Garden Myth: Tomato Leaves Are Poisonous
Well, this is kind of a mix of myth and truth, because tomato leaves can be seen as toxic orContinue 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.
The Fascinating History of Orange Cauliflower
You’ve probably seen one in the supermarket or a public market, although you may have hesitated to try it: brightContinue Reading
Garden Myth: Make Cuttings at a 45° Angle
Sometimes horticultural myths aren’t exactly wrong, it’s just that they add an unneeded complication to what should be simple. SuchContinue Reading
Cuttings in a Water Bottle
You’re traveling and someone offers you a few cuttings to take home? Rather than having to look for a plasticContinue Reading
Pinch Off Those Coleus Flowers
Today’s coleuses (Coleus scutellarioides, formerly Plectranthus scutellarioides and Solenostemon scutellarioides) is very different from the coleuses that used to be available.Continue Reading
Trees: Wanted, Dead or Alive!
Trees are essential parts of our landscape. We cherish them for the beauty they give to our gardens and citiesContinue Reading
August Is the Time to Order Fall Bulbs!
If you intend to plant bulbs for bloom next spring—tulips, daffodils, squills, hyacinths, crocuses, etc.—or autumn-flowering bulbs—autumn crocuses, colchicums, etc.—,Continue Reading
Pre-Germinate Spinach for a Fall Harvest
Most of us sow spinach directly in the garden in March or April for a spring/early summer harvest. However, asContinue Reading
Start Early: Sow Your Pansies Now!
Did you know you can sow your pansies (Viola x wittrockiana) for next year’s garden now, that is, at theContinue Reading
Perk Up Shade With Golden Foliage
Gardeners have their own vocabulary, on that can seem a bit strange to the uninitiated. For example, when they speakContinue Reading