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 problems

Shrubs

11 Common Problems With Rhododendrons You Shouldn’t Ignore

Are you Rhododendrons looking a bit worse for wear this season? There are many common issues that can impact the way your rhododendrons look. In this article, gardening expert Jill Drago shares the most common problems that may plague your Rhododendrons, and what to do about each issue.

Big flowering hydrangeas growing in garden with green foliage.

Shrubs

How Big Will Hydrangeas Grow When Fully Mature?

Curious to know how big your hydrangeas will grow when fully mature? While this will depend on many factors, including the type of hydrangea you grow, there are some basic characteristics of this popular shrub. In this article, gardening expert and hydrangea enthusiast Jill Drago examines the typical hydrangea size by species, with a comprehensive growth chart for each.

Hydrangea flowers blooming in a bright blue color with green foliage in the background.

Shrubs

Myth or Fact: Can Vinegar Make Hydrangeas Turn Blue?

There are many different gardening myths that can be de-bunked when it comes to hydrangeas, and what exactly turns their flowers blue. In this article, gardening expert and hydrangea enthusiast Jill Drago shares her thoughts around using Vinegar to have an impact on the bloom color of hydrangeas, and if it will actually turn their flowers blue.

hydrangea strawberry sundae

Shrubs

How to Plant, Grow and Care For Hydrangea ‘Strawberry Sundae’

Are you looking for the perfect hydrangea variety to add to your garden this season? There are many to choose from, but hydrangea 'Strawberry Sundae' is a gardener favorite. In this article, gardening expert and hydrangea enthusiast Jill Drago shares all you need to know about this popular hydrangea, including its maintenance and care needs.

Early summer blooming flowers in the garden

Flowers

37 Flowering Plants That Bloom in Early Summer

Are you looking for some flowering plants that will bloom in early summer? There are many different plants to choose from, depending on your hardiness zone. In this article, gardening expert Jill Drago shares her favorite early summer flowering plants you can plant this season!

transplant coneflowers

Flowers

How and When to Transplant Coneflowers For Best Results

Transplanting coneflowers at the wrong time will impact their lifespan and limit their beautiful blooms. In this article, gardening expert Jill Drago shares the best time of season to transplant coneflowers into your garden, whether started by yourself indoors, or purchased from a local nursery and planted.

eggshells hydrangeas

Shrubs

Are Eggshells Good or Bad For Hydrangeas?

Thinking of using eggshells with your hydrangeas this season? Many gardeners swear by eggshells as a fertilizer component, but will they have a positive or negative impact on your beautiful hydrangeas? In this article, gardening expert Jill Drago examines this common garden practice and if it's one you should avoid this season.

May Blooming Perennial Flower in Garden

Flowers

17 May Blooming Perennials to Plant Right Now

Are you looking for some perennials you can plant now that will bloom in the month of May? There are a number of different flowering perennials you can plant right now, and have blooming this month! In this article, gardening expert Jill Drago shares her favorite May blooming perennials to get into the ground as soon as possible.

coneflower problems

Plant Problems

15 Common Problems With Coneflowers and How to Fix Them

Is your coneflower plant looking a bit worse for wear, but you aren't sure why? Coneflowers are fairly hardy, but they can still succumb to some common issues during their growth cycle. In this article, gardening expert Jill Drago looks at the most common issues with coneflower plants, and how to address them.

Gardener using coffee grounds with rhododendrons in the garden

Shrubs

Are Coffee Grounds Good or Bad for Rhododendrons and Azaleas?

Coffee grounds have many uses in the garden, including as a popular compost item. But are they good for rhododendrons and azaleas, or is this a practice that you should avoid? In this article, gardening expert Jill Drago examines if this practice is one you should actually do, or skip this season.