
Nikki Tilley
Nikki Tilley is named after a shoe… but that’s another story. She’s often called the crazy plant lady because she enjoys talking to all her plants and garden critters (bugs too). After working and raising a blended family of five kids, she’s now happily semi-retired and blessed with nearly ten grandchildren that call her Nana Kiki. With more time for gardening and writing, she’s excited to see where the next chapter takes her.
As a bona fide plant hoarder and garden addict, Nikki has over a hundred houseplants and there’s no telling how many more are out in the garden – currently residing within eleven different beds. Her backyard garden is a certified wildlife habitat, so there’s plenty of critters hanging around too.
While much of Nikki’s life revolves around gardening and writing, she has plenty of other interests. One of these is history, and she once dreamed of being an archeologist. She loves being creative through drawing, crafting or upcycling.
Her motto is “dare to be different” and, as such, anything weird or unusual fascinates her. This can often be seen in many of her artistic creations, including the garden.
Latest articles by Nikki Tilley
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Deadheading Is the Key to Prettier Plants and Bigger Blooms – Here's How to Do It the Right WayDeadheading is an important chore that can make a big difference in plant health and the amount of blooms a plant produces. Here's how to do it the right way.
By Nikki Tilley
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How to Prune a Lilac Bush for a Massive Amount of Fragrant Spring BloomsWant to keep your lilac blooming its best? Follow these essential pruning guidelines for a full shrub and tons of flowers.
By Nikki Tilley
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Azalea Care Made Easy: Your Complete Guide for Bright Blooms and Healthy Shrubs Year After YearMastering azalea care doesn't require much work, but you should know a few helpful tips for the best success. From planting to pruning, this guide has it all.
By Nikki Tilley
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Powdery Mildew on Peonies Can Ruin Blooms – Here's How to Identify This Common Disease and Stop It FastPowdery mildew on peonies is a common problem, but it's easy to treat if you catch it early. Find out how to banish this unwanted fungus from your garden.
By Nikki Tilley
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How and When to Prune Rhododendrons for a Shapely Shrub and a Riot of Spring ColorIs your rhody getting as tall as your house? Crowding out its neighbors? Maybe it just needs a gentle trim. However you want to prune your rhododendron, we've got you covered.
By Liz Baessler
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Epsom Salt for Plants: What Epsom Salt Can (and Can't) Do for Your GardenEpsom salt is usually known for its use in the bathtub, but is Epsom salt good for plants? Find out more about what it can and can't do for your garden.
By Nikki Tilley
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Cow Manure Can Give Your Garden a Huge Boost, But It May Also Contain Harmful Pathogens – Here's How to Use It SafelyCow manure is a wonderful, organic way to give your garden a boost of nutrients. But there are a few important steps to follow to ensure you use it safely.
By Bonnie L. Grant
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How to Grow Coral Bells for a Gorgeous Pop of Color in the Shade GardenCoral bells are beloved for their beautiful foliage and tall, whimsical flowers that thrive in shade. Here's everything you need to know to grow them.
By Amy Grant
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7 Herbs That Grow in Shade – These Easy-Going Edibles Thrive in Even the Darkest Parts of Your YardThough most edible plants prefer full sun, there are a few tasty herbs that grow in shade that can spice up dim spots in your garden. These are the best ones.
By Tyler Schuster
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Tomato Leaves Curling? These 4 Common Causes Could Spell Serious Trouble for Your PlantsTomato leaves curling signal stressors that could impact your harvest – and kill plants. Find out which cause is behind your curling leaves and how to fix it.
By Susan Albert
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Worm Castings Are the Secret to Healthier Soil and Stronger Plants – Here's How to Make Them at HomeWorm castings are basically just worm poop. But this unlikely material is like magic for your plants. Find out why and how to use them in your garden.
By Bonnie L. Grant
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How to Grow Rosemary for a Flavorful and Ornamental Addition to Your GardenGrowing rosemary plants can bring fresh, aromatic flavor to your favorite dish or visual appeal as a gorgeous groundcover in a Mediterranean-inspired garden.
By Bonnie L. Grant
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Scale Insect Identification and Control: Don't Let Your Precious Plants Get Destroyed By Creepy CrawlersScale insects are a threat for many plants in the home and garden, sucking sap and robbing them of essential nutrients. Identify and treat scale on plants.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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How to Propagate Monstera for More of These Classically Cool HouseplantsGrow more of your favorite houseplants for free with this simple step-by-step guide all about how to propagate monstera.
By Amy Grant
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Ultimate Guide to Companion Planting in the Vegetable Garden: Everything You Need to KnowCompanion planting is a fun and easy way to reap extra benefits in your garden. Learn everything you need to know to get started and the best pairings to try.
By Nikki Tilley
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How to Prune Hibiscus for an Explosion of Exotic Blooms All Summer LongKeep this tropical beauty healthy by pruning hibiscus the right way. Learn how and when to prune hibiscus plants to keep them vibrant.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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The Complete Poinsettia Care Guide: Planting, Pruning & Keeping It AliveDid you get a poinsettia for the holidays? Wondering how to take care of it? Our comprehensive guide will take you through the basics and beyond.
By Liz Baessler
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Make Sure Your Poinsettia Flowers Next Year: Follow This Easy Reblooming ScheduleThe secret to yearly poinsettia blooms isn't magic – it's timing. Follow this simple schedule for bright red flowers next Christmas... and the one after that.
By Tyler Schuster

