“In the Yard” column for Oct. 12, 2012

Not to rush things but Halloween’s approach reminds us that Christmas isn’t far behind.

Time to order the LSU AgCenter’s 2013 “Get It Growing” lawn and garden calendar for the gardeners on your gift list or for the wall over your potting bench.

Along with monthly tips and reminders from horticulturist Dan Gill, there are photographs by gardeners from around Louisiana.

“Once again, the LSU AgCenter’s ‘Get It Growing’ calendar provides useful gardening information chocked full of eye-popping photos of flowers, plants and gardens,” said Elma Sue McCallum of LSU AgCenter Communications, who coordinates the project.

Along with gardening tips for each month of the year, the full-color, 32-page calendar features a special section on Louisiana Super Plants, definitions and explanations for a variety of gardening terms, a how-to section on controlling snails and slugs, and more.

The 9-inch-by-13.25-inch calendar, which is designed as part of the LSU AgCenter’s popular “Get It Growing” educational campaign, sells for $11.95 and is available for online orders at http://www.LSUAgCenter.com/GetItGrowingCalendar. Or phone in an order at (225) 578-2263.

The calendar should be available at bookstores, garden centers and gift shops across the state this fall.

FALL HERB DAY: Saturday is Fall Herb Day on the grounds of Alexandria’s Kent Plantation House, 3601 Bayou Rapides Road, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Take Exit 86 from I-49, then Exit 86 South. Turn right at the first red light.

Charles Allen, author of “Louisiana Wild Flower Guide,” “The Edible Plants of the Gulf South” and “Grasses of Louisiana,” talks about edible plants at 9 a.m.

The Master Gardeners who tend the gardens at Kent House will have a large variety of plants for sale.

Fall Herb Day features arts and crafts, a yard sale and a display of the work of the Kent House Quilters.

Call (318) 487-5998 for more information.

Ed Cullen

Advocate staff writer