Lillian Vaughn

Growing chickpeas indoors started as a little experiment during one long Michigan winter, and it turned into a fun routine. They’re surprisingly charming plants once …

Foxtail ferns pretend they’re tough year-round, but a cold snap in California can still catch them off guard. I learned that the hard way the …

On warm Arkansas nights, I sometimes catch myself waiting for those tiny golden flashes that used to dance across the yard. Their absence feels strange, …

Arizona’s heat can be tough on certain fruit trees, and I’ve watched a few promising ones struggle the moment summer hits full force. Some varieties …

Missouri patios get a whole new vibe when geraniums show up, and I’ve grown to love how quickly they brighten up a corner. I’ve seen …

Raccoons in Indiana can look cute until they start causing chaos, and I’ve had my fair share of those surprise backyard encounters. It’s easy to …

Some fall veggies in California look totally innocent until you realize they’re basically little magnets for hungry rats. I’ve grown a few of these myself …

Washington’s weather can look perfect for fruit, but some trees make gardeners work harder than expected. I’ve watched a few promising varieties stall out once …

Picking a black walnut in Oklahoma can feel tempting because it’s tough and grows with attitude, but it also draws lanternflies in faster than you’d …

Petunias bring such an easy, cheerful lift to Louisiana patios, and I’ve become a little obsessed with how quickly they brighten up a dull corner. …

Kansas neighborhoods are starting to rethink certain yard features, and I’ve seen talk about changes pop up more and more. Some items homeowners love could …

Indiana gardeners have been noticing fewer bees, and I’ve felt the same worry in my own yard. There are several small shifts adding up to …

Washington has some plants that come with serious rules, and it always surprises people how strict they can be. These species can spread fast or …

Finding a turtle in an Idaho yard always feels like a tiny surprise you weren’t expecting. They move at their own pace, but what you …

South Carolina yards get the occasional possum visitor, and I’ve learned they’re not nearly as troublesome as they look. Half the time they’re just shuffling …

Michigan frost hits fast, and I’ve learned that pots and planters feel it just as much as the plants inside them. A few simple tricks …

Texas has so many trees that stay gorgeous all year, and I still get excited every time I spot one that refuses to look dull. …

If you’ve ever wanted to see your garden flutter with color, this native plant is pure magic. The Butterfly Milkweed is like a welcome mat …

Spotting a coyote in your Washington yard can be startling, but knowing how to react makes all the difference. These wild animals are becoming more …

South Carolina’s trees add so much beauty, but some of them come with strict protection. I once watched a neighbor almost cut one down before …

Few things spark neighbor debates faster than a pile of leaves that didn’t come from your own tree. I’ve been there—sweeping all afternoon, staring at …

Keeping rosemary by the door in California feels like a small thing, but it changes the whole vibe of a home. I planted mine last …

Wisconsin has a wild little mix of animals that actually get special protection, and some of them might surprise you. I’ve bumped into a few …

Michigan gardeners have a secret to keeping favorite plants going strong year after year—cuttings. I started taking mine indoors a few seasons ago, and now …

Every fall, Iowa puts on quite a show — and one tree steals the spotlight year after year. Its branches buzz with bees and flutter …

South Carolina gardeners know the excitement of planting something new, but some fruit trees end up causing more frustration than joy. I’ve heard plenty of …

Oklahoma trees can hide some strange-looking clumps that fool almost everyone at first glance. I remember spotting one in my yard and immediately assuming a …

Alabama lawns respond differently once November rolls in, and mowing needs a gentle shift. I adjusted my routine last year and saw healthier grass almost …

Indiana patios light up fast when petunias enter the picture. I planted a few last year and loved how cheerful they stayed through heat and …

Oregon’s climate makes it tempting to plant every fruit tree you can find, but not all of them belong in your yard. I’ve learned that …

Minnesota gardens feel peaceful until a toxic tree sneaks into the mix without you knowing. I brushed against one years ago and understood the warning …

Michigan yards can hide a few tree troublemakers that look harmless until the state steps in. I spotted one in my neighborhood once and had …

New Hampshire’s yard guidelines are shifting, and some favorites may not be allowed much longer. I’ve already seen a few homeowners rethink new additions. Knowing …

Texas trees are full of surprises, and sometimes the odd bundle of leaves you spot isn’t a nest at all. I remember doing a double …

Coyotes in New Hampshire have a way of showing up at the most random moments, and it can jolt your nerves for a second. I …

Raccoons in North Carolina have a habit of showing up exactly where they shouldn’t. I’ve watched people react too fast and make the situation messy. …

Georgia rainstorms can roll in fast and leave your garden struggling. I’ve had flower beds flatten overnight before figuring out how to shield them. A …

Tennessee has no shortage of insects that can cause trouble fast. I’ve crossed paths with a few in my own yard, and they definitely got …

Arizona trees love throwing people off with those odd clumps that really look like nests at first glance. I’ve stared at them more than once …

Ohio cities have become little wildlife hubs lately, and I’m always surprised by what turns up just a few steps from my porch. Some of …