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.

A beautiful cluster of violet garden phlox flowers bloom in the late-summer garden.

Flowers

17 Late-Summer Blooming Flowers

Do you struggle to find color in your garden as summer winds to a close? Timing your perennials is essential to have something blooming all season long. Late summer is sometimes an overlooked period in the season, but many flowers bloom during this time. In this article, certified master gardener Laura Elsner will show you 17 flowers that will keep your garden interesting into fall.

coleus problems

Plant Problems

15 Common Problems With Coleus Plants

If you are running into problems with your coleus plants this season, you aren't alone! These plants can be tricky, depending on where they are grown. In this article, certified master gardener Laura Elsner walks through the most common problems with Coleus plants, and how to fix them!

peony companions

Flowers

Peony Companion Plants: 21 Plants To Grow With Peonies

If you are looking for some plants to grow with your peonies this season, you've landed in the right place! Peonies are a garden favorite, and with their beautiful blooms, it's easy to see why. In this article, certified master gardener Laura Elsner examines her favorite companion plants to grow with peonies this season.

hosta problems

Plant Problems

14 Common Problems With Hosta Plants

Curious what kind of problems hostas can carry with them once they are planted? Hostas can run into several issues, but many of them are preventable or treatable. In this article, certified master gardener Laura Elsner walks through the most common problems with hosta plants and how to prevent or fix them.

plants heat drought

Gardening Tips

15 Tips For Keeping Plants Alive in Hot & Dry Conditions

Looking for some tips to help your garden beat the heat this season? With many places around the world setting records in both heat and with lack of moisture this summer, your plants may start to struggle. In this article, certified master gardener Laura Elsner walks through her top tips for keeping your plants alive in hot and dry conditions.

container hostas

Shrubs

15 Tips For Planting Hostas in Pots or Containers

If you are struggling to properly plant hostas in pots or containers this season, you've come to the right place! Hostas are a shade garden favorite, and grow spectacularly in pots or containers. In this article, gardening expert Laura Elsner provides her top tips for growing beautiful container hostas this season!

begonia blooming tips

Flowers

11 Tips to Keep Your Begonias Blooming all Season Long

Are you constantly struggling with shorter begonia blooms? You've landed in the right place! In this article, certified master gardener Laura Elsner walks through her top tips for extending the bloom time if your begonias in order to help you keep yours blooming all season long!

Container Grown Delphinium

Flowers

How to Grow Delphiniums in Pots or Containers

Are you thinking of growing delphiniums in containers this season but aren't quite sure where to start? Container grown delphiniums are a great option for gardeners that have limited space. In this article, certified master gardener Laura Elsner walks through eight simple steps to grow beautiful delphiniums in pots or containers this season!

Container Holding Pansies

Flowers

15 Tips For Growing Pansies in Pots or Containers

Thinking of growing pansies in pots or containers this season? Anyone can throw pansies in a pot, but how do you get them to thrive? In this article, certified master gardener Laura Elsner walks through her top tips for growing beautiful pansies in pots or containers this season!

delphinium growing tips

Flowers

14 Tips For Growing Beautiful Delphiniums This Season

Looking to grow some beautiful delphiniums this season but aren't sure where to start? Garden grown delphiniums can be a beautiful addition to any garden. In this article, certified master gardener Laura Elsner shares her top tips for growing beautifully blooming delphiniums!