Gardening Simplified - Easy Gardening Tips for Real Life

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

Succulent Secrets: Low-Fuss Greenery for the Relaxed Gardener’s Heart

Succulent Secrets: Low-Fuss Greenery for the Relaxed Gardener’s Heart

Picture this: you, feet up, martini in hand, while your plants thrive on neglect. Succulents are the ultimate low-drama houseguests—gorgeous, resil...

5 Tips for Stress-Free Holiday Gift Giving

5 Tips for Stress-Free Holiday Gift Giving

A few years ago, I decided to take a more relaxed, stop-and-smell-the-pine-trees approach to the holidays. And I’m about to share one of my secrets to a more relaxing holiday season – stressing less about shopping and gift giving.

Read on while I share my 5 Tips for Stress-Free Holiday Gift Giving

Posted in Christmas gift, gardening gifts, gifts for gardeners, holidays

5 Easy to Grow Houseplants That Also Help Clean the Air

5 Easy to Grow Houseplants That Also Help Clean the Air

As the temperatures drop during autumn in many part of the US, we gardeners are forced to turn our attention to indoor activities. Houseplants have long been a way to get a ‘gardening fix’ as we put our outdoor gardens to rest.

As an added bonus, studies have shown that these plants can help to clean harmful chemicals out of the air. 

Read on to find out about 5 indoor houseplants that are easy to grow and help to clean the air!

Shuttin' Her Down - 5 Garden Cleanup Chores to Do This Fall

Shuttin' Her Down - 5 Garden Cleanup Chores to Do This Fall

I have a friend who is a just a hoot to be around. Every day when he is getting ready to leave work, he tells his supervisor - "Shuttin' her down boss". I keep hearing those words ringing in my ears as I look at my garden. Doing a few quick cleanup chores now can really feel good and set you up for success in the spring. 

Read on for my list of chores and helpful tips if you are going to be 'shuttin' her down' too!

Transform Your Garden Year-Round with These Stunning Shrubs

Transform Your Garden Year-Round with These Stunning Shrubs

In our effort to add really unique perennials and annuals to our gardens, we can overlook the value of shrubs. Maybe it's because they can seem a bit boring.

But shrubs can provide a great filler for larger beds and become a nice backdrop for flowering perennials and annuals. They are an important addition for curb appeal in your front yard. And, can really add to the backyard landscape if chosen for low maintenance and interesting textures and colors.

My favorite reason to grow shrubs is that they can provide multiple seasons of interest.


Read on to find 4 of my favorite shrubs that add color, texture and interest to my yard throughout the year.

Posted in beginner gardener, garden design, garden planning, landscaping, shrubs

Using Ornamental Grasses to Enhance Your Landscape

Using Ornamental Grasses to Enhance Your Landscape

Fall is definitely a great time for planting. As we decide on what to plant, most of us think of flowering perennials, trees and shrubs. But as you consider your choices, consider perennial grasses.

Read on to find out why ornamental grasses are a great addition to any landscape.

Posted in gardening, ornamental grasses, perennials