Welcome, fellow plant lovers!
This section is packed with practical advice for growing flowers, herbs, vegetables, and lawns—plus a few tried-and-true strategies for dealing with weeds and pesky critters. Most of what you’ll find here is geared toward four-season, cold-climate gardens.
With a background in plant biology, ecology, and botany and over 50 years of hands-on experience, I’ve learned to work with the land, not fight it.
I garden organically, rely on seeds to keep things budget-friendly, and focus on what thrives naturally.
As Beth Chatto wisely said, “The right plant for the right place.” That principle guides everything I grow—and everything I share here.
Let’s get growing.
Fall is that magical time when summer’s vibrant energy begins to soften. Yet, the garden doesn’t have to fade—autumn offers its own spectacular finale of late-season blooms. As the days grow shorter and temperatures dip, the right fall flowers can bring renewed life to beds, borders, and pollinator gardens. From crisp whites and fiery oranges…
Wondering about growing herbs but not sure where to start? It’s easier than you think—even if you don’t have a big yard or green thumb. This beginner’s guide will show you the easiest herbs to grow, how to care for them, and provide simple tips to help you succeed from the start. When I first…
Looking to add some color to your garden? Why not try purple perennials? From beautiful purple groundcovers to tall flowering plants, there is something for every garden and budget. We sorted the plants by the seasons in which they bloom, so you can plan for a continual display of purple throughout the growing season. And…
Who doesn’t love a daisy? And who can resist a sunflower? They are both so cheerful and bright! Both flowers are members of the plant family Asteraceae, so they do share some common features. However, they do have some very distinct differences. We will discuss the anatomical differences between these plants and how they grow…
Gardening is a rewarding hobby, but it’s important to understand the different stages of plant growth to provide your garden with the proper care. Every plant goes through the same life cycle, regardless of its species. Knowing what to expect at each stage can help you better care for your plants and ensure a healthy…
Thinking about growing a pink Hibiscus? We’ll cover everything from planting to fertilizing to pruning, so you can ensure your plants thrive! We’ll discuss what type of soil and climate Hibiscus prefer, how much water they need, and what problems they face.