Whenever I step outside and the hardscapes are dirty, whether that be the driveway, sidewalk, patio or veranda, I feel a duty to clean them up. The best and fastest way to accomplish a clean look is with an electric blower. Why an Electric Blower? As a professional gardener, I used to use gas powered…
Growing Plants from Seed
Growing plants from seed is fun. We need to remember when we are in the garden it is supposed to be enjoyable. We get to choose what kinds of plants we want to grow from seed and experiment with different varieties. Watching the tiny little sprout emerge from the soil, it’s so fragile, and it…
Collapsible Garden Bag: The Unsung Hero of Gardening
Save yourself some frustration when working in the garden, with a collapsible garden bag. The struggle is real: There is a slight breeze in the air. The trash bag I always use to collect my yard waste keeps blowing away. I collect it again, go to use it, only to have it collapse in on…
Garden Knife: An Essential Gardening Tool
There are a couple of tools I have with me at all times when I’m gardening. One is my trusty Felco 2 hand pruners, and the other is my garden knife. I use the garden knife for multiple tasks each day. Why the Garden Knife is Essential The garden knife is my go-to tool for…
Felco 2 Pruners, The Essential Gardener’s Tool
I’ve been a professional gardener for over twenty years, and one of the tools I use the most is the Felco 2 bypass pruner. I’ve had many brands of pruners over the years, some of which literally crumbled in my hand while cutting a small branch. (I won’t give the name brand here, but it…
How to Grow Milkweed for the Monarch Butterfly
The Monarch Butterfly The monarch butterfly is beautiful, with its orange and black wings it seems to float through the air. This incredible pollinator travels thousands of miles each year, from the northern U.S. to Mexico, where they gather in protective clusters called roosts in Oyamel fir trees. Unfortunately, the Monarch’s population numbers are on…
How to Prune Small Trees
Pruning is both an art and a science. Done right, it enhances the health and appearance of your trees, creating strong structures and vibrant canopies. But wielding pruning shears without a plan can make you feel more like a tree butcher than a master gardener. Don’t worry—this guide will walk you through the process with…
Brighten Your Winter with an Avocado Vase: How to Grow an Avocado Tree from Seed
Winter can feel a bit dull at times, can’t it? The days are shorter, and we tend to spend more time indoors. One of the easiest ways to make your space feel warmer and more inviting is by adding some greenery. Indoor plants bring life to your home and can do wonders for your mood…