Four local horticulture and gardening experts will discuss ways to improve the environment by using one’s backyard at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, March 9, at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon, Metairie.
9:30 to 10:30 a.m. – Backyard Chickens with Linda Vinsanau
Keeping a few hens in the backyard will provide fresh eggs that are significantly more nutritious than what is available at the supermarket. Free-range eggs have less cholesterol and saturated fat, and more vitamin E, beta carotene, vitamin A and omega-3s than the eggs one would normally buy. Plus, the birds can be raised humanely and provide hours of entertainment. During this presentation, Vinsanau will discuss the following: How to pick a breed; setting up housing; local ordinances; and deciding on feed and how much range. Linda Vinsanau was born in New Orleans and raised on a farm in rural St. James Parish. She earned a bachelor degree in business administration from LSU. She was a founder and principle owner in a document management computer company from 1992 to 2008. She now spends most of her time doing volunteer work. She serves as president of the Master Gardeners of Greater New Orleans.
10:45 to 11:45 a.m. – Backyard Mushrooms with Jordan Bantuelle
Spring is a good time for starting a mushroom garden – the weather is mild, and there’s usually a good bit of rain about. There are many different ways to get mushrooms growing, and which method works best for you will depend on various factors. But, mushrooms will find a way, so it’s just a matter of figuring out what techniques will work for you. Jordan Bantuelle is co-owner of Southbound Gardens, an urban farming company that provides produce and starter plants. He also runs The Urban Farmstead, a permaculture and homesteading skills educational space. He received his Permaculture Design Certificate from The Permaculture Institute in 2013. He has lived and worked on many small organic and permaculture farms in addition to gaining skills in related fields such as alternative construction and naturalism.
12 noon to 1 p.m. – Backyard Beekeeping with Darci Jones
Many beekeepers have beehives in their back yards. Some bees are even kept on city roof-tops. Bees can travel several miles to collect nectar and pollen, so they do not need flowering plants close by. Most suburbs have plenty of flowers, and bees can make a good crop of local honey. During this presentation, Darci Jones, president of the New Orleans Beekeepers Club, will discuss the importance of fences and shrubbery, water, swarm control, races of bees, working the bees, and bees and the law.
1:15 to 2:15 p.m. – Backyard Butterflies with Kathy McCrocklin
Brightly colored butterflies can be a welcome addition to a wildlife garden, not only because of their beauty, but also because of their usefulness in pollinating flowers. Attracting butterflies involves incorporating plants that serve the needs of all life stages of the butterfly. The insects need places to lay eggs, food plants for their larvae (caterpillars), places to form chrysalides and nectar sources for adults. During this presentation, Kathy McCrocklin will discuss how to choose backyard plants, what type and color of plant is important, how to plant for continuous bloom, how to avoid insecticides, providing a place for butterflies to rest and a place for puddling, and encouraging caterpillars. She is a long-time member of the Master Gardeners of Greater New Orleans.
Louisiana Book News is written by award-winning author Chere Dastugue Coen, who writes Louisiana romances and mysteries under the pen name of Cherie Claire. Her first book in each series is FREE to download as an ebook, including "Emilie," book one of The Cajun Series, "Ticket to Paradise," book one of The Cajun Embassy series and "A Ghost of a Chance," the first Viola Valentine mystery.
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