Pauline Butterfield

It’s wild how often I now spot animals in places I never used to—raccoons in alleys, deer near shopping centers, even a fox once trotting …

Creating your own indoor jungle doesn’t have to cost a fortune—I learned that the fun way. Some of my favorite houseplants basically do the work …

Growing hot peppers at home is a real treat—there’s nothing like picking your own spicy pods to kick up your cooking. But not every pepper …

I’ll admit, the first time I saw someone using an electric toothbrush on their tomato plants, I thought they’d lost it. But once I tried …

Nothing ruins the graceful look of a peace lily faster than those dry, brown tips curling at the edges. I’ve been there—wondering what I did …

If you’ve ever felt like your roses needed a little extra love but didn’t want to splurge on fancy fertilizers, you’re not alone. I’ve found …

Your entryway sets the tone for your whole home, and a well-chosen plant can make it feel warm and inviting right from the start. I’ve …

Transforming your outdoor space doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune. I’ve found some of my favorite garden pieces digging through local thrift stores and …

I used to think that owning a piece of land meant I could pretty much do whatever I wanted with it—including burying things if I …

Bucket gardening became my go-to when I realized I didn’t have room for raised beds or big containers. All it took was a few five-gallon …

Cape honeysuckle brings tropical flair to any garden with its vibrant trumpet-shaped flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. While traditionally grown in the ground, many …

When the summer heat kicks in, I’ve noticed some of my plants go from thriving to wilting almost overnight. It’s frustrating watching all that hard …

Spring always feels like a fresh start in the garden—but let’s be honest, waiting for things to fill in can feel like watching paint dry. …

Gardening should bring joy, not endless weekend chores that leave you exhausted. After fifteen years of designing landscapes, I’ve learned which plants truly deliver on …

Hanging baskets can completely change the look of your porch or garden with their beautiful cascading blooms, but watering them right is key. I’ve seen …

Getting those big, juicy oranges starts with proper pruning — it’s the game-changer many gardeners overlook. When you prune right, your tree puts its energy …

Noticing little flowers sprouting from your basil and cilantro? That’s bolting – when herbs decide it’s time to produce seeds instead of the flavorful leaves …

Gardening in a humid climate can feel like a constant uphill battle—just when your plants start looking good, the moisture creeps in and wreaks havoc. …

Growing baby cucumbers in containers sounded like the perfect idea—compact, crunchy, and easy to snack on right off the vine. But my first few tries …

Picking the right spot for your tree is just as important as choosing the tree itself. Planting in the wrong place can cause all kinds …

Growing tomatoes started as a fun weekend project for me, but I quickly hit a frustrating wall—big, healthy plants with barely a tomato in sight. …

Creating a farmhouse-style garden has always appealed to me—it’s something about the mix of wild beauty and old-fashioned charm that just feels like home. I’ve …

Growing sweet potatoes in soil bags turned out to be one of my favorite gardening experiments. I don’t have a ton of space, and my …

Keeping bee balm blooming all season took me a bit of trial and error. At first, I just let it grow wild, not realizing that …

Keeping ferns happy sometimes feels like trying to read their minds. I’ve had more than one crispy, browning disaster before finally figuring out what they …

Growing morel mushrooms at home felt a bit like trying to crack a secret code—but once I got the hang of it, it became one …

Growing willow trees from cuttings is honestly one of the easiest and most satisfying gardening projects I’ve ever tried. With just a few snips from …

Our backyards are full of tiny neighbors we often overlook, busy doing their part to keep things balanced. From helpful bugs to small mammals, these …

I used to think color blocking was something only designers or landscapers worried about—until I tried it in my own garden. Just playing around with …

There’s something magical about having songbirds visit your yard—their cheerful songs and bright colors instantly bring your outdoor space to life. For me, it’s like …

Keeping snakes out of your yard doesn’t have to mean resorting to harsh chemicals or setting out traps. If you’re anything like me, you’d rather …

Growing melons in your backyard feels like a little summertime magic—especially when you finally cut into one and it’s bursting with sweetness. But I’ve had …

Dealing with bare spots in your lawn can be so frustrating—especially after all the work you’ve already put in. When it comes to filling them …

There’s something magical about Monstera Albo leaves—those splashes of creamy white look like nature took a paintbrush to them. I still remember the first time …

Summer always used to catch me off guard—one minute my succulents were thriving, the next they were scorched and shriveled from the heat. Even though …

Gardening should be a joy—not a reason to break out in a rash. I learned the hard way after brushing up against a mystery plant …

There’s nothing like spotting a hummingbird flitting through the garden—it feels like a little bit of magic just zipped by. I used to think attracting …

Growing catnip in my garden started as a treat for my tabby, but quickly turned into a fascinating experiment in plant partnerships. The fuzzy-leaved herb …

Watching my backyard go from bare soil to a buzzing little habitat has been such a rewarding part of homeownership. Planting trees that attract pollinators …

Have you ever brought home a new plant, set it in the perfect spot, and then waited… and waited… for it to actually do something? …