February Reflections in the Garden
Topic: Farm Animals and Your Garden
Speaker: Stacey Ferrier, Owner of Goula Paradise Farms
About the Speaker:
Stacey Ferrier never intended to become such a party animal. After 21 years of service in the U.S. Army, including living in exotic locales and working as a Criminal Investigation Command special agent, she retired planning to lead a quieter life as a master gardener and naturalist. Her shift from flora to fauna began when her husband relocated to south Louisiana. She transported her horses from her parents’ cattle ranch, and soon after, a former colleague entrusted her with his alpaca herd. The barn door has been open ever since.
Today, Stacey is the owner of Goula Paradise Farms, where she believes both adults and children can benefit from greater education and exposure to domestic and exotic animals. She is passionate about creating opportunities for people to connect with, learn from, and care for the animals around them.
Event Details: February 2, 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.
March Reflections in the Garden
Topic: The Louisiana Farm to School Program and Local Food Systems
Speaker: Dr. Carl Motsenbocker, Professor of Horticulture, Local Food Systems & Sustainable Agriculture, LSU & LSU AgCenter
Dr. Carl Motsenbocker is a professor of horticulture, local food systems and sustainable agriculture at Louisiana State University and LSU AgCenter. Motsenbocker has an extension appointment with three extension programs: Executive Director of the Louisiana Farm to School Program, co-state lead for the Louisiana Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program, and PI for Grow Louisiana beginning farmer (sustainable horticulture/business) training program.
At LSU he teaches Organic Gardening and Sustainable Crop Production (HORT 2525), Sustainable Agriculture (HORT 4545), the Principles and Practices of Olericulture (HORT 4083, vegetable crops), and LSU in Thailand study abroad Motsenbocker is an avid gardener, lifelong learner, and first worked with school gardens while a Peace Corps volunteer in northeast Thailand. Motsenbocker has worked with students and food producers on 3 continents in growing food and supporting sustainable local food systems and increasing food security.
Motsenbocker leads the Seeds to Success: The Louisiana Farm to School team. Over the past eight years the Farm to School Team has developed trainings, resources and a website (seedstosuccess.com) to support farm to school and farm to ECE statewide in the three tenets of farm to school: growing food at school in the garden and classroom; education, curriculum and lesson plans; and sourcing local food.
Event Details: March 2, 2026 from 12 pm to 1 pm at the Ione Burden Conference Center (4560 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70809)
April Reflections in the Garden
Topic: Garden to the Max
Maximalist gardening celebrates abundance, bold color, and personal expression. In this lively presentation, author and garden editor Teresa Woodard will share insights from her upcoming book Garden to the Max. She will highlight creative gardeners from across the country who use dramatic plant groupings, layered textures, and imaginative design to turn any space into a joyful garden experience. Teresa will explain how maximalism goes beyond simply adding more plants. She will show how to curate collections with intention, use color with confidence, and create lush habitats that support wildlife. Attendees will leave inspired to build expressive gardens that bring joy to both people and the natural world.
Speaker: Teresa Woodard, Award Winning Author and Magazine Writer and Editor
Teresa Woodard is an award winning author, magazine writer, and garden editor with more than sixteen years of experience creating engaging and nationally recognized garden content. She is the author of Garden to the Max which will be released by Timber Press in 2025 and co author of American Roots which highlights home garden design ideas from across the country. She is also the co author of The Gravel Garden which will be coming from Timber Press in 2027.
Her work has appeared in regional and national publications including Better Homes and Gardens and Country Gardens and she currently serves as contributing garden editor for Midwest Living. Outside of her editorial work, Teresa gardens at her home near Columbus, Ohio, volunteers at an urban youth garden, and provides guidance to America in Bloom communities throughout the United States. Her writing, photography collaborations, and hands on garden experience all reflect her passion for helping people design expressive and nature supporting outdoor spaces.
Event Details: April 6, 2026 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: Longue Vue: From Vision to Legacy
Longue Vue House and Gardens stands as one of Louisiana’s most celebrated intersections of design, horticulture, and cultural history. In this presentation, Executive Director Stella Baty Landis will explore the garden’s original vision, the evolution of its horticultural design, and the ways in which Longue Vue continues to adapt its landscape practices to fulfill its mission today. Attendees will gain insight into how thoughtful stewardship, biodiversity, and intentional design preserve the legacy of this iconic New Orleans landmark while supporting a modern, community centered purpose.
Speaker: Stella Baty Landis, Executive Director, Longue Vue House and Gardens
Stella Baty Landis is a native of New Orleans with a wide ranging background across for profit, nonprofit, and academic settings. Her work has consistently focused on the relationship between the arts and social progress. She has served as executive director of YAYA, owned and operated the Sound Cafe which was a coffee shop and bookstore, founded the criminal justice advocacy organization Silence Is Violence, and led fundraising efforts for New Orleans Opera, AMICI Metropolitan Opera Auditions, and the Baton Rouge Symphony.
Baty holds degrees in music and music history from the University of California at Berkeley and Princeton University. Before transitioning fully into the nonprofit sector, she taught in the Tulane University music department where she specialized in the connections between music and social justice in both local and global contexts. Since 2019 she has served as executive director of Longue Vue House and Gardens where she combines her passions for history, culture, horticulture, and community engagement.
Event Details: June 1, 2026 from 12 pm to 1 pm at the Ione Burden Conference Center (4560 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70809)
July Reflections in the Garden
Topic: Blooming Flavor: The Power of Botanicals in Ice Cream
Botanicals are transforming the world of ice cream, bringing new depth, fragrance, and creativity to one of Louisiana’s favorite treats. In this flavorful presentation, LSU AgCenter Dairy Store Manager Nick Uzee will explore how herbs, flowers, and spices can elevate ice cream through natural color, aroma, and complexity. Nick will highlight the growing movement toward clean label and naturally sourced ingredients and share how botanicals are inspiring artisanal ice cream makers to experiment with fresh and unexpected combinations. Attendees will learn how the Dairy Store develops new flavors, the science behind botanical infusions, and how plants can spark innovation in a traditional creamery setting.
Speaker: Nick Uzee, Store Manager, LSU AgCenter Dairy Store
Nick Uzee is the Store Manager of the LSU AgCenter Dairy Store located on South Campus Drive in Baton Rouge. His work blends tradition with innovation as he leads the student run campus creamery through its recent relocation to a modern facility that expands production capacity and enhances both milk bottling and cheese making operations.
Nick’s roots in the dairy industry run deep. He holds a degree in animal sciences with a focus on dairy production and earned the prestigious Genevieve Christen Distinguished Undergraduate Student Award from the American Dairy Science Association for academic achievement and leadership in dairy research and student activities. During his time at LSU, he was president of the Dairy Science Club and served as first vice president of ADSA’s student affiliate division.
Before assuming his current role, Nick worked professionally as a 4 H agent for East Baton Rouge Parish. Today he manages day to day operations, oversees a diverse team of student workers, helps develop new ice cream flavors, and ensures that the Dairy Store remains both an educational resource and a beloved campus tradition. His work highlights how dairy science, creativity, and hands on learning come together to serve the LSU community.
Event Details: July 6, 2026 from 12 pm to 1 pm at the Ione Burden Conference Center (4560 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70809)
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
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)
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: Houseplants: Propagation and How to Care for Them
Houseplants can transform any indoor space, and with the right knowledge they can thrive year round. In this hands on session, Research Associate Specialist Connor Cavalier will guide attendees through the essentials of caring for and propagating a wide range of houseplants. The presentation will cover practical techniques for watering, fertilizing, pruning, and identifying common issues such as pests, diseases, and environmental stress. Connor will also share a behind the scenes look at the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens Display House and how he maintains this environment to support a diverse collection of plants throughout the year. Whether you are new to houseplants or hoping to expand your expertise, this session will equip you with the skills and confidence needed to cultivate a healthy indoor garden.
Speaker: Connor Cavalier, Research Associate Specialist, LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens
Connor Cavalier is a Research Associate Specialist at the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens where he focuses on specialty crops and sustainable growing practices. His work supports the cultivation, health, and productivity of diverse crop systems and strengthens the resilience of local agricultural communities. Connor’s expertise includes pest and disease management, soil optimization, and innovative techniques that improve both plant performance and environmental sustainability. Through his research and hands on work at the Botanic Gardens, he plays a key role in advancing practices that benefit growers and gardeners throughout Louisiana.
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
