Posts By

Jill Drago

Jill is currently a hobby gardener and stay at home mom. Her love for gardening came from a high school job at a local garden center. Jill then earned her Bachelor of Science in Environmental Horticulture and Turfgrass Management from the University of Rhode Island. She has spent her years post college as a plant recorder at a botanical garden, golf course horticulturist, and high end gardener. Jill specializes in coastal plantings in zone 6b.

View of a Christmas cactus isn't flowering in a large pot. Christmas cactus is characterized by flattened, segmented stems of green color. These segmented stems are glossy with scalloped edges.

Houseplants

Why Isn’t My Christmas Cactus Flowering?

Christmas cactus plants are adored for their brightly colored flowers that appear throughout the winter months. Did the winter months pass without flowers blooming on your Christmas cactus? In this article, gardening expert Jill Drago discusses four reasons your Christmas cactus may not bloom.

Close-up of a non-blooming Christmas cactus with fallen leaves on a wooden table. The plant is in a large plastic terracotta pot. The plant has elongated, drooping, segmented green stems. These segments resemble flattened leaves with scalloped edges.

Houseplants

Why is my Christmas Cactus Dropping Leaves?

Leaves falling from your Christmas cactus can be alarming! These steadfast plants are known for their ease of care, so it's distressing when they look unhealthy. In this article, gardening expert Jill Drago will list reasons why your Christmas cactus may be losing its leaves and how to remedy the problem.

A Christmas cactus blossoms in full glory. Its slender petals, like delicate brushstrokes, unfold to reveal a mesmerizing dance of colors. Nestled within a terracotta pot, this botanical masterpiece rests upon a wooden table, its presence radiating warmth and elegance.

Houseplants

Is Christmas Cactus Safe for Cats?

Are you a cat owner looking to expand your houseplant collection? Christmas cacti are very popular and low-maintenance plants that are easy to grow. In this article, gardening expert Jill Drago will share if this plant is toxic to cats.

Close-up of small round shaped Boxwood shrubs in a sunny garden. The Boxwood shrub is an evergreen plant renowned for its dense, compact nature and small, leathery, glossy green leaves.

Shrubs

How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Boxwood Shrubs

Are you looking for a dependable and beautiful evergreen shrub for your yard? Boxwood shrubs are easy-to-grow, low-maintenance shrubs that can be used in various ways throughout your garden. In this article, gardening expert Jill Drago will detail the best ways to grow and care for boxwood shrubs at your home.

A close-up of red winterberries glistening in the warm sunlight, showcasing their glossy, rounded shapes. The brilliant crimson hue of the berries contrasts beautifully with the deep green, oblong leaves.

Shrubs

How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Winterberry Holly

Are you searching for a shrub that will instantly beautify your winter gardens? Look no further than the winterberry holly. In this article, gardening expert Jill Drago will detail everything you need to know to plant, grow, and care for winterberry hollies.

A mother and son kneel by a raised garden bed, tending to abundant veggies and flowers.

Gardening Inspiration

11 Themed Gardens Kids Will Love

Gardening with kids is so rewarding and can be a lot of fun. If you are looking to get your budding gardener more involved, it might be time to give them their own garden! In this article, gardening expert and mom Jill Drago suggests 11 themed gardens that your kids will love to grow and care for.

Close-up of bright pink and purple blooming Lupines in a sunny garden. Lupines are tall, striking wildflowers that feature dense, spiky clusters of vibrant, pea-like blossoms. Their palmate leaves are typically composed of several leaflets and provide a lush backdrop to the showy floral spikes.

Flowers

Do Lupines Need Full Sun, Partial Shade, or Full Shade?

Interested in growing lupines but not sure if you have the right amount of sun? Wondering why the lupines you planted last year are not flowering? Lupines have sun preferences that can be tricky to interpret. In this article, certified master gardener Liz Jaros breaks down the different exposure categories and applies them to the Lupinus genus.

A gloved gardener uses pruners to snip off old, brown panicle hydrangea blooms.

Shrubs

Should you Prune Hydrangeas in the Fall?

Should you prune your hydrangeas in the fall before the winter sets in? In this article, hydrangea enthusiast Jill Drago will tell you the best time to prune your hydrangeas and a few other tips to make this process seamless.

A sunny windowsill hosts a collection of potted herbs. Among them, fragrant rosemary, delicate thyme, and vibrant mint grow, each labeled with its name. The backdrop is a clear glass window, inviting in natural light.

Herbs

13 Potted Herbs You Can Grow Indoors for Thanksgiving Dinner

Have you and your family begun your yearly planning for Thanksgiving? If you are looking to add some homegrown goodness to your big meal, this list is perfect for you. Gardening expert Jill Drago has compiled a list of 13 herbs you can grow indoors and use for your Thanksgiving dinner.