Visitors to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) headquarters building in Baton Rouge have a unique opportunity to enjoy the state’s native plants right on the grounds of the facility. LDWF developed the Louisiana Native Plant Garden at campus headquarters and it’s free for the public to enjoy.
 
The Garden contains more than 160 native plant species grouped into smaller gardens to resemble natural Louisiana habitats providing resources for wildlife in the urban landscape. The Garden is about a quarter-acre, making it one of the largest and most diverse native plant gardens in the state. Two interpretive stations and 80 plant label signs have been installed in the Garden to enhance visitors’ experiences.
 
“This is a great time to visit, as the Garden is undergoing a redesign to maximize aesthetics while maintaining a natural appeal in each garden theme,’’ LDWF Botanist Brian Early said. “In addition to a variety of native plants in bloom, those visiting will be able to see the transition between the various garden styles, wild to manicured, allowing visitors to decide which best fits their own landscape.’’
 
Developed in 2014, the Garden continues to evolve as staff make improvements, implementing new gardening and design techniques. It’s also a chance to get some ideas for your yard. Using native plants in Louisiana yards and neighborhoods provides many benefits to people, wildlife and the environment.
 
The Garden was recently selected as one of five locations to be visited on the Backyard Habitat Garden Tour hosted by the LSU Hilltop Arboretum. Early and volunteers were present at the Garden to lead tours, demonstrate gardening techniques, discuss applied design theory and share lessons learned with visitors. LDWF hosted 200 visitors during this event.
 
Located in front of the headquarters building, the public is invited to visit the LDWF Louisiana Native Plant Garden to learn about the importance of native plants and celebrate our state’s natural beauty. The LDWF hopes visitors will take pride in Louisiana by adding native plants to their landscapes to create a little wildlife habitat of their own.