Choosing the plants for a container garden arrangement can sometimes seem daunting. How do you decide which plants will create the multidimensional masterpiece you envision? It can be helpful to use a concept that breaks down the design process by categorizing plants into three categories: thrillers, fillers, and spillers.

When you imagine a shade garden, do you mostly picture foliage plants and a lack of bright colors? While foliage plants are the foundation of any shade garden, there is an abundance of flowers that offer beautiful blooms in shady conditions. Here are 15 of our favorite flowers for shade.

Rhododendrons, arguably the Maritime Northwest’s most beloved plants, can vary from two-foot-high dwarf shrubs to 30-foot trees. Most varieties don’t typically need a lot of pruning for their first several years but over time, many rhodies grow a dense weave of thick-wooded branches, and the thought of pruning one can intimidate all but the most […]

Perusing the fertilizer shelves at Swansons (or any garden store) can feel overwhelming at first. So many choices! So many specialties! Do I really need fertilizer? Will my plant survive if I don’t find the perfect fertilizer match? And what do all those numbers mean??? Don’t worry, you’ll find answers here.

A customer and I were problem-solving some issues with her houseplants, when she said “my plants are SO excited that Spring is almost here.” In the moment, I thought that was a lovely and whimsical expression, but as I thought about it further, I realized that, botanically speaking, she was spot on. Our houseplants ARE […]

Rhododendrons and azaleas, included in the genus Rhododendron are well-suited to our maritime climate and popular for their bold, colorful flowers and relatively tidy habits. They are both easy to grow and care for when their basic needs are met. In this post, learn how to care for your rhodies and azaleas.

You know the feeling. Your plant baby is doing great and growing when all of a sudden you notice something’s not right. Could it be watering? A draft? Too much sun or not enough? While some issues are care related, sometimes the culprit is a pest attack. This post will help you identify houseplant pests […]

Spring is on its way and I’m planning my vegetable garden. Every year I have to balance my desire to plant tried-and-true favorites with the thrill of trying something new. Hence the ever-multiplying number of tomato pots tucked into every corner of the garden. Here are a few of my favorites, vegetables I think everyone […]

This is our fourth “behind-the-scenes” blog post, where we share what it was like to bring each episode of our new Gooder Gardener video series to life. We’ll give you a glimpse of our experiences, inspirations, favorite moments, featured plants, and more.

Valentine’s Day is on its way and whether or not you choose to celebrate this holiday, a small gift for a loved one (or for yourself!) is always appreciated. Here are a few of our favorite gifts right now. Enjoy!