Nikki Tilley
Nikki Tilley is named after a shoe… but that’s another story. She’s often called the crazy plant lady because she enjoys talking to all her plants and garden critters (bugs too). After working and raising a blended family of five kids, she’s now happily semi-retired and blessed with nearly ten grandchildren that call her Nana Kiki. With more time for gardening and writing, she’s excited to see where the next chapter takes her.
As a bona fide plant hoarder and garden addict, Nikki has over a hundred houseplants and there’s no telling how many more are out in the garden – currently residing within eleven different beds. Her backyard garden is a certified wildlife habitat, so there’s plenty of critters hanging around too.
While much of Nikki’s life revolves around gardening and writing, she has plenty of other interests. One of these is history, and she once dreamed of being an archeologist. She loves being creative through drawing, crafting or upcycling.
Her motto is “dare to be different” and, as such, anything weird or unusual fascinates her. This can often be seen in many of her artistic creations, including the garden.
Latest articles by Nikki Tilley
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Controlling Squash Bugs - How To Get Rid Of Squash Bugs
Squash bugs are one of the most common pests affecting squash plants, but also attack other cucurbits as well. Squash bug identification is relatively easy to recognize with tips from this article.
By Nikki Tilley
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Subscription Garden Gift Box Review: 10 Reasons To Try ‘My Garden Box’ From Cratejoy
Got a gardener on your gift list but not sure what to buy? That’s easy! As a gardener myself, I recommend a monthly garden gift box from ‘My Garden Box.’
By Nikki Tilley
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Hardscaping Ideas - Starting Hardscape Gardening In Your Yard
Hardscaping is a term that refers to the hard elements, or nonliving features, of the landscape. Hardscapes can be formal or informal, depending on your home and surrounding landscape. Learn more here.
By Nikki Tilley
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Gardening Know How Sponsorship Recipient: Community Gardens of Santa Clarita
By Nikki Tilley
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No Repotting A Cactus Plant For Me
I have one cactus in particular that I dread repottting. Click to read more and find out why.
By Nikki Tilley
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Understanding Nursery Containers - Common Pot Sizes Used In Nurseries
Inevitably you've come across nursery pot sizes as you have browsed through mail-order catalogs. You may have even wondered what it all means. Read here for information on common pot sizes.
By Nikki Tilley
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Outdoor Lighting Options: Tips For Using Outdoor Garden Lighting
Outdoor lighting not only highlights interesting features but provides your home and surrounding landscape with additional beauty and security. This article will help with tips on using garden lighting.
By Nikki Tilley
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Growing Grape Hyacinth Indoors - Forcing Grape Hyacinth Over Winter
Grape hyacinths emerge in fall and by late winter/early spring, they explode into bloom with clusters of tiny cobalt blue lowers. But who has time to wait? Read here for tips on forcing them indoors.
By Nikki Tilley
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Can Grafted Trees Revert To Their Rootstock?
Tree grafting is an excellent way to bring the best of two varieties together into a single tree. But sometimes grafted trees can revert to their original form. Learn why this happens in the following article.
By Nikki Tilley
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Tips For Winterizing Potted Strawberry Plants
Whether grown in pots or outdoor beds, suitable winter care of strawberries is essential. Strawberry plants need to be protected from both cold temperatures and wind. This article will provide tips for doing that.
By Nikki Tilley
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Christmas Tree Water Intake: Why A Christmas Tree Is Not Drinking
Christmas trees often take the blame for destructive fires that occur during the holiday season. The most effective way to prevent Christmas tree fires is to keep the tree well hydrated. This article will help with that.
By Nikki Tilley
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Planting Esperanza: Tips For How To Grow The Esperanza Plant
Esperanza goes by many names. Regardless of what you call it, the tropical native is easily recognized by its large masses of lightly scented, golden yellow flowers amid its foliage. Read this article to learn more.
By Nikki Tilley
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Soap For Garden Use: Using Bar Soap In The Garden And Beyond
Ever get tired of tossing out those small pieces of bar soap leftover from the bathroom shower or sink? Learn how to put them to use in gardens here.
By Nikki Tilley
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Understanding Plant Dormancy: How To Put A Plant Into Dormancy
Nearly all plants go dormant in winter. This period of rest is crucial to their survival in order to regrow each year. Learn more about the dormancy of plants in the following article.
By Nikki Tilley
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Plant Division: How To Divide Plants
Plant division involves digging up plants and dividing them into two or more sections. Discover the how and when of dividing plants in the following article so you can add more plants to the garden while keeping them healthy.
By Nikki Tilley
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Apple Maggot Prevention: Apple Maggot Signs And Control
Apple maggots can ruin an entire crop. In this article, you will learn how to recognize the signs and take appropriate preventative measures beforehand in fighting off these pests.
By Nikki Tilley
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Raccoon Repellent - How To Get Rid Of Raccoons And Keep Them Away
Got raccoons? These cute, but mischievous, critters can wreak havoc around your home and garden, especially in high numbers. But learning how to keep raccoons away is possible with this article.
By Nikki Tilley
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Fall Garden Guide: Basic Fall Gardening For Beginners
Whether raking the yard, cleaning the garden, starting a new garden, or prepping for next season, here are autumn garden tips to get it done.
By Liz Baessler