Maya Benson

Ants invading your home can be such a headache, especially when you want to steer clear of strong chemicals. I’ve heard from plenty of folks …

Turning your garden into a pollinator haven isn’t just a fun weekend project—it’s a small way to make a big impact. I used to think …

Imagine stepping into your garden each spring and spotting new blooms popping up—without lifting a finger. That’s the magic of self-sowing flowers. I love how …

Giving your Christmas cactus a little outdoor vacation can really perk it up, but timing and placement are everything. I’ve made the mistake of rushing …

Discovering those weird mounds and tunnels in your yard can be pretty frustrating—especially after all the effort you’ve put into your garden. Moles dig around …

Don’t have a backyard? No worries! Even a sunny balcony with some simple containers can turn into your own little garden oasis this summer. There’s …

North America’s wild beauty hides more than just breathtaking views—it’s also home to some seriously dangerous plants. I used to wander trails without giving much …

Struggling with those dark, gloomy spots in your garden where nothing seems to grow? I’ve definitely battled with stubborn shady corners that felt more like …

Creating an eco-friendly front yard doesn’t mean settling for something dull or lifeless—I’ve found it actually opens the door to really creative design. With the …

Tired of battling weeds in your garden? I know I am. My back aches just thinking about all those hours spent hunched over, yanking stubborn …

Creating a beautiful yard isn’t always as simple as planting your favorite flowers and hoping for the best. I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) that …

Finding my container plants wilted beyond recognition after just a day away was my gardening wake-up call. Something had to change if I wanted thriving …

Want a gorgeous yard without draining your savings? Trust me, you don’t need a landscaping crew or fancy materials to make it happen. With a …

Creating a warm, inviting entrance to your home goes beyond wreaths and welcome mats. One trick I picked up from a gardening neighbor was planting …

Filling the bottom of large planters can save you money on potting soil and make those heavy containers easier to move. But I’ve learned the …

There’s nothing more disheartening than seeing ugly brown patches pop up in your lawn after all the effort you’ve put in. I’ve been there—standing with …

Gardening in July can feel like a mixed bag—some plants thrive in the heat, while others seem to wilt before your eyes. I’ve definitely had …

Creating a beautiful garden shouldn’t feel like a constant tug-of-war with pushy plants. I’ve had my share of overgrown messes that started with just one …

Comfrey is one of those plants I completely overlooked—until I realized how much it could do for my garden. Once I gave it a try, …

Summer is when my porch really comes to life—with the right plants, even a small space can feel like a tropical getaway. I’ve learned that …

Weeping trees bring a special kind of magic to any garden with their graceful, cascading branches. Their elegant shapes add vertical interest while gently softening …

Drying your own herbs for tea is such a satisfying way to enjoy fresh flavors all year long. When done right, it locks in those …

Growing your own berries always felt like a luxury to me—something only possible with a big yard and rows of bushes. But I quickly learned …

July always sneaks up on me, and suddenly I realize—it’s already time to think about fall veggies. It feels early, but if I wait too …

Ever dreamed of creating a tropical paradise in your living room but don’t have space for a massive banana tree? You’re not alone! Many plant …

Tired of growing the same old basil every summer? It might be time to mix things up and try some new herbs that bring just …

Growing vegetables doesn’t have to mean giving up on curb appeal. With a little planning, you can create a front yard that’s both beautiful and …

Creating a thriving vegetable garden isn’t just about planting tomatoes and hoping for the best. Over the years, I’ve learned that mixing in the right …

Growing juicy, flavorful tomatoes in June has become one of my favorite garden challenges. Every year, I tweak my routine a little based on what …

Creeping buttercup tricked me with its cute yellow blooms—I thought it added a wild, cottage feel to my garden. But before I knew it, it …

Aggressive vines fooled me once—and never again. I planted a few thinking they’d add charm to my fence line, but within a season they were …

Beets are one of those veggies that quietly do it all—and if you’ve ever tossed the tops or scraps, you’re missing out. I used to …

Pairing lavender with zinnias seemed like an odd idea at first—one is soft and calming, the other loud and cheerful. But when I gave it …

I always look forward to summer bulbs popping up just as the spring show starts to fade. There’s something so satisfying about seeing bold colors …

When those tiny flower buds pop up on your basil plants, your first instinct might be to pinch them off—especially if you’ve read that blooming …

Growing dahlias in containers has been one of my favorite garden discoveries—it’s perfect if you’re short on space but still want big, bold blooms. I …

Picking the right perennials can feel like a guessing game—especially when everything at the nursery looks so tempting. I’ve definitely fallen for a few “must-have” …

Most of us don’t give a second thought to the everyday smells around our homes—but snakes sure do. These curious reptiles use their tongues to …

Deadheading is one of those simple garden tricks that makes a huge difference. I used to think it was just about looks—until I saw how …

Installing a sprinkler system might sound like a total yard-wrecker, but it really doesn’t have to be. When I tackled mine, I was surprised at …