Homegrown Tea in Your Teapot?
The tea plant (Camellia sinensis) is a tree native to subtropical Asia. Tea is grown commercially in many countries, includingContinue 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.
When Your Christmas Cactus Blooms Too Early
Your Christmas cactus is already in bloom well before Christmas? That’s normal… because it’s not a Christmas cactus. Let meContinue Reading
Yes, You Can Succeed with Amaryllis
The amaryllis (Hippeastrum spp.) is a popular houseplant, but also a rather unusual one in that it is generally soldContinue Reading
Pesticides: The Reward of Fear
I am, and always have been, an environmental gardener. I’d like to pretend it’s because, in the wisdom of myContinue Reading
Winter Protection That Makes Sense
There’s no denying that autumn has arrived. Falling leaves, freezing plants, cold nights: it’s not July anymore! So it’s timeContinue Reading
How Humans Saved the Pumpkin From Extinction
On this day of Halloween, when ghoulish jack-o’-lanterns decorate our homes and public spaces, it may be interesting to reflect onContinue Reading
An Ornamental Grass You Won’t Want to Grow
You can’t drive along a highway in many parts of North America without seeing mile after mile of a veryContinue Reading
A Rolling Leaf Gathers No Moss
It’s that time of year again! Frost hits, the colorful leaves on the trees start to fall, the grass stopsContinue Reading
The Last Shrub to Bloom
If you live in a temperate climate, the last shrub that you’re likely to see flower each year is theContinue Reading
A Cold Frame to Keep Your Plants Warm
Unfortunately, a personal greenhouse remains an unattainable dream for most people, as they are expensive to build and maintain, andContinue Reading