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.

november gardening tasks

Gardening Tips

11 Gardening Tasks You Should Do in November

Fall gardening brings with it plenty of work in order to prepare for spring. There are many garden tasks you can do specifically in the month of November, no matter your climate. In this article, gardening expert Jill Drago shares the gardening activities she plans on tackling in her own garden this November.

coneflower varieties

Flowers

23 Different Types of Beautiful Coneflower Varieties

Are you thinking of planting some coneflowers in your garden this season? There are a number of different types of perennial coneflowers you can grow, depending on your climate. In this article, gardening expert Jill Drago walks through some of the top types of coneflower, with names and pictures of each!

early blue hydrangea

Shrubs

11 Reasons You’ll Love ‘Early Blue’ Hydrangeas

If you are thinking of planting 'Early Blue' hydrangea this season, you've come to the right place! There are many reasons to love this low-maintenance variety, especially with its beautiful blue blooms. In this article, gardening expert and hydrangea enthusiast Jill Drago walks through why she loves this popular hydrangea variety, and thinks you will too!

A close up of an azalea with purple flowers blooming in a sunny garden. There are about twenty lavender blooms coming from one single shrub.

Shrubs

11 Purple Azalea Varieties For Beautiful Garden Color

Are you thinking of adding some purple azaleas to your garden this season but aren't quite sure where to start? These popular shrubs come in many shades of purple, and can add plenty of color to your garden this season. In this article, gardening expert Jill Drago looks at her favorite varieties of azaleas that sport beautiful purple blooms!

azaleas annual or perennial

Shrubs

Are Azaleas Considered Annual, Biennial, or Perennial Shrubs?

Thinking of planting azaleas but aren't sure if they will come back each year? Azaleas are beautiful flowering shrubs, and it's important to understand about their life cycle before you start planting. In this article, gardening expert Jill Drago examines if azaleas are classified as annual, biennial, or perennial shrubs!

when to plant azaleas

Shrubs

When Should You Plant Flowering Azaleas?

Not sure when you should put your azaleas in the ground this season? Azaleas are beautiful flowering shrubs, but planting at the wrong time can cause a lack of blooms or even plant death. In this article, gardening expert Jill Drago examines the best time to plant Azaleas in your garden.

red azaleas

Shrubs

11 Red Azalea Varieties For Bold Garden Color

Looking for some red azaleas to add to your garden? There are many azaleas that bloom with bold red color, so it's important to find the perfect variety for your hardiness zone. In this article, gardening expert Jill Drago examines some of the top red azalea varieties you can grow!

A close up of the hydrangea macrophylla growing in a garden with bright purple blooms. There are three clusters of flowers on this shrub. The cluster on the right is violet with blue at the center. The cluster on the left is less mature and similar in color, but with yellow at the flower centers. The third bloom is behind them out of focus.

Shrubs

How to Plant, Grow and Care For Hydrangea Macrophylla

Hydrangeas are one of the most common garden shrubs. Within their species, Hydrangea Macrophylla is one of the most popular types that gardeners decide to plant. In this article, gardening expert and hydrangea enthusiast Jill Drago walks through everything you need to know about this type of hydrangea and their care.

chrysanthemum blooming tips

Flowers

7 Tips That Will Keep Your Mums Blooming Until First Frost

Are you looking to extend the bloom life of your mums this season? There are a few things you can do to keep your chrysanthemums blooms in season. In this article, gardening expert Jill Drago walks through her top tips for keeping your mums blooming up until first frost!

A hydrangea in the wintertime. The blooms have turned brown, and there is plenty of snow on top of the blooms and the foliage in the garden.

Shrubs

7 Care Tips to Help Prepare Your Hydrangeas For Winter

Need to winterize your hydrangeas this season but aren't sure where to start? Winter care doesn't need to be a challenge, but it can leave many gardeners feeling a bit overwhelmed. In this article, gardening expert and hydrangea enthusiast Jill Drago walks through seven simple steps for protecting your favorite shrubs this winter.

revive dying azalea

Shrubs

How to Revive a Dying Azalea in 7 Easy Steps

Do you have an azalea that's dying in your yard or garden, and aren't quite sure how to bring it back to life? There are many reasons an azalea can struggle, but the good news is that reviving them is possible. In this article, gardening expert Jill Drago walks through seven steps to bring your azaleas back if they've started to decline.

butterfly bush varieties

Shrubs

21 Different Butterfly Bush Varieties For Your Garden

Thinking of adding some butterfly bush to your garden this season but aren't quite sure which type to plant? There are many different varieties you can choose from, depending on your hardiness zone. In this article, gardening expert Jill Drago looks at some of the most popular varieties of butterfly bush you can grow!