An evergreen native of Australia, the bottlebrush tree (Callistemon), and it’s smaller shrub cultivars, thrive here in southern Louisiana and are in bloom now. They provide an exotic pop of color in the form of bright crimson and pink blooms, which are shaped exactly like their namesake, a bottle brush. It can adapt to many soil conditions provided the site drains well. Bottlebrush prefers full sun, and once established does not need irrigation and has few pest or disease problems. The bloomsofthebottlebrushare especially attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. If you want to include a “natural” hummingbird feeder in your landscape, the bottlebrush plant is an excellent choice to draw plenty of hummers in. Bottlebrushes are hardy from USDA zone 9B to 11.

The St. Bernard Parish Government (SBPG) is dealing with the first impacts coming from new Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flood insurance standards. While these standards, known as Risk Rating 2.0, have been in place since April 1, 2022, SBPG officials were hesitant to talk about the issue as they “didn’t have enough information.” But the situation has changed, with SBPG infrastructure being directly, and negatively, impacted by these new FEMA standards.

The Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) held a series of open houses throughout St. Bernard Parish to provide an update and allow residents to ask questions about their Louisiana International Terminal (LIT) project being built in Violet. One of these meetings was held in the Corinne Missionary Baptist Church in Violet, another the Frederick Sigur Center in Chalmette, and the final one was held in the Historic St. Bernard Courthouse in St. Bernard.

There was unity, community, and great sportsmanship on display when the St. Bernard Parish School Board hosted its annual Special Olympic Games at Chalmette High School’s Bobby Nuss Stadium.

First Lady Laurie McInnis, Parish President Guy McInnis, St. Bernard Parish Government, and community partners would like to invite children and families of St. Bernard Parish to the First Lady Easter Egg Hunt Sunday, March 19 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

During a recent visit with US Representative Steve Scalise, Violet resident and retired educator Carol Ludwig received the St. Bernard Parish Republican Party 'Ann Hein Patriot Award' for her service to the local GOP.

Is there a limit to beauty? After attending the Saturday morning celebration of Pam Cassar at Christ Church Cathedral, that question may have an answer. I have unfortunately been to many services for those who have deceased. Pam’s service had the essence that made you feel her talent for beauty and design had a stronghold the entire time. The sun shined and the weather was perfect – a blessing of Mother Nature. The visitation had a line going out the front of the church and down the St. Charles Avenue sidewalk. People seemed somber yet there was a real sense of friendship with everyone.

The United States is threatening China for considering military support to Russia. Threats are dangerous and too often result in the opposite of what one intends.

Did Jim Brown even read the memo on which his Feb. 24 column is allegedly based? If so, there is little evidence of it in his writing.

Welcome to Louisiana. Where you will find the largest assortment of gambling options anywhere.