(Distributed 12/18/08) Perennials are plants that live for three years or more and often require two years or more from seed to flower. Technically, trees, shrubs and lawn grasses are all perennials, but gardeners use the term perennial as an abbreviation for “hardy, herbaceous perennial” – a group of nonwoody plants that reliably survive winter cold and grown for their attractive flowers or foliage.

(Distributed 12/18/08) Knowing what nutrients are in your soil and what nutrients are needed is a basic step towards good plant health. Soil nutrient balance must be managed for best plant growth, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed 12/12/08) Flowering trees add color and beauty to our landscapes in late winter and early spring. These great trees add flower color at a time when many of us think we have to wait for spring. Most of these trees also are low-maintenance and reliable for long-term performance.

(Distributed 12/05/08) Pines are one of our many great native tree species. They, along with baldcypress, southern magnolias and oaks, are typically associated with Louisiana.

(Distributed 11/26/08) Nov. 15 to Dec. 31 each year is the open enrollment period for Medicare’s Part D prescription drug plans. Because these drug plans can change from one year to the next, it is important for seniors to comparison-shop annually for the best deal and the best coverage for their own personal prescription needs, according to LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Gloria Nye.

(Distributed 11/26/08) Many of us think about planting shrubs in the spring, but fall is the best time to plant shrubs in Louisiana. There are advantages to planting woody ornamentals, such as trees and shrubs, at this time.

(Distributed 11/21/08) Southern live oaks, known by the scientific name Quercus virginiana, are one of the most popular trees found in Louisiana landscapes. They certainly are considered to be a signature tree in many public places across the state and are widely used in home landscapes.

(Distributed 11/13/08) Not so long ago, nursery and landscape professionals, along with the vast majority of home gardeners, were not fully aware of the multiseason blooming potential of many azalea varieties.

(Distributed 11/13/08) When Louisiana cooks shop for their Thanksgiving meal, they’ll find the cost of the basic dinner items cost more this year but remain affordable, according to LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker.

(Distributed 11/13/08) The color of cooked poultry is not always a sure sign of its safety. Turkey can remain pink even after cooking to a safe minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames. The meat of smoked turkey is always pink.

(Distributed 11/13/08) The holidays are time to enjoy special desserts that you might make only once a year. Some of these foods require special care to prevent foodborne illnesses, warns LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed 11/06/08) The late fall and winter months in Louisiana are great for planting fruit trees and shrubs. Ones that work well in our landscapes include fig, citrus, blueberry, pawpaw, pomegranate and persimmon. Most can be easily grown, are low maintenance, have appealing forms, good texture, attractive colors and provide wildlife benefits. These characteristics “fit the bill” for a sustainable landscape.

(Distributed 11/05/08) “First, don’t panic.” That’s the advice of LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Gloria Nye regarding the current turmoil on Wall Street.

(Distributed 11/04/08) Diabetes is growing to epidemic proportions and is the biggest public health crisis of the 21st century, according to the American Diabetes Association. This answers, “Why should you care about diabetes?” the theme of this year’s diabetes awareness campaign through November.

(Distributed 10/31/08) Pansies continue to be the most popular cool-season bedding plant in Louisiana. They have long been relied on for their consistent outstanding landscape performance.

(Distributed 10/24/08) Fall through winter is the recommended tree-planting season in Louisiana. Often, poor tree performance in residential, commercial and municipal landscapes can be traced to improper planting techniques, but common mistakes in planting, establishment and follow-up care of trees can be avoided by following easy guidelines.

(Distributed 10/21/08) More than 8 million identity thefts have occurred in recent years, according to the Federal Trade Commission. How does this crime happen? Thieves steal wallets, steal or open your mail, go through your trash, steal information from where you work or do business or complete a change of address form to divert your mail, says LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Gloria Nye.

(Distributed 10/21/08) New Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans developed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services are designed “so people can easily fit physical activity into their daily plan and incorporate activities they enjoy,” said LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed 10/17/08) Fall is a perfect time to enjoy sweet potatoes. The Louisiana yam is an exceptional type of sweet potato that is sweet and flavorful with a soft, moist flesh.

(Distributed 10/16/08) When asked what Halloween means, kids usually put candy at the top of their list before goblins or costumes. Even so, nutrition can play a role on Halloween, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed 10/16/08) The LSU AgCenter has been promoting research-based best management practices in the home landscape for several years to educate residents on how to manage their lawns, gardens and landscapes to minimize nonpoint pollution, insects, weeds and diseases.

(Distributed 10/10/08) Petunias are one of the best-performing plants in the spring landscape, but for top-notch performance they should be planted in fall, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings.

(Distributed 10/10/08) What impact does a Federal Reserve rate cut have on you, the consumer? We hear and read about rate changes, but we don’t always understand how they affect us as consumers, according to LSU AgCenter family economist Gloria Nye.

(Distributed 10/10/08) As our country endures economic crisis, consumers are worried about the safety and security of their jobs, homes, retirement and financial futures. The current stock market plunge has triggered a dramatic chapter in Wall Street’s history.

(Distributed 10-09-08) A survey of LSU AgCenter county agents reveals five major landscape problems in Louisiana yards and gardens. These problems are improper or inadequate landscape bed preparation, not knowing soil fertility and pH, improper ornamental plant selection, winter damage to plants and shade tree care.

(Distributed 10/01/08) Baldcypress (Taxodium distichum) is Louisiana’s state tree, and it is one of our featured trees at LaHouse on the LSU campus in Baton Rouge. As one of our most distinguished native trees, it is one of the top five tree species planted in Louisiana landscapes.

(Distributed 09/26/08) One of the most exciting new plants for home gardeners released in the past few years has been the Knock Out rose. It is receiving a lot of attention, and rightfully so. More than 6 million plants are being sold every year across the country. This rose fits perfectly into a sustainable, low-maintenance landscape.

(Distributed 09/15/08) If you don’t include mulches in your gardening efforts, you really should give them a try. You will be amazed by how much they spare you from weeding and how nice they can make your yard and garden look.

(Distributed 09/10/08) One sure vestige of a hurricane or bad blow is a large, dead area of the lawn. It usually is located near curbside where yard debris is piled up for many days.

(Distributed 09/08/08) Children's reactions to disaster depend on their age and maturity. Their responses also are affected by how close they are to the event, their level of exposure to it through TV and how they see their parents react.

(Distributed 09/08/08) Those who survive hurricanes and other natural disasters are at risk for behavioral and emotional readjustment problems. Most child and adult survivors experience one or more normal stress reactions for several days after a natural disaster.

(Distributed 09/08/08) After a crisis like Hurricane Gustav, your life may never be the same. Many of us survived this natural disaster, but much of what we care about may be lost, according to LSU AgCenter family life professor Dr. Diane D. Sasser.

(Distributed 08/29/08) Sustainability and “green” are commonly used words in mainstream media. We think of gardening and yard care as green activities, but many of our practices are not green at all, such as overusing pesticides and fertilizers.

(Distributed 08/29/08) Adults are urged to assemble a “grab-and-go” box of important papers in case of a hurricane evacuation. How about making a “to-go kit” for your child? Assembling a few treasured items can help your child in times of disaster, according to LSU AgCenter family development professor Dr. Rebecca White.

(Distributed 08/28/08) If you're planning to tailgate this football season, a strong defense is your best protection against foodborne illness, says LSU AgCenter food safety “coach” Dr. Beth Reames. Microorganisms that cause foodborne illness are all around and, given the right conditions, can grow in foods and make us sick.

(Distributed 08/27/08) A commonly asked question LSU AgCenter extension agents face every year is, “Why is my neighbor’s yard greener?” The answer can be simple or quite complex, depending on what's wrong. “If there are many issues interacting, sometimes it's just better to kill it all off and start all over,” said Tom Koske, LSU AgCenter turfgrass specialist.

(Distributed 08/27/08) If you don't know your cholesterol number, now is a good time to get your blood cholesterol checked and take steps to lower it if it is high, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames. September is National Cholesterol Education Month.

(Distributed 08/26/08) Labor Day weekend marks the unofficial end of summer, with outdoor grilling a popular way to celebrate the occasion. Cookouts require extra care to prevent foodborne illness, and LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames offers several extra-care steps.

(Distributed 08/26/08) Note: LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker was among the thousands of victims of a recent massive cyber theft of Louisiana and Mississippi restaurant databases. Here is her story and the actions she took.

(Distributed 08/08/08) If your child slips into the blahs, take him or her to an online activity called VERB, recommends an LSU AgCenter nutritionist. The site contains fun games and interesting facts that help kids become active.

(Distributed 07/30/08) Trans fats are in the news. And like saturated fat and dietary cholesterol, they raise low-density lipoprotein – LDL or “bad” – cholesterol levels in our bodies, which increase the risk of coronary heart disease, says Beth Reames, LSU AgCenter nutritionist. “Coronary heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in the United States today,” Reames said.

(Distributed 07/25/08) Hot summer weather signals the importance of getting enough fluids to stay hydrated and prevent heat-related illnesses – especially for senior citizens. Older people are at high risk for developing heat-related illness at this time, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed 06/17/08) The LSU AgCenter has conducted a considerable amount of evaluation research on crape myrtles over the last 10-plus years, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings. “Probably 40-50 varieties are worthy of being grown and sold in Louisiana,” Owing says.

(Distributed 06/17/08) New research has found a link between eating fruits and vegetables and preserving muscle mass in older men and women, according to a study funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS).

(Distributed 06/11/08) About 2 million American men have osteoporosis, and another 12 million are at risk for this disease, reports LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames. “Father’s Day is a good time to focus on men’s health,” Reames said. “And osteoporosis in men remains underdiagnosed and underreported. Although many people think of osteoporosis as a woman’s disease, it is also a serious health problem for men.”

(Distributed 04/14/08) Even if you are not otherwise required to file a tax return, you may still be eligible for an economic stimulus payment from the federal government, according to LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Gloria Nye. Filing a return, however, is required to receive the money.

(Distributed 04/14/08) The 2008 All-American Daylily winner is Sweet Summer Valentine, chosen by the All-American Daylily Selection Council. The plant has light, buff-pink flowers with a vivid burgundy maroon eyezone and a matching edge.

(Distributed 04/14/08) April 27–May 3 is Louisiana Volunteers for Family and Community week, as proclaimed by Gov. Bobby Jindal. The volunteer program, whose members used to be called extension homemakers, is a project of the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 04/02/08) Enjoy a guilt-free celebration in April by observing national pecan month with one of Louisiana’s locally grown commodities. You’ll be helping the state’s economy and treating yourself to a nutrient-rich food.

(Distributed 04/02/08) Consumers may learn how to avoid scams, fraud and identity theft through a program offered across the state by the LSU AgCenter and other organizations.

(Distributed 03/25/08) BOSSIER CITY – A soil analysis is the first thing to consider when planting fruit trees, said Dr. Charles Graham, research horticulturist, at the monthly Lunch and Ag Discovery talk at the LSU AgCenter’s Red River Research Station March 18.

(Distributed 03/14/08) Dyeing Easter eggs is fun, but because eggs are perishable, they require safe handling. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames details important safety precautions.

(Distributed 03/07/08) Whether you like them fried, boiled or in a stew, crawfish are a Louisiana favorite. And for the next few months, crawfish can be found on dinner tables and in backyard boils across the state. Crawfish not only taste great, they're good for you, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames.

(Distributed 02/27/08) Food and nutrition misinformation can have harmful effects on your health and well-being, as well as your wallet. That’s why the theme for this year’s National Nutrition Month observed in March is "Nutrition: It’s a Matter of Fact."

(Distributed 02/15/08) Louisiana consumers have an average credit score of 672. At 20 points below the national average of 692, Louisiana ranks near the bottom nationally, with 48 states having higher average credit scores, according to the Experian National Score Index.

(Distributed 02/08/08) One of the most powerful ways to increase your financial security and grow wealth over time is to develop a savings habit. Form that habit by “paying yourself first” and saving regularly.

(Distributed 01/31/08) Whether you’re house hunting or having a house built, consider the many options available that help protect the structure against severe weather and related disasters. LSU AgCenter Disaster Programs Coordinator Pat Skinner explains a few basic techniques.

(Distributed 01/18/08) With the New Year come announcements of ornamental plant winners. One popular competition is the All-America Rose Selections. AARS winners for 2008 are Mardi Gras and Dream Come True.

(Distributed 01/15/08) You’ve taken good care all your adult life to pay bills on time and maintain a high credit score. You expect your high rating to continue after marriage, but it could drop if your new spouse has a low credit score.

(Distributed 01/15/08) The church and reception hall are reserved, the dress is selected, the invitations are addressed, the photographer and caterer are ready. You might even have your new residence “ready-to-go.”

(Distributed 12/05/07) A certain type of staph infection (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus – MRSA) can easily be prevented with proper hygiene and heal with treatment, according to Terri Crawford, Northeast region nutrition agent with the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 10/26/07) Halloween is a favorite holiday for many children, but candy is not necessarily the kids’ favorite treat, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames. Research reveals that youngsters enjoy nonfood treats, too.

(Distributed 09/24/07) Among the many natural threats homeowners face is termite infestation. Precautions can minimize that threat.

(Distributed 09/06/07) Tailgating in Louisiana gets in full swing with the kickoff of football season. To prevent food-borne illness, build your game plan around the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Partnership for Food Safety Education’s food safety steps, says Dr. Beth Reames, LSU AgCenter food safety specialist. The four steps in the plan are clean, separate, cook and chill.

(Distributed April 2005) One group of roses that is not necessarily new, but has been receiving more and more attention over the last few years, is the shrub rose. "This variety has great potential," says LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings.

(Distributed April 2005) Soy foods have become very popular because of their nutritional content and health benefits, according to LSU AgCenter food and nutrition expert Catrinel Stanciu.

(Distributed April 2005) The Louisiana Department of Social Services offers a variety of programs designed to help children and families – particularly in the area of ensuring quality child care is available.

(Distributed April 2005) Poor diet and physical inactivity are preventable causes of death, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed January 2005) Consumers often ask about the safety of using plastic wrap or plastic containers in microwave ovens. According to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames, only plastic containers or packaging labeled "microwave safe" should be used in microwave ovens.

(Distributed July 2004) An increasing body of research shows that quality child-care and educational programs early in a child’s life has a profound impact on their development, says LSU AgCenter child-care associate Cheri Gioe.