In the heart of Baton Rouge, Mark Mese, a retired attorney turned dedicated nursery owner, tends to his lush greenhouses, nurturing a stunning variety of plants that thrive under his careful watch, according to this article from Nola.com. Within the sprawling 3,000 square feet of greenery, Mese dedicates himself to the cultivation of bromeliads, rare ferns, begonias, succulents, and a treasure trove of botanical wonders. His story is a testament to the thriving nursery crops industry in Louisiana, where a vibrant community of growers and nursery owners passionately tends to their plants, embraces diversification, and lends a helping hand to fellow enthusiasts.

Mese, like many others, finds immense joy in the world of plants, a passion he’s been able to explore more extensively thanks to the internet. He shares, “one of the things I enjoy the most is that there are so many different kinds of plants you can work with. The internet has opened up so many avenues because you see plants you want and you can do trades with other nursery owners.” His connections stretch far and wide, including a plant enthusiast in Portland who shares his desire for rare Southeastern plants and grows elusive mosses. This collaboration allows both of them to enrich their crop varieties, introducing unique botanical specimens to their respective regions.

Mark Mese is just one of the nearly 600 certified nursery crop operators in Louisiana. These nurseries are mandated to obtain licenses from the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF), an agency that collaborates closely with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to address critical issues such as disease control and the management of invasive species. Mike Strain, the Commissioner of LDAF, proudly states that Louisiana’s nursery crop industry generates over $200 million annually, positioning the state at the 16th spot nationally for nursery crop production.

In the fertile landscape of Louisiana, nursery operations come in all shapes and sizes. Some nurture only a few dozen plants, while others oversee vast operations with thousands flourishing at any given moment. Most nursery owners specialize in a handful of crops, although the range of plants suited to Louisiana’s climate is astonishing. Azaleas, camellias, magnolia trees, grasses, Hibiscus, citruses, fig trees, and a kaleidoscope of other species grace the nurseries across the state.

Apart from trading and selling plants amongst themselves, nursery owners like Mese occasionally cater to local gardening societies and extend a helping hand to budding nursery operators by providing small cuttings or plants. While their operations may not be open to the general public, they actively participate in plant societies, creating connections and fostering a sense of community among plant enthusiasts.

For those who aspire to embark on a journey in nursery crop cultivation, Mark Mese offers some sage advice. He suggests starting small, focusing on one or two types of plants initially, and gradually expanding as one gains experience. His emphasis is on the intrinsic satisfaction that comes from nurturing plants, rather than solely seeking financial rewards. One exciting opportunity for nursery crops in Louisiana is participation in the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. This initiative funds various projects related to promotion, research development, advertising, education, and more, offering a valuable resource to nurture the growth of this unique sector.

In conclusion, the world of nursery crops in Louisiana is a flourishing tapestry of diverse plants, passionate growers, and an unwavering commitment to nurturing the local ecosystem. As each nursery owner tends to their green haven, they not only cultivate beautiful plants but also sow the seeds of economic prosperity and community bonds. In therich soils of Louisiana, the nursery crop industry continues to thrive, embodying the spirit of growth, diversity, and support.

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