Something exciting is happening once again in Central Louisiana! It’s time for the LSU AgCenter’s 3rd Annual Central Louisiana Lawn & Garden Expo. The event will be held April 8th from 8:00am to 5:00pm, and April 9th from 7:30am to 2:00pm at the State Evacuation Shelter located on 8125 Highway 71 in Alexandria, just south of LSUA. The event is open to the public with a $2.00 per person admission. This is a non-profit event to provide education to the public on gardening, landscaping and the latest innovations in horticultural practices.
Do you have questions about your plants, lawn or trees? If so, don’t miss the “Plant Doctor” as he discusses simple steps to avoid and prevent plant diseases in home lawns and gardens. If you like to play in the dirt, or if you’ve been toying with the idea of growing vegetables and flowers, then this event is for you! Even if you’re a veteran gardener, you are sure to find something new and exciting at this event.
Plants, garden supplies, decorative yard items and much more will be on sale. Take part in the many educational sessions conducted by LSU AgCenter specialists, Master Nutrition Volunteers and Master Gardeners. Sessions on Friday, April 8th will include our very own television and radio personality, Dan Gill, who will talk about landscape plants for Central Louisiana while Dr. Ed Bush will discuss raised bed gardening and irrigation for garden beds.
On Saturday, April 9th, Dr. Kathyrn “Kiki” Fontenot will take the stage to talk about spring vegetable gardening. Mr. Dan Gill will take the stage again on Saturday, so be sure to attend both days! Rounding out the day will be Dr. Ron Strahan as he discusses managing weeds in the lawn and flower beds. In between education sessions on both days, the LSU AgCenter’s Master Nutrition and Master Gardener volunteers will be conducting educational demonstrations.
There’s also something new being offered this year! On Saturday, we will have Family Gardening Day—activities for kids and families will be set up for interactive participation. Youth and adults will have the opportunity to participate in hands-on nutrition, gardening, and physical activity stations. Wear your “play clothes” because we are going to be getting dirty and playing outside!
We are still searching for food vendors for the Cenla Lawn & Garden Expo. Please contact Quincy Cheek for more information [email protected] or (318) 767-3966.
The mission of the LSU AgCenter is to provide the most up-to-date research-based information to the people of Louisiana, and we believe the Central Louisiana Lawn & Garden Expo will do just that. For more information on this event, including a list of sponsors and a list of the educational programs being conducted, please visit our website at www.cenlagardenexpo.com or call Sara Shields at the LSU AgCenter (318) 427-4424.
