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Planning for drought stress in the landscape

Last summer in Louisiana, we were affected by a heatwave that spread across the southern tier of the U.S. This heatwave was caused by a persistent, strong ridge of high pressure in the upper atmosphere that led to low precipitation. This played a key role in the unforgiving high temperatures we endured in 2023.

According to the National Integrated Drought Information System, recent summers have been 1 to 2 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than in prior years. Climate model projections indicate there is a continued and increasing risk of such heatwaves as the climate warms, especially in dry years. And this summer will be no exception. That means it’s time to get prepared for drought and heat conditions in the garden.

My friends at “Psychology Today” completed a survey that claims ninety-five percent of Americans cannot go an entire week without telling a lie. That result strikes me as harsh, but let’s review the definition of a lie.

The simplest explanation I found is “to not tell the truth.” The Bible confirms this definition in Exodus 20:16, number nine of the ten commandments. Specifically, “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor” (English Standard Version Bible, 2001. ESV Online, https://esv.literalword. com).

If we go by Merriam- Webster and the Good Book, then most of us do fall within that ninety-five percent. Because here in the South (I can’t speak for the North — maybe that’s where the five percent reside), we toss around our fair share of what we like to call “little white lies”.

Porterweed is a pollinator magnet and Louisiana Super Plant for summer 2024

The buzz around planting for pollinators is not a new trend. In fact, we celebrate National Pollinator Week each June, and the month of May has been designated as Garden for Wildlife Month, according to the National Wildlife Federation. The National Gardening Survey shows more gardeners are limiting traditional lawns and partially replacing them with more natural landscapes that serve as native wildlife habitat and provide ecosystem services.

National Pollinator Week is June 17 to 23, 2024 — so it’s time to get planting for pollinators. There are many plants that support pollinators, and one plant in particular is a great selection. It’s called porterweed and it has been named a Louisiana Super Plant for 2024 by the LSU AgCenter.

State’s names and how they were acquired have always been an interest. Let’s look at a few states in today’s article and if you are interested. They may be completed in increments for a later date.

Alabama — After the Alabama River and the Alabama Tribe of Indians whose name means “Plant Gatherers”.

Alaska — After the Aleut Eskimos name for “Great Land”.

Arkansas — From a Basque word meaning “Good Oak Tree”.

California — By early Spanish explorers after a legendary gold laden island.

Colorado — From the Spanish word meaning “Colored Red”.

Connecticut — After an Indian word meaning “Beside the Long Tidal River”.

Delaware — After the first Virginia governor Sir Thomas West, Lord De La Warr.

Florida — Named by the Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon who discovered the peninsula on April 12, 1513 “Flowery Easter”.

Georgia — In honor of King George II of England.

Spring Showers to Summer Flowers Checklist

As we transition from the lower temperatures of winter to the vibrant energy of spring, gardeners throughout the state are rolling up their sleeves, ready to nurture their green spaces into lush, blooming spaces. This comprehensive guide is your ally, from prepping your lawn for its first spring cut to ensuring your vegetable garden flourishes into the heat of the summer season.

Both your lawn and landscape beds demand attention to keep weeds at bay. A combination of selective herbicides or organic alternatives such as citrus and clove oil can effectively combat broadleaf weeds. Remember, a successful spring garden begins with diligent winter weed control. Ensure your beds are mulch-rich with a 2-to-4-inch layer to conserve moisture, deter weeds and maintain soil temperature.

Rice-A-Roni Helper

In 1930, the Central Union Telephone Company building in Evansville, Indiana, wasn’t where the new owners wanted it to be. They wanted a much larger place to act as the headquarters for the Indiana Bell Telephone Company, so their plans were to demolish and rebuild. However, considering the necessity of the current services, this wasn’t as viable an option as originally thought. Instead, they chose to literally move this 100’x135’, 11,000 square foot building, a little over 52 feet south, rotate it 90 degrees, then shift it 98 feet west.

You may think I’m making this up, but I’m not. This feat of engineering sounds amazing in and of itself. But did you also know that the gas, electric, water and phone lines were fully operational during the move? Plus, for the entire time it took to complete this shift, the employees still came to work, entering and leaving the building as if nothing was happening. Better yet, they all reported they never really felt the movement.

When spring finally arrives, we want to find a way to chase all the stale air from winter out and bring in the freshness of the season. There are a few things you can do to make this happen.

Start by opening up the doors and windows to allow the fresh air in. When we keep our windows closed all the time, the air inside becomes stale. Truthfully, commercial air fresheners don’t really help. The best way to keep your home smelling fresh is to keep it clean, and open the windows at least three times a week, if not once a day.

Spring and fall weather make it easy to do this. In the heat of the summer, open them early in the morning while the air is still relatively cool. It doesn’t have to be for a long period of time. A few minutes each time helps move stale air out and fresh air in. Make sure to open windows on different ends and/or levels of the house to create cross ventilation.

Fighting Fire Ants

Fire ants are formidable pests in gardens and landscapes. They’re known for their painful bites and stings due to venom. When disturbed, fire ant mounds can unleash swarms of sterile female worker ants that sting and inject venom within seconds, potentially causing severe allergic reactions or dangerous medical issues in some individuals.

Fire ant colonies, which can contain up to 200,000 ants, consist mainly of female workers and a queen capable of laying up to 1,600 eggs daily. These colonies create extensive underground tunnels and can take months to grow visible mounds.

Originally introduced to the U.S. via South American cargo ships, fire ants have spread extensively in warmer southern and southeastern regions thanks to their resilience. Their diet includes pests like flea larvae and cockroach eggs, but they’re also drawn to electrical equipment, posing a dilemma for control efforts.

Louisiana Berry Basics

It’s blueberry harvest season. Blueberries are packed with important nutrients, including vitamins and ascorbic acid. They’re also a superior source of antioxidants such as anthocyanins, procyanidins, chlorogenic acid and various flavonoid compounds.

Anthocyanin, the main antioxidant in blueberries, is linked with a myriad of health benefits. It boasts cancer-fighting properties, supports eye health, possesses antidiabetic effects and helps in reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Simply put, integrating blueberries into your diet can be a delicious way to bolster your health, and planting them can beautify your landscape.