Cecil Dunlap

In Michigan, wildlife doesn’t disappear when summer ends—it simply looks for better places to survive. Yards that offer food, shelter, and water year-round become vital …

Planting a tree in Ohio feels like a good deed—but put it in the wrong spot, and it becomes a long-term problem. Experts warn that …

Illinois gardeners are rediscovering coneflower—and it’s not just for its looks. This native plant has quietly become a multitasking favorite, earning its keep in ways …

Georgia homes are glowing with holiday spirit—and this year, it’s coming from a plant that feels both festive and refreshingly different. While traditional decorations still …

Black-eyed Susans are cheerful yellow flowers that bloom across North Carolina gardens from summer through fall, bringing bright color and practical benefits to any yard. …

Missouri gardeners enjoy plenty of freedom—but that freedom has limits. Several crops are restricted or outright banned due to concerns about invasive spread, agricultural disease, …

Louisiana yards are changing as environmental concerns and safety regulations tighten. Features once considered standard are now under scrutiny for water use, storm impact, and …

In North Carolina, late winter pruning can feel risky—but for this tree, it’s the secret to a spectacular spring show. Done at the right time, …

In South Carolina, some gardening regrets don’t show up right away. They creep, spread, and slowly take over—until one day, a once-beautiful plant is everywhere, …

In Iowa, fall cleanup has long been treated like a race against winter. Leaves fall, rakes come out, and yards are stripped bare before the …

Spotting a dense ball of leaves tucked high in an Oregon tree often sparks concern. At first glance, it looks like a classic nest—or a …

Fruit trees sound like a win-win—fresh harvests and backyard beauty—but in Virginia, not every variety is worth the trouble. Some fruit trees struggle against the …

Louisiana homeowners are noticing something strange: tiny insects flashing metallic greens and blues as they dart across yards. At first glance, they look exotic—or even …

In Illinois, winter no longer means abandoning the garden—it means reinventing it. Homeowners are carving out cozy garden rooms designed for cold-weather relaxation, blending shelter, …

In Minnesota, songbirds don’t just brighten the yard—they turn it into a living soundtrack. If you’ve ever wondered why some backyards seem to hum with …

In Minnesota, songbirds don’t just brighten the yard—they turn it into a living soundtrack. If you’ve ever wondered why some backyards seem to hum with …

New York gardeners love hydrangeas—but timing is everything, and hesitation can cost you a full season of blooms. As the calendar turns, there’s a narrow …

North Carolina gardeners are falling hard for a plant that comes with a warning label—don’t touch. The touch-me-not, famous for seed pods that pop at …

In California’s plant-collecting circles, there’s a new obsession—and it’s anything but ordinary. The brain cactus, with its twisted, maze-like ridges, looks more like modern sculpture …

In Maryland, a bird feeder is rarely just a feeder—it’s the heart of the yard. And savvy homeowners are learning that what you plant around …

In Michigan, where winter arrives like an uninvited guest who refuses to leave, homeowners are trading whirring inflatable Santas for something a little more down-to-earth—and …

Cutting down a tree in Texas isn’t always a simple decision. Certain trees are protected by state or local laws, and removing them without permission …

California yards may look private, but they’re still governed by strict rules. Many common yard features, structures, and even animals require permits or official approval …

Arizona plant collectors have discovered something special about Christmas cacti that makes these winter bloomers perfect for desert living. These tropical plants thrive indoors where …

If Wisconsin feeders seem busier than ever, there’s a clear reason. Cardinals crowd backyard feeders in winter because they do not migrate and rely heavily …

Indiana is home to a wide range of wildlife, and while most animals pose little risk, there are several creatures in the state that can …

Money trees have earned a reputation as both easy houseplants and symbols of good fortune, but keeping one healthy in California requires more than luck. …

Many Oregon gardeners believe that a shady yard means giving up on vertical plants, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. With the state’s …

Across Arkansas, cities and neighborhoods are re-evaluating which yard features fit their vision for clean, safe, and well-maintained communities. As areas grow and local ordinances …

Peonies are beloved for their lush blooms, but they can be surprisingly particular about where they grow—especially in Ohio’s varied climate. When planted in the …

Even when cooler weather arrives, California gardeners aren’t limited to bare beds and dormant plants. A wide range of winter flowers thrive in the state’s …

Nothing brings life to a Virginia garden quite like birds—and the easiest way to attract them is with berry-producing plants. These shrubs and vines provide …

Florida’s warm climate allows almost anything to grow, but not everything belongs in the backyard. Some trees spread so aggressively or cause so much ecological …

California neighborhoods have long balanced creativity with caution when it comes to landscaping. From drought conditions to wildfire risks to citywide beautification goals, local leaders …

Purple paint on trees catches many Arizona homeowners and hikers off guard. It stands out against desert browns and greens, yet few people realize it …

Colorado winters can be tough on young trees. Sudden temperature swings, bright sun, and harsh winds all take a toll on tender bark. Wrapping trees …

In Arizona, Christmas cactus fits right into the holiday season. These plants thrive indoors, handle dry air better than many winter blooms, and reward patience …

In North Carolina, many gardeners treat used coffee grounds like garden gold, especially during winter. What looks like kitchen waste actually has plenty of value …

Poinsettias may be everywhere during the holidays, but that does not make them easy houseguests. Many California homeowners bring them home full of cheer, only …

Winter can feel like a quiet time for gardening, but Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Richmond, Virginia proves that the cold season brings its own …

Washington’s climate aligns naturally with the principles of Japanese inspired garden design. Frequent rain, mild temperatures, and shade support mosses, evergreen plants, and layered textures. …

Garter snakes are among the most commonly encountered snakes in California gardens, often found resting beneath dense plants, mulch, or ground cover. These areas offer …

Gardeners across New Jersey often notice shallow holes appearing suddenly in lawns and planting beds. While rabbits are usually blamed immediately, many homeowners don’t understand …

Poinsettias are a holiday favorite in Arizona homes, yet many plants fail to last beyond a few weeks due to simple care mistakes. Despite Arizona’s …

Michigan may be known for its lakes and forests, but it’s also home to a small number of animals that use toxins as a natural …

New Yorkers are known for strong opinions, and favorite flowers are no exception. In a city where personality shines through everything from coffee orders to …

In Arizona, red flowers don’t whisper, they speak up. Against desert backdrops and sun-washed landscapes, bold red blooms bring energy, warmth, and a sense of …

In Utah, gardeners have a knack for making something out of nothing, and nowhere is that more obvious than in the humble herb jar. What …

Orchids may be tropical beauties, but inside an Ohio home in winter, they’re fish out of water. Dry furnace heat, dim days, and cold drafts …

Seeing a possum wandering across your Wisconsin yard at night can spark concern, but removing one isn’t as simple—or as legal—as many homeowners assume. Possums …