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.

zone 3 shade perennials

Ornamental Gardens

27 Shade Loving Perennials For Zone 3 Shade Gardens

Looking for some perennials to plant in your zone 3 shade garden? Yes, there are several fantastic perennials that can grow in cold and shady climates. In this article, certified master gardener Laura Elsner walks through some cold weather shade garden tips, as well as listing out her favorite perennial plants for shade gardens in zone 3.

coleus varieties

Shrubs

Coleus Varieties: 35 Different Types of Coleus Cultivars

Thinking of planting some coleus but aren't sure which variety to pick? There are over 300 different coleus species, and over 1500 different varieties, so choosing the right one can be a bit of a challenge! In this article, certified master gardener and coleus expert Laura Elsner walks through some of her favorite types of coleus plants!

Coleus Plant Before Winter

Shrubs

Do Coleus Plants Come Back After a Winter Freeze?

Do coleus plants come back after winter freezes? Can they handle cold temperatures? Will they die in colder weather and need to be replanted? These are questions most first time coleus owners have. In this article, master gardener and coleus expert Laura Elsner walks through what you can expect.

Grow Hostas

Shrubs

How to Plant, Grow, and Care For Hostas in Your Garden

Are you thinking about planting some hostas in your garden, but aren't sure where to start? The best place to look, is usually someone that has experience planting them! In this article, certified master gardener and hosta expert Laura Elsner walks through every step you'll need to follow in order to plant, grow, and care for hostas in your garden!

hosta leaves curling

Plant Problems

What Causes Hosta Leaves to Curl? Can it Be Fixed?

Are you seeing curling leaves on your hosta? This is actually quite commnon, and can happen for a number of different reasons. The good news is, many times, it's completely correctable. In this article, certified master gardener and gardening expert Laura Elsner takes a look at the different reasons this happens, and how to fix it.

White astilbe flowers blooming in the garden in spring

Flowers

7 Tips for Extending the Bloom Times of Your Astilbe

Are you trying to get the most out of your Astilbe blooms this season? There are a few different actions you can take that will keep your Astilbe's blooms thriving. In this article, certified master gardener Laura Elsner shares her top tips for long-lasting Astilbe flowers in the garden.

hosta varieties

Shrubs

Hosta Varieties: 31 Different Types of Hosta Cultivars

Thinking of planting some hostas in your garden but aren't sure which variety to choose? The good news is that there are over 3,000 different types of hosta cultivars to choose from! In this article, certified master gardener and hosta expert Laura Elsner takes walks through her favorite hosta varieties.

Ornamental Allium with Purple Flower Petals

Flowers

22 Beautiful Varieties of Ornamental Allium

Thinking of adding some ornamental allium to your garden this season, but aren't sure which type you should plant? There are many different types to choose from, depending on your goals and climate. In this article, certified master gardener Laura Elsner shares her favorite ornamental allium varieties to add to your garden this season.

hosta tips

Shrubs

15 Tips For Lush, Beautiful Hosta Plants This Season

Are you thinking about adding some hostas to your garden this season? While they can be a little picky about their growing conditions, these beautiful plants can make the perfect addition to any shade garden. In this article, certified master gardener Laura Elsner shares her top tips for lush, beautiful hostas this season.

pink peonies

Flowers

37 Different Pink Peonies to Grow This Season

Are you looking for some pink peonies to add to your flower garden this season, but aren't quite sure where to start? These popular flowers can be intimidating due to the sheer amount you have to choose from. In this article, certified master gardener Laura Elsner looks at her favorite varieties of Pink Peonies, with names and pictures of each.