By: Mandy Hatman

Many common houseplants and garden favorites can be toxic to pets if ingested. Here are some of the most common offenders and how to keep your pets safe.

Aloe Vera
Known for its skin-soothing qualities, aloe vera is also toxic to cats and dogs. If ingested, it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and fatigue. If you love succulents, try a pet-safe option like Haworthia, which looks similar but is safe for pets.

Lilies
Certain types of lilies, especially true lilies like the Easter lily, tiger lily, and Asiatic lily, are highly toxic to cats and can cause kidney failure. Even small amounts can be deadly, so it’s best to avoid having lilies in homes with cats.

Sago Palm
Often kept as a decorative plant, the sago palm contains cycasin, a toxin that can lead to liver failure and severe gastrointestinal symptoms. The entire plant is toxic, but the seeds contain the highest concentration, so be especially cautious.

Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)
Popular in homes for its easy care and lush foliage, dieffenbachia contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause severe mouth and throat irritation, drooling, and difficulty swallowing if pets chew on its leaves.

Philodendron
This easy-to-grow houseplant is popular for its ability to thrive in low light, but it
contains toxins that can irritate pets’ mouths and throats, leading to vomiting, drooling, and swelling. Consider swapping philodendrons with pet-safe options like parlor palms or Calathea.

Pet-Safe Alternatives:
For a safer indoor garden, consider plants like Boston ferns, areca palms, and prayer plants, which are non-toxic to pets and easy to care for.

By: Mandy Hatman

January in Lafayette Parish brings unique challenges and opportunities for gardeners. While our winters are relatively mild, occasional freezes can catch both gardeners and plants off guard. But winter garden care involves more than just frost protection – it's an ideal time for garden planning, soil building, and caring for our overwintering plants.

Start the new year by conducting a soil test through the LSU AgCenter. January's typically drier conditions make it perfect for collecting samples, and you'll have results in time for spring planting. While you wait, focus on composting. Winter's abundance of fallen leaves and holiday food scraps can create black gold for your spring garden. Pro tip: mix those brown leaves with green materials like coffee grounds and vegetable scraps for optimal decomposition.

Don't neglect your winter vegetables! Crops like carrots, collards, and Brussels sprouts actually develop better flavor after a light frost. Keep harvesting your cool-season herbs too – parsley, cilantro, and dill often thrive in our winter months. For added protection on extra cold nights, use row covers or cloches, but remember to ventilate on sunny days when temperatures rise. 

January is also ideal for maintaining garden structures. Check and repair raised beds, clean and sharpen tools, and organize your garden shed while activity is slower. If you have citrus trees, this is a crucial time to monitor for cold damage and maintain freeze protection measures when temperatures dip below 32°F.

Looking ahead, start planning your spring garden now. Order seeds early – popular varieties often sell out by late winter. Use these quiet garden days to sketch out garden plans, start a garden journal, or join the Lafayette Parish Master Gardeners' winter workshops to expand your knowledge base.

Remember: winter gardens may look dormant, but there's always something to do in Louisiana's year-round growing season!

By: Mandy Hatman
​
The holiday season brings a burst of color indoors with festive plants that brighten our homes. With proper care, these seasonal favorites can thrive well beyond the holiday season. Let's explore how to keep your holiday plants healthy and happy.

Poinsettias: The Classic Christmas Plant
Poinsettias are synonymous with the holiday season, known for their vibrant red bracts (modified leaves).
Care Tips:

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight for at least 6 hours a day
• Water: When the surface of the soil feels dry to the touch
• Temperature: Prefer 65-70°F during the day, and no lower than 60°F at night
• After holidays they can be kept as a houseplant or planted outdoors in frost-free areas of Louisiana
• Common Issues: Leaf drop: Often due to drafts, temperature extremes, or dry soil; Yellow leaves: Usually a sign of overwatering

Christmas Cacti: The Long-Lived Holiday Favorite
These long-blooming succulents can live for decades with proper care.
Care Tips:

• Light: Bright, indirect light
• Water: Keep soil lightly moist, not waterlogged
• Temperature: Prefer 70-80°F during the day and 60-65°F at night
• To encourage blooming: Provide 12-14 hours of complete darkness each night for 6-8 weeks before desired bloom time
  
• Common Issues:
  
  • Buds dropping: Often due to sudden temperature changes or overwatering
    
  • Lack of blooms: Usually due to incorrect light exposure

By: Mandy Hatman, MG

Louisiana gardens can continue to showcase vibrant colors throughout the winter months. With the right selection of plants, you can enjoy a colorful and lively garden even in the coolest part of the year.
Louisiana gardens can continue to showcase vibrant colors throughout the winter months. With the right selection of plants, you can enjoy a colorful and lively garden even in the coolest part of
the year.

Camellias: The Queens of Winter
Camellias are synonymous with Southern winter gardens, and for good reason. These evergreen shrubs produce stunning blooms from late fall through early spring.
o Plant in partial shade with well-draining, acidic soil
o Water deeply but infrequently
o Prune after flowering, Protect from harsh winds

Pansies and Violas: Colorful Groundcover
o Plant in full sun to partial shade, Keep soil consistently moist
o Deadhead regularly to encourage continuous blooming
o Fertilize monthly with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer

Cyclamen
o Prefer cooler temperatures and partial shade
o Great for containers or sheltered garden spots

Hellebores (Lenten Rose)
o Evergreen perennials with long-lasting blooms
o Plant in partial to full shade

Paperwhites
o Fragrant narcissus that are easy to force indoors
o Can also be planted outdoors in Louisiana, Plant bulbs in fall for winter blooms

By incorporating these winter-blooming plants into your landscape, you can ensure your Louisiana garden remains a colorful oasis even in the coolest months. With proper care, these hardy blooms will provide a cheerful display that brightens the short days of winter and hints at the spring to come.

Wildlife in the Winter Garden: Supporting Local Fauna
By: Mandy Hatman

While Louisiana's winters are milder than in many parts of the country, our local wildlife still faces challenges during the cooler months. As gardeners, we can play a crucial role in supporting biodiversity and helping animals thrive year-round. Let's explore how to make our winter gardens wildlife-friendly.

Wildlife Active in Louisiana Winters

• Birds: Many species overwinter in Louisiana, including cardinals, chickadees, and woodpeckers
• Small mammals: Squirrels, rabbits, and opossums remain active
• Reptiles and amphibians: While less active, they still need protected areas for brumation
• Insects: Many beneficial insects overwinter in leaf litter or hollow stems

Creating Shelter

• Brush piles: Create a shelter by stacking branches and logs
• Roosting boxes: Provide warm spaces for birds on cold nights
• Dense evergreens: Offer protection from wind and predators
• Leave some areas "messy". Fallen leaves and standing dead plants provide crucial shelter for many species

Providing Food Sources

• Native plants with winter berries: American Beautyberry, Yaupon Holly, Wax Myrtle
• Bird feeders: Use a variety of feeders to attract different species, Offer a mix of seeds, suet, and fruit; make sure to clean feeders regularly to prevent disease spread

Water Sources

• Bird baths: Clean and refill daily
• Shallow dishes: Place at ground level for small mammals and insects
• Moving water: Consider a small pump to prevent freezing in colder areas
• Mist nozzles: Butterflies and other insects will appreciate the moisture

Balancing Wildlife Support with Pest Control

• Use integrated pest management: Focus on prevention and non-chemical controls
• Encourage beneficial predators: Provide habitat for birds, bats, and predatory insects
• Plant diverse native species: This supports a balanced ecosystem that can self-regulate pest populations
• Accept some level of plant damage: It's a sign of a healthy, biodiverse garden

By making our gardens wildlife-friendly, we not only support local ecosystems but also get to enjoy the beauty and fascination of wild creatures year-round.

​Remember, every small action in our gardens can have a big impact on the local wildlife. As you look out at your winter garden, take pride in knowing that you are providing a safe haven for countless creatures during the challenging winter months.

By: Mandy Hatman

The holiday season brings cheer and beautiful decorations, but some of these seasonal plants can pose serious health risks to our pets. As you deck the halls, keep an eye out for these common holiday plants that are best kept out of reach from curious paws.

Poinsettia
Known for its vibrant red leaves, the poinsettia is often associated with Christmas. While not highly toxic, poinsettias can cause mild stomach upset, drooling, or vomiting in pets ho nibble on their leaves. Keep these cheerful plants out of reach to avoid discomfort.

Mistletoe
Traditional mistletoe may add charm to your holiday decor, but it’s best kept far away from pets. Both American and European mistletoe varieties contain substances that can lead to gastrointestinal upset, a drop in blood pressure, and even heart problems if consumed in large amounts.

Holly 
Holly leaves and berries bring festive cheer, but they can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy in pets. Pets tend to be curious, so it’s best to use artificial holly or place live plants high up and out of reach.

Christmas Tree (Pine Needles)
While the tree itself isn’t highly toxic, pine needles can cause gastrointestinal irritation if ingested and may lead to blockages. Try to keep fallen needles swept up to prevent ingestion and consider securing the tree to prevent climbing pets from toppling it over.

​Amaryllis
A favorite holiday flower, amaryllis bulbs contain toxins that can cause abdominal pain, drooling, and tremors. Keep potted amaryllis away from pets to ensure they’re safe during the holidays.

 By: Mandy Hatman

​As the vibrant colors of summer fade into the warm hues of autumn, many gardeners in Louisiana might think the time for pollinators has passed. However, fall is a crucial season for many beneficial insects, and our gardens can play a vital role in supporting them.

Why Late Season Pollinators Matter
Many species remain active well into the fall, and some are just reaching their peak. These industrious insects are essential for:

• Pollinating late-blooming plants
• Building up energy reserves for winter
• Laying eggs that will become next year's pollinators

Louisiana's Autumn Pollinators

• Bees: While honeybees are less active, many native bee species are still hard at work. Look for bumblebees, sweat bees, and mason bees.
• Butterflies: The iconic Monarch butterfly migrates through Louisiana in the fall. You might also spot Gulf Fritillaries and Cloudless Sulphurs.
• Moths: Often overlooked, moths are important nighttime pollinators. The Luna moth and various sphinx moths are active in autumn.
• Flies: Yes, flies! Hoverflies are excellent pollinators and remain active in cooler weather.

Plants That Support Late Season Pollinators
To help these beneficial insects, include these native Louisiana plants in your garden:

• Goldenrod (Solidago sp.): A favorite of many bee species
• Asters (Symphyotrichum sp.): Attract butterflies and bees
• Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium fistulosum): Loved by butterflies
• Ironweed (Vernonia sp.): Attracts a variety of pollinators
• Mistflower (Conoclinium coelestinum): A butterfly magnet

Creating a Pollinator-Friendly Fall Garden

• Provide a Water Source: A shallow dish with pebbles makes a perfect insect drinking station.
• Avoid Pesticides: These can harm beneficial insects. Use organic pest control methods instead.
• Leave the Leaves: Many pollinators overwinter in leaf litter. Leave some areas of your garden "messy" for their benefit.
• Provide Shelter: Leave hollow stems standing and create brush piles for overwintering insects.
• Plant in Clusters: Groups of the same plant make it easier for pollinators to find and feed efficiently.

By supporting late season pollinators, we not only help these crucial insects survive the winter but also ensure a healthy start for our gardens come spring. So this fall, as you're preparing your garden for winter, remember to leave a little something for our tiny, hardworking friends. Your spring garden will thank you!

By: Mandy Hatman

Louisiana's diverse ecosystems offer a bounty of edible wild plants, especially in the fall. However, foraging requires knowledge, caution, and respect for nature. This guide will introduce you to some common edible plants found in Louisiana during autumn, along with important safety considerations.

Safety First: The Golden Rules of Foraging

• Never eat a plant you cannot identify with 100% certainty.
• Learn to identify toxic look-alikes before foraging.
• Forage only in areas free from pesticides and pollutants.
• Harvest sustainably - never take more than you need.
• Be aware of local regulations regarding foraging on public lands.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

• Always obtain permission before foraging on private property.
• In state parks, foraging is generally limited to berries, fruits, and mushrooms for personal consumption.
• Respect the environment - leave no trace and avoid damaging plants.

Common Edible Plants in Louisiana's Fall
​
Persimmons (Diospyros virginiana)
Identification: Look for orange, golf ball-sized fruits on trees with dark, blocky bark.
Harvest: Fruits are ripe when they're soft and fall easily from the tree.
Use: Eat raw, or use in puddings, breads, or jams. Unripe fruits are extremely astringent.

Muscadines (Vitis rotundifolia)
Identification: Wild grape with thick skins and large seeds. Look for vines
climbing trees.
Harvest: Ripe fruits are dark purple to black and come off the vine easily.
Use: Eat fresh, or use for jams, jellies, and wines.

Pecans (Carya illinoinensis)
Identification: Large trees with compound leaves. Nuts have a distinctive shape
and fall in autumn.
Harvest: Collect fallen nuts from the ground.
Use: Eat raw, roasted, or use in baking.

Beautyberries (Callicarpa americana)
Identification: Shrubs with clusters of bright purple berries along the stems.
Harvest: Berries are ripe in late summer through fall.
Use: Best used for jams or jellies, not typically eaten raw.

Chickweed (Stellaria media)
Identification: Low-growing plant with small white flowers and oval leaves.
Harvest: Collect young leaves and stems in cool weather.
Use: Add to salads or use as a cooked green.

Caution: Toxic Look-alikes

• Pokeweed berries resemble grapes but are toxic.
• Some wild cherry leaves can be toxic when wilted.
• Death cap mushrooms can be mistaken for edible varieties.

Always consult multiple reliable sources and consider taking a class or foraging with an expert before venturing out on your own.

Remember, foraging is not just about free food - it's an opportunity to connect with nature, learn about local ecosystems, and participate in a time-honored tradition. Happy and safe foraging!

By: Mandy Hatman

As autumn leaves blanket Louisiana's landscapes, gardeners have a golden opportunity - quite literally. Those fallen leaves are not yard waste, but the beginning of "black gold" for your garden: compost.

The Benefits of Composting

• Enriches soil: Adds nutrients and improves soil structure
• Reduces waste: Keeps organic matter out of landfills
• Saves money: Reduces need for commercial fertilizers and soil amendments
• Environmentally friendly: Reduces methane emissions from landfills

Getting Started: Compost Basics

• Choose Your Method
  • Pile Method: Simple and free, but slower
  • Bin System: Contained and neater, can be homemade or store-bought
  • Tumbler: Fastest decomposition, but more expensive
• Location, Location, Location
  • Choose a spot that is:
    • Convenient to access and at least partially shaded
    • Well-drained
    • Away from wooden structures (to avoid attracting termites)

The Art of Layering: Building Your Compost Pile
Composting is all about balance. You need a mix of:

• Browns (carbon-rich materials): Fall leaves, straw, paper
• Greens (nitrogen-rich materials): Fresh grass clippings, kitchen scraps, coffee grounds

The Perfect Recipe

• Aim for a ratio of about 3-parts browns to 1-part greens
• Start with a layer of coarse browns for drainage and alternate layers of browns and greens
• Moisten each layer as you go
• Add a handful of soil between layers to introduce microorganisms

What to Compost

• DO Compost:
  • Leaves
  • Grass clippings
  • Fruit and vegetable scraps
  • Coffee grounds and filters
  • Eggshells
  • Shredded newspaper
• ​DO NOT Compost:
  • Meat or dairy products
  • Diseased plants
  • Weeds with seeds
  • Pet waste
  • Chemically treated wood products

Maintaining Your Compost

• Keep it moist, like a wrung-out sponge and turn it every few weeks to aerate
• Monitor temperature: A warm pile is an active pile

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Smelly pile: Too wet or too many greens. Add browns and turn.
• Not decomposing: Too dry or not enough greens. Moisten and add greens.
• Attracting pests: Likely due to meat or dairy. Remove and cover with browns.

Using Your Compost

• Compost is ready when it is dark, crumbly, and smells earthy. Use it to:
  • Amend garden soil
  • Top-dress lawns
  • Mix into potting soil
  • Make "compost tea" for liquid fertilizer

By composting your fall leaves, you're not just cleaning up your yard - you're creating a valuable resource for your garden. It's a simple way to reduce waste, save money, and give back to the earth. So this autumn, don't bag those leaves - compost them!

By: Mandy Hatman
​
As the crisp autumn air settles in, southern gardeners can embrace the Halloween spirit with some eerily enchanting plants. These spooky specimens are sure to add a touch of mystery to your garden while thriving in the southern climate.

Ghost Plant (Monotropa uniflora)
Also known as Indian Pipe or Corpse Plant, this ghostly white plant lacks chlorophyll, giving it an otherworldly appearance. Native to the southeast, it's a perfect addition to create a haunting atmosphere. Unlike most plants, it doesn't photosynthesize but instead parasitizes fungi connected to tree roots. The Ghost Plant emerges from the forest floor in late summer to early fall, just in time for Halloween. Its translucent stems and single nodding flower add an eerie touch to shaded areas.

Voodoo Lily (Amorphophallus konjac)
This unusual plant, native to Asia but adaptable to southern gardens, produces a large, deep purple flower that emits a foul odor reminiscent of rotting flesh. The flower, or inflorescence, can grow up to 2 feet tall and is surrounded by a dark purple spathe. Plant it near your entryway for a startling greeting to Halloween visitors. The Voodoo Lily's single leaf, which emerges after the flower, can reach heights of 4 feet and resembles a small tree. In winter, the plant dies back to an underground corm, only to rise again in spring like a zombie from the grave.

Dragon Arum (Dracunculus vulgaris)
Another stinky beauty, the Dragon Arum's deep maroon spathe resembles a gaping mouth, perfect for a monster-themed garden. It thrives in the warm southern climate. The spathe can grow up to 3 feet long and surrounds a blackish-purple spadix that can reach 2 feet in length. Like the Voodoo Lily, it emits a carrion-like odor to attract pollinators. The plant's large, deeply lobed leaves add to its dramatic appearance. After flowering, it produces clusters of bright red berries, extending its spooky appeal into the fall.

Black Bat Flower (Tacca chantrieri)
With its bat-like bracts and long whiskers, this plant adds an air of mystery to shaded areas. While it requires some care, it's well-suited to the humid southern environment. The Black Bat Flower produces large, dark purple flowers that can reach up to 12 inches across. Long, whisker-like filaments extend up to 28 inches from the flower, enhancing its eerie appearance. The plant's glossy, dark green leaves provide a striking backdrop for the unusual flowers. In optimal conditions, it can bloom from late spring through fall.

White Baneberry (Actaea pachypoda)
Also known as 'Doll's Eyes' this native perennial adds a truly creepy touch to your Halloween garden. Its fall berries are white with a distinct black dot, giving them an uncanny resemblance to eyeballs. These 'eyes' are clustered on thick, red stems, creating a disturbing yet fascinating display. White Baneberry prefers partial to full shade and moist, rich soil, making it perfect for creating eerie woodland garden scenes. Note that all parts of this plant are poisonous if ingested, adding to its sinister appeal but requiring caution around children and pets.

Remember, while these plants add spooky charm to your garden, always research their care requirements and potential toxicity before introducing them to your landscape. Many of these plants prefer partial shade and rich, well-draining soil. With proper care, these Halloween-themed plants can provide year-round interest and a touch of the macabre to your southern garden.

Happy Halloween gardening!