(Distributed 04/14/09) This is one in a series of four articles in observance of the national 38th annual Week of the Young Child, April 19-25.

(Distributed 04/14/09) This is one of a series of four articles in observance of the national 38th annual Week of the Young Child, April 19-25.

(Distributed 04/14/09) This one in a series of four articles in observance of the national 38th annual Week of the Young Child, April 19-25.

(Distributed 04/14/09) This is one in a series of four articles in observance of the national 38th annual Week of the Young Child, April 19-25.

(Distributed 02/20/09) Urban and suburban areas can create heavy loads of pollutants in their water runoff from the concentrations of people, vehicles, homes, parking lots, streets, small and large businesses, industry and sewage. This water runoff is referred to as urban stormwater.

(Distributed 02/17/09) Knock Out roses have changed the way home gardeners perceive roses. With the debut of the original Knock Out roses in 2000, the emergence of shrub roses for landscape gardening has taken Louisiana and the nation by storm, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings.

(Distributed 02/13/09) Crape myrtles are the most popular of our flowering trees, and questions abound about their proper care and cultural practices. Keys to crape myrtle success include abundant sunlight, ideal soil pH and drainage, proper pruning, regular fertilization, proper mulching and insect control.

(Distributed 02/06/09) Normal food safety practices at the consumer level could not have prevented the recent outbreaks of food-borne illness caused by eating certain peanut products. The conditions that caused the unsafe products occurred before the products reached the public, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed 02/06/09) Many people with diverticular disease pass up nuts and popcorn in fear that eating these will aggravate the condition and lead to complications. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames says, however, such fears may be unfounded.

(Distributed 02/06/09) The spring gardening season is upon us, or will be shortly, and it is time to begin purchasing new trees, shrubs and related plant materials for our landscapes. When selecting ornamentals, think how they will look when they mature as well as how they look now. Consider size, form, texture and color.