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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How Plants Grow: What Do Plants Need To Grow?
A basic knowledge of how plants grow helps us understand how to support their survival. Here's what gardeners need to know about how plants grow.
By Nikki Tilley
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Lobelia Care Guide: How To Grow Edging Lobelia
A lovely herb plant with bright blue to purple blossoms, the trailing lobelia flower is a perfect choice for filling in around garden beds, driveways and borders. It’s easy to grow and, depending on your zone, can be an annual or perennial.
By Nikki Tilley
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Lilac Pruning Guide: How To Prune A Lilac Bush
Lilac pruning is rewarding because pruning lilac bushes means their fragrant flowers will thrive and flourish the next year. Learn how to prune lilacs to either maintain them or to tame them.
By Nikki Tilley
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Lantana Care Guide: Planting & Caring For Lantana
The lantana bush can grow in some of the toughest conditions, with multi-colored blooms that are loved by gardeners and pollinators.
By Nikki Tilley
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Canna Lily: Complete Plant Care And Growing Guide
Proper watering, the right temperature and neutral soil helps a canna lily thrive. Learn all about good canna care.
By Nikki Tilley
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How To Grow Basil Indoors – For Fresh Year-Round Flavor
While basil is a commonly grown herb outdoors, this easy-care plant can also be grown indoors. Read the article that follows to get tips and information on how to grow basil indoors.
By Nikki Tilley
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Elephant Ear Plants: Complete Care And Growing Guide
The large floppy leaves of elephant ear plants are a great tropical touch in a garden where the soil is rich and water is plentiful.
By Nikki Tilley
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Growing Calla Lilies - Calla Lily Care Guide
Beautiful and graceful calla lilies aren’t terribly fussy, and are an elegant addition to any garden where there’s full or partial sun.
By Nikki Tilley
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Coleus Care Guide: Everything You Need To Know
Dramatic and colorful, coleus plants are a staple in warm zones and containers, and they love partial shade.
By Nikki Tilley
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Aglaonema Growing Guide: All About Chinese Evergreen Plants
Aglaonema plant care is not too demanding. Chinese evergreen is a stunning houseplant that enjoys low-light conditions.
By Nikki Tilley
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Pros And Cons Of Growing Weeds In The Garden
By Nikki Tilley
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Wintering Begonias: Overwintering A Begonia In Cold Climates
Begonias love warm weather, but it's possible to keep them alive through winter if you do it right.
By Nikki Tilley
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Pepper Blossoms Falling Off The Plant
No flowers on pepper plants? This is a common complaint when growing peppers. There are several reasons this happens. Read here to learn why a pepper drops the flower bud or why you have no flowers on pepper plants.
By Nikki Tilley
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Poinsettia Care - How Do You Take Care Of Poinsettias
By Nikki Tilley
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How To Make A Poinsettia Flower Year After Year
Don’t destroy your holiday poinsettia when it declines. You can get a poinsettia to rebloom again next winter.
By Nikki Tilley
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How To Grow Plumeria
You can grow fragrant plumeria plants at home under the right conditions, but they dislike cold temperatures.
By Nikki Tilley
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Why Is My Cucumber Yellowing? Common Causes & How To Treat Them
Yellow cucumbers are usually a bad sign, but sometimes that's how they're meant to be. Learn how to tell the difference.
By Nikki Tilley
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Growing Geraniums: Tips For The Care Of Geraniums
Geraniums are some of the most popular flowers, and for good reason. We'll teach you how to grow these vibrant, easy plants.
By Nikki Tilley