Gardening

If you want to add a massive, bold touch of the tropics to your home, look no further than the Schefflera. Commonly known as the “Umbrella Tree” due to its sweeping, circular leaf clusters, this plant has been a houseplant staple for decades. Back in 2018, someone abandoned a tall, incredibly leggy Schefflera in the […]

A few years ago, I almost gave up on growing broccoli in my raised beds. Every single summer, the cabbage moths would find them, and within a week, hundreds of tiny green caterpillars would decimate my beautiful plants. Then, I learned an old-school gardening secret: I stopped planting my broccoli in a single, solitary row

Back in 2015, when we were first establishing the garden beds that eventually inspired SpruceShake, I wanted a background plant along our wooden fence line that was tall, bold, and practically indestructible. I planted a dozen Tiger Lily bulbs, watered them, and largely forgot about them. Fast forward to mid-summer, and those massive, six-foot stems

If you want to instantly turn your backyard into a bustling sanctuary for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, there is one plant that outshines almost all the rest: Bee Balm (Monarda). I learned this firsthand a few years ago when we were expanding the pollinator borders here at SpruceShake. I planted a single, small pot of

There is a lot of confusion in the gardening world about the “Bird of Paradise.” When most people hear the name, they picture the broad-leafed, tropical houseplant with orange and blue flowers. However, during my travels through the arid Southwest, I discovered a completely different beast: the Mexican Bird of Paradise (Caesalpinia mexicana). Unlike its

There’s a certain magic to walking beneath a hardwood canopy, knowing the roots beneath your boots might hold centuries of healing tradition. American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) is a patient teacher—it rewards those who listen to the land and adapt their care to local rhythms. Whether you’re in the cool hills of Vermont or the wooded

Tending a garden is a deeply rewarding pursuit-one that invites us to shape our surroundings and nurture a living landscape. For those who take pride in a well-kept lawn, choosing the right mower is a decision that can influence not just the look of the grass, but its long-term health. Gas powered reel mowers, though

How Long Do Electric Lawn Mowers Last? Electric lawn mowers are rapidly becoming the go-to choice for gardeners seeking efficiency, eco-friendliness, and lower maintenance. But just how long can you expect these mowers and their batteries to serve your yard? Let’s dig into the details, covering battery lifespan, care tips, troubleshooting, and how to choose

The Allure of Purple Crepe Myrtle If you’re looking for a striking, low-maintenance plant that delivers color from spring through fall, the Purple Crepe Myrtle deserves a spot in your landscape. These unique cultivars combine the classic beauty of crape myrtle blooms with dramatic, dark foliage for season-long interest. Here’s everything you need to know to

Perfect Plant Spacing Made Simple   Tired of guessing how many plants to buy for your garden project? Our Plant Planning and Spacing Calculator eliminates the frustration of over-purchasing expensive plants or discovering bare spots after planting. Whether designing a vibrant flower bed, planning a productive vegetable garden, or creating a lush landscape, this powerful