Posts By

Liz Jaros

Liz Jaros is a professional writer and gardener who calls the Midwest home. She divides her time between running a small landscape design business, writing garden content and volunteering as a Certified Master Gardener. Formally educated in both horticulture and journalism, Liz is either working with plants or writing about them. She specializes in urban yard restoration and small property landscaping for metro area homeowners.

Close-up of a stunning dark pink dahlia in full bloom, bathed in warm sunlight. Velvet-like petals unfurl, some delicately curled at the edges. The blurred background hints at a charming wooden country house.

Ornamental Gardens

21 Plants for Victorian Home Gardens

Want to know more about Victorian gardens and landscape design? Wondering which trees, shrubs, and flowers will go best with your home’s ornate English architecture? In this article, certified master gardener Liz Jaros takes a look at the principles and philosophy of Victorian garden design and suggests 21 plants that will hit Victorian notes in your yard.

A beige, blue, and rock-walled home features beautiful rock bed gardens.

Gardening Tips

How to Find the Right Plants For Your Home’s Style

Looking for plants that are right for your home but not sure where to begin? Wondering what style of architecture you have and what kind of plants will best enhance it? In this article, certified master gardener Liz Jaros takes a look at the home styles that apply to most residences and suggests plants that are well-suited to each.

A majestic Sugar Maple tree stands tall, its bark displaying intricate patterns and textures. The vibrant orange leaves shimmer in the sunlight. Against a clear blue sky, surrounding lush greenery completes a tranquil forest scene.

Trees

11 Trees That Boost Property Value

Looking for a tree to enhance your property value? Wondering which one is right for your unique landscape? Certified master gardener Liz Jaros has you covered with this look at why trees are a good investment and a profile of 11 trees that will give you the most bang for your buck.

A close-up of Agapanthus plants showcases their vibrant blue flowers with delicate petals, gracefully attached to sturdy stems. The lush Agapanthus plants create a beautiful and lively display, contributing to the overall garden's aesthetic.

Flowers

How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Agapanthus

Wondering if agapanthus might grow well in your garden? Looking for a little more information on this little-known niche plant? In this article, certified master gardener Liz Jaros dishes the dirt on this low-maintenance garden gem and gives you the information you need to plant some yourself.

A close-up of purple flowers adorning the climbing chocolate vine, nestled among lush green leaves. The intricate blooms showcase delicate petals with intricate patterns and vibrant hues. Sunlight gracefully illuminates the scene, highlighting the plant's natural beauty.

Ornamental Gardens

11 Beautiful Alternatives to Chocolate Vine (Akebia quinata)

Love the look and smell of chocolate vine but not allowed to grow it in your region? Wondering what vines you can grow safely that will mimic the desirable traits of this polarizing, herbaceous perennial? Certified master gardener Liz Jaros has 11 beautiful options for you. Read on for a look at their unique characteristics and growing preferences.

A selection of perennial pots features asters, mums, dichondra and Japanese forest grass.

Flowers

21 Perennial Flowers for Your Balcony Garden

Looking for some perennials you can grow on a balcony? Tired of spending money on annuals year after year? In this article, certified master gardener Liz Jaros proposes 21 perennial flowers that are well-suited to container growth and life on the balcony.

A vibrant orange Turk's cap lily blooms magnificently, showcasing deep spots against its petals. The sturdy stem gracefully supports the flower, while a soft blur highlights lush greenery in the backdrop.

Flowers

How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Turk’s Cap Lilies

Want to know a little more about Turk’s cap lilies? Thinking of planting some but not sure if they’re a good fit for your yard? In this article, certified master gardener Liz Jaros breaks down this much-coveted lily species and offers suggestions for growing Turk’s cap lilies like a pro.

Close-up of blooming Stargazer lilies in a garden, against a blurred green background. It features large, upward-facing blooms with recurved petals that display a rich, deep pink or crimson hue, adorned with prominent dark spots and a contrasting white edge.

Flowers

How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Stargazer Lilies

Curious about stargazer lilies but slightly overwhelmed? Hoping to work some into your yard this year, but not sure if you have the right conditions? In this comprehensive guide, certified master gardener Liz Jaros breaks down this much-sought-after lily cultivar and gives you the know-how you need to grow stargazer lilies like a pro.

Close-up of Calanthe orchid discolor flowering plants in a garden against a blurred background. Its robust, pleated leaves form an attractive basal rosette with a glossy, dark green hue. Rising from the center of this foliage are tall, slender spikes bearing clusters of enchanting flowers. The blossoms, which have burgundy-brown petals and sepals, and white petals and labellums, feature a distinctive lip with intricate patterns.

Houseplants

How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Calanthe Orchids

Interested in working some Calanthe orchids into your landscape or container garden next season? Want to know how to care for the Christmas orchid houseplant you received as a gift? In this article, certified master gardener Liz Jaros offers a detailed look at the novice-friendly Calanthe orchid genus.

A close-up of xeriscaping exhibits lavender and blue fescue flowers. The slender leaves of fescues add texture. Planted along the sidewalk, basking in sunlight, they create a vibrant, water-efficient landscape.

Mulch

6 Mulch Options for Xeriscape Gardens

Planning a xeriscape garden but not sure what kind of mulch to use? Want to know more about the xeriscape philosophy and how to conserve soil moisture with mulch? In this article, certified master gardener Liz Jaros touches on xeriscape principles and offers seven mulch options for a water-conscious garden.

The beautiful blooming spikes of purple and pink lupines shine on a sunny day.

Flowers

11 Common Problems With Lupines

Wondering what’s wrong with your lupines this year? Interested in planting some or learning more about the issues that plague them? Certified master gardener Liz Jaros has you covered with this article, which looks at 11 problems you might encounter when growing lupines and offers helpful solutions for each.