Agriculture

Like all hardy shrubs, the best planting season for azaleas is October through March. If you intend to add some of these outstanding flowering shrubs to your landscape, try to get yours planted by the end of March or early April – before intense heat arrives.
Azaleas require good drainage, but they also need an even supply of moisture and will not thrive in a location that is constantly wet or constantly dry.

The Montpelier-Pine Garden Club met on February 16 for their regular monthly meting. The speaker for the was Craig Tassin from Hometown Farm, Garden in Amite. Craig talked about roses, the best ones to grow in this area and how to take care of them. He gave the members some good tips on buying a rose bush. He said to make sure it hash at least four healthy canes on it. Plant the bush in full sun if possible and roses like an acidic soil around 6.5.

The LSU AgCenter has been named 2009 Conservation Communicator of the Year in the 46th annual Governor’s Conservation Achievement Recognition Program. This is one of several awards given by the Governor’s Office to top conservation organizations and individuals. The awards and presentation event are conducted by the Louisiana Wildlife Federation.

The February meeting of the TVFC Busy Bee’s, an all-volunteer arm of the LSU Extension Service was held at Shiloh Church of Christ in Amite.  Hostess for the meeting was Terry Voight and her theme was red, for Valentine Day, and for Heart Health. 
 

This is the time of year that homeowners are buying and planting pecan trees. Pecan trees can provide nuts, shade and interest to your landscape. However, some trees do not produce because of poor variety or poor site selection.

The Florida Parishes Arena will present a Open 4D Quad Barrel Race on Saturday, February 27th. It will be held at 7:00 p.m. Spectator admission is $5.00 and ages 10 and under free. There will be a practice to be held Friday, February 26th from 6 p.m. - 8 p m. with a price of $5.00 per quad.
There are four Classes - Utility Quad, Sport Quad, Side by Side, and Youth (12 and under).
Rules for this competition are as follows:
Competitor can choose to go to right barrel or left barrel. The competitor must complete a cloverleaf pattern.
Description of Quads -