Backyard Brouhaha

Four local horticulture and gardening experts will discuss ways to improve the environment by using one’s backyard beginning at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 18, at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon, Metairie. 

This event is free of charge and is open to the public. There is no registration.

9:30 to 10:30 a.m. – Backyard Chickens with Linda Vinsanau

Keeping a few hens in the backyard will provide fresh eggs that are significantly more nutritious than what is available at the supermarket. Free-range eggs have less cholesterol and saturated fat, and more vitamin E, beta carotene, vitamin A and omega-3s than the eggs one would normally buy. Plus, the birds can be raised humanely and provide hours of entertainment. During this presentation, Vinsanau will discuss the following: How to pick a breed; setting up housing; local ordinances; and deciding on feed and how much range.

Linda Vinsanau was born in New Orleans and raised on a farm in rural St. James Parish. She earned a bachelor degree in business administration from Louisiana State University. She was a founder and principle owner in a document management computer company from 1992 to 2008. She now spends most of her time doing volunteer work. She serves as vice president of the Master Gardeners of Greater New Orleans.

10:45 to 11:45 a.m. – Backyard Butterflies with Kathy McCrocklin

Brightly colored butterflies can be a welcome addition to a wildlife garden, not only because of their beauty, but also because of their usefulness in pollinating flowers. Attracting butterflies involves incorporating plants that serve the needs of all life stages of the butterfly. The insects need places to lay eggs, food plants for their larvae (caterpillars), places to form chrysalides and nectar sources for adults. 

During this presentation, Kathy McCrocklin will discuss how to choose backyard plants, what type and color of plant is important, how to plant for continuous bloom, how to avoid insecticides, providing a place for butterflies to rest and a place for puddling, and encouraging caterpillars. She is a long-time member of the Master Gardeners of Greater New Orleans.

12 to 1:15 p.m. – Backyard Birds with Wendy Rihner

Wendy Rihner says that the primary features one must provide to invite birds into the landscape are shelter, nesting sites, food and water. Although people often provide food and water for birds, shelter and nesting sites should not be overlooked. Difficulty in finding natural shelter near the food and water sources one provides may tempt birds to look elsewhere for a more promising environment. She says that providing a place for birds to nest means the possibility of seeing them frequently at close range and the birds will be allies in insect control.

During her 30 years at Delgado Community College as an English professor, Wendy Rihner says she mentioned birding whenever and wherever she could. After she retired in 2004, she became a full-time birder and native plant gardener. She is currently the Education Chair and the Chair of the Plants for Birds Mission with the Orleans Audubon Society. Rihner also serves on the board of Wild Ones Pontchartrain Basin Chapter, a native plant advocacy group based in St. Tammany Parish. 

1:30 to 2:45 p.m. – Backyard Bees with Jay Martin

Many beekeepers have beehives in their back yards.  Some bees are even kept on city roof-tops.  Bees can travel several miles to collect nectar and pollen, so they do not need flowering plants close by.  Most suburbs have plenty of flowers, and bees can make a good crop of local honey. During this presentation, Jay Martin will discuss the importance of fences and shrubbery, water, swarm control, races of bees, working the bees, and bees and the law.