Steve Bender

The Grumpy Gardener answers a reader’s question on rooting a rose cutting. Plus, his tip of the week.

Ward mosquitoes off naturally with aromatic plants and herbs you can grow in the garden. Learn what to plant and how to release its mosquito-repelling power.

When the blooms appear, the heady fragrance of a tea olive tree (Osmanthus fragrans) is liable to make you swoon. Here’s how to care for this Southern garden favorite.

In our complete guide to redbud trees (Cercis), find beautiful redbud varieties, tips on growing and pruning, and info on common problems.

Add annuals, perennials, and bulbs to your garden for a riot of color in spring. Whether in a border, hanging basket, or pots, these plants will bear fresh spring flowers.

Paper bush (Edgeworthia chrysantha) is a carefree shrub that brightens winter with fragrant blooms. Learn how to care for this winter garden star.

An infestation of Asian lady beetles won’t eat your walls, windows, or drapes, but it will leave a nasty stain. Here’s how to handle the situation.

In this week’s episode of Ask Grumpy, Steve Bender, also known asSouthern Living’s Grumpy Gardener, addresses a reader’s question on moving their blueberry bush. Plus, Grumpy’s Gripe of the Week on fall color.

In this episode of Ask Grumpy, Steve Bender, also known as Southern Living’s Grumpy Gardener advises a reader on dealing with scales on plants. Plus, Grumpy’s gripe of the week.

In this episode of Ask Grumpy, Steve Bender, also known as SouthernLiving’s Grumpy Gardener, provides helpful suggestions for a few discouraged vegetable gardeners in Alabama. Plus, what to know about growing cherry tomatoes.

Plant these heat-loving, drought-tolerant plants that thrive in hot weather. Just water them once a week to enjoy their blooms all summer long.

‘Sunshine’ Privet (Ligustrum sinense) is a shrub that brightens gardens with golden yellow foliage. Here’s how to grow and care for this evergreen.

When most of your garden is still sleeping, lilies burst forth with a riot of color and continue all summer. Here are the types of lilies to know.

Tread carefully around these skin-irritating plants. Read on for 10 dangerous plants and weeds you should never touch.

With a layer of protection, your plants can survive frosty temperatures. Covering plants during a freeze helps retain heat radiating from the soil.

Knowing where your home is on the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map is important, but so is understanding your Southern climate zone if you want to choose perennials, trees, and shrubs that will thrive in your corner of the country.

Tired of all those blooms? Read This!

Without proper pruning some bushes and shrubs can easily get out of control and take over the front of your house. The Grumpy Gardener shares the most common offenders and what to do after they’ve become unmanageable.

These delightful bulbs love our Southern climate.

Showy, colorful blooms that appear in fall.