Maya Benson

Living in Alaska means dealing with some serious darkness during winter months when the sun barely makes an appearance. I’ve spent three winters in Fairbanks …

Finding the right plants for small garden borders can be tricky, especially in Connecticut where our growing season has specific challenges. Many gardeners with limited …

Kansas summers can be brutal with temperatures soaring into the triple digits and humidity that makes you feel like you’re walking through soup. Many garden …

As a berry lover in Washington State, I’ve learned that fall prep is key to a successful harvest next year. Taking time for 15 essential …

Vermont’s legendary autumn landscape isn’t just about maple trees. In my years of gardening here, I’ve discovered 18 perennials that transform into stunning displays when …

Creating a garden that feels like something out of a Jane Austen novel isn’t just about pretty flowers—it’s about capturing that quiet, timeless romance. The …

After three summers of endless watering and mowing, my front lawn still looked patchy and defeated. Life in the Pacific Northwest means soggy winters and …

After 15 years of tending gardens, I’ve encountered my fair share of plant disappointments. Some climbing plants that looked promising in catalogs turned into absolute …

Garden fences offer privacy and charm—but they’re also ladders for aggressive vines. These fast growers may seem harmless in spring, but by summer they can …

August can be brutal on garden plants. When temperatures soar and the sun beats down relentlessly, even established greenery can suffer from the equivalent of …

New Jersey gardeners know that our state’s humid summers can turn yesterday’s fresh mulch into today’s moldy mess. Those fuzzy patches aren’t just unsightly—they can …

Growing root vegetables in Florida’s unique climate presents special challenges, especially when it comes to drainage in raised beds. Heavy seasonal rains combined with periods …

Late summer in Montana may feel like the season’s wrapping up, but for root vegetables, it’s just getting started. The cooler temps are gentle on …

As summer winds down in Iowa, it’s easy to assume the growing season has closed shop. But early fall brings ideal conditions for certain flowers—cool …

Shady corners under Virginia’s towering trees might seem off-limits for gardening, but they’re full of hidden potential. With the right groundcovers, those dim spaces can …

Texas backyards deserve special attention when it comes to privacy. With our year-round outdoor lifestyle and those famous wide-open spaces, creating a personal oasis can …

California patios offer a wonderful opportunity to create your own little garden oasis, but they often present a challenge: varying light conditions. From sun-drenched Southern …

As evening falls across Colorado, skunks start to stir, slipping through yards in search of snacks and shelter. They may look harmless, but one spray …

Adding pink perennials to your Pennsylvania garden is a reliable way to keep the color coming year after year. These hardy bloomers handle everything from …

Ever wonder what to do with those beautiful store-bought flowers once they start to wilt? In New York’s varied climate, many cut flowers can actually …

Many Washington gardeners spend countless hours battling what they consider unwanted invaders in their yards. What if I told you that some of these so-called …

New Mexico’s unique desert climate presents special challenges for gardeners, but the right native plants can transform your yard into a pollinator paradise while conserving …

Choosing the right trees for your Georgia property can make or break your driveway’s longevity. I’ve learned through years of gardening in Georgia’s unique climate …

Radishes are a beginner’s dream—fast-growing, fuss-free, and oh-so-satisfying. In just three to four weeks, you can go from seed to harvest, making them perfect for …

Growing sunflowers from seed is pure joy—they rise like golden beacons, following the sun and turning your garden into a lively haven. Their cheerful blooms …

Adding plants indoors brings a sense of life and calm, while naturally freshening the air around us. Even if your space is tight, there’s a …

Want to turn your garden into something truly special? The right mix of plants can elevate any outdoor space—whether it’s a sprawling backyard or a …

Gardening in Arizona isn’t just planting and hoping—it’s a test of patience, strategy, and sun tolerance. What works elsewhere can backfire fast here, leaving plants …

Gardening in Illinois keeps you on your toes—with wild weather, dense clay soil, and growing seasons that feel like they’re over before they start. Many …

Building a ground-level deck in Washington is a smart way to enjoy the outdoors—even when the weather’s less than sunny. Our unpredictable rain doesn’t have …

New Jersey yards have gone through a glow-up in recent years, and what once passed for trendy now often feels tired. Old-school features like cracked …

Summer gardens explode with color, turning backyards into lush escapes—but those vibrant blooms often fade faster than we’d like. The trick to keeping them around …

Your home’s exterior is the first thing people notice—whether it’s friends dropping by or potential buyers sizing things up. Luckily, you don’t need deep pockets …

The summer solstice is a magical moment—marking the longest day, the peak of sunlight, and centuries of celebration across cultures. It’s a time to pause, …

Growing tomatoes that are truly mouthwatering takes more than just sunshine and a sprinkle of water. The secret? Natural, single-ingredient fertilizers that are easy to …

Want to elevate your outdoor space without draining your budget? The trick lies in smart, stylish upgrades that pack a punch. Think sleek solar lights, …

Few things shatter the calm of a summer hangout faster than a swarm of flies dive-bombing your plate. Warm weather brings these unwelcome guests in …

Gardens don’t lose their charm when the sun goes down—in fact, some plants wait for dusk to show their true magic. Night-bloomers like moonflower, evening …

Begonias are back in the spotlight—and with good reason. From shady corners to sunny porches, these adaptable plants bring rich color and texture wherever they’re …

A butterfly garden adds motion, color, and joy to your outdoor space—plus, it gives pollinators a helping hand when they need it most. These delicate …