Articles by 'Misty Gil'

By Misty Gil, Posted in Feature Stories

Exposed tree roots can be frustrating. They interrupt lawns, create tripping hazards, and make mowing difficult. It is a common instinct to want to cover those roots with soil and replant grass to create a smooth surface. Unfortunately, adding soil... read more.

By Misty Gil, Posted in Feature Stories

What Shorter Days Mean for Your Landscape: Lighting, Safety, and Security Solutions for Fall and Winter
As the seasons change and daylight fades earlier in the evening, your landscape begins to serve a different purpose. In spring and summer,... read more.

By Misty Gil, Posted in Feature Stories

North Carolina has a rich history of ornamental plant development, shaped by its diverse growing conditions, strong academic institutions, botanical gardens, and horticultural innovators. From plants discovered as chance mutations to hybrids developed... read more.

By Misty Gil, Posted in

When fall arrives in the Raleigh, Durham, Cary, and Chapel Hill area, most gardeners are thinking about cleanup and putting their landscapes to bed. But here's a secret that savvy local gardeners know: late summer and fall are the perfect time to... read more.

By Misty Gil, Posted in Feature Stories

Garden clubs have long played an important role in bringing people together through a shared love of plants, landscapes, and the natural world. While gardening may be the common interest that first attracts members, the benefits extend far beyond... read more.

By Misty Gil, Posted in Feature Stories

If you live in Raleigh, Durham, or Chapel Hill, you've probably discovered that your yard has clay soil. Heavy, dense, and frustrating to dig in, clay soil is the reality for most homeowners in our region. But here's the good news: instead of fighting... read more.

By Misty Gil, Posted in Feature Stories

Gardening is often thought of as simple yard work, but for millions of people it is a deeply rewarding hobby that offers far more than aesthetic appeal. Whether tending a small vegetable patch, maintaining ornamental beds, or caring for houseplants,... read more.

By Misty Gil, Posted in Feature Stories

North Carolina landscapes have a natural advantage when it comes to supporting pollinators. Our climate, soils, and long growing season allow a wide range of native perennials to thrive with minimal input once established. Choosing native plants is... read more.

By Misty Gil, Posted in Feature Stories

Native plants have become increasingly popular in North Carolina landscapes, and for good reason. They are well-adapted to our climate, support local wildlife, and often require less maintenance than non-native alternatives. Whether you're looking to... read more.

By Misty Gil, Posted in Feature Stories

If you garden or manage landscapes in Raleigh, one of the most important numbers you should know is your plant hardiness zone. That number influences what survives the winter, what struggles long term, and what truly thrives.

What Zone Is... read more.

By Misty Gil, Posted in Feature Stories

Every homeowner knows the frustration. You have that corner under the big oak tree where nothing grows. Or the slope too steep to mow. Maybe it's a wet area near the downspout, or compacted ground where kids always run. In Raleigh,... read more.

By Misty Gil, Posted in Feature Stories

A well-designed backyard can be so much more than a patch of grass—it can become a place where kids explore, create memories, and stay active outdoors. Families across the Piedmont and Triangle region are increasingly looking for landscapes that... read more.