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✨ Experience the Magic of the Holiday Season at Poinsettias & Prosecco ✨
Be among the first to experience the breathtaking Louisiana Lights at our exclusive 21+ preview party, hosted by the Friends of LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens.
Date: Thursday, November 19, 2026 Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM Event Venue: Windrush Gardens, enter through Rural Life Museum
Step into a winter wonderland as the Windrush Gardens sparkle with dazzling lights. Savor delicious small bites and expertly paired drinks from Baton Rouge’s favorite local restaurants. Enjoy live music and indulge in decadent desserts as you toast to the holiday season.
Tickets: $100 per person Friends of the Gardens Members: 20% off up to 4 tickets
All proceeds help support the maintenance, care, and growth of 440 acres that comprise the beautiful LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens.
Thank you to our 2026 Restaurants
2026 Jewelry Raffle
Sterling silver and 18 karat yellow gold Jude Frances mixed metal fluted bangle bracelet with 5 emerald cut sky blue topaz and 16 round diamonds. Valued at $1,800.
Purchase Raffle Tickets Here
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
About the Speaker:
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)
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.
January Reflections in the Garden
Topic: Preserving Personal Collections
This presentation explores the meaning of objects and why people create personal collections. Dr. Fresina will share her research on what our belongings say about us, then turn to practical guidance on how to assess, organize, and care for your own collection at home.
An optional tour of the Rural Life Museum’s collections spaces will follow the talk. Please note that the tour may run longer than our usual lunch and learn hour.
Speaker: Katherine Fresina, DDes., Curatorial Director, LSU Rural Life Museum
More information to come.
Event Details: January 4, 2027 from 12 pm to 1 pm at the Ione Burden Conference Center (4560 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70809)
February Reflections in the Garden
Topic: Gift of the Wild Things
Speaker: Bayli Brossette, Curator, Briarwood Nature Preserve
Bayli Quick Brossette has served as Curator of Briarwood Nature Preserve, the historic home of Louisiana naturalist Caroline Dormon, since December of 2021. A native of Chestnut, Louisiana, she holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Social Science from Northwestern State University and previously worked as an evidence technician with the Natchitoches Multijurisdictional Drug Task Force. She currently serves as Executive Vice President of the Snake Life Foundation, Vice President of the Society for Louisiana Irises, and Editor of The Compost Pile for the Louisiana Society for Horticultural Research. Bayli lives at Briarwood with her husband, Travis, and their two daughters.
Event Details: February 1, 2027 from 12 pm to 1 pm at the Ione Burden Conference Center (4560 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70809)
March Reflections in the Garden
Topic: Grow What You Cook: Herbs, Peppers, and Vegetables for Louisiana Gardens
Speaker: Mila Berhane, Co-Owner, Greenhand Nursery
The story of Greenhand Nursery starts with its founders, Mila and Andeab Berhane, who carefully raise and sell their herbs and vegetables at both the Thursday and Saturday markets. The Berhanes initially sold tropical plants, but have since expanded their variety significantly to cater to advancements in home cooking. Testing each plant in their home garden before selling them, the Berhanes ensure everything they sell is appropriate for south Louisiana’s climate. Their selection of exotic herbs and peppers, heirloom tomatoes, and vegetable plants leave customers flocking to the Berhanes’ booth for both growing guidance and culinary inspiration.
Event Details: March 1, 2027 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: Creating a Native Wetland Garden
Speaker: Hunter Guidry, Principal Ecologist, Arcadis US, and Chair, Friends of LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens Board
Hunter Guidry serves as a Principal Ecologist and environmental consultant with Arcadis US, Inc. He has been a wetland ecologist for over 29 years and has experience with wetlands throughout Louisiana and the Gulf Coast. Mr. Guidry has done over 300 field investigations for wetlands and habitat quality, and he has worked with clients as well as state and federal agencies for wetland habitat restoration and enhancement on many projects through native plant and tree plantings and invasive species control consultation.
Mr. Guidry has been volunteering with LSU Burden for over 25 years with tree plantings, wetland habitat enhancement, and invasive species control. He worked with BR Green to help create the Burden trail system and is currently working with Dr. Kuehney, LSU, and the City of Baton Rouge to develop a new stormwater detention area within the borrow pits on the property as well as helping design and create the new Burden trail system expansion project. Currently, he is serving as the Co-Chair for the Friends of LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens Board, working with LSU Burden on the current and future projects to help enhance Burden into an amazing community resource and experience. Additionally, Mr. Guidry volunteers with the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana, the Pontchartrain Conservancy, and the Society of Wetland Scientists on tree and vegetation plantings, habitat enhancement projects, and wetland advocacy on coastal Louisiana to help control the Gulf Coast land loss.
Event Details: April 5, 2027 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: Mushrooms 101: Growing, Cooking, and Supporting Louisiana Farms
Speaker: Maggie Long and Cyrus Lester, Co-Owners, Mushroom Maggie’s Farm
Event Details: May 3, 2027 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: Flavors and Fragrances in Ice Cream
Speaker: Chuck Boeneke, Associate Professor, LSU AgCenter Dairy Store
Chuck Boeneke has been with the LSU Agricultural Center for about 33 years. He has worked with the dairy processing plant and store since he started at LSU in 1988.
His current research interests focus on fortification and adding value to dairy products. He is investigating the effects of traditionally made kefir on helping athletes recover after a workout, as well as how to improve the shelf life of fluid milk. In the area of fortification, his interests include adding folic acid to fat free, no sugar added yogurt and to fluid milk, and how added nutrients such as folic acid affect the physical and sensory attributes of the finished product. In the area of value added, he is interested in the effects of different flavorings on whipped cream and how they change its emulsion properties and sensory characteristics.
Chuck also works extensively with local farmers who want to start their own processing plants. He has conducted workshops on how to accomplish this, as well as how to make the products they are interested in. He visits local libraries to teach small children about the benefits of dairy products and how to make cheese and ice cream, and he has led short courses through the libraries for adults on making cheese at home.
Event Details: June 7, 2027 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: Preserving A Memory: An Exploration of Floral Preservation
Speaker: Kelly Jean, Owner and Artist, My Friend Kelly & Co.
Event Details: July 5, 2027 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: Local Ecotypes Matter: Choosing Native Seed for Louisiana Landscapes
Speaker: Steve Nevitt, Owner and Grower, Louisiana Native Seed Company
Event Details: August 2, 2027 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: Resilience on the River: The Rural Life Museum’s 2027 Focus and the Development of Water Culture Themes
Speaker: Katherine Fresina, DDes., Curatorial Director, LSU Rural Life Museum, and Bill Stark, Director, LSU Rural Life Museum
Event Details: September 13, 2027 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: Native Habitats & Conservation at Moncus Park
Speaker: Abbie Judice Acosta, Conservation Director, Moncus Park
Event Details: October 4, 2027 from 12 pm to 1 pm at the Ione Burden Conference Center (4560 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70809)
Topic: Floral Design for the Holidays
Master Floral Designer program leader Dr. James DelPrince presents an inspiring demonstration of holiday floral design, highlighting creative techniques, seasonal materials, and the artistry of transforming natural elements into elegant arrangements. This program explores ways to incorporate fresh flowers, foliage, and decorative accents into distinctive holiday expressions. Participants will discover memorable seasonal designs and gift ideas that enhance the home, celebrate nature’s beauty, and bring sophistication to holiday entertaining. Blending horticultural knowledge with professional floral design principles, this program offers inspiration, practical ideas, and an appreciation for the season’s creative possibilities.
Speaker: Dr. Jim DelPrince, Associate Extension Professor, Mississippi State University Coastal Research and Extension Center
Dr. Jim DelPrince is a horticulture specialist with MSU Extension and is the leader of the Master Floral Designer program, a new area of study which is one-of-a-kind in the U.S. With MSU Extension, he has also developed a comprehensive certificate program for professional florist training. Jim began his career officially in 1979 when he started a floral design business in the basement of his parents’ home in Ashtabula, Ohio, selling flowers to schoolmates, relatives, and neighbors. He has been on the MSU faculty since 1992 has received several honors over his career, and has taught floral design to over 5,000 students and professional florists. At MSU Coastal, he has developed educational and research programs benefiting flower growers, florists, and floral enthusiasts.
He is a Laureate Member of the American Institute of Floral Designers and the Professional Floral Communicators-International. Dr. DelPrince delves into both the scientific and artistic world of flowers. Research during and after the writing of his dissertation on Victorian floral design earned him grants for fellowships at Winterthur in Wilmington, Delaware, and the Smithsonian Institution for 19th century horticulture studies. As an artist, he was the solo floral designer in seven performances of “Concerto for Florist” in Mississippi, California, and, most recently, Ashland, Oregon, using locally grown flowers from Joan Thornton of La Mera Gardens.
His historical floral design work has been featured at the New Orleans Museum of Art and the George Walter Vincent Smith Museum in Massachusetts. Dr. DelPrince has delivered talks and written about the flowers of Tennessee Williams’ plays, including an interactive talk at the Tennessee Williams in Europe Conference at the University of Nancy, France.
Event Details: December 7, 2027 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
