How to Prune a Hydrangea Tree
Question I have a hydrangea tree, but its branches are too long. So when it rains, the branches and flowersContinue Reading
Author: Larry Hodgson
Garden writer and blogger, author of 65 gardening books, lecturer and communicator, the Laidback Gardener, Larry Hodgson, passed away in October 2022. Known for his great generosity, his thoroughness and his sense of humor, he reached several generations of amateur and professional gardeners over his 40-year career.
Thanks to his son, Mathieu Hodgson, and a team of contributors, laidbackgardener.blog will continue its mission of demystifying gardening and making it more accessible to all.
Giant Waterlilies: Leaves Dressed to Impress
Victoria cruziana. Photo: Mercy from Wikimedia Commons I’ve just come back from the freshly renovated water garden at the MontrealContinue Reading
PLANTING TO ATTRACT SEED-EATING BIRDS
Goldfinches are seed-eaters. And they particularly like thistle seeds! Photo: Snowmanradio, Flickr. You’ll see lots of advice on the InternetContinue Reading
Large-Leafed Ficus: September 2019 Houseplant of the Month
Different varieties of variegated rubber plant (Ficus elastica). Ficus are well-known for being indoor trees with hundreds of little leaves,Continue Reading
Honey As Rooting Hormone
Can honey be used as a rooting hormone? Ill.: pluspng.com, blog.daleysfruit.com.au& www.churchofjesuschrist.org, montage: laidbackgardener.com You may have seen the advice bouncing aboutContinue Reading
Bringing the Tropics Back Indoors
A tropical look on the deck is very “in,” but soon you’ll have to bring those plants in—indoors, that is!—toContinue Reading
Perennial, But Just Barely
Gaillardia or blanket flower (Gaillardia × grandiflora) is beautiful and long-blooming, but rarely lives more than 2 or 3 years.Continue Reading
Why Isn’t My Spathiphyllum Getting Bigger?
Spathiphyllum ‘Sensation’ in the foreground with smaller spathiphyllums behind it. Photo: Janet Melconian, www.pinterest.cl Question: My friend has a beautiful hugeContinue Reading
Bring in Houseplants While Windows Are Still Open
Your houseplants may be enjoying their summer outdoors, but at some point you need to consider bringing them back in!Continue Reading
Cannas With Prickly Balls!
Prickly seed capsules on a canna. Quite attractive, don’t you think? Photo: www.houzz.com Every year, I receive messages from gardenersContinue Reading