Opinion

Welcome to my opinion page. We all have opinions—some really good ones, some questionable—and this is where I plant the ones that might ruffle a few leaves. I’m not here to stir up anger or pick fights, but like everyone else, I do have strong views about gardening, and this is where I’m choosing to share them. 

Comments will always be open, although I ask that they be kept clean and respectful. I promise I'll strive to do the same.

One of the reasons I'm choosing to publish this particular page is to get some different views out there. Looking at online gardening forums, you always seem to run into the same arguments, and the responses heat up too quickly. There never seems to be enough room to really say what needs to be said—or at least what I want to say.

So keep an open mind and read through the articles. Voice your own opinion at the end—I'm always happy to have a one-on-one conversation about anything posted here.

The Invasive Series brings together three essays that were originally written as stand‑alone pieces, but naturally connect into a broader conversation about how we define, judge, and manage native and non‑native plants. Each part tackles the topic from a different angle; while every essay stands on its own, together they offer a more thoughtful look at how we view our landscapes.

Beyond the Third Rail: A Long-View Look at Native and Invasive Plants

A long‑view look at our definitions and how things have come about.

Making a Case for the Chinese Tallow Tree

A real‑world case study.

Native Plants Behaving Badly

The final piece showing how even native species can behave aggressively. 

Of course, once you’ve finished debating which plants belong on the "naughty list," there’s still the rest of the yard to manage. Here are a few more slightly opinionated articles that are just as essential to a well-rounded garden conversation.

Flowers vs. Vegetables

Ever wonder why it seems like the bulk of gardeners, even more experienced ones, just want to talk about the "pretty flowers"? I do all the time...

The Beat Goes On

Hot‑button garden topics never die, but our reactions don’t have to be battles. A neighborly take on answering questions without turning up the heat.

The Birds, the Bees and Other Things

We all know we need the birds and the bees, but how much do we actually require them?

Why I Don’t Start Seeds in February

This Southern Gardener’s Take on Seed Starting.