Palm in Bloom: Cut or Keep? Expert Advice for May 2026
Your palm is flowering and you’re unsure what to do. Here’s the frank, field-tested advice on when to cut, when to leave, and how to do no harm.
Nynke Brandsma
I've spent over fifteen years in botanical gardens and nurseries across the Netherlands and Belgium. Now I garden in Haarlem and write what I wish someone had told me sooner. No fluff — just what actually works.
Hostas: The Complete Guide to Growing, Caring for, and Designing with Hosta Hostas
Discover everything about hostas: 6,000+ cultivars, planting, pest control, indoor care, and landscape design from a Dutch botanical expert. Start growing today.
Creeping Ceanothus: How to Choose, Plant & Care for Blue Groundcover
Discover the best creeping ceanothus varieties for slopes, walls and groundcover. Expert planting tips, seasonal care and honest advice from a Dutch botanical gardener.
Spring Garden Checklist: Month-by-Month for Zones 7, 8 & 9
Get your garden off to a strong start with this month-by-month checklist tailored for USDA Zones 7, 8, and 9. Includes frost dates, planting schedules, and pest tips.
15 Smart City Garden Design Ideas for Your Compact Urban Space
Transform your tiny balcony or courtyard into a lush sanctuary. Expert city garden design ideas covering vertical gardens, low-maintenance plants, privacy screens, and budget-friendly tips.
The Definitive Guide to Growing Ferns in a Shade Garden: Expert Tips from Nynke Brandsma
Transform your shady corners into a lush sanctuary. Expert plant biologist Nynke Brandsma shares her definitive guide to choosing, planting, and caring for ferns in your garden.