Jaxon Whitaker

Pennsylvania has plenty of mature trees, and sometimes they cast more shade than a yard can handle. I’ve watched sunlight disappear from a garden practically …

North Carolina neighbors often end up sharing more than a fence when plants begin creeping to the wrong side. I’ve had vines make that journey …

November in Tennessee always feels like that moment when the yard needs a quick check-up before the cold settles in. I’ve had a few plants …

Rats can turn a beautiful backyard into a stressful place in no time. Thankfully, some plants naturally discourage them from sticking around. Planting the right …

Some trees look beautiful but can quietly cause a lot of trouble around your home. In South Carolina, certain varieties are more harmful than you …

Colorado yards can act a little stubborn once November rolls in, and I’ve definitely stood there wondering why my mower suddenly feels useless. Then I …

North Carolina winters always sneak up on me faster than I expect, and my tools used to suffer for it. After one spring full of …

I used to think any room in Arkansas without windows was basically a plant graveyard, but it turns out a few tough favorites actually love …

Some Wisconsin gardeners grab fall mums the same way I do—quickly, excitedly, and then regret it a week later. I’ve made a couple of these …

Cosmos look so soft and sunny in Louisiana gardens that it’s tough to imagine them struggling once the cold rolls in. I’ve lost a few …

That first frost in Washington always feels like a signal to pack everything away, but there’s still plenty worth doing once the chill settles in. …

Timing really matters when you’re deciding when to take down hummingbird feeders in Kentucky. I used to second-guess it every year until I learned the …

Maryland yards always seem to have that one stubborn patch that refuses to stay green. That’s why I love ground covers that spread fast and …

That strange leaf ball hanging in a Nebraska tree can look like a nest at first glance, but it often turns out to be something …

Leaves blowing in from the neighbor’s tree is such a classic West Virginia moment, and I’ve been there myself wondering what to do about the …

Cold, gray days in Washington feel a lot brighter when you spot a perennial that refuses to quit blooming. I still get a little spark …

Tomatoes can be dramatic plants, especially in Utah’s tricky growing conditions. I learned that lesson after one summer full of stunted vines and sad fruit. …

Baking soda isn’t just for cookies—it’s becoming a go-to lawn trick across Oregon. I tried it after hearing about it from a friend, and the …

Kentucky’s cities are wilder than most people realize. I’ve spotted everything from foxes to owls right in my neighborhood, and I’m not alone. Urban areas …

Raccoons in New York can be clever, messy, and surprisingly bold, but rushing to remove them isn’t always the best move. I’ve had one sneak …

There’s one tree that might look harmless but can invite a whole lot of trouble to Florida yards. The Tree of Heaven may grow fast …

Florida gardens have a way of telling on themselves—you just have to look at the weeds. I used to pull them without thinking, but now …

Maine yards get visits from more protected animals than most people realize. I’ve had one wander past my porch before and didn’t expect the rules …

Maine gardeners may be surprised that a few familiar plants are edging toward the restricted list. I came across one at a local nursery and …

Tomatoes can be dramatic in Connecticut gardens and absolutely refuse to thrive in the wrong place. I’ve planted them in a few unlucky spots before …

You’ve probably seen this hardy shrub showing off in Missouri yards — all decked out in pink and acting like it owns the place. It’s …

Some plants spreading across Missouri suburbs are starting to raise red flags. I’ve seen a few take over entire corners of yards before anyone noticed. …

Indiana yards get surprise visitors sometimes, and a slow-moving turtle can catch you off guard. I had one wander up to my porch once, and …

Michigan gardens can hide some sneaky trees that create problems you don’t expect. I brushed past one years ago and couldn’t believe how irritating it …

Possums might look rough around the edges, but they play a helpful role in Massachusetts yards. I used to chase them away until I realized …

November in Texas kicks off a busy stretch for gardeners who want a great spring. I’ve noticed that tackling these jobs early saves me so …

Geraniums have quietly become the go-to patio plant across Texas. I planted a few last year and couldn’t believe how tough and colorful they stayed. …

November hits Florida lawns differently, and mowing gets a little trickier than usual. I learned that one small change in blade height can completely shift …

Each fall, Washington’s yards reveal a stunning secret — the Flowering Dogwood in all its glory. Its branches glow with brilliant color, turning every corner …

Arkansas has some unexpected houseguests you’re simply not allowed to touch, even if they show up in the most inconvenient spots. I remember being shocked …

Mississippi’s outdoors can feel gorgeous until you remember how many things out there sting or bite. I’ve learned that knowing what lives nearby makes exploring …

I remember spotting one of those weird leafy clumps high up in a Louisiana tree and thinking a giant bird must’ve moved in overnight. After …

Even rooms with no windows in Louisiana can feel alive with the right greenery. I’ve filled a few dim corners myself and loved how much …

Kentucky grandmas often keep plants that turn out to be worth far more than they look. I remember seeing a few in my own family …

If you’ve spotted a purple-painted tree in Oklahoma and thought it was just decoration, think again. I remember the first time I saw one and …

Keeping mums looking fresh all fall in Utah can be tricky, but it’s definitely doable. I’ve lost a few to crisp leaves before figuring out …

Fireflies in Utah are becoming harder to spot, and it’s not just your imagination. I’ve noticed fewer glowing around my yard lately, and it made …

Hydrangeas in New Mexico need a little extra attention right now if you want them to bloom beautifully later. I spent last fall catching up …

One tree in Virginia is practically a magnet for lanternflies—the notorious tree of heaven. I remember spotting these pests clustering around one in my neighborhood, …

It’s easy to assume possums are a nuisance, but Maine homeowners might want to think twice. I’ve watched them quietly help gardens by cleaning up …

Not every yard idea fits the neighborhood rules in Montana. I’ve learned that even something small, like a fence or shed, can cause trouble if …

Not every crop is legal to grow in North Dakota, even if it seems ordinary. I’ve seen gardeners unknowingly plant restricted varieties and face fines. …

November is a busy month for New York gardeners, and staying on top of tasks keeps your garden thriving. I like to tackle mine one …

Fall is a tricky season for South Dakota lawns, and it’s easy to slip up without realizing it. I’ve made a few of these mistakes …

For years, I thought that spiky little shrub in my Illinois yard was just a harmless decoration. Turns out, Japanese barberry is a magnet for …