
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 passtime, 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. 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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How To Grow A Shirley Temple Peony – For A Touch Of Sweetness In Your Spring Garden
'Shirley Temple' peonies add delicate refinement to any yard. Their beautiful double blooms and gradually changing color are sure to charm.
By Teo Spengler
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Grow These Eye-Popping Purple Hydrangea Varieties For A Lively On-Trend Tonal Treat
From subtle indigo to rich violets, a purple hydrangea captures the imagination and adds elegance and verve to borders. Here are some of the finest purple bloomers
By Teo Spengler
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Strawberry Plant Not Producing Fruit? Here’s 6 Reasons Why – Plus, How To Boost Your Berries
A strawberry plant not producing fruit is understandably frustrating. If you’re puzzled by the lack of strawberries on your plants, it’s time to take action with this checklist
By Teo Spengler
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How To Propagate Lilacs For More Of Your Favorite Fragrant Shrubs: Easiest & Most Effective Methods
Love lilacs and want to grow more in your garden? Learn how to propagate lilacs and fill your garden with these sweet-smelling spring beauties for free.
By Teo Spengler
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Best Blue Hydrangeas: Stunning Blue Hydrangea Varieties For A Sapphire-Studded Garden
Whether you’re a mophead or a lacecap lover, blue hydrangea varieties present breathtaking profusions of cool, lush floral displays. Here are 5 of the best to try
By Teo Spengler
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8 Noteworthy Native Azaleas Every Gardener Should Know – And Grow!
Native azaleas offer brilliant blooms in a range of colors and sizes. Here are a few favorites to get inspired and start working on a native shade garden!
By Teo Spengler
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How To Grow Mophead Hydrangeas For Summer Blooms That Make Your Garden Shine
Mophead hydrangeas are the quintessential shrub. Their beautiful blooms add whimsy and elegance to any garden. Here's everything you need to know to grow them.
By Teo Spengler
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Pruning Limelight Hydrangea Bushes For Bigger Blooms & Stronger Plants
Pruning 'Limelight' hydrangea will benefit the shrub. Flowers will be more bountiful the next year and branches will be stronger. Learn how and when to prune.
By Teo Spengler
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How Much Sun Do Roses Need To Grow? Understanding Rose Light Requirements
Discover how much sunlight your roses really need to grow strong, bloom beautifully, and stay healthy all season long.
By Teo Spengler
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Bird Feeding Essentials: Why Feeding Matters, Plus Food Tips To Attract Birds To Your Backyard
Feeding birds brings pleasure, but make sure you consider the pros and cons, the best things to feed birds, and smart gardening tips to keep birdies safe and happy
By Teo Spengler
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10 Easy, Breezy Meadow Flowers & Grasses For A Magnificent Low-Maintenance Landscape
Choosing the right meadow flowers and grasses will help you create the luxurious garden of your dreams. Explore some of my favorites.
By Teo Spengler
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Looking For Blue Garden Design Inspiration? Try These 8 Plants For A Super Cool Garden
Embrace some of the coolest flowers and foliage around with blue garden design, as we reveal the design ideas and plants that can add a fresh new look to your space
By Teo Spengler
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Grow These 8 Pretty Peony Colors To Include In Your Garden For A Spectacular Spring Rainbow
There are as many shades of peony as there are types of garden – each more gorgeous than the last. Discover some of the most exhilarating peony colors for your yard
By Teo Spengler
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Want To Know How To Make A Spider Plant Bushier? 4 Secrets For Lush & Bushy Spiders
Are you looking for ways to make your spider plant look bigger or more dramatic? Follow these quick and easy tips on how to make a spider plant bushier
By Teo Spengler
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5 Tough Urban Trees That Thrive In Cities – Top Picks For Urban & Suburban Landscapes
Explore the best urban trees that will add value to even the most challenging of landscapes. Get growing with these ideas and enjoy all the benefits of trees.
By Teo Spengler
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Pussy Willow Growing Guide: Add A Touch Of Softness With These Fuzzy Garden Favorites
Growing a pussy willow tree is about as easy as it gets. This beautiful North American native shrub will add great texture and interest to your garden.
By Teo Spengler
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Do You Love Tulips? These 6 Tulip Festival Events Will Inspire You For The Growing Season
Are you passionate about tulips and looking for truly inspirational bulb planting tips – or just longing to see open spaces filled with color? Check out these tulip festival events
By Teo Spengler
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The Dangers Of AI For Gardening – How To Know What’s Real When It Comes To Your Garden
Things aren’t always what they seem when it comes to using AI for gardening. Be discerning when relying on AI for accuracy, and take the time to do research.
By Teo Spengler