October might seem like an unusual month to plant roses, but Oregon gardeners know better. Bare root roses planted during fall take advantage of cooler weather and winter rains to establish strong root systems. By the time spring arrives, these roses are ready to burst into bloom while spring-planted roses are still settling in. 1….
Arizona’s hot, dry climate might seem tough for gardening, but lavender absolutely loves it. This beautiful purple plant thrives in sunny spots and needs very little water once established. Growing lavender around your patio creates a stunning outdoor space while offering plenty of practical benefits that make your Arizona home even better. 1. Lavender Thrives…
Ever wonder why green, fuzzy moss keeps popping up in your Pennsylvania lawn even though you mow regularly? Believe it or not, the way you cut your grass can actually invite moss to move in and take over. Understanding these common mowing mistakes will help you keep your yard healthy, green, and moss-free all year…
Fall in Tennessee means cooler weather, colorful leaves, and beautiful mums decorating porches across the state. Picking the perfect mums might seem easy, but many shoppers make simple mistakes that lead to wilted flowers or wasted money. Knowing what to avoid can help you choose healthy plants that will brighten your home all season long….
Empty spots in your Tennessee garden can make your yard look unfinished and messy. Ground covers are plants that spread quickly and fill these bare areas with beautiful greenery and flowers. They help prevent weeds from growing while adding color and texture to your outdoor space. Check out these fast-growing options perfect for Tennessee’s climate!…
New York’s unpredictable weather can be tough on hydrangeas, and fall is the critical time to prepare these beautiful shrubs for winter. Without proper care now, your hydrangeas might not survive the cold months ahead or bloom as beautifully next spring. Taking action before the first frost arrives will protect your investment and ensure stunning…
Looking to turn your patio into a peaceful retreat in the heart of the Empire State? Lavender may be small, but it packs a fragrant punch. Its calming scent, pollinator appeal, and timeless beauty make it a star in any New York garden — bringing a touch of color, charm, and serenity to city balconies…
Growing juicy tomatoes in Louisiana can be challenging if you don’t pick the right spot. Our state’s unique climate and soil conditions mean some locations spell disaster for tomato plants. Gardening experts across Louisiana have identified several places where tomato plants struggle to thrive, saving you time and disappointment. 1. Low-Lying Areas Prone To Flooding…
Growing your own fruits in California can be rewarding even with limited space. Container gardening offers a perfect solution for apartment dwellers, small yard owners, or anyone wanting fresh fruit without a full garden. California’s warm climate creates ideal conditions for many fast-growing fruits that thrive in pots and planters, allowing you to enjoy homegrown…
Georgia’s cities aren’t just home to humans – they’re teeming with wild animals that have adapted to urban life. From your backyard to city parks, wildlife has found ways to thrive alongside us in surprising numbers. You might be amazed at the creatures living practically on your doorstep in Atlanta, Savannah, and other Georgia cities….
Fall brings a special magic to Georgia gardens with its crisp air and warm colors. As summer blooms fade, it’s the perfect time to refresh your planters with autumn-loving plants and creative touches. Your garden containers can become stunning focal points that celebrate the season’s beauty while standing up to Georgia’s unique fall climate. 1….
Living in Indiana means sharing your space with a variety of wild creatures. While some critters might be unwelcome guests, state and federal laws protect certain animals from being removed or disturbed by homeowners. Understanding which creatures are legally protected can save you from hefty fines and help preserve Indiana’s natural biodiversity. 1. Bald Eagles…
Ornamental grasses add movement, texture, and year-round interest to North Texas landscapes. These hardy plants stand up to our scorching summers and occasional freezes while requiring minimal maintenance. Whether you’re looking to create privacy, add visual interest, or attract wildlife, these grasses will transform your yard into a dynamic outdoor space. 1. Mexican Feather Grass…
California’s ongoing drought and environmental concerns are changing how homeowners maintain their yards. New laws and regulations aim to conserve water and protect local ecosystems. Many traditional yard features we’ve grown up with might soon become relics of the past as the state pushes for more sustainable landscaping. 1. Thirsty Green Lawns Traditional grass lawns…
Wisconsin neighborhoods are changing how they regulate what homeowners can put in their yards. Many common features we love might soon face restrictions due to safety concerns, environmental impact, or neighborhood aesthetics. Before you invest in your dream yard, check if these popular additions might land you in hot water with your local HOA or…
Gophers can turn your beautiful Florida yard into a maze of tunnels and mounds overnight. These burrowing rodents damage plant roots, create tripping hazards, and can even affect your home’s foundation. Thankfully, you don’t need harsh chemicals to send them packing – nature offers plenty of effective solutions. 1. Plant Natural Repellents Certain plants make…
If you’ve ever looked up at your Florida trees and thought you’d spotted a bird’s nest, don’t count your chickens just yet. What looks like a cozy home for feathered friends might actually be something entirely different — and not always what meets the eye. Before you let curiosity get the better of you, it’s…
Michigan gardeners have mastered a special technique for growing spectacular dahlias year after year, despite our challenging winters. This trick involves properly digging up and storing dahlia tubers during the cold months. Knowing how to handle these beautiful flowers can mean the difference between a stunning garden next fall or starting from scratch with new…
In Arizona, some animals are off-limits — even if they move into your yard or home. State law protects several native creatures that play vital roles in the desert ecosystem. Before calling pest control, learn about 12 species you’re legally required to leave alone. 1. Desert Tortoise Spotting one of these ancient-looking reptiles in your…
Wisconsin gardeners beware! The state’s Department of Natural Resources is constantly monitoring potentially harmful plants that threaten our native ecosystems. Invasive species can quickly take over natural areas, crowding out native plants and disrupting wildlife habitats. Several popular garden plants are now under review for possible addition to Wisconsin’s official banned plants list. 1. Japanese…
Dealing with rats in Wisconsin can be a real headache for homeowners. Many folks want to avoid harsh chemicals around their families and pets. Luckily, Mother Nature offers some powerful plant allies that can help keep these pesky rodents at bay while adding beauty to your yard or garden. 1. Mint: The Fragrant Defender Wisconsin…
Purple Martins are beautiful birds that bring joy to Ohio backyards with their deep purple feathers and cheerful songs. These aerial acrobats not only provide entertainment but also help control pesky insects like mosquitoes and flies. Attracting them takes some special preparation, but the reward of hosting a thriving colony makes every effort worthwhile. 1….
Wisconsin neighborhoods are changing how they regulate what you can have in your yard. Local rules called HOA regulations and city ordinances are getting stricter about certain outdoor features. Many homeowners are surprised to discover their favorite yard additions might soon be against the rules or require special permits. 1. Tall Privacy Fences Six-foot privacy…
Gardening in Texas can be challenging with our scorching summers and unpredictable weather patterns. Luckily, nature has blessed us with hardy perennials that thrive with minimal attention. These tough plants return year after year, creating beautiful landscapes while saving you time and effort. Perfect for busy homeowners or those who prefer admiring gardens rather than…
Dreaming of fresh fruit from your Arizona backyard? Not all trees thrive in our desert climate with scorching summers and mild winters. Choosing the wrong fruit trees wastes time, money, and leads to disappointing harvests. Before heading to the nursery, learn which fruit trees struggle in Arizona’s unique growing conditions. 1. Cherry Trees Wilt Under…
Michigan’s fields once buzzed with life, a golden hum threading through apple orchards, clover patches, and backyard gardens. But now, that familiar soundtrack is fading fast. Beekeepers report hives collapsing, wild bees are vanishing, and the ripple effects are already showing up in food crops and ecosystems. What’s driving this decline isn’t just one bad…
Washington’s lush landscape creates the perfect home for many critters, including some that can pose real dangers to humans. From painful stings to disease transmission, certain insects in our backyards deserve our caution and respect. Knowledge about these potential threats helps keep your family safe while enjoying outdoor activities throughout the Evergreen State. 1. Black…
Creeping phlox transforms South Carolina backyards into stunning carpets of spring color. These low-growing perennials thrive in our climate when planted correctly, creating waves of pink, purple, blue, or white blooms that spill over garden edges. With proper care, these hardy plants will return year after year, growing more spectacular each season. 1. Choose The…
When fall sweeps through New Jersey and most blooms have sung their swan song, a surprising encore takes center stage. Bees hum like busy engines, butterflies dance on the breeze, and pollinators of every stripe flock as if the table were set just for them. It’s proof that “when one door closes, another opens,” and…
Attracting birds to your Ohio backyard can bring joy and natural beauty right to your window. Birdbaths play a crucial role in this effort, especially during hot summers and freezing winters when natural water sources might be scarce. Unfortunately, several common problems can turn your welcoming water feature into a bird-repelling eyesore. 1. Water Too…
Bees play a crucial role in North Carolina’s ecosystem and agriculture, pollinating crops worth billions of dollars annually. Sadly, bee populations across the state have been shrinking at an alarming rate over the past decade. Understanding why our buzzing friends are vanishing is the first step toward helping them recover and protecting our food supply….
Fall might feel like gardening season is winding down, but in Texas, it’s actually prime time to prepare your garden for the future. Proper fertilization now sets the stage for healthier plants, better blooms, and more bountiful harvests next year. Your Texas garden has different needs as temperatures finally start to drop. 1. Know Your…
Growing big, juicy garlic bulbs in Ohio can be tricky. Many backyard gardeners end up with tiny bulbs instead of the plump ones seen at farmers’ markets. Understanding why your garlic stays small is the first step to solving the problem and growing those impressive bulbs you’ve been dreaming about. 1. Ohio’s Clay-Heavy Soil The…
Arkansas homeowners are facing potential changes to what’s allowed in their yards. New regulations aimed at improving neighborhood appearance and safety could limit common yard features many take for granted. Before making outdoor improvements this season, check if these items might soon be against the rules in your area. 1. Towering Privacy Fences Say goodbye…
Growing flowers that dry beautifully can transform your Ohio garden into a source of year-round joy. When winter blankets your garden in snow, these dried blooms will keep your home colorful and fragrant. Ohio’s climate offers perfect growing conditions for many flowers that maintain their beauty long after being cut and dried. 1. Lavender’s Purple…
September brings cooler temperatures to New Jersey gardens, making it the perfect time to grab your pruning shears. Fall pruning helps prepare ornamental plants for winter dormancy while encouraging healthier growth next spring. Taking care of these pruning tasks now means your garden will look spectacular when warmer weather returns. 1. Butterfly Bush’s Late Summer…
September marks the perfect time for South Carolina gardeners to propagate shrubs. The warm soil and mild temperatures create ideal conditions for cuttings to develop strong roots before winter arrives. Getting started now means you’ll have beautiful, established plants ready to thrive next spring without spending a fortune at nurseries. 1. Oakleaf Hydrangea Native to…
Fall in Massachusetts brings beautiful foliage, but also critical lawn care responsibilities. Many homeowners unknowingly damage their lawns during this season with simple mistakes that have long-lasting effects. Fixing these common errors now will reward you with a healthier, greener lawn when spring arrives. 1. Skipping Fall Fertilization Many Massachusetts homeowners put away their lawn…
Your yard is your personal slice of Kentucky paradise, but some features might land you in hot water with local authorities. Kentucky’s laws and regulations about property maintenance vary by county and city, affecting what you can and can’t have in your yard. nderstanding these rules helps you avoid fines and neighborhood disputes while keeping…
New York’s gardens are home to many creatures that play vital roles in our local ecosystems. Some animals and insects you spot might actually be protected by state and federal laws, making it illegal to harm or remove them. Understanding which garden visitors are protected helps us become better stewards of our environment while avoiding…
Louisiana homeowners might need to rethink their yard designs as new environmental and safety regulations gain momentum. Changes to state laws could soon affect common features many residents have enjoyed for years. Better understand what might become illegal before you invest in your next outdoor project. 1. Front Yard Vegetable Gardens Growing your own tomatoes…
Fall in Ohio brings vibrant chrysanthemums to porches and gardens across the state. These colorful flowers can brighten your landscape well into November with the right care. Knowing how to maintain your mums through our unpredictable Midwest fall weather makes all the difference between short-lived blooms and a season-long color show. 1. Choose Late-Blooming Varieties…
Alabama’s changing climate and new environmental regulations are reshaping what’s possible in our backyards. Many features we’ve long enjoyed might soon become impractical or even illegal as water conservation needs grow and weather patterns shift. Your yard might look very different in the coming years as these familiar elements disappear from the Alabama landscape. 1….
Lavender thrives in Texas gardens, especially near patios where its beauty and benefits can be enjoyed up close. The purple-flowered herb perfectly suits our hot, often dry climate when given proper drainage and sunshine. Texans have discovered that strategic lavender placement around outdoor living spaces creates both practical advantages and sensory pleasures worth savoring. 1….
California’s unique ecosystem is home to many special animals that need our protection. When these creatures visit your yard, state laws prevent you from removing or harming them, even if they seem like a nuisance. Understanding which animals are protected helps you become a better environmental steward while avoiding hefty fines. 1. Hummingbirds Hover Under…
Texas gardens can become buzzing hotspots for hummingbirds during their fall migration. These tiny, jewel-toned birds need energy-rich nectar to fuel their incredible journey south. Planting the right late-summer and fall flowers not only beautifies your yard but creates a crucial refueling station for these amazing aerial acrobats. 1. Firebush Brings The Heat Firebush earns…
Finding mysterious holes in your yard can be both puzzling and frustrating. Pennsylvania is home to many burrowing creatures that might be turning your lawn into their personal construction site. Knowing which animal is responsible helps you choose the right solution to protect your property without harming local wildlife. 1. Look For Paw Prints Around…
The Seven Sons Flower Tree is a hidden gem for South Carolina gardeners. This unique tree bursts into brilliant white blooms each fall, transforming ordinary yards into buzzing wildlife havens. Originally from China, it’s now gaining popularity across the South for its beauty and incredible ability to attract butterflies, bees, and other helpful pollinators. 1….
Fall in Pennsylvania just wouldn’t be complete without the vibrant colors of mums decorating porches and gardens. These autumn favorites can bring joy for weeks, but they often fizzle out before the season ends. With Pennsylvania’s unpredictable fall weather swinging from warm days to frosty nights, keeping your mums looking fresh can be tricky. 1….
Growing veggies in California comes with unique challenges – from hungry critters to scorching sun. A good fence not only protects your precious plants but also adds charm to your garden space. Whether you’re dealing with rabbits, deer, or nosy neighbors, these fence ideas will help you create a productive and beautiful vegetable garden that…
Finding a raccoon in your home can be a frightening experience for any Florida homeowner. These clever critters often sneak in through pet doors, chimneys, or damaged areas of your house looking for food and shelter. Knowing exactly what steps to take when you discover an unwanted raccoon visitor can protect both your family and…
Louisiana gardeners know the joy of sitting on the porch during warm evenings, and fragrant plants can transform this experience into something magical. Our state’s hot, humid climate actually helps intensify the scents of many flowering plants, making them perfect companions for porches and patios. I’ve found that strategic placement of these aromatic varieties not…
Vermont’s cool climate and distinctive seasons create an ideal backdrop for cottage gardens brimming with personality. Tall perennials are the backbone of these charming spaces, providing structure, vertical interest, and season-long beauty. From my years tending gardens in the Green Mountain State, I’ve discovered that the right towering plants can transform an ordinary yard into…
Fall in North Carolina brings special challenges for hummingbird enthusiasts as many of our tiny feathered friends prepare for migration. While some Ruby-throated hummingbirds travel south, others actually stay through the cooler months. Keeping your feeders attractive during autumn can reward you with delightful visits even as the leaves change color. 1. Keep Feeders Clean…
Florida’s gardening scene is constantly evolving with new plant varieties that thrive in our unique climate. As we look ahead to 2026, exciting botanical trends are emerging that combine sustainability, visual appeal, and adaptability to our sunshine state’s conditions. Whether you’re redesigning your landscape or simply adding to your collection, these upcoming plant stars will…
Mississippi gardens bloom with beauty, but danger lurks among the leaves. Some trees contain toxins that can harm people, pets, and livestock when touched or eaten. Learning to identify these toxic trees is essential for keeping your family safe while enjoying your outdoor space. 1. Black Walnut Trees: The Silent Garden Killer Black walnut trees…
Spotting a possum in your Alabama yard might send you running for the broom or calling pest control. But these misunderstood marsupials actually bring surprising benefits to your garden and local ecosystem. Before you chase away these nighttime visitors, consider what you might be losing in the process. 1. Nature’s Pest Control Squad Possums are…