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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Winter Garden Design: How To Grow A Winter Garden
While the idea of enjoying a pleasant winter garden seems highly unlikely, a garden in winter is not only possible but can be beautiful too. Learn more about winter garden plants here.
By Nikki Tilley
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7 Most Surprising Fertilizers Found In Your Kitchen
By Nikki Tilley
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A Sustainable Garden That Benefits Everyone
I like for my garden to be as natural and sustainable as possible. That means making it so it benefits everyone - wildlife included.
By Nikki Tilley
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No Lilac Scent: Why A Lilac Tree Doesn't Have Fragrance
If your lilac tree doesn't have fragrance, you're not alone. Many people are troubled by the fact that some lilac flowers have no smell. Read this article to get reasons for lilac flowers that have no smell.
By Nikki Tilley
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Steps For Harvesting Lemongrass
While lemongrass is easy to grow and care for, some people are not sure about when or how to go about picking lemongrass. This article can help with that so you can harvest lemongrass with confidence.
By Nikki Tilley
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Lenten Rose Flower: Learn More About Planting Lenten Roses
Lenten rose plants are not roses at all. Instead, they look similar to a rose and are seen blooming during the Lent season. These attractive plants are easy to grow in the garden too, and this article will help.
By Nikki Tilley
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How To Grow Lady's Mantle And Lady's Mantle Care
Lady's mantle is an interesting plant to add in the garden, especially shady borders. It is also commonly used as a ground cover and makes a nice edging when kept in bounds. Find tips for growing the plant here.
By Nikki Tilley
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Installing Sod: Instructions On How To Lay Sod
Installing sod is a popular way to establish a new lawn. When installed properly and following proper sod laying instructions, this type of lawn can enhance the home. Learn more in this article.
By Nikki Tilley
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Pruning Lantanas - How To Prune Lantana Plants
How and when to prune lantana bushes is often a highly debated topic. One thing that is agreed upon is the fact that depending on the type of lantana, these plants can get quite large. Find pruning info here.
By Nikki Tilley
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The Queen Anne's Lace Plant - Growing Queen Anne's Lace And Its Care
The Queen Anne?s lace plant is a native wildflower herb. While in most places, the plant is considered an invasive weed, it can actually be an attractive addition to the garden. Find out more in this article.
By Nikki Tilley
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Answers To What Causes Hibiscus Leaves Turning Yellow
Hibiscus yellow leaves are common and usually not anything to worry about. Oftentimes hibiscus leaves turning yellow will correct itself. In some cases, pruning of the plant is necessary. Learn more here.
By Nikki Tilley
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Growing Crocus Indoors
Taking care of crocus bulb containers is easy. These lively little plants are not only great showstoppers in the garden, but they can make wonderful houseplants too. Read this article to learn about indoor crocus care.
By Nikki Tilley
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Controlling Squash Bugs - How To Get Rid Of Squash Bugs
Squash bugs are one of the most common pests affecting squash plants, but also attack other cucurbits as well. Squash bug identification is relatively easy to recognize with tips from this article.
By Nikki Tilley
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Subscription Garden Gift Box Review: 10 Reasons To Try ‘My Garden Box’ From Cratejoy
Got a gardener on your gift list but not sure what to buy? That’s easy! As a gardener myself, I recommend a monthly garden gift box from ‘My Garden Box.’
By Nikki Tilley
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Hardscaping Ideas - Starting Hardscape Gardening In Your Yard
Hardscaping is a term that refers to the hard elements, or nonliving features, of the landscape. Hardscapes can be formal or informal, depending on your home and surrounding landscape. Learn more here.
By Nikki Tilley
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Gardening Know How Sponsorship Recipient: Community Gardens of Santa Clarita
By Nikki Tilley
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No Repotting A Cactus Plant For Me
I have one cactus in particular that I dread repottting. Click to read more and find out why.
By Nikki Tilley
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How To Turn Green Tomatoes Red & How To Store Tomatoes In The Fall
Wondering how to make tomatoes turn red can be frustrating for a gardener. Harvesting green tomatoes and storing them indoors will help conserve the plant's energy well into fall. Learn more in this article.
By Nikki Tilley
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Outdoor Lighting Options: Tips For Using Outdoor Garden Lighting
Outdoor lighting not only highlights interesting features but provides your home and surrounding landscape with additional beauty and security. This article will help with tips on using garden lighting.
By Nikki Tilley
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Growing Grape Hyacinth Indoors - Forcing Grape Hyacinth Over Winter
Grape hyacinths emerge in fall and by late winter/early spring, they explode into bloom with clusters of tiny cobalt blue lowers. But who has time to wait? Read here for tips on forcing them indoors.
By Nikki Tilley
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Can Grafted Trees Revert To Their Rootstock?
Tree grafting is an excellent way to bring the best of two varieties together into a single tree. But sometimes grafted trees can revert to their original form. Learn why this happens in the following article.
By Nikki Tilley
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What Causes Four Leaf Clovers And How To Find A Four Leaf Clover
Some people look all their lives for that lucky four leaf clover without success, while others could find them all day long. But exactly what causes four leaf clovers and why are they considered so lucky? Read this article to learn more.
By Nikki Tilley