Robby 
If youre an avid gardener, youve probably dealt with your fair share of pests. From rodents to creepy crawlies, these pests can make gardening much harder and more frustrating. Case in point: squirrels and chipmunks. These things are common in areas with lots of old, mature trees. They can be a pain for gardeners who … Read more
The umbrella plant, also known as Schefflera or octopus tree, is a popular houseplant renowned for its glossy green leaves and graceful, spreading form. However, this tropical plant can suddenly begin dropping its leaves, creating an unsightly, sparse appearance. Leaf drop is the plant’s way of signaling something is wrong with its care and environment … Read more
Orchids are beautiful flowers in the family Orchidaceae. Their petals come in many colors, such as white, pink, purple, blue, and yellow. But they are one of the hardest flowers to grow at home, and many people who want to be gardeners have trouble keeping them alive. Orchids need a strict watering schedule, sufficient sunlight, … Read more
You can grow water taro, a non-native plant that can handle water up to one foot deep. This species is native to Asia, but it has been brought to many other countries as an ornamental plant and as a food crop. The leaves are arrowhead-shaped, very big (up to 3 feet long), and dark green. … Read more
Perennial border gardens allow you to create stunning displays of color, texture, and form. To design a dynamic border that draws the eye, it’s essential to use plants of varying heights. Low growing perennials are ideal for planting toward the front of borders to provide visual interest close to the ground When choosing short perennials … Read more
You can live in any part of the world and still feel like you’re in California if you have one of these in your home or office. Hey, did you know that palm trees aren’t really trees? They’re more like big grasses! That’s why, after they start growing, they’ll keep getting taller but not much … Read more
With their late summer explosions of fragrant, nectar-rich blooms, butterfly bushes (Buddleia spp.) are ideal for attracting winged wildlife to gardens While traditionally planted in borders and beds, butterfly bushes can also thrive when grown in containers Container planting allows gardeners to enjoy the beauty of butterfly bushes even without suitable in-ground growing space Pots … Read more
Remember that picture that went viral of a dog with ladybugs in its mouth? Well, those are Asian beetles, which look a bit like ladybugs but are a different color. It may have looked horrifying but in reality, it was just fine. The beetles weren’t a danger to the pup, just a nuisance to get … Read more
The unmistakable aroma of lavender makes it a sought-after herb for many home gardeners. With spikes of purple flowers, lavender is a beautiful addition to borders and perennial gardens. This perennial herb is not only easy to grow and take care of, but it also attracts pollinators and naturally discourages many pests, such as deer … Read more
I’ve recently gotten a lot of emails from gardeners who are having trouble with poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) whose lower leaves have turned yellow and fallen off, often just a few days after they were bought. Even though the poinsettia isn’t always the easiest houseplant, it’s said to be able to “get by” for at least … Read more