial resources for local wildlife.

February's cool days provide perfect conditions for establishing these native plants. Take advantage of this timing to prepare beds, incorporating organic matter and ensuring proper drainage. Your investment in native plants now will reward you with a landscape that not only captures Louisiana's natural character but also requires fewer inputs of water, fertilizer, and maintenance time.

By: Mandy Hatman

Traditional gardening often pits us against so-called weeds, but many of these plants are actually valuable members of our local ecosystem. Consider the humble Wood Sorrel (Oxalis stricta), whose cheerful yellow flowers brighten early spring days. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, this native plant serves as a crucial early-season nectar source for emerging native bees and can even add a lemony zest to salads.

The robust Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana), despite its reputation as an unwanted volunteer, plays a vital role in supporting bird populations. Its dark berries provide essential nutrition for songbirds, particularly during fall migration. Similarly, Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia), so often removed from garden edges, offers both fall berries for birds and creates protected habitat for beneficial insects that help control garden pests.

Before declaring a war on weeds, consider: Is this uninvited plant truly causing harm, or does it simply challenge our conventional ideas about garden aesthetics? Many of these natives have evolved alongside local wildlife for thousands of years, creating intricate relationships that support ecosystem health. Native violets (Viola sororia and related species), frequently targeted as invaders, serve as irreplaceable host plants for fritillary butterflies (Speyeria spp.), making them essential links in our local food web.

Success in modern gardening often lies in finding balance – creating spaces that serve both aesthetic preferences and ecological needs. Consider designating a 'wild corner' where these valuable natives can flourish or thoughtfully incorporating select volunteers into existing garden beds. Today's 'weed' might become tomorrow's butterfly sanctuary, transforming our gardens from mere ornamental spaces into vibrant ecosystems that support and celebrate local biodiversity. Understanding their roles in our local environment can help us make more informed decisions about garden management, ultimately creating richer, more resilient landscapes that benefit both human and wildlife communities.