Gueydan, Louisiana is a small town located in nearly on the north border of Vermilion Parish.  With a population of only about 1,400, Gueydan always has been and always will be the archetypal small southern town.  There are no popular store or food chains to be found in Gueydan; however, you’ll find some of the best local businesses and restaurants in the area, with the friendliest people you may ever meet!

Like most of Southern Louisiana, Gueydan is a historical hunting town.  Its residents consider a first hunt as a rite of passage, and they take pride in their sport.  It is common to see residents wearing their hunting gear casually.  Camouflage is quite the popular print here.

Of all the hunting that goes on in Louisiana, Gueydan is most popular for duck hunting.  In fact, Gueydan has been known as the duck capitol of America since 1977.

In anticipation of duck hunting season each year, Gueydan celebrates the history and tradition of duck hunting at the annual Gueydan Duck Festival, which is always held the last full weekend in August.  Throughout the weekend, patrons will be able to take part in several duck-related activities, such as a duck calling contest, skeet shooting, dog trials, a duck dash, and decoy carving.  Other festivities include a Grand Parade, pageants, carnival rides and games, indoor and outdoor cook offs, and, of course, plenty of food and live music!

The 39th annual Gueydan Duck Festival will be held Friday, August 27 through Sunday, August 30 at the Gueydan Duck Festival grounds.  

Be sure to check out the event’s website for more information!

Originally posted at: Lafayette Real Estate News

For invasive plants that tend to grow too large and take over your garden, simply cut the bottom off of a plastic pot, bury it in the ground, and plant your invasive plant inside it! 

This simple gardening technique limits the growth of the root system, giving you more control over the size of the plant once it reaches maturity; it also helps protect surrounding plants.

Originally posted at: Lafayette Real Estate News

Did you know that you can grow a rose bush just from the trimmings of another bush?

When planting your rose trimmings, firstly, plant them in a location where they will be exposed to the morning sun but shaded from the hotter afternoon sun.

Secondly, remove the leaves from the trimmings, or leave just a few toward the top.

Lastly, pierce a small potato with the bottom of the trimming and plant the trimming and potato together.  The potato will help support the trimming and protect the fragile new roots as well as help retain moisture.

Originally posted at: Lafayette Real Estate News

Get your garden started early by planting your seeds in eggshells indoors before the weather permits outdoor growth.  Not only are eggshells easily accessible (you probably have eggs in your fridge right now), but they’re also healthy for your seedlings!  Eggshells contain lots of calcium, which is necessary for plant growth.  (Eggshells also make great compost!)

Simply clean out a used eggshell and plant your seedling inside.  You can even use a permanent marker to label the outside of the eggshell to differentiate between your seedlings.  Then, when you’re ready to transfer to your outside garden, the plant can stay inside the eggshell and continue to receive nutrients from it!

A great alternative to eggshells is citrus peel seedlings.

Originally posted at: Lafayette Real Estate News