Pauline Butterfield

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? …

My landscaping journey took an unexpected turn last spring when my neighbor’s beautiful tree caused my dog to become violently ill after chewing on fallen …

Fuchsias are some of the most stunning plants in my garden, but I’ve learned they won’t put on a good show without the right feeding …

Getting orchids to thrive shouldn’t feel like solving a mystery. These stunning flowers have a reputation for being fussy, but with the right approach, they …

Butterflies see colors differently than we do, with their vision extending into the ultraviolet spectrum. Their color preferences aren’t just about aesthetics—they’re about survival and …

Hiking through America’s national parks offers breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences, but some green residents along those trails can turn your adventure into a painful …

Looking to add a touch of elegance to your compact living space? Silver-leaved plants bring a magical moonlit glow to any corner, creating a sophisticated …

Garden enthusiasts know that the right plant pairings can make all the difference between a so-so garden and one that truly dazzles. Summer phlox, with …

Growing a stunning display of colorful zinnias only to watch them topple over just as they reach their prime is one of gardening’s most heartbreaking …

Growing your own fresh produce can be incredibly rewarding, but few things are more disappointing than watching fruits rot right before harvest time. After weeks …

Standing in the garden center in late May, you might think you’ve missed the window for planting annuals this year. I’ve definitely been there—staring at …

If you’ve ever walked out to admire your rhubarb patch and spotted a tall flowering stalk shooting up—don’t panic, but take action. I’ve learned the …

Hydrangeas have captivated gardeners for generations with their showstopping blooms and remarkable versatility. These flowering shrubs grace gardens worldwide, yet harbor numerous secrets beneath their …

When summer temperatures climb, your home can quickly become uncomfortably warm, even with air conditioning running overtime. Most people don’t realize that certain houseplants can …

Gardening often brings unexpected lessons about beauty and resilience. Those gorgeous blooms catching your eye at the garden center might disappear from your landscape faster …

Camellias are stunning flowering shrubs that can transform your garden with their glossy leaves and gorgeous blooms. I’ve learned through years of trial and error …

I learned the hard way that irises aren’t as carefree as they first appear. After watching several clumps struggle in my backyard, I realized these …

Growing peppers can be a rewarding experience, but certain plant neighbors can sabotage your success. The right growing companions make all the difference between stunted, …

Cottagecore gardens always remind me of old storybooks—those cozy scenes with flowers spilling over stone paths and bees lazily buzzing about. There’s something comforting about …

Spring always feels like a fresh start, and it’s the best time to give your garden and lawn a little extra love. I’ve found that …

Gardening advice tends to come with a lot of “shoulds” and “musts,” but over the years, I’ve learned that bending the rules can actually lead …

Beets are one of those underrated garden heroes that deserve way more love than they get. They’re easy to grow, come in beautiful colors, and …

Summer gardens are all about plants that can handle the heat and still keep going. You want your garden to stay bright and lively, even …

Growing your own lettuce is such a satisfying part of gardening—there’s nothing like stepping outside and picking your own fresh greens. But I’ve learned the …