With average high temperatures hitting the upper 60's, the itch to dig in the dirt has hit folks all over the New Orleans West Bank. I've seen tons of homeowners out working in their yards...clearing out dead plants, cutting back overgrown shrubs, and putting in fresh new flowers and mulch.
I love spring in New Orleans! The Japanese magnolias have already been blooming, letting me know that it's about time to get out there and work in my own yard.
One of my favorite places for locally hardy plants and some expert advice on where to place them is New Orleans Garden Center & Landscape. Located right in Algiers, for years it was known as DeBattista's Nursery. Nicky DeBattista was my go-to guy for decades and when he retired his godson, Blair, took over the business.
Blair has done a great job of updating the center, with a wonderful spot full of garden decorations and flair to dress up your landscape with. There is a wide selection of annuals, trees, and shrubs and greenhouses full of indoor plants as well.
The last time I visited was right before Christmas, when the snapdragons and pansies were in full bloom. Hmmm....I wonder what the weather forecast is for this weekend?
Feeling the urge to dig in your own dirt? Or maybe you need some professional help with your landscaping? Stop in at New Orleans Garden Center & Landscape and take a stroll around...you won't be sorry and (yay!) it's another way to continue to support our neighborhood businesses and StayLocal!
All photos copyright 2008-2009 Lisa Heindel
Are you sprucing up your West Bank home in preparation for the spring selling season? Don't forget to contact the West Bank Living Team for local, expert real estate advice. It would be our pleasure to assist you.
Lisa, I've been "itching" to get outside and work in the yard here in San Antonio. We're planning to be outside tomorrow, pulling weeds (that are already sprouting) and trimming up the crepe myrtles and roses. The Louisiana Irises we bought last summer (on a trip to Lake Charles) are looking good -- can't wait for them to start blooming! :)
I'm so jealous! We had a little Spring teaser this weekend and then yesterday woke up to snow on the ground. :-( The blooming Japanese magnolia looks gorgeous!
We're starting to get a touch of Spring here too. Soon it will be time to get to work on the flower gardens.
Lisa my azaleas are already droppoing their blooms. I wish they would bloom longer.
Judi, I woke up this morning and my irises are blooming all over! It was such a nice greeting when I walked out of the door today...
Colleen, you are welcome to come down and take advantage of spring here :)
JL, I love planting fresh flowers...I just don't like weeding in August!
John, mine are still blooming and my neighbors have some beautiful color happening in their yards. I really do adore springtime here.
Lisa, your irises are blooming already?!?! I can't wait for ours to bloom. Take some pictures and share with us. :)
For Judi....