Gardening Techniques

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 …

After a flurry of starting seeds, transplanting perennials and planting summer bulbs, I’m now turning my attention to creating a couple of container displays.  The last of the spring bulbs …

At any given moment, I’m ready to shout from the rooftops all the ways in which gardening is helping me take care of my mental health. In addition to teaching …