Gardening Simplified - Easy Gardening Tips for Real Life

If Your Garden Plans Never Happen, It’s Probably One of These 6 Planning Mistakes (Easy Fixes Inside)

If Your Garden Plans Never Happen, It’s Probably One of These 6 Planning Mistakes (Easy Fixes Inside)

Ever make a garden plan… then never quite start? You’re not alone—and you’re not doing it “wrong.” Most beginner plans fall apart for just a few predictable reasons (sun, water, time, or soil).

In this post, I’ll walk you through 6 common planning traps—and a calm 30-minute reset that helps you choose one zone, pick a few right-fit plants, and finally move forward without overwhelm.

Posted in garden planning

Why Your Garden Feels Like Too Much Work (and What to Do Instead)

Why Your Garden Feels Like Too Much Work (and What to Do Instead)

At some point, many gardens quietly cross the line from enjoyable to exhausting. Tasks pile up, motivation fades, and suddenly the garden feels like something to avoid.

If that sounds familiar, you’re not doing anything wrong. This post explains why gardens often become overwhelming—and how to simplify what you already have without starting over. With a few thoughtful changes, it’s possible to bring your garden back into balance and enjoyment again.

👉 Read on for a gentle reset that makes gardening feel lighter.

How to Plan a Garden That Fits Your Lifestyle

How to Plan a Garden That Fits Your Lifestyle

Gardening doesn’t have to take over your time—or your energy—to be rewarding. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed before you even started planting, it may not be the garden that’s the problem, but the plan behind it.

This post walks you through a gentler way to think about garden planning—one that starts with your real life, not an ideal version of it. You’ll learn the simple questions that help you choose the right size, style, and pace for your garden so it feels enjoyable instead of stressful.

👉 Read on to learn how to plan a garden that truly fits your lifestyle.

Posted in beginner gardener, beginner gardeners, busy gardeners, container gardening, garden design, garden tips, gardener, gardening gifts, gardening tips

🌿Taking Care of Houseplants During Winter - Part 2

🌿Taking Care of Houseplants During Winter - Part 2

If your houseplants seem stressed this winter despite your best efforts, you’re not alone. Many common winter problems come from well-intended habits like overwatering, misting, or fertilizing at the wrong time.

In this post, we break down the most common winter houseplant mistakes, clear up a few myths, and share gentle, practical fixes that really help.

Posted in dying houseplants, houseplants, sick houseplant

🌿 Taking Care of Houseplants During Winter - Part 1

🌿 Taking Care of Houseplants During Winter - Part 1

Winter can make houseplants feel a little unpredictable — even when nothing about your routine has changed. Shorter days, weaker light, and indoor heat quietly shift what plants need, and most winter plant problems come from trying too hard, not neglect.

This post walks through what actually changes for houseplants in winter — and what you can stop worrying about — so you can care with confidence and keep things simple.

Posted in dying houseplants, houseplants, sick houseplant

Attracting Birds to Your Feeders All Winter Long: Simple, Relaxed Tips for a Happier Backyard

Attracting Birds to Your Feeders All Winter Long: Simple, Relaxed Tips for a Happier Backyard

Winter may quiet the garden, but it doesn’t have to quiet the life in it. With just a few simple changes to your feeders, food choices, and backyard setup, you can welcome a surprising variety of birds all season long. These relaxed, low-maintenance tips will help you create a cozy winter haven for your feathered friends — and bring color, movement, and joy back into even the coldest days.

Read the full post to learn how to make your winter garden come alive with birds. →

Fresh Start, Gentle Steps: How to Make Your Goals Happen in 2026

Fresh Start, Gentle Steps: How to Make Your Goals Happen in 2026

The New Year feels a bit like freshly turned soil—full of possibility, hope, and space to grow something new. Many of us set resolutions this time of year, but if we’re honest, most of them fade long before spring arrives.

And that’s not a failure. It’s simply life being…life. But with a few simple, steady practices, you can turn intentions into real movement—without pressure or perfection.

Read on for the five easy, gentle steps I use to turn resolutions into reality.

Posted in resolutions

My 5 Favorite Beverages for Cozy, Relaxed Winter Evenings

My 5 Favorite Beverages for Cozy, Relaxed Winter Evenings

Winter is the garden’s quiet season — and I think it’s meant to be our quiet season too.

When the evenings get longer and colder, I love leaning into small, simple rituals that help me slow down. A cozy beverage is one of those rituals. Something warm in your hands, a comfy seat, soft background light… it brings a little magic back into even the busiest days.

Read on for my five favorite winter drinks — each with a gentle nod to the garden and the calm, cozy moments we all deserve more of.

Posted in winter traditions

Holiday Happiness, Your Way: More Laughs, Less Chaos

Holiday Happiness, Your Way: More Laughs, Less Chaos

More events. More expectations. More decorations. More pressure.

But here’s the truth:
The holidays don’t have to look like Instagram. They don’t have to look like anyone else’s idea of festive. They can look like YOURS.

At The Relaxed Gardener, we believe in choosing simplicity over stress — in the garden, in the home, and especially during the holiday season.

Read on for  five gentle reminders (and ideas) to help you create a holiday that feels meaningful, joyful, and uniquely yours.

Posted in holidays

Easy Tips to Keep Your Christmas Tree Fresh All Season (Without the Extra Work)

Easy Tips to Keep Your Christmas Tree Fresh All Season (Without the Extra Work)

Bringing home a fresh Christmas tree is one of the best feelings of the season. But keeping it looking vibrant, hydrated, and full of needles? That can sometimes feel like a chore.

At The Relaxed Gardener, we believe the holidays should feel joyful, simple, and relaxed. That’s why these tips are designed to help you keep your tree healthy without extra work or constant monitoring.

Read on for a few small habits that will you keep your tree fresher, longer — giving you more time to enjoy the season and less time sweeping up needles.

Posted in christmas tree tips

2025 Holiday Gift Guide for Gardeners: Thoughtful Gifts That Make Gardening Easier

2025 Holiday Gift Guide for Gardeners: Thoughtful Gifts That Make Gardening Easier

🎁 Give the Gift of Ease, Comfort, and Joy This Holiday Season If you're shopping for a gardener this year, you already know: we gardeners LOVE tool...

Posted in Christmas gift, gardening gifts, gifts for gardeners

🌨️ Winter Garden Hacks: Keep Your Plants Cozy Without the Stress

🌨️ Winter Garden Hacks: Keep Your Plants Cozy Without the Stress

When the temperatures drop and the wind picks up, it’s easy to worry about what might happen to your plants. But winter protection doesn’t have to be complicated — and it definitely shouldn’t feel stressful.

At The Relaxed Gardener, we’re all about simple steps that make a big difference. These easy winter hacks will help your plants stay cozy, protected, and ready to explode with growth come spring.

No drama. No overwhelm. Just calm, confident winter care.

Click to read on for all of the tips!

Posted in gardening tips