Louisiana
Louisiana Nursery: A Testament to Local Growth and Community Connection
In the heart of Prairieville, Louisiana lies a beacon of local business and horticultural expertise: Louisiana Nursery. Celebrated for its dedication to the community and the advancement of gardening knowledge, this nursery stands as a testament to the resilience and growth of local enterprises. I had the pleasure of speaking with Les Rivet, a familiar face in the local gardening community, who has been with Louisiana Nursery for over four decades.
From Humble Beginnings to Horticultural Haven
Lesâs journey with Louisiana Nursery began 41 years ago, starting with manual labor tasks such as unloading trucks and operating forklifts. Today, he oversees the day-to-day operations of the Prairieville location, a four-acre site that has been serving the community since its opening in 2006. This facility, along with two other locations in Baton Rouge, showcases the nurseryâs commitment to providing a wide variety of plants and gardening supplies to its customers.
Facing Challenges with Resilience
Louisiana Nursery has seen its fair share of challenges, from extreme weather conditions to the evolving needs of the community. Yet, through it all, the nursery has remained a steadfast provider of beauty and growth. Les attributes his love for the job to the ever-changing nature of the work and the joy of adapting to each new season. From the bustling spring season to the festive Christmas tree season, thereâs always something new and exciting on the horizon.
A Community of Gardeners
At the heart of Louisiana Nursery is its people. Les speaks fondly of the relationships heâs built with customers over the years, many of whom have become friends. This sense of community is what makes Louisiana Nursery more than just a place to buy plants; itâs a place where success in gardening is nurtured, and customers are encouraged to return season after season.
Embracing Technology and Innovation
Over the years, Louisiana Nursery has embraced technological advancements, both in the plants they offer and in their operations. The nursery now utilizes computers and databases to improve ordering efficiency and accuracy, a significant leap from the days of paper records. This adoption of technology has allowed Louisiana Nursery to continue offering the latest in plant varieties and gardening solutions.
A Personal Touch
When asked about his favorite plant, Lesâs answer was immediate: azaleas. His preference for the larger varieties, such as the Formosa, reflects his deep appreciation for the beauty and diversity of the plant world.
Supporting Local: A Call to Action
As we wrapped up our conversation, the message was clear: supporting local businesses like Louisiana Nursery not only contributes to the local economy but also fosters a sense of community and shared growth. With three locations to serve the gardening needs of Louisiana, Les and his team at Louisiana Nursery invite everyone to experience the joy of gardening and the satisfaction of supporting local.
In a world where the pace of change is ever-accelerating, Louisiana Nursery stands as a reminder of the value of local expertise, the importance of community, and the enduring beauty of nature.
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Yasin Gungor
19 April 2026•Update: 19 April 2026
At least eight children were killed and two others were wounded in a shooting in the US state of Louisiana, local police said Sunday.
Shreveport Police Department spokesperson Christopher Bordelon said officers responded to the shooting just after 6 am (1100GMT), following a domestic disturbance call.
The age of the deceased ranged from one to 14 years, he said, adding that the incident involved at least 10 individuals across four separate locations.
The suspect attempted to flee by carjacking a vehicle and driving to neighboring Bossier City, where police located and shot him dead.
Bordelon said Shreveport police officers pursued the suspect’s vehicle into Bossier, where three officers discharged their firearms, killing him. He said investigators believe the suspect was the only person who opened fire at the locations.
Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux described the attack as “maybe the worst tragic situation we’ve ever had,” adding: “It’s a terrible morning.”
No immediate information was available about the condition of the injured.
Louisiana
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When it comes to retiring, the best places to do so often are affordable, have a high quality of life and access to quality healthcare.
If you’re looking for a place to retire, Niche has identified the best places for retirees in Louisiana.
In its list, Niche has taken into account factors like weather, crime rates, housing costs and access to amenities.
The 5 best places to retire in Louisiana according to Niche
These are the top five best places to retire in Louisiana, according to Niche.
1. Oak Hills Place
Oak Hills Place is a suburb of Baton Rouge and is the overall best place to retire in Louisiana. This suburb, located in East Baton Rouge Parish, has a population of 9,038 and offers residents an urban suburban mix feel. The area is highly rated for families, diversity, as well as health and fitness. Here, the median home value is $437,900 and the median rent is $1,422, according to Niche.
2. Westminster
Westminster is another suburb of Baton Rouge and is the second-best place to retire in Louisiana. Located in East Baton Rouge Parish, this suburb has a population of 2,559 and offers residents an urban suburban mix feel. This area is highly rated for nightlife, diversity, families, health and fitness, as well as commute. The median home value here is $266,100 and the median rent is $1,482, says Niche.
3. River Ridge
River Ridge is a suburb of New Orleans, located in Jefferson Parish, and is the third-best place to retire in Louisiana. This suburb has a population of 13,312 and offers residents a dense suburban feel. The area is highly rated for public schools, family, nightlife and diversity. The median home value is $357,400 and the median rent is $1,127, according to Niche.
4. Westlake
Westlake is a town in Calcasieu Parish that is among the best places to retire in Louisiana. With a population of 4,743, this town offers residents a rural feel. The town is highly rated for public schools, housing, families, jobs, cost of living, nightlife and weather. Here, the median home value is $166,100 and the median rent is $1,049, says Niche.
5. Prien
Prien is another town in Calcasieu Parish that is among the best places to retire in Louisiana. This town has a population of 7,119 and offers residents a suburban rural mix feel. The town is highly rated for public schools, housing, families, nightlife and weather. The median home value here is $278,000 and the median rent is $1,292, according to Niche.
Presley Bo Tyler is the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team reporter for USA Today Network. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@Gannett.com
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