
Teo Spengler
Raised in Alaska, where the sun never rises in the winter and the trees are stunted by permafrost, Teo Spengler fell in love with plants when she moved to California for college. Gardening became more of a passion than a pastime, as she studied horticulture and took master gardening courses. Spengler completed an intensive sixteen-week program to qualify as a docent at the San Francisco Botanical Garden and has given public tours there for some years. She has also earned a BA in politics, an MA in English, an MFA in creative writing, and a JD from Berkeley Law School. She has written about nature, trees, plants, and gardening for 20 years for a variety of websites including Gardening Know How, Hunker, Home Guides, San Francisco Chronicle and Gardening Guides as well as publishing two novels, following a long career as an attorney and legal writer. Spengler currently splits her life between San Francisco and the French Basque Country where she has practiced her skills in both personal and public gardens for the past two decades. Her extended family includes some 30 houseplants and hundreds of outdoor plants, including 250 trees—mostly oaks, birches and beeches—that she planted on her land in France.
Latest articles by Teo Spengler
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Strawberry Sundae Hydrangea Brings Sweet, Color-Changing Blooms – Here’s How to Grow It
Learn how to care for a beautiful Strawberry Sundae hydrangea – the compact shrub that changes color throughout the season.
By Teo Spengler
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What to Do with Japanese Maples in April – Prep Your Tree for a Spectacular Season
April is when Japanese maples are just waking up from their winter dormancy. Now's the time to pounce to ensure a successful year.
By Teo Spengler
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These 7 Stunning Shade Plant Partners Prove Opposites Attract – They Dazzle in Limited Light
Perfect plant partnerships can exist even in the shade! Here are 7 harmonious shade garden pairings that bring easy texture, color, drama and dynamism to quiet corners
By Teo Spengler
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Watch Out for These Common Potato Diseases & Pests, If You Want a Healthy Harvest of Spuds
Don't let potato diseases and pest ruin your crop of taters! Learn how to identify and combat the most common problems growing potatoes.
By Teo Spengler
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6 Charming Coral Bells Varieties That Will Brighten Up Even the Shadiest Garden
Add whimsy and color to even the shadiest corners of your garden with one of these charming coral bells varieties.
By Teo Spengler
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The Best Zone 9 Plants: Heat-Loving Picks That Will Truly Thrive in Your Garden
Here are the best Zone 9 plants for your garden whether you need trees, perennials, shrubs, or more.
By Teo Spengler
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10 Dazzling White Flowering Trees to Add Easy Elegance, Classic Harmony and Calming Energy
Ready to elevate your curb appeal? Sophisticated, calming, and effortlessly chic, these 10 trees with white flowers can redefine your yard’s energy with epic snowy canopies
By Teo Spengler
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The First Butterflies of Spring are Starving – And You Can Make An Easy Butterfly Bistro With This Trashy Treat
You’re still waiting for the blooms, but the first butterflies of the season are already hungry. Don’t worry, you can make a butterfly bistro with this simple sugary snack
By Teo Spengler
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There’s Still Time to Prune These 8 Plants in April for Stronger Growth and Better Blooms
Pruning plants in April prepares them for the big summer show. Flowering shrubs, perennials, and even grapevines will get a boost when pruned in spring.
By Teo Spengler
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Shrubs for Shade: Zone 5 Options That Are Beautiful for Any Garden or Landscape
Choose the right shrubs for shade gardens in USDA Zone 5. Cool temperatures and shady conditions aren't right for many shrubs, but these picks will thrive.
By Teo Spengler
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Zone 8 Plants – The Best Zone 8 Perennials, Shrubs, Trees, Annuals, and Edible Plants
Here are the best Zone 8 plants for your garden whether you need trees, perennials, or edible garden additions.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Are Your Eco-Friendly Pots Stunting Seedlings? Do This To Save Young Plants and Keep Them Growing Strong
Biodegradable seedling pots are effective and planet-friendly, but if you’re using toilet rolls, be warned – you could be stunting seedlings. Before you use those DIY pots, make time for this quick starter pot fix
By Teo Spengler
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How To Grow A Pineapple Top From Store-Bought Fruit – Unlock Tropical Vibes and Grow a Tasty Treat
Learn how to grow a pineapple top from a store-bought fruit. You can grow a pineapple plant in your very own home—no tropical travel required!
By Teo Spengler
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3 Seed Stratification Methods Gardeners Swear By – Plus 3 Weird Ones You Might Not Have Heard Of
New to seed stratifying? Here are the best ways to get your seeds ready to sprout this spring!
By Teo Spengler
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Russian Sage: How to Prune to Encourage Bold and Fragrant Blooms Year After Year
Learning how to prune Russian sage isn't hard. Just a bit of timing makes all the difference.
By Teo Spengler
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How To Identify & Eliminate Lawn Fungus For Good – Follow These Tips For Fungus-Free Grass
There's nothing worse than watching your lawn fall victim to grass fungus. But you can eliminate it for good once you know what kind it is. Here's how to tell.
By Teo Spengler
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Pothos Plant Care Made Easy: The Ultimate Growing Guide for Both Beginners & Pros
Pothos plants are great for beginners and collectors alike. Learn everything you need to know about growing your own.
By Heather Rhoades
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7 Easiest Flowers to Grow for Beginner Gardeners – It's Almost Impossible to Go Wrong
These foolproof flowers are some of the simplest to grow – even for first-time gardeners! Plant them now for a gorgeous garden with minimal effort.
By Teo Spengler

