Pauline Butterfield

Ever catch a flash of crimson darting through your garden? Red birds bring more than just color—they add energy, personality, and a dose of wild …

Just a pinch of fresh herbs can take your cooking from meh to mouthwatering in seconds. And when you grow your own, you get flavor, …

Summer heat can hit hard, leaving your once-lush lawn looking dry and lifeless in no time. That crunchy, brown grass? It’s often the result of …

Your garden might be crawling with tiny legs—but don’t be too quick to stomp! Not all bugs are bad news. In fact, many are silent …

Our backyards are more than just green spaces—they’re safe havens for countless birds that keep local ecosystems in balance. It’s tempting to get up close, …

I used to grow parsley just for kitchen use—until I planted it near my front steps and saw what a difference it made. Not only …

If you’ve ever stepped into a soft spot in your lawn only to realize a mole’s been tunneling beneath it, you’re not alone. These little …

Gardens have a way of surprising us when we pay attention to how they change over time. I’ve always loved watching certain plants fade quietly …

A full, blooming snapdragon bed is one of those garden sights that just makes you stop and smile. I remember planting my first batch and …

Dreaming of a shady retreat but worried a tree might overwhelm your yard? You’re not alone—plenty of homeowners face the same challenge. Luckily, there are …

Growing your own food often feels like a full-time job, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Some vegetables are real survivors—they keep producing …

Having a skinny backyard might seem like a design challenge, but it’s actually an opportunity to get a little creative. Just because the space is …

Your garden is often the first thing guests notice—and it’s the perfect place to let a little personality shine. A few well-chosen decorations can instantly …

Woodpeckers might be pretty to watch, but when they start hammering away at your trees, wooden fences, or garden features, it can get really frustrating. …

There’s something incredibly rewarding about stepping into your garden and seeing it alive with fluttering butterflies and buzzing bees. It’s not just pretty—it feels like …

You don’t need a huge budget to create a garden that’s alive with color, movement, and the gentle hum of pollinators. With just a bit …

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 …