St. Tammany Master Gardener Association
PRESENTATIONS
2026 Northshore Garden & Plant Sale
10:00 AM
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11:15 AM
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12:30 PM
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1:45 PM
Friday, April 24
Understanding Understory Plantings
Dr. Damon Abdi
Louisiana Super Plants 2026
Dr. Christine Coker
Preventing Plant Diseases in Home Gardens
Dr. Raj Singh
Backyard Citrus Care
Dr. Joe Willis
10:00 AM
​
11:15 AM
​
12:30 PM
​
1:45 PM
Saturday, April 25
Fertilizers and Soil Testing
Dr. Ed Bush
Gardening with Roses
Dr. Allen Owings
Cooking Demo
John Petrie
Container Gardening
James Pellerin
Dr. Damon Abdi serves as an Professor of Landscape Horticulture at the Hammond Research Center. A graduate of Michigan State University, he develops solutions and resources to assist landscape contractors, green industry professionals and home horticulturists. In today’s presentation, he will give a comprehensive understanding of understory plantings, valuable insights aimed at enhancing agricultural practices.
Dr. Ed Bush is a distinguished Professor at the School of Plant, Environmental, and Soil Sciences. He earned his Master's and Ph.D. from Louisiana State University, and has special interests in ornamental horticulture, commercial nursery crops, and water management. With a wealth of knowledge and experience, Bush is dedicated to advancing the field through research and education. He will be presenting on the important topics of fertilizers and soil testing.
Dr. Christine Coker is the Hammond Research Station Coordinator and Horticulture Extension for Southeast Louisiana. She is dedicated to advancing horticultural knowledge and practices in the region. Dr. Coker will be presenting the 2026 Louisiana Super Plants, highlighting innovative plant selections that thrive in Louisiana's unique climate.
Dr. Allen Owings is a knowledgeable horticulturist with over 25 years of experience as a Horticulture Professor at LSUAgCenter. Now retired from education, he presently applies his expertise as the horticulturist at Clegg's Nursery and Bracy's. Owings holds a Master's degree in Horticulture from LSU and a Ph.D. in Horticulture from Mississippi State. He will be discussing his insights on "Gardening with Roses".
Dr. Raj Singh is an Associate Professor at the LSU Plant Diagnostic Center, affectionately known as "the plant doctor." With a doctorate in plant medicine from the University of Florida, he brings wealth of knowledge and expertise to his presentations. Dr. Singh will be sharing valuable insights preventing plant diseases in the home garden, helping all gardeners cultivate healthier and plants.
Chef John Petrie is an esteemed Executive Chef and educator with Aramark Collegiate Hospitality at Southeastern Louisiana University. An ACF certified executive pastry chef, he brings a wealth of culinary expertise to his cooking demonstrations. With a passion for teaching and sharing his knowledge, Chef Petrie inspires both students and food enthusiasts alike.
Dr. Joe Willis is an Extension Agent in Horticulture for the LSU AgCenter, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his presentations He holds a Bachelor of Science in Botany from North Carolina and Ph.D. in Plant Pathology from the University of California, Riverside. Dr. Willis will share valuable insights on Backyard Citrus Care. Join him to enhance your gardening and enjoy thriving citrus trees!
James C. Pellerin Jr. is a dedicated St. Tammany Parish Master Gardener, class of 2023. He has presented on various topics, including container gardening with vegetables to Master Gardeners and local garden clubs, and has shared insights on attracting songbirds to backyards at events like the Northshore Garden and Plant Sales. A retired professional from the animal health industry, James holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Southeastern Louisiana University.