Blog
Get my best gardening tips, tricks, and more.
Why Fall Planting Beats Spring
Better weather, less watering, and serious savings. Here's why smart gardeners plant in fall.
Powdery Mildew 101
White powder on your plants? It's powdery mildew. Learn what causes it, which plants get it, and why prevention beats treatment every time.
Heat-Proof Your Garden
Tired of babying plants through hot weather? These heat-loving perennials and shrubs actually get better when temperatures climb.
The July Garden Slump
Your garden looked great earlier this season, but July hit hard. Here's why this happens and what you can do about it.
When to Plant: Your Seasonal Success Guide
Wondering when to start your garden? Every season has its perks. Here's what to expect each month and how to time your planting for success.
The Spacing Trap (And How to Escape It)
Plant spacing feels impossible because nobody tells you the real strategy. I'll show you how to get the timing right so your garden looks good now AND in five years.
Taming the Hellstrip
Learn how to convert that notorious 'hellstrip' into a sustainable, low-maintenance garden that enhances your street appeal.
Planting Under Black Walnut Trees
Transform the challenging space around black walnut trees into a vibrant and thriving garden
The Pinterest Trap
Seduced by gorgeous garden photos that never seem to match your reality? Discover why Pinterest gardens are often impossible dreams and learn practical strategies to create beautiful landscapes that actually work with your specific conditions, timeline, and budget.
How to Find the Right Landscaper
Hiring a landscaper but worried they'll miss your vision? Learn the five critical questions that separate true professionals from quick-cash contractors, and discover how to build a partnership that turns your dream landscape into reality.
Great Gardens Worth the Drive
Five remarkable gardens within driving distance of Buffalo, each offering unique lessons for gardeners in our challenging climate.
Garden Varieties Worth the Hype
From non-flopping catmint to a pure white hibiscus, discover new plant varieties that solve common garden challenges while adding fresh excitement to traditional favorites.
January’s Design Lesson
How dormant season observations reveal our garden's hidden strengths, challenges, and opportunities for better design.
Winter's Wisdom
A reassuring look at why winter dormancy isn't something to fear, but rather an essential season that helps our gardens grow stronger.
Pruning Hydrangeas (with proof)
Consider this your DEFINITIVE guide to pruning hydrangeas, complete with academic sources!
Fall Pruning
Late fall is the perfect time for pruning most of your flowering trees and shrubs. Here's how to avoid turning your yard into an accidental experiment in survival of the fittest.
Overwintering Potted Perennials
Overwintering perennials in pots presents unique challenges. With the right techniques and careful planning, you can ensure that your beloved perennials thrive through the colder months
Protecting Your Trees this Winter
Winter is coming, and gardeners need to ensure their trees are protected against the cold. While trees are naturally resilient, they still need some care to handle harsh winter conditions.
How to Plant on a Slope
Planting on slopes can be tricky! We'll guide you through the best practices to ensure planting project is a resounding success.
Best Plants for Clay Soil
Growing a garden in clay soil can be challenging, but it's not a death sentence. With the right plant choices, you can transform any spot with heavy clay into a beautiful and successful garden.

