What a thrill it was for me when I first pushed a shovel into New Orleans' black loam, having moved from the red clay of the North Carolina Piedmont. 

 

The challenges of gardening here are entirely different. Instead of trying to make things grow, we try to control their growth. We fight fungus instead of drought. 

 

Here are links to what I've learned about some of the plants on my property:

 

Almond bush

 

Bay laurel

 

Crape myrtle

 

Elephant ear

 

Fig

 

Kaffir lime

 

Key lime

 

Live oak

 

Meyer lemon

 

Mint

 

Orange peel jessamine

 

Rosemary