Elara Bennet

Gardener, M.Sc. Horticulture Elara Bennet is a gardening writer from Austin, TX, passionate about sustainable lawns and blooms. Read full bio →

Dormant seeding grass seeds on brown soil for early spring growth

7 Dormant Seeding Secrets: Unlock Thriving Grass This Spring

Dormant seeding is a simple yet powerful lawn care method. It means planting grass seed in late fall or winter so it rests in the soil until spring. When the weather warms, the seed germinates quickly and gives your lawn a natural head start. The key is timing. You should seed when soil temperatures drop […]

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Hand holding fresh grass seed ready for lawn care – showing the right timing for when to plant grass seed in spring.

When to Plant Grass Seed in Spring: 7 Benefits For Your Lawn

When to Plant Grass Seed in Spring is one of the most common questions homeowners ask each year and for good reason. Spring can be a tricky season for lawn care. Soil warms unevenly, weather shifts without warning, and weeds compete for space. But when you understand the right timing and approach, spring seeding becomes

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Dahlia tubers ready for planting on grass showing proper placement and eye orientation

Planting Dahlia Tubers? Essential Read Before You Start

Dahlia tubers are the foundation of every breathtaking dahlia garden, and knowing how to handle them from start to finish makes all the difference. In the U.S., the best time to plant dahlia tubers is after the last frost, when soil temperatures reach around 60°F. Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil, and plant each

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How to plant dahlias a gardener’s hand holding a dahlia flower over garden soil, ready for planting.

How to Plant Dahlias: Top Tips For Growing Bold Dahlias

How to plant dahlias is one of the most common questions I get as a gardener, and the good news is they’re easier than many people think once you understand their needs. Dahlias thrive in full sun (at least 6–8 hours daily) and well-drained, fertile soil enriched with compost. They’re typically planted from tubers in

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dahlia flowers colorful dahlias blooming along a garden fence with lush green leaves and vibrant petals

Dahlia Flowers: 15 Secrets to Grow, Care & Bloom Big

Dahlia flowers have long been a centerpiece in my garden, and over the years I’ve come to see them as more than just striking blooms. Their vibrant colors and intricate petal patterns bring unmatched charm to summer and fall landscapes. But beyond their beauty, dahlias carry deep meaning that has made them a beloved flower

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Elegant peony bouquet in a glass vase, showcasing fresh pink and white blooms for home décor or gifting

21 Stunning Peony Bouquet Ideas for Wedding & Home

Peony bouquets are treasured for their full, layered petals, rich fragrance, and timeless elegance, making them a favorite for weddings, events, or even a simple home arrangement. Their versatility allows you to design anything from a soft pastel bridal bouquet to a bold statement centerpiece in vibrant reds and pinks.  Creating your own peony flower

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Vibrant red peony in full bloom with lush green foliage in a summer garden

10 Stunning Red Peony Varieties You’ll Love  

There’s a timeless charm to watching a red peony burst into bloom under the early summer sun. As someone who has cultivated these treasures in American gardens for over decades, I can tell you they’re more than just flowers, they’re living symbols of romance, prosperity, and enduring beauty. Across cultures, red peonies have carried meaning

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Tree peony in full spring bloom with large pink flowers in a sunny garden

15 tree peony Ideas to enhance your Garden beauty

Tree peony(Paeonia suffruticosa) is long-lived, woody shrubs celebrated for their large, silk-like blooms, diverse colors, and remarkable ability to thrive for decades, often over a century with proper care. Unlike herbaceous peonies, their woody stems stay above ground year-round, adding structure to the garden even in winter. Peony flower Blooming in mid- to late spring,

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