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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Complete Guide To Repotting Amaryllis – For Better Blooms & A Healthier Plant
Amaryllis plants don't need a lot of elbow room, but they do have to be repotted every 3-5 years. Wait until they're dormant and pick a slightly bigger pot.
By Teo Spengler
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Act Now For Garden Pest Prevention Next Year: Tips For A Problem-Free Garden Next Spring
It’s never too soon to be thinking about ways to tackle next year’s pests! Here are the golden rules for garden pest prevention that you can follow right now
By Teo Spengler
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How To Eat Pumpkin Seeds From Your Own Homegrown Gourds
Pumpkin seeds are tasty, easy to roast, and full of nutrients. Learn how to eat pumpkin seeds for delicious and nutritious snacking all autumn long.
By Teo Spengler
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5 Low-Maintenance Plants & Shrubs That Don’t Need Pruning To Look Their Best
Looking for low-maintenance plants and shrubs that don't need pruning? Here are the best varieties to add to your landscape. Now put those pruners away!
By Teo Spengler
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7 Types Of Monstera Every Plant Lover Should Have In Their Collection
With their deep leaf splits and wild variegation, monsteras are real show-stopping houseplants. Here are seven of our favorites.
By Teo Spengler
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9 Fun Things To Do With Pumpkins That Are Past Their Prime
Wondering what to do with your pumpkin after the Halloween fun is over? Learn what to do with your pumpkins when you are done decorating with them.
By Teo Spengler
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How To Grow Magnolia Seeds – For Even More Of These Beautiful & Beloved Trees
Magnolia seed pods, which resemble exotic-looking cones, spread open to reveal bright red berries. Inside the berries, you'll find the magnolia seeds. Get tips for growing magnolia seeds in this article.
By Teo Spengler
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8 Low-Maintenance Evergreen Shrubs That Look Fantastic All Year
Reliable year-round shrubs are an essential part of an easy-care plot. Here we round up eight low maintenance evergreen shrubs for every garden
By Teo Spengler
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Peat Moss Vs. Coco Coir: Pros And Cons To Consider
Much more sustainable than peat moss, coco coir does just as well at amending soil without creating an ecological impact.
By Teo Spengler
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How To Attract Monarch Butterflies – 5 Ways To Make Your Garden Monarch-Friendly
Learn how to attract monarch butterflies to your garden by planting monarch-friendly plants and by following these gardening tips. Help the monarchs come back from the brink.
By Teo Spengler
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7 Ornamental Grasses For Gorgeous Texture And Soothing Sounds
Think outside the turf box and consider beautiful ornamental grasses. They'll add dramatic effects to any landscape or garden.
By Teo Spengler
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Grow Your Own Cocktail Ingredients: Plant A Cocktail Garden For Deliciously Fresh Drinks
Ever heard of growing your own cocktail garden? Try some of these cocktail garden plant ideas and impress your friends by becoming your own botanical bartender!
By Teo Spengler
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What You Need To Know About Pruning Hydrangeas In Fall – Before You Pick Up Your Pruners
It's fall and your hydrangeas are still looking great! But should you prune your hydrangeas now, or wait for the spring?
By Teo Spengler
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How To Start A Compost Bin Or Pile In Your Backyard – Everything You Need To Know
Composting is great for your garden and easy to learn. Start a compost pile or bin today with our expert step-by-step guide.
By Teo Spengler
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10 Best Flowering Bushes For Big, Showy Blooms
Looking for a flowering shrub to add to your landscape? Check out our list of ten of the most beautiful blooming bushes.
By Teo Spengler
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Try These 11 Palm Tree Varieties To Add A Touch Of The Tropics To Your Garden
If you fancy growing a statuesque palm but don’t know which one to choose, don’t panic. These palm tree varieties can help you add some tropical flair to your yard
By Teo Spengler
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Bottlebrush Buckeye: How To Grow A Native Bottlebrush Buckeye Shrub
A lovely addition to any landscape, the bottlebrush buckeye bush is native to North America and loved by pollinators.
By Teo Spengler
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Complete Date Palm Tree Care Guide: Essentials For Planting And Cultivating Date Palms
Majestic and sweeping, palm trees add high impact to suitable gardens – but how easy are they to grow? Here’s your essential guide to date palm tree care
By Teo Spengler