Valentine's Ideas: Love Grows

Sage Foley, executive director of Baton Rouge Green, might be biased, but we think she’s right: “Planting a tree in honor of a loved one or a relationship might be one of the most appropriate and under-appreciated acts of love I can imagine. A well-selected and -placed tree can literally live on for the ages as a representation of that love. As luck would have it, February is prime planting season in Louisiana!” Foley recommends the long-lived Live Oak or Louisiana’s state tree, the Bald Cypress.

But if you can’t give up the floral part of Valentine’s Day, then opt for a flowering plant. John Grady Burns at Natchez’ Nest offers what he calls “living compositions,” arrangements of hydrangeas, orchids, ivies, and ferns providing a showy display that can be planted later.