August Reflections in the Garden
Topic: From Fruit to Jar: The Art of Small-Batch Water Bath Canning
This presentation offers a clear, engaging introduction to high-acid water bath canning, a safe and approachable way to preserve fruits, jams, jellies, and other high-acid foods. Participants will learn the core principles of canning, including food safety basics, proper preparation, and the step-by-step water bath process.
The session will also highlight the essential equipment needed for successful canning, from jars and lids to canners and tools, with practical tips for choosing and using each item. Whether you are brand new to canning or looking for a confident refresher, this presentation will equip you with the knowledge to get started safely and successfully.
Speaker: Ashley Andermann, Owner, Grinning Jupiter Jammery
About the Speaker:
Ashley Andermann is the owner of Grinning Jupiter Jammery. She has a long-standing passion for creating handcrafted jams and jellies, with a particular appreciation for sourcing local and wild fruits. What began as a personal interest in canning has evolved into a thoughtfully run small business rooted in quality, care, and creativity.
Ashley is a vendor at the Lafayette Farmers and Artisans Market as well as other local markets across the region. In addition to her market presence, she teaches canning classes at Red Stick Spice Company, where she shares her expertise and enthusiasm for preserving seasonal flavors in a hands-on and engaging setting.
Through small batch canning, Ashley is able to maintain a close connection to the origins of her ingredients and ensure the highest level of quality in every product. She is passionate about sharing her knowledge of canning and inspiring others to appreciate the craft and tradition behind each jar.
Event Details: August 3, 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.
September Reflections in the Garden
Topic: The Migratory Journeys and a Renewed Hope for the Prothonotary Warbler
Small songbirds undertake extraordinary migrations, and new advancements in tracking technology are allowing researchers to understand their movements in unprecedented detail. In this presentation, Dr. Erik Johnson will highlight the remarkable journeys of the Prothonotary Warbler, a brilliantly colored species that breeds in swampy habitats and readily nests in boxes placed by researchers. Tracking devices placed on these birds across their breeding range have revealed consistent migration routes to Colombia, where rapidly changing mangrove ecosystems place pressure on their wintering habitat. Dr. Johnson will share how this scientific knowledge is leading to meaningful conservation action and renewed hope for a species whose story connects Louisiana’s wetlands to international conservation efforts.
Speaker: Dr. Erik Johnson, School of Renewable Natural Resources, Louisiana State University
Dr. Erik Johnson joined the faculty of the School of Renewable Natural Resources at Louisiana State University in August 2025 following fourteen years with the National Audubon Society as a conservation director. During his time with Audubon he played a key role in post Deepwater Horizon restoration work, helping ensure that investments in coastal recovery maximized benefits for both birds and people.
He uses birds as indicators of ecosystem health, studying how human activity shapes natural environments in both positive and negative ways. His research spans a broad range of avian species including understory birds of the Amazon rainforest, the endangered Black Rail of the Gulf Coast, and charismatic species such as Bald Eagles, ibises, and Limpkins. Dr. Johnson has been active in Louisiana’s birding community for more than twenty years. He serves as the Louisiana Christmas Bird Count regional editor, a member of the Louisiana Bird Records Committee, and the Director of the Louisiana Bird Observatory.
Event Details: September 14, 2026 from 12 pm to 1 pm at the Ione Burden Conference Center (4560 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70809)
October Reflections in the Garden
Topic: China and the Four Seasons of Camellias
Camellias have long been treasured for their winter blooms, but recent horticultural breakthroughs are redefining what is possible. In this presentation, Mark Crawford shares insights from his November 2023 journey to China, where he explored the origins of the Four Season Camellias and witnessed firsthand the scale of their development and commercialization. Through visits to research centers, nurseries, and growing regions, he gained a rare look at how these summer-blooming camellias were bred, cultivated, and brought to market. This talk highlights the innovation behind Four Season Camellias and their growing global significance, connecting traditional plant culture with modern horticultural advancement.
Speaker: Mark Crawford, Owner of Loch Laurel Nursery
Mark Crawford is the owner of Loch Laurel Nursery, a specialty camellia nursery based in Valdosta, Georgia. He grew up in rural western New York State and earned a Bachelor of Science in Plant Science from the University of Delaware and a Master of Science in Plant Pathology from the University of Arkansas.
Mark began his career as a Research Associate at Auburn University, where he spent eight years conducting fungicide evaluations on peanuts, soybeans, and turfgrass. He later served for 16 years as Manager of Biological Services for the crop protection company Griffin Corporation in Valdosta, Georgia.
Currently, Mark is self-employed through NIPAN LLC, which developed and markets a nickel-based fertilizer for pecan production and nursery crops. In addition to operating NIPAN, he owns and manages Loch Laurel Nursery, where he specializes in camellias and cold-hardy citrus.
Mark has been a member of the American Camellia Society since 1999 and previously served as Chair of the ACS Research Committee from 2004 to 2006. He currently serves as a Director-at-Large on the ACS Board and as Chair of the Horticulture Committee, where he is primarily involved in the importation of the Four Season Camellias from China.
His interest in camellias began in the 1990s through a close friendship with Hulyn Smith, a world-renowned camellia grower and hybridizer. With extensive expertise in plant science and crop protection, Mark continues to explore innovative methods to grow and protect camellias, including current work with plant growth regulators to improve growth and disease resistance in container culture.
Event Details: October 5, 2026 from 12 pm to 1 pm at the Ione Burden Conference Center (4560 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70809)
November Reflections in the Garden
Topic: Create Overwintering Habitat for Beneficial Insects
Beneficial insects play a critical role in healthy ecosystems, yet many species struggle to survive the winter when their natural habitats are scarce or disturbed. In this presentation, Xerces Society Volunteer Ambassador and naturalist Teri Gegenheimer will share simple, beautiful, and practical ways to support these insects through the colder months. Attendees will learn how to create overwintering spaces that blend seamlessly into home landscapes while providing essential shelter for pollinators, predators of garden pests, and other helpful invertebrates. Teri will highlight easy projects, materials to use, and the ecological value of even small habitat enhancements.
Speaker: Teri Gegenheimer, Xerces Society Volunteer Ambassador
Teri Gegenheimer’s love for nature began in early childhood on a large farm in Ohio where she spent her days exploring woods and creek beds, picking wildflowers, and studying the insects, leaves, and mosses that covered the forest floor. These outdoor experiences shaped her lifelong passion for conservation and environmental stewardship.
Her recent conservation work includes serving as a Volunteer Interpretive Guide at Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve in Barataria from 2000 to 2005, becoming a Louisiana Certified Master Naturalist in 2018, and helping establish the Wild Ones Ponchartrain Basin chapter where she serves as a founding board member. Since 2023 she has been a Volunteer Ambassador for The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation where she promotes habitat creation, native plants, and insect conservation through education and community outreach.
Event Details: November 2, 2026 from 12 pm to 1 pm at the Ione Burden Conference Center (4560 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70809)
December Reflections in the Garden
Topic: Windrush Gardens by Day, Louisiana Lights by Night
This presentation explores the year‑round care, preservation, and creative transformation of one of Baton Rouge’s most cherished landscapes. Windrush Gardens by Day, Louisiana Lights by Night offers an inside look at the meticulous maintenance required to uphold the historic integrity of Windrush Gardens, as well as the planning and innovation behind the annual Louisiana Lights event.
Attendees will gain insight into the horticultural practices that protect Steele Burden’s original design, the challenges of maintaining a formal garden in a modern context, and the collaborative effort involved in turning the grounds into an immersive nighttime experience. From daytime stewardship to nighttime spectacle, this talk highlights the balance between honoring tradition and embracing new opportunities to engage the community.
Speaker: Connor Cavalier, Research Associate Specialist, LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens
Connor Cavalier serves as the Operations Assistant to the Director of the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens, where he plays a central role in the planning and execution of Louisiana Lights. His leadership and attention to detail have been instrumental in bringing both the inaugural and annual light shows to life, helping shape the event into a signature experience for the community.
Before stepping into this role, Connor contributed to the Jackson and Perkins rose research project, specializing in rose maintenance and propagation. This work strengthened his horticultural expertise and deepened his understanding of plant care at a research level.
Today, Connor also supports the stewardship of Windrush Gardens, the historic formal garden that serves as the backdrop for the Louisiana Lights experience. His background in landscape maintenance provides a strong foundation for preserving the integrity and character of this cherished space. Connor is committed to honoring Steele Burden’s original planting plans, ensuring that the garden’s historical design continues to thrive for future generations.
Event Details: December 7, 2026 from 12 pm to 1 pm at the Ione Burden Conference Center (4560 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70809)
Friends of the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens is a 501(c)5 non-profit organization. 4560 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70809
