Jolene Hansen

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 Jolene Hansen

  • Flowers
    Flowers By Jolene Hansen November 4th, 2022

    Will Holly Grow Foliage Back After Deer Eat It?

    Will Holly Grow Foliage Back After Deer Eat It?. Versatile and beautiful, hollies (Ilex spp.) provide a four-season framework for many gardens. They hold added value for winter landscapes, where hollies with evergreen foliage or colorful berries sparkle against white and gray. Depending on variety, their hardiness stretches from U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone 3 through 9. If browsing deer made a meal of your stalwart holly, take heart. Hollies respond very well to pruning -- even when done by deer.

    By Jolene Hansen November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Trees
    Trees By Jolene Hansen November 4th, 2022

    How Long Is It Before Creeping Thyme Spreads?

    How Long Is It Before Creeping Thyme Spreads?. The herb thyme (Thymus spp.) comes in many different forms, including low-growing groundcovers known as creeping thymes. This aromatic group encompasses several different species, all of which spread at different rates. Whether you want to fill a tiny, tight space on a flagstone path or carpet a large area beneath a shrub, selecting the right creeping thyme for the job helps ensure you'll get the results you desire.

    By Jolene Hansen November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Lawn Care
    Lawn Care By Jolene Hansen November 4th, 2022

    How To Find A Troy-Bilt Horse Model Number

    How to Find a Troy-Bilt Horse Model Number. Made for large gardens and built to last, Troy-Bilt Horse tillers have enjoyed a dedicated following since the model was introduced in the 1960s. Styling and technology changed the Horse over the years, but many vintage models continue to prove just how dependable and long-lasting Horse tillers can be. Knowing both the model number and serial number for your Troy-Bilt Horse assures you get the right parts and proper service, if the need arises. Depending on the age of your Horse tiller, a tag with the model and serial numbers appears in different places on the machine.

    By Jolene Hansen November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Trees
    Trees By Jolene Hansen November 4th, 2022

    When In The Year Do I Use Liquid Seaweed On My Apple Tree?

    When in the Year Do I Use Liquid Seaweed on My Apple Tree?. Liquid seaweed can provide valuable nutrients to apple trees and stimulate growth in positive ways. Improperly timed seaweed sprays, however, can be detrimental to apple tree growth and fruit production. Understanding how liquid seaweed impacts apple trees and how tree needs change through the growing season helps ensure successful use of liquid seaweed with apple trees.

    By Jolene Hansen November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Flowers
    Flowers By Jolene Hansen November 4th, 2022

    Trees That Flower In New Jersey

    Trees That Flower in New Jersey. Many flowering trees need cool winter temperatures to bear abundant blooms. When proper winter chilling combines with moderate spring temperatures, spectacular floral displays can result. Situated on the Atlantic coastline, New Jersey spans U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6a through 7b. With average winter extremes from 10 degrees below zero Fahrenheit to 10 degrees above, native and non-native flowering trees respond with prolific blossoms.

    By Jolene Hansen November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Rabbiteye blueberry. Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan
    Flowers
    Flowers By Jolene Hansen November 4th, 2022

    Blueberry Planting In Louisiana

    Blueberry Planting in Louisiana. Louisiana may not sound like blueberry (Vaccinium spp.) country to northern gardeners, but the state's berry lovers understand their backyards deliver delicious southern blueberries. Success with blueberries in the Pelican State involves understanding blueberry needs and the state's distinct climate and soil. Louisiana gardeners who make the right match reap intensely flavorful blueberries of their own.

    By Jolene Hansen November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Flowers
    Flowers By Jolene Hansen November 4th, 2022

    How To Prune Nikko Blue Hydrangeas

    How to Prune Nikko Blue Hydrangeas. Proper timing and techniques are critical when pruning "Nikko Blue" hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla "Nikko Blue"), if you plan to enjoy its renowned blue blossoms. Hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 through 9, "Nikko Blue" blooms primarily on stems from the previous year. Understanding what that means for pruning and using the trait to your advantage helps ensure prolific blue blossoms on schedule.

    By Jolene Hansen November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Flowers
    Flowers By Jolene Hansen November 4th, 2022

    How To Prune Wine & Roses Weigela

    How to Prune Wine & Rose Weigela. The Wine and Roses Weigela shrub's burgundy leaves shimmer like fine wine and the hot pink flowers compete with any rose in beauty. In addition to its showy display, this low-maintenance plant attracts hummingbirds and butterflies and is considered non-allergenic for most people. It should be pruned immediately after blooming in either late spring or early summer. This will give it a chance to grow the new wood that will provide you with plentiful blooms next spring.

    By Jolene Hansen November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • harlequin bugs
    Produce
    Produce By Jolene Hansen November 3rd, 2022

    How To Control Harlequin Bugs

    How to Control Harlequin Bugs. The brightly colored patterns of harlequin bugs (Murgantia histrionica) evoke the comical characters who inspired their name, but there's nothing humorous about the damage caused by these destructive pests. Harlequin infestations can leave your garden in ruin, especially when their favorite crops are involved. With vigilance and diligence, you can control harlequin bugs in your garden and keep plants healthy and harlequin-free.

    By Jolene Hansen November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Air plant
    Trees
    Trees By Jolene Hansen September 24th, 2022

    Interactions Between Bromeliads & Wild Tamarind Trees

    Interactions Between Bromeliads & Wild Tamarind Trees. Many U.S. gardeners know bromeliads (Bromeliaceae) as container-grown houseplants with strappy, colorful foliage and exotic blooms. However, in the heart of the Florida Everglades, native bromeliads interact with wild tamarind trees (Lysiloma latilisiliquum) in a different growing environment, as they take up residence on the receptive tree. The striking pairing isn't lost on savvy, warm-climate gardeners. Wild tamarind tree and bromeliads team up in home gardens as well.

    By Jolene Hansen September 24th, 2022 Read More