Gardening Techniques

At any given time throughout the growing season(s), I keep a running list in my head of how I can get more plants for my garden. Preferably for free. Preferably …

Every year, right around the last week of May, my Instagram feed fills up with garden design inspiration from the Chelsea Flower Show that takes place in London.  I don’t …

You know that week between Christmas and New Year’s when it feels like time is dilating and contracting at the same time?  When you want to do something but you …

The Anthurium genus is home to many species of colorful tropical plants in the arum family (Araceae). In fact, it is the largest genus within this family, with around 1 000 …

Every time I write about black-eyed Susans, I make it a point to mention how we shouldn’t prune these perennials in the fall. Not only do they look pretty covered …

I wonder if our readers can answer a quick pop quiz. Can you name an annual ornamental plant that:  Did you answer “marigolds”? Because if you did, you’re absolutely right.  …

I first became aware of the necessity of pruning perennials in the summer when I came back from an early-July vacation to a wild garden that was quickly getting out …

I usually draw inspiration for my articles from whatever is happening in my garden. But for this one, it’s different.  What inspired this article was an unfortunate piece of advice …

When it comes to pruning magnolias, my first piece of advice would be to ask yourself this question: Do I really NEED to?  Not “Do I want to?”  Or “Should …

It’s time to prune my buddleia. Obviously, I want to document this gardening job for our readers as I’m doing it. But I have to admit that I get a …

How late is it too late to write a geranium fall care guide? Usually, if a care guide comes late in the season, it’s because I procrastinate a great deal. …

Monstera adansonii, often called Swiss Cheese plant or Monkey Mask plant, is a popular tropical houseplant. Its main feature is its unique and attractive foliage and its ability to climb …

Under the right conditions, bougainvillea can grow out of control. The frequent pruning they require throughout the growing season provides many opportunities to propagate bougainvillea from cuttings to grow additional …

You’d think that by this time in the year, I’ve already exhausted the most common methods of plant propagation. I’ve already written guides about propagating by seed starting, taking cuttings …

Mistakes in gardening are like aphids. They may ruin your day temporarily, but as long as you aren’t bothered too much, the problem will solve itself. I’ve come to accept …

I sometimes worry when I notice that the articles in which I confess some of my gardening mistakes are more popular than the ones in which I explain how to …

As summer is winding down, I’m once again thinking about container gardening. With a steady supply of flowers, berries, herbs and tomatoes throughout the summer months, I must admit I …

The endless variety of Hibiscus shrubs is just one of the reasons why these plants are so popular in home gardens. The stunning, massive blooms on any species, from tropical …

As I’m writing this in late August, I’m looking at a forest of bamboo in front of me. No, I haven’t gone overboard and planted a bamboo patch in my …

It is possible that, at some point during the growing year, I talk about my clematis plants more than I do about my cats. I will definitely write more about …

I don’t have room for more rhododendrons in my garden. There! I’ve said it!  Yet, I find myself taking rhododendron cuttings this August, just to have some backups. My usual …

I was standing in the middle aisle of my local garden center holding a tray full of plants. After having spent the better part of fifteen minutes perusing the hanging …

Do you have any little free libraries in your community where you can take a book for free or leave a book for your neighbors to take home?  Imagine the …

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a gardener in possession of a balcony must be in need of a container arrangement. Or at least this has been my truth …