The LSU Agriculture Center Botanic Gardens at Burden is more than a horticulture research center; it’s also a local spot for students to de-stress or engage in research beneficial for their careers.
“The property started more for just research of beautiful plants and shifted to the public,” said Botanic Gardens coordinator Kate Guitreau. “Our director, Dr. Jeff Kuehny, made that happen.”
The gardens are one leg of the University’s agriculture center, and have endless learning opportunities waiting to be experienced only minutes from campus. Researchers from the AgCenter focus in agronomy, soil and environmental sciences, turfgrass, vegetable crops, fruit crops, ornamentals, landscaping, home gardening and wetlands.
Ornamentals and home gardening is featured in the Trees and Trails, a 5-mile expedition through the Burden Woods and the Rose Garden, a display of 150 rose varieties ranging from ground cover roses to hybrid teas. Other research is featured in the gardens’ crop fields like its satsuma study, where they allow people to sample fruit directly from trees.
The focus on research has lessened, morphing the gardens into a place beneficial for students of all disciplines to relax while learning. Students are free to roam all aspects of the gardens, and can even bring their pet along with them.
The gardens are also a place for students to gain knowledge and experience in fields they may not expect to be interested in, such as mass communication or design.
University alumna Jean Pittman, 22, became a student worker for the gardens in January and was offered a job prior to graduation. Pittman studied plant and soil systems and knew she would love working in that environment, but she found a career where she didn’t expect: public relations.
“I get to do a lot of designing for the website and social media, something I’m still learning about,” Pittman said. “But it’s a multi-facilitated place, and we all do things that aren’t necessarily specific to our job.”
Despite Pittman’s job title, she also works in landscaping and helps where she is needed. The gardens have eight student workers who are involved in every aspect of the gardens, from farm research to web design.
“It’s like a little escape,”
Pittman said. “It’s really quiet and there’s so many acres that you can kind of do your own thing.”
The gardens also act as an event venue, hosting popular events like Wine and Roses, a seated dinner right in the middle of the rose garden, and Couture de la Fleur, a fashion show featuring dresses made of live flowers.
Corn Maze Saturday will debut this weekend. The popular annual event includes fall-themed festivities like hayrides, zip lining, pumpkin painting and concessions.
“You’re in the middle of Baton Rouge but somehow it’s so quiet because you’re surrounded by nature,” Guitreau said. “It’s surreal.”

Gallery • 5 Photos

Caroline Magee

Roses grow in the Botanic Garden of the Burden Museum on Monday, Oct. 9, 2017 on Essen Lane.