THIBODAUX – Edison Chouest Offshore, a vessel service company based in Galliano, La., recently donated $100,000 to the Nicholls State University College of Business Administration.

 The gift will supplement the Capstone Fund, a permanent endowment established in October 2006. The interest earned from the endowment will be used at the discretion of the dean, under the direction of the college’s executive advisory board, to address the college’s greatest needs – including student development, scholarships, faculty/staff development, equipment and software.

“As a 1989 accounting graduate of Nicholls State University, I am proud to represent two generations of Chouest family members who claim Nicholls as their alma mater,” said Dionne Chouest, general counsel for Edison Chouest Offshore and member of the College of Business Executive Advisory Board.

By: Bobby Fletcher

April is the month that most outdoor plants growing in your landscape should be in full swing. It is also the month that you can fertilize your lawn! Many of you have been waiting patiently to do this and I commend you for waiting. You will have less disease and insect problems in your lawn by waiting until now to fertilize.

April is your last chance to apply dormant oils on your outdoor plants to control scale insects. Use the oils on camellia, hollies, variegated privet, magnolias and gardenias. Oil sprays are safe only when the temperature is below 85 degrees. So, if you miss April, you'll have to wait until late October or early November to apply them. Horticultural oils or summer oils are safer to use during the time of year when warm weather prevails.

April is the time to prepare hanging baskets. Many plants grow well and look good in baskets, but ferns are probably the most highly prized. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are especially attractive in these hanging planters.

As I continue to discuss trees that are a good choice for homeowners and the landscape, this week I will discuss the wax myrtle – scientific name Myrica cerifera.

This is a broadleaf evergreen shrub or tree that grows quickly to 15 to 20 feet high and wide.  It thrives in full sunlight to partial shade and prefers a fertile, moist acid soil but is tolerant of a wide range of growing conditions.

Wax myrtles are often used as screen plants, informal hedges or as single or multi-trunked trees that are excellent for planting for wildlife.

Newsarticle by

Barton Joffrion

County Agent, LCES

LSU AgCenter

We have encountered several freezing weather events in the last few weeks so it is important to know the correct measures to take in your landscape regarding removing dead foliage as well as other plant parts after freeze events. This research-based information will help you be a better gardener as well as help your plants recover from these cold weather events.

According to LSU AgCenter Horticulturalist Dan Gill, if gardeners used only plants that are hardy in our area, we would never have to cover them or be worried about them when it freezes. Gardeners trying to minimize maintenance, and those who consider covering and uncovering plants a major hassle, certainly should consider reducing or eliminating tropicals in their landscapes.

Thibodaux - Student athletes at Nicholls State University are distinguishing themselves in the classroom, according to information released today by the National Collegiate Athletic Association on the academic progress rates of nearly 6,272 Division I teams. 

Not only were Nicholls’ athletics teams among the majority of Division I organizations that received no sanctions associated with progress rates – Nicholls was the only Southland Conference institution to receive no penalties.

“We are delighted that our teams continue to improve academically,” said Rob Bernardi, athletics director. “Our escalating APR scores are a clear indication of our progress.”