Written by: Susan Teddlie

Two members of the East Baton Rouge Master Gardener Association (EBRMGA) recently demonstrated that they are worthy of Advanced Master Gardener (AMG) certification by completing class projects on the Burden property. David Breaux revived the pollinator beds at the Rural Life Museum Kitchen Garden, and Sterling Sightler helped Jason Stagg and Dr. Kuehny bring the Sustainable Gardening Demonstration Garden close to completion.

Breaux, the 2023 EBRMGA president, has proven adept at growing vegetables in the Kitchen Garden. He switched his focus for his AMG class project, choosing to rework the garden’s neglected pollinator beds and replant them with era-appropriate favorites (e.g., wild bergamot, rudbeckia, purple coneflower, and other natives).

Sightler, the 2024 EBRMGA president, focused her class project on the Sustainable Gardening Exhibit. She helped Stagg and Kuehny resolve a design flaw in the low-maintenance portion of the exhibit and filled in landscape gaps where plants had died. She also drafted sign text and helped ensure consistent plant labeling.

Both projects highlight the dedication and growing expertise of EBRMGA members as they continue to contribute meaningfully to community education and sustainable gardening efforts.