Native plants are an excellent addition to any garden since they are already adapted to the local climate. That means they require less water, attention, and will provide a habitat for native birds. Some also attract native pollinators like butterflies.
Lobelia cardinalis. (Photo: Wiki Commons)
Cardinal Flower
The cardinal flower, or Lobelia cardinalis, is a perennial plant with bright red blooms that is native to the Southeastern United States. It can grow up to 6 feet tall. Cardinal flowers attract hummingbirds, which are the flowers’ main pollinators.
Louisiana Iris. (Photo: Wiki Commons)
Louisiana Iris
These stunning purple or white flowers make a great addition to any garden. They are versatile; you can plant them in aquatic gardens or in regular flower beds. As long as they get plenty of sun, these irises will flourish. It’s best to plant them in August or September, but they can be planted at any time of year.
Yellow Jessamine. (Photo: Wiki Commons)
Yellow Jessamine
Also known as Carolina jasmine, this vines’ sunny yellow flowers are a great way to add a pop of color to your yard. Even though their flowers are the main reason gardeners plant yellow jessamine, their evergreen leaves look great in all seasons. This plant does best in full sun, but it can handle shade. It is a hardy plant that is resistant to most insects, diseases, and tolerates drought.
Louisiana Blue Phlox. (Photo: Wiki Commons)
Louisiana Blue Phlox
This small plant is great for ground cover or the edge of a garden bed. It has fragrant blue flowers which attract butterflies and other pollinators. The blue phlox does best in partial shade with moist soil. Not only does the blue phlox provide a pop of color in your garden, it also attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.
Rudbeckia Fulgida. (Photo: Wiki Commons)
Rudbeckia Goldsturm
Commonly known as Black-Eyed-Susans, these bright yellow flowers are heat, insect, and drought resistant, making them perfect for novice gardeners. Their summer and fall blooms attract pollinators, including butterflies. They are a perfect addition to any Louisiana garden.
Big Chem-EZ: How can small Louisiana communities access clean drinking water after a hurricane?
When I went to visit the Pointe-au-Chien tribe after Hurricane Ida with my Service Learning class, I heard that one of the biggest challenges in the aftermath of the hurricane was finding enough drinking water, so in this article, I explore water purification methods: 1) when they are necessary, 2) how they work, and 3) if they really make your water safe to drink.
Big Chem-EZ: Why is southeastern Louisiana heavily impacted by storms?
This article explores the positive and negative impacts of the engineering industry on Louisiana, including how it is impacted by storms. The author also suggests a call to action to support Louisiana coastal restoration. Big Chem-EZ discusses how finding the best course of action can be challenging, and introduces various proposed solutions to wetland loss and environmental impacts on Louisiana industries.
