January Reflections in the Garden
Topic: Native Tree Preservation
Louisiana’s native trees are more than landscape features — they are ecological anchors that support wildlife, reduce stormwater runoff, and preserve the character of our region. In this hands-on workshop, horticulturist Lee Rouse breaks down how to assess tree health, prevent long-term damage, and make informed decisions about care and preservation. Attendees will gain the confidence to protect these vital assets and steward our natural heritage for generations to come.
Speaker: Lee Rouse, President of the Louisiana State Horticulture Society
About the Speaker:
Lee Rouse brings more than 20 years of horticulture, landscape design, and educational outreach experience to his work as Owner and Lead Consultant at Rouse’s Horticulture in Baton Rouge. He partners with homeowners, organizations, and community groups to design sustainable landscapes, conduct full-yard assessments, and inspire people to garden with confidence.
Before launching Rouse’s Horticulture, Lee served as an LSU AgCenter agent, where he taught the Louisiana Master Gardener program for eight years and helped train hundreds of gardeners across South Louisiana. He holds a Master’s degree in Plant and Soil Systems from Louisiana State University and currently serves as President of the Louisiana State Horticulture Society. Lee also shares his expertise as a monthly gardening columnist for InRegister Magazine and speaks regularly at garden clubs, nurseries, and regional horticulture conferences.
Known for his practical, science-backed approach, Lee’s presentations are clear, engaging, and tailored for all skill levels—from new homeowners to seasoned growers. His demonstrations include native plant selection, seasonal pruning, yard evaluations, and sustainable closed-loop systems that incorporate aquaponics and backyard chicken coops. Lee’s passion for making horticulture accessible is evident in every workshop, and his ability to translate science into simple, actionable guidance is what sets him apart.
Event Details:
January 5, 2026 from 12 pm to 1 pm at the Ione Burden Conference Center (4560 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70809)
Reflections in the Garden is a monthly "lunch and learn" series presented by the Friends of LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens. The lectures are generally held on the first Monday of the month at noon at the Botanic Gardens.
Reflections in the Garden is live-streamed to members of the Friends of the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens through Microsoft Teams. In-person attendance is open to both members and nonmembers with registration.
