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.

rhododendron bloloming tips

Shrubs

14 Tips For Beautiful Blooming Rhododendrons This Season

If you are trying to keep your rhododendrons blooming as long as possible, you are in the right place! Rhodies are beautiful blooming shrubs, but there are some actions you can take to keep them blooming even longer. In this article, gardening expert Jill Drago gives you her top tops to ensure your Rhodies are blooming all season long!

grow azaleas

Shrubs

How to Plant, Grow, and Care For Azaleas

Thinking of adding some Azaleas to your garden this season but aren't quite sure where to start? Azaleas are one of the most popular shrubs you can grow, behind Hydrangeas and Rhododendrons (which Azaleas are just a variety of). In this article, gardening expert and flowering shrub enthusiast Jill Drago teaches you how to plant, grow, and care for Azaleas in your garden!

how to grow hydrangeas as trees

Shrubs

How to Grow & Shape Your Hydrangea Shrubs into Trees

If you are trying to grow your hydrangeas into a tree, but don't know where to start, you are in the right place. Growing hydrangeas as trees can be a little bit of a challenge, but it can be done with a patience and dedication. In this article, gardening expert and hydrangea enthusiast Jill Drago walks through each step you'll need to follow for beautiful tree like hydrangeas.

hellebore annuals or perennials

Flowers

Are Hellebores Annual, Biennial, or Perennial Flowers?

Curious to find out if hellebore are perennial, biennial, or annual flowers before you start planting them this season? While it might seem like a simple answer, the answer actually is a little more complex and depends on your geographic location. In this article, gardening expert Jill Drago examines if hellebore are annual, biennial, or perennial flowers.

white hydrangeas

Shrubs

17 White Hydrangea Varieties With Stunning White Blooms

Thinking of adding some hydrangeas with white blooms to your garden this season? It can be tricky to pick the perfect variety with so many different options to choose from. In this article, gardening expert and hydrangea enthusiast Jill Drago examines her favorite white hydrangea varieties, with names, pictures and hardiness zones of each!

Blue Hydranagea Blooms Not From Pennies

Shrubs

Myth or Fact: Can You Turn Hydrangeas Blue With Pennies?

Have you heard that you can turn hydrangeas blue by keeping them planted with a penny? There are a number of hydrangea hacks that claim to improve blooms, or keep their beautiful blue blooms going strong throughout the season. In this article, gardening expert and hydrangea enthusiast Jill Drago examines if planting pennies in the soil actually works.

cold hardy hydrangeas

Shrubs

27 Cold Hardy Hydrangea Varieties For Cool Climates

Do you live in a cooler climate but really want to plant hydrangeas this season? There are actually many different varieties of hydrangea that can survive in colder hardiness zones. In this article, gardening expert and hydrangea enthusiast Jill Drago examines her favorite hydrangeas for areas that get some cooler weather!

Hydrangea With Brown Leaves

Plant Problems

Hydrangea Leaves Turning Brown? Here’s Why, and How to Fix it!

If the leaves on your hydrangea have started turning brown and crispy, there's several reasons why this can happen. The good news is that it can be fixed in most circumstances, and if you catch it early enough, it likely won't cause your plant to die. In this article, gardening expert and hydrangea enthusiast Jill Drago examines the most common reasons for browning hydrangea leaves, and how to fix it!

hydrangeas and peonies

Flowers

Can You Plant Peonies and Hydrangeas Together?

Thinking of growing peonies with your hydrangeas this season but you aren't sure if it's a good idea or not? These two beautifully blooming plants are garden favorites, and for good reason! In this article, gardening expert Jill Drago walks through if planting peonies with your hydrangeas is something you should do this season.

July Perennials For Planting

Flowers

16 Popular Perennials You Can Still Plant in July

Just because July is here, doesn't mean you can't make some changes in your garden by adding a few new perennials. There are plenty of options, regardless of the type of space you need to fill. In this article, gardening expert Jill Drago hand picks her favorite perennials that you can still plant in the month of July!

oakleaf hydrangea

Shrubs

How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Oakleaf Hydrangeas

Thinking of adding some oakleaf hydrangeas to your garden this season, but aren't sure where to start? This species is a favorite amongst many gardeners, so it's important to start off on the right track if you are adding them to your garden this season. In this article, gardening expert and hydrangea enthusiast Jill Drago walks through how to plant, grow, and care for Oakleaf Hydrangeas.

watering hydrangeas

Shrubs

How Much and How Often Should You Water Hydrangeas?

Are you struggling to figure out how much or how oftern to water your hydrangeas to heep them looking great? Overwatering and underwatering hydrangeas is a common problem that's easily solved. In this article, gardening expert and hydrangea enthusiast Jill Drago examines how much water your hydrangeas need, and how frequently you should water them.