March Reflections in the Garden
Topic: "Vegetable Gardens"
Ready to grow your own fresh, nutritious food? Our workshop on Vegetable Gardens will teach you everything you need to know to get started or improve your gardening skills. Learn how to choose the perfect location, prepare nutrient-rich soil, select the best crops for your region, and manage pests and diseases. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned gardener, this hands-on session will equip you with the tools and knowledge to cultivate a thriving vegetable garden. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with nature, enhance your sustainability efforts, and enjoy the rewards of homegrown produce!
Speaker: Alessandro Holzapfel
About the Speaker:
Event Details: March 3, 2025 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.
April Reflections in the Garden
Topic: "Pollinator Gardens"
Our workshop on Pollinator Gardens will teach you everything you need to know to create a thriving habitat for bees, butterflies, and other essential pollinators. Learn how to choose the right plants, design a garden that attracts pollinators, and support their vital role in our ecosystems. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, this session will provide practical tips and inspiration to help you cultivate a vibrant, pollinator-friendly garden.
Speaker: Janine Kharey, President of Wild Ones and Butterfly Expert from St. Francisville
Janine Kharey is a dedicated educator, multimedia artist, Master Naturalist, Master Gardener, and the visionary founder of Wild Ones Greater Baton Rouge. Her lifelong passion for nature is vividly expressed through her role as curator of a stunning quarter-acre habitat in suburban East Baton Rouge Parish. This sanctuary, featuring over 225 native plant species, also serves as a haven for butterflies and other pollinators.
Janine’s commitment to conservation extends beyond her garden and backyard nursery where she grows plants for habitat gardens. She has created and expanded a native plant seed repository focusing on plants with local genetics, especially wild plants used by Lepidoptera as host plants. Her work has preserved species like Downy Lobelia, Narrowleaf Silk Grass, and Prairie False Foxglove, sharing seeds with growers and expanding awareness of their ecological value.
As the mother of two engineers working on innovative technologies in clean energy, Janine embodies a deep connection to environmental stewardship, inspiring others to embrace sustainability. Whether snapping GPS-tagged photos of pollinators visiting native plants or ethically collecting seeds to safeguard biodiversity, Janine’s efforts have left a lasting impact on Louisiana’s natural heritage.
Event Details: April 7, 2025 from 12 pm to 1 pm at the Ione Burden Conference Center (4560 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70809)
May Reflections in the Garden
Topic: "Succulents 101"
Ready to grow your own stunning succulent collection? Our workshop, Succulents 101, is perfect for beginners and plant enthusiasts looking to learn the basics of succulent care and cultivation. Discover how to select the right succulents for your space, create the perfect soil mix, water effectively, and provide the ideal light conditions to keep your plants healthy and vibrant.
This hands-on session will also cover tips on propagation, pest management, and creative ways to display your succulents, from terrariums to unique arrangements. Whether you’re a budding gardener or simply want to add a touch of greenery to your home or office, this workshop will equip you with the knowledge and skills to grow a thriving succulent garden.
Speaker: Rozlan Fransen, Baton Rouge Succulents
Rozlan Fransen is the founder and passionate green thumb behind Baton Rouge Succulents, a thriving local business dedicated to bringing the beauty and versatility of succulents to homes, offices, and events throughout the region. With years of experience in plant care and design, Rozlan has become a go-to expert in cultivating, arranging, and propagating succulents, as well as educating others on how to keep these resilient plants thriving.
Rozlan’s journey into the world of succulents began with a simple love for their unique forms and low-maintenance appeal. Today, that passion has blossomed into a mission to inspire others to embrace the joy of gardening, no matter their experience level. From creating stunning custom arrangements to offering expert advice on plant care, Rozlan combines artistry and horticultural knowledge to help every plant enthusiast succeed.
As an advocate for sustainable living and a lover of all things green, Rozlan is committed to fostering a deeper connection between people and nature, one succulent at a time. Whether through workshops, consultations, or stunning creations, Rozlan continues to make a lasting impact on Baton Rouge’s gardening community.
Event Details: May 5, 2025 from 12 pm to 1 pm at the Ione Burden Conference Center (4560 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70809)
June Reflections in the Garden
Topic: "Roses: Propagation and How to Care for Them"
Speaker: Connor Cavalier, LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens
Connor Cavalier is a Research Associate Specialist at the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens, where he focuses on specialty crops. Combining his expertise in agricultural research with a passion for sustainability, Connor works to improve the cultivation, health, and productivity of diverse crop systems.
At the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens, Connor plays a pivotal role in advancing innovative practices, including pest and disease management, soil optimization, and sustainable growing techniques. His work directly supports local growers and agricultural communities, contributing to the success and resilience of specialty crop production. Connor’s dedication to agricultural science and sustainable practices ensures a lasting impact on the industry and the environment.
Event Details: June 2, 2025 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
