Posts By

Laura Elsner

Laura Elsner lives the garden life! She is a certified master gardener and has been gardening professionally for over 15 years. When she’s not out in the dirt running her own gardening business (Calgary Gardener), she can be found reading and writing about gardening, out in her own garden, or fussing over her houseplants. Laura specializes in growing lush and visually stunning gardens, focusing on bloom times and plant choice.

Information

What Plant Containers Are Best For Container Gardens?

Not sure what type of containers to use in your container garden this season? There are many choices to choose from, so it can be difficult to pick if you don't know where to start. In this article, Certified Master Gardener Laura Elsner shares everything you need to know about picking the right containers for your container garden this season.

Flowers

How to Plant, Grow and Care For Lungwort

Looking to add some Lungwort to your garden? These beautiful perennials can make a wonderful shade garden addition, or low-growing ground cover plant. In this article, certified master gardener Laura Elsner shares all you need to know about growing Lungwort in your garden, including plant maintenance and care tips.

Purple monkshood flowers growing in garden

Flowers

How to Plant, Grow and Care For Monkshood

Monkshood flowers are strikingly beautiful, and can be the star of almost any shade garden. In this article, certified master gardener Laura Elsner teaches you everything you need to know about Monkshood flowers, including tips for both maintenance and care.

rex begonias growing in a white pot on a shelf in the shade of sun.

Houseplants

31 Different Varieties of Colorful Rex Begonias

Are you thinking of growing some rex begonias this season, but aren't sure where to start? There are many different Rex begonia varieties you can grow, depending on what your goals are. In this article, certified master gardener Laura Elsner shares her favorite types of Rex Begonias, with names and pictures of each!

joe pye weed growing in garden with pink flowers at the top of the plant.

Flowers

How to Plant, Grow and Care for Joe Pye Weed

Thinking of adding Joe Pye weed to your garden this season? This native plant is a popular perennial that compliments many other plants in the garden. In this article, Certified Master Gardener Laura Elsner takes you through all you need to know about Joe Pye weed, incliding its maintenance and care.

Flower garden in full bloom during season

Information

15 Tips For Creating a Garden That Blooms All Season long

Are you looking to create a garden that effortlessly blooms throughout the season? There are several things you can do to ensure your garden has plenty of flowers, no matter your hardiness zone. In this article, certified master gardener Laura Elsner shares her top tips for creating a garden that flowers throughout the entire growing season.

container allium

Herbs

11 Tips For Growing Allium in Pots or Containers

Are you adding ornamental allium to your container garden this season? These purple flowering plants are extremely beautiful and easy to grow. In this article, certified master gardener Laura Elsner shares her top tips for growing ornamental allium in pots or containers this season!

White astilbe flowers blooming in the garden in spring

Flowers

7 Tips for Extending the Bloom Times of Your Astilbe

Are you trying to get the most out of your Astilbe blooms this season? There are a few different actions you can take that will keep your Astilbe's blooms thriving. In this article, certified master gardener Laura Elsner shares her top tips for long-lasting Astilbe flowers in the garden.

edibles in perennial garden

Vegetables

12 Ways to Add Edible Plants to Perennial Gardens

Planting a perennial garden is a joy in and of itself. But something that can make your perennial garden even more interesting is adding some edible plants to your ornamental display. In this article, certified master gardener Laura Elsener shares some of her creative ideas on how to add edible plants to your perennial garden this season.

Ornamental Allium with Purple Flower Petals

Flowers

22 Beautiful Varieties of Ornamental Allium

Thinking of adding some ornamental allium to your garden this season, but aren't sure which type you should plant? There are many different types to choose from, depending on your goals and climate. In this article, certified master gardener Laura Elsner shares her favorite ornamental allium varieties to add to your garden this season.

Lush Green Growing Hosta Plant in Garden

Plants

15 Tips For Lush, Beautiful Hosta Plants This Season

Are you thinking about adding some hostas to your garden this season? While they can be a little picky about their growing conditions, these beautiful plants can make the perfect addition to any shade garden. In this article, certified master gardener Laura Elsner shares her top tips for lush, beautiful hostas this season.

Astilbe flower blooming in a green garden in the spring

Flowers

How to Plant, Grow and Care For Astilbe

Thinking of growing some Astilbe in your garden this season? This shade garden favorite has beautiful blooms in many different colors. In this article, certified master gardener Laura Elsner takes you through every aspect of growing astilbes in your garden, including maintenance and care.

Perennial Flower Growing in Minnesota Garden

Plants

21 Flowering Perennial Plants For Minnesota Gardens

Are you looking for a few perennials to add to your Minnesota Garden this spring? There are a number of cold climate perennials you can grow in the land of 10,000 lakes. In this article, certified master gardener Laura Elsener looks at some of her favorite Minnesota-friendly perennial plants.

Pink Peony blooming in the garden with bright pink petals

Flowers

37 Different Pink Peonies to Grow This Season

Are you looking for some pink peonies to add to your flower garden this season, but aren't quite sure where to start? These popular flowers can be intimidating due to the sheer amount you have to choose from. In this article, certified master gardener Laura Elsner looks at her favorite varieties of Pink Peonies, with names and pictures of each.

Many different colored astilbe varieties blooming in the garden

Flowers

19 Different Types of Beautiful Astilbe Varieties

Thinking of growing some Astilbe in your garden this season? There are many different types of astilbe that bloom in a variety of different flower colors. In this article, certified master gardener Laura Elsner takes you through her favorite varieties of astilbe to try this season.

Coral Bells Growing with Purple Foliage in Garden

Plants

How to Plant, Grow, and Care For Coral Bells (Heuchera)

Thinking of adding some coral bells to your garden this season? Also known as heuchera, these low growing plants are a garden favorite for their colorful foliage. In this article, certified master gardener Laura Elsner takes you through each step of growing coral bells, including their maintenance and care.

cold hardy ground cover

Plants

15 Cold Hardy Ground Cover Plants For Cool Weather

Looking for a cold hardy ground cover plant to dress up your garden in cooler weather? There are plenty of different options to choose from, even in colder hardiness zones. In this article, certified master gardener Laura Elsner looks at her favorite cold hardy ground cover plants, with names and pictures of each!

Ornamental Allium growing in garden with purple spike like flowers

Flowers

How to Plant, Grow and Care For Ornamental Allium

Thinking of adding Allium to your garden this season, but aren't sure where to start? Allium can act as a lovely ornamental, but also a wonderful companion plant. In this article, certified master gardener Laura Elsner walks through everything you need to know about Allium, including tips for maintenance and care.