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.

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.

A close-up of a Spiraea variety with numerous light purple blooms. These blossoms create a striking visual contrast against the lush green leaves and branches of the plant. The delicate and vibrant blooms add a touch of whimsical charm to the overall composition.

Shrubs

31 Beautiful Spirea Varieties For Your Landscape

Are you thinking of adding a spirea or two to your garden? There are many different species and varieties of spirea for you to choose from. In this article, gardening expert Jill Drago looks at some popular and beautiful varieties of spirea for your landscape!

A spacious garden filled with vibrant greenery and a thriving meadow rue plant. Atop the sea of green, the meadow rue plant showcases its elegance with clusters of striking purple flowers.

Flowers

How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Meadow Rue

Are you interested in growing meadow rue in your garden? This underused perennial offers ornamental flowers and foliage and thrives in challenging conditions. In this article, gardening expert Jill Drago covers everything you need to know to plant, grow, and care for meadow rue.

a shallow bull of bulbs sits in the garden near a paper bag, ready to be planted into the soil.

Flowers

12 Tips for Planting Flowering Bulbs

Would you like to add flowering bulbs to your garden this fall? Flowering bulbs are charming and easy to grow. In this article, gardening expert Jill Drago shares tips for growing flowering bulbs.

A child plants a pansy in the soil next to other nursery starts in small pots.

Gardening Inspiration

21 Easy Plants to Grow with Kids

Do you want to get your kids out in the garden with you more frequently? Sharing a love of gardening with your kiddos can be so rewarding! In this article, gardening expert and mom Jill Drago will cover 21 easy plants to grow with your kids to get them excited about getting dirty!

A hand presses down on freshly mown green grass on a plush eco-lawn.

Ornamental Gardens

How to Plant an Eco-Lawn

Are you considering growing an eco-lawn in place of your higher-maintenance turf lawn? Many gardeners are seeking an easy-care, more drought-tolerant alternative to traditional grass. In this article, gardening expert Jill Drago walks you through the steps you need to follow to grow a successful eco-lawn.