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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How To Determine Soil Texture By Feel
Here’s a simple guide to get a read on your soil texture using your hands rather than sending for a soil test. It’s easy.
By Teo Spengler
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Information On Caring For Pothos Plants
Pothos plants are great for beginners and collectors alike. Click here to learn everything you need to know about growing your own.
By Heather Rhoades
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Wax Begonia Care - How To Grow Annual Begonias
Annual begonias are a great addition to any shade garden. Click here to learn how to grow them the right way.
By Becca Badgett
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Why Native Trees Are Important And Why You Should Plant Them
Planting native trees on your property can be beneficial, but it’s good to explore which ones to plant and where they belong.
By Teo Spengler
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Too Mulch Of A Good Thing: How Much Mulch Is Too Much?
Too much mulch can be detrimental to your plants and trees. Learn about how to avoid over-mulching.
By Teo Spengler
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How Do Bees See Flowers?
Have you ever wondered how bees see? Click here to find out.
By Teo Spengler
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Growing Redbud Trees: How To Care For A Redbud Tree
Growing redbud trees is a great way to add brilliant color to your landscape. Click here to learn how to care for a redbud tree.
By Susan Patterson
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10 Native Spirea Japonica Bush Alternatives
Japanese spirea is beautiful, but it's invasive in the US. Click here to learn about 10 excellent native alternatives.
By Teo Spengler
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Best Barberry Substitutes – Plant These Natives Instead
Japanese barberry is beautiful, but it also spreads wildly, out-competes native plants, and is hard to get rid of. Click here to learn about safe alternatives.
By Teo Spengler
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Western Birds: Common Birds Of California & Nevada
Whether in your garden or the wild, bird watching in California and Nevada can be exciting and fascinating. Learn which ones to watch for.
By Teo Spengler
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Turn Off The Lights! How To Stop Firefly Population Decline
Learn more about firefly decline and how you can help them survive by turning off lights at night and avoiding chemical pesticides.
By Teo Spengler
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Teak Tree Facts: Information About Teak Tree Uses And More
Teak is mostly known for its wood, but the trees can look great in a landscape too. Click here for more about teak care.
By Teo Spengler
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American Persimmon Tree Facts – Tips On Growing American Persimmons
American persimmons aren't as popular as their Asian cousins, but many people think they're tastier. Click for more.
By Teo Spengler
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Fast Growing Evergreen Shrubs – Best Evergreen Shrubs For Privacy
Looking to shield your garden from prying eyes? You'll want shrubs that grow in thick and grow in fast. Click here for more.
By Teo Spengler
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Assessing Fire Damage To Trees: Tips On Repairing Burnt Trees
If your trees have been damaged in a fire, it's important to spring into action. Click to learn how to save burned trees.
By Teo Spengler
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Trees Hit By Lightning: Repairing Lightning Damaged Trees
Trees are the things most commonly struck by lightning. So what do you do when it happens to your tree? Click here to learn more.
By Teo Spengler
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Tips On St. John’s Wort Pruning: When To Cut Back St. John’s Wort
St. John's flowers more prolifically if you prune it once a year. Click here for information about St. John's wort pruning.
By Teo Spengler
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Garden Solar Panels: Tips For Adding Solar Panels To Yards
If you have the space, solar panels in the garden are a great way to provide an alternative power source to the home. Click for more.
By Teo Spengler