Posts By

Laura Elsner

Laura Elsner lives the garden life! She is a certified master gardener and has been gardening professionally for over 15 years. When she’s not out in the dirt running her own gardening business (Calgary Gardener), she can be found reading and writing about gardening, out in her own garden, or fussing over her houseplants. Laura specializes in growing lush and visually stunning gardens, focusing on bloom times and plant choice.

Coral Bells Growing with Purple Foliage in Garden

Shrubs

How to Plant, Grow, and Care For Coral Bells (Heuchera)

Thinking of adding some coral bells to your garden this season? Also known as heuchera, these low growing plants are a garden favorite for their colorful foliage. In this article, certified master gardener Laura Elsner takes you through each step of growing coral bells, including their maintenance and care.

cold hardy ground cover

Ground Cover

15 Cold Hardy Ground Cover Plants For Cool Weather

Looking for a cold hardy ground cover plant to dress up your garden in cooler weather? There are plenty of different options to choose from, even in colder hardiness zones. In this article, certified master gardener Laura Elsner looks at her favorite cold hardy ground cover plants, with names and pictures of each!

Ornamental Allium growing in garden with purple spike like flowers

Flowers

How to Plant, Grow and Care For Ornamental Allium

Thinking of adding Allium to your garden this season, but aren't sure where to start? Allium can act as a lovely ornamental, but also a wonderful companion plant. In this article, certified master gardener Laura Elsner walks through everything you need to know about Allium, including tips for maintenance and care.

winter plants for pots

Ornamental Gardens

27 Perfect Plants For Winter Container Gardens

Are you looking for some cold-hardy plants for your winter container garden? There are plenty of different options to choose from, no matter your hardiness zone. In this article, certified master gardener Laura Elsner walks through her favorite plants for winter container gardens.

coral bell varieties

Shrubs

31 Different Coral Bell (Heuchera) Varieties

Heuchera, also known as Coral Bells, have many different-looking plants to choose from within the genus. Many are acclimated across different climate zones, giving you plenty of options no matter where you plan to grow them. In this article, certified master gardener Laura Elsner takes you through her favorite varieties of Coral Bells to try in your garden this season.

peony problems

Plant Problems

15 Common Problems With Flowering Peonies

Do your peonies look a little more rugged than normal? Peonies are some of the most popular flowers grown each season. However, they aren't without some common issues that can impact their growth. In this article, certified master gardener Laura Elsner looks at the most common problems you'll likely encounter with peonies, and how to fix them!

Peonies

Flowers

How to Plant, Grow and Care For Flowering Peonies

Are you thinking of growing some peonies in your garden this season? These flowering favorites are beloved by gardeners all over the world. In this article, certified master gardener Laura Elsner takes you through each step of growing beauriful peonies in your garden as well as their care.

begonia problems

Plant Problems

11 Common Problems With Flowering Begonia Plants

If your begonias are struggling this season, you've come to the right place! Begonias can have many common issues during their lifespan, so it's important to identify common problems early and remedy them as fast as possible. In this article, certified master gardener Laura Elsner looks at the most common issues that plague begonias, and how to fix them.

peony container tips

Flowers

15 Tips For Growing Beautiful Peonies in Pots or Containers

Thinking of growing peonies in pots or containers? These popular flowers make great container plants, but can be a little picky about their growing conditions. In this article, certified master gardener Laura Elsner shares her favorite tips for beautiful blooming peonies in your container garden this season!

pansy problems

Plant Problems

15 Common Problems With Flowering Pansies

Are your pansies struggling this season? Pansies can fall victim to many different issues, so it's important to identify them early and treat them if possible. In this article, certified master gardener Laura Elsner walks through some of the most common problems with pansies, and how to fix them!

delphinium varieties

Flowers

29 Different Delphinium Varieties You Can Plant This Season

Are you looking to add some delphinium to your garden but aren't sure what variety to pick? There are many different options, depending on the flower colors and plant type you are looking after. In this article, certified master gardener Laura Elsner walks through her favorite types of delphinium that you can grow!