Amber Kelsey

Garden Guides Editorial Policies

Garden Guides uses a knowledgeable team of editors, writers, and experts to create all our content. We dive deep into the ever-evolving conversations surrounding gardening and landscaping, striving to deliver the most current and helpful tips, strengthened by expert insight and tutorials from our talented team.

As we cover many fields of expertise, we make it a priority to ensure every beat remains fresh and comprehensive. Additional information on our editorial process available here.

Stories By Amber Kelsey

  • Lawn Care
    Lawn Care By Amber Kelsey November 4th, 2022

    Which Pesticide Kills Chiggers?

    Which Pesticide Kills Chiggers?. Lush lawns and thick-growing landscaping plants might look attractive, but those areas are often jealously guarded by chiggers, microscopic mite larvae that feed on the skin cells and tissue fluids of numerous hosts, including humans. Also known as red bugs, chiggers can trigger intensely itchy, red welts in places you likely won't want to scratch in public. Fortunately, various pesticides effectively kill chiggers in outdoor spaces.

    By Amber Kelsey November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Flowers
    Flowers By Amber Kelsey November 4th, 2022

    Honeysuckle Diseases

    Honeysuckle Diseases. Honeysuckles are deciduous, evergreen or semievergreen vines and shrubs of the Lonicera genus. Honeysuckles boast drooping pairs or clusters of vibrant, fragrant flowers in pink, purple, red, orange, cream or yellow shades. Purple or red berries form after the flowers bloom. Honeysuckle shrubs work well as background plants or taller ground covers. Vining honeysuckle species can be trained to climb trellises. These plants are susceptible to various honeysuckle diseases.

    By Amber Kelsey November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Trees
    Trees By Amber Kelsey November 3rd, 2022

    Fast Growing Trees For Ohio

    Fast Growing Trees for Ohio. Ohio gardeners in the eastern part of the state typically experience mild summers and cold winters, while those in the southern regions enjoy warmer summers and longer growing seasons. Those living around Lake Erie must tolerate very cold winter temperatures along with high winds. Falling under the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Hardiness Zones 5 and 6, Ohio gardeners must choose trees based on their USDA Zone as well as the tree's growth rate, mature size and vigor. Many fast-growing trees thrive in Ohio gardens.

    By Amber Kelsey November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Trees
    Trees By Amber Kelsey November 3rd, 2022

    Fruit Trees That Flower Pink

    Fruit Trees That Flower Pink. Fruit trees are commonly planted in gardens and landscapes because they provide gorgeous flower displays in the spring. Many fruit tree varieties also bear edible fruit. Home gardeners selecting fruit trees must consider their growing locations, the tree's soil preference, potential problems and blossom color. Many fruit tree varieties bloom with spectacular pink flowers.

    By Amber Kelsey November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • ...
    Flowers
    Flowers By Amber Kelsey November 3rd, 2022

    Shrubs With White Flowers In Florida

    Shrubs With White Flowers in Florida. Florida consists of diverse growing climates. While South Florida enjoys subtropical weather, North Florida experiences hot summers and colder winters. Central Florida offers mild winters, but hotter summers. Florida falls under U.S. Department of Agriculture Hardiness Zones 8 to 11. Florida gardeners should select plants according to the appropriate zone, bloom color, bloom time and intended use. Many shrubs with white flowers thrive in Florida gardens.

    By Amber Kelsey November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Trees
    Trees By Amber Kelsey November 3rd, 2022

    Pros & Cons Of Red Maple Trees

    Pros & Cons of Red Maple Trees. Red maples (Acer rubrum), also called scarlet maples and swamp maples, are some of the most abundant trees growing in American forests. These colorful trees also make grand statements when planted in large lawns. Although handsome red maple trees have several benefits, they come with a few problems, too.

    By Amber Kelsey November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • ...
    Trees
    Trees By Amber Kelsey November 3rd, 2022

    Flowering Trees In Colorado

    Flowering Trees in Colorado. Falling within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Hardiness Zones 2 to 7, Colorado experiences various climates and growing conditions. While the mountainous areas have a sub-arctic climate, most of the state experiences a highland continental climate. If you live in Colorado, choose flowering trees according to appropriate zone, mature tree size, flower color, bloom time and cultural requirements. Various flowering trees perform well in Colorado landscapes.

    By Amber Kelsey November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • ...
    Trees
    Trees By Amber Kelsey November 3rd, 2022

    Berry Trees In Ohio

    Berry Trees in Ohio. Ohio lies within a temperate climate zone and experiences cold winters across the state. Eastern Ohio offers mild summers, while southern Ohio has the warmest summers and the lengthiest growing season. If you live in Ohio, select berry trees according to mature size, bloom information, general culture and intended use. Various berry tree varieties perform well in Ohio landscapes.

    By Amber Kelsey November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • ...
    Trees
    Trees By Amber Kelsey November 3rd, 2022

    Chestnut Tree Disease

    Chestnut Tree Disease. Chestnut trees (Castanea) are deciduous trees in the beech family (Fagaceae). The four major species of chestnut trees are the American chestnuts, European chestnuts, Japanese chestnuts and Chinese chestnuts. Chestnut tree leaves are simple and ovate, and the flowers bloom in spring and summer. The chestnut tree produces clusters of edible nuts. Chestnut trees are susceptible to a number of diseases.

    By Amber Kelsey November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Trees
    Trees By Amber Kelsey November 3rd, 2022

    Shagbark Tree Diseases

    Shagbark Tree Diseases. Shagbark hickories are deciduous trees in the Juglandaceae family. These trees typically rise to between 70 and 90 feet and spread up to 70 feet. The shagbark tree blooms green-yellow flowers in the spring and edible nuts that ripen in the autumn. These hickory trees are typically planted as ornamental trees in large areas. Shagbark trees are susceptible to numerous diseases.

    By Amber Kelsey November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • ...
    Trees
    Trees By Amber Kelsey November 3rd, 2022

    Olive Tree Problems

    Olive Tree Problems. Olive trees (Olea europaea) are evergreen trees in the Oleaceae family. Olive trees bear grayish-green leaves, white flowers and nutrient-rich black or green olive fruit. These trees grow well in Mediterranean regions as well as places in the United States with warm, sunny climates, such as California, Arizona and Texas. Olive trees can reach up to 30 feet in height and live for several hundred years.

    By Amber Kelsey November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Trees
    Trees By Amber Kelsey November 3rd, 2022

    The Best Small White Flowering Crabapple Trees

    The Best Small White Flowering Crabapple Trees. The flowering crabapple (Malus) is a spring-blooming tree in the Rosaceae family. While crabapple trees are closely related to apple trees, they typically bear smaller fruit and have slightly different blooms, leaves and growth habits. Gardeners should select crabapple trees according to USDA hardiness zone, bloom color and size. Several smaller, flowering crabapple tree varieties feature white blooms.

    By Amber Kelsey November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Produce
    Produce By Amber Kelsey November 3rd, 2022

    Begonia Diseases

    Begonia Diseases. Begonias are tropical plants known for their waxy flowers and varicolored leaves. Begonias grow well in partially shaded, humid areas with moderate temperatures. Begonia categories include tuberous-rooted, rhizomatous and fibrous-rooted varieties. Although most begonias are grown indoors, these plants also work well as outdoor ornamentals. Begonias are susceptible to several diseases.

    By Amber Kelsey November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Flowers
    Flowers By Amber Kelsey November 3rd, 2022

    Shrubs With Reddish Leaves & Thorns

    Shrubs With Reddish Leaves & Thorns. Many gardeners plant shrubs to add accent color to the landscape or to use as privacy screens. Gardeners selecting shrubs should consider various factors, including their U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Hardiness Zones and the soil conditions. Other considerations include foliage color, thorns, and potential disease and pest problems. Several shrub varieties bear reddish leaves and thorny foliage.

    By Amber Kelsey November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • ...
    Lawn Care
    Lawn Care By Amber Kelsey November 3rd, 2022

    Types Of Grass In Oklahoma

    Types of Grass in Oklahoma. Many types of grass perform well in Oklahoma, which falls within the USDA hardiness zones 6 and 7. If you live in Oklahoma, choose grass varieties according to intended use, blade and flower colors, grass height and general culture.

    By Amber Kelsey November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Trees
    Trees By Amber Kelsey November 3rd, 2022

    Fast Growing Trees In New York

    Fast Growing Trees in New York. New York is a northeastern state that falls within U.S. Department of Agriculture Hardiness Zones 3 to 7. While New York's uplands experience cool summers and very snowy winters, the southeastern lowlands enjoy warmer temperatures and a longer growing season. New York gardeners selecting trees should consider the tree's growth rate, intended use, possible problems and mature size.

    By Amber Kelsey November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Lawn Care
    Lawn Care By Amber Kelsey November 3rd, 2022

    Typical Plant Types Of The Temperate Grassland Biome

    Typical Plant Types of the Temperate Grassland Biome. Temperate grassland biomes are characterized by having various grasses as the primary plant types. Large shrubs and trees rarely grow in these biomes. Major temperate grasslands include the prairies and plains of North America, the pampas in South America, the steppes in the former Soviet Union and the veldts of South Africa. Temperate grasslands have cold winters, hot summers, moderate rainfall and dark, fertile soils.

    By Amber Kelsey November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Flowers
    Flowers By Amber Kelsey November 3rd, 2022

    List Of Safe Flowering Plants For Pets

    List of Safe Flowering Plants for Pets. Gardeners who are also pet owners might find it a challenge to select pet-safe flowering plants for containers and flower beds. Dogs and cats are attracted to the smell and taste of many plants, and they may often chew flowers and foliage that are toxic (either to them, or toxic in general). Here are just a few flowering plants that are safe for pets to ingest.

    By Amber Kelsey November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • ...
    Trees
    Trees By Amber Kelsey November 3rd, 2022

    Purple Flowering Trees In Texas

    Purple Flowering Trees in Texas. Gardeners in Texas enjoy various growing climates. While central Texas sees hot and humid summers, north Texas gardeners must face cold, dry winters. The state lies in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Hardiness Zones 6 to 9. Texas gardeners should select a tree according to the USDA zones as well as the tree's flower color, bloom time and general culture. Various purple flowering trees perform well in Texas home gardens.

    By Amber Kelsey November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • ...
    Lawn Care
    Lawn Care By Amber Kelsey November 3rd, 2022

    Types Of Grass In Maine

    Types of Grass in Maine. The state of Maine lies within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Hardiness Zones 3 to 5. If you live in Maine, select a grass according to the plant's cold tolerance, blade color, mature size, general culture and intended use. Several types of grass grow well in Maine.

    By Amber Kelsey November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Trees
    Trees By Amber Kelsey November 3rd, 2022

    Banana Tree Diseases

    Banana Tree Diseases. The banana plant (Musa) is an herbaceous, fruiting plant that belongs to the Musaceae family. Native to tropical Asia, the tall, sturdy banana plant is often referred to as a tree. Banana trees are primarily planted for their healthy banana fruits. These tropical plants are susceptible to a variety of potentially serious diseases.

    By Amber Kelsey November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • ...
    Flowers
    Flowers By Amber Kelsey November 3rd, 2022

    What Flowers Grow Best In Maine During The Summer?

    What Flowers Grow Best in Maine During the Summer?. Maine lies within United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Hardiness Zones 3 to 5. While northern parts of Maine experience cool, dry summers and cold, dry winters, the coastal regions enjoy more moderate temperatures throughout the year. If you live in Maine, select flowering plants according to flower color, bloom time, general culture and intended use. Various flowers grow well in Maine gardens during the summer.

    By Amber Kelsey November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • ...
    Flowers
    Flowers By Amber Kelsey November 3rd, 2022

    What Shrubs Grow Well In Northern Utah

    What Shrubs Grow Well in Northern Utah. Northern Utah lies within United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Hardiness Zones 3 to 7. Most of the state experiences a semi-arid to an arid climate with warm summers and mild winters. Utah's mountainous areas offer cooler weather and a lot of snow. If you live in Northern Utah, select shrubs according to intended use, general culture and bloom time. Various shrubs perform well in Northern Utah landscapes.

    By Amber Kelsey November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Flowers
    Flowers By Amber Kelsey November 3rd, 2022

    Fast Growing Trees For Texas

    Fast Growing Trees for Texas. Falling under the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Hardiness Zones 6 to 9, Texas is a large state featuring diverse climates. While the areas along the Gulf Coast experience hot, humid summers and mild winters, West Texas gardeners face desert-like growing conditions. The South Texas plains experience hot, rainy summers, while the Texas Hill Country enjoys lower winter temperatures and a long growing season. Texas gardeners must consider their USDA Hardiness Zone, plant vigor and growth rate when selecting trees for gardens and landscapes.

    By Amber Kelsey November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • ...
    Trees
    Trees By Amber Kelsey November 3rd, 2022

    Types Of Western Evergreen Trees

    Types of Western Evergreen Trees. Gardeners often use evergreen trees to add year round green color, ornamental interest and wind screens to lawns and gardens. Various evergreen varieties naturally occur in the western region of the United States (U.S.). Gardeners in this area should select evergreen trees according to appropriate hardiness zone, mature size, intended use and potential problems.

    By Amber Kelsey November 3rd, 2022 Read More