Expanded to its current size in 1869, it is believed that the original house, consisting of the front two rooms, dates from the 1840s. Abandoned for much of the 20th century, Ouida’s restoration began in 1998. The property was purchased by the current owners David and Tracey Banowetz in 2000. Francisville, Ouida sits on the top of a high ridge line and is surrounded by rugged ravines, beech-magnol
ia woodlands and small open fields. The gardens surrounding the home have been planted with an abundance of native plants and perennials attractive to birds and butterflies. Visitors to the gardens will find a collection of unique azalea varieties, gifts from Margie Jenkins, a wholesale nursery operator in Amite, LA. Native plant specie collections include Ilex, Rhododendron, Vaccinium, and Viburnum. Numerous native tree species have been added to the landscape including: cedars, hickories, oaks, magnolias, pines, silverbells, and snowbells. Favorite perennials include a collection of Salvia species as well as Coreopsis, Echinacea, Iris, Lantana, Monarda, Phlox, and Rudbeckia. There are also a variety of heirloom bulbs on the property, some from “way back when” and a relatively new collection acquired from Sisters’ Bulb Farm in Gibsland, LA. The owners have also worked over the years to create a Cajun Prairie demonstration garden on nearby acreage.
