
Madeleine Streets
Despite making her home in urban metropolises, Madeleine Streets has been nurturing a green thumb for decades.
Raised by a garden designer, she is putting that childhood education to use by helping others learn how to make their garden bloom, while filling her own New York home with cat-friendly plants.
When not writing about gardening and the outdoors, Madeleine loves to cook, study wine and borrow books from her local library.
Latest articles by Madeleine Streets

Experts say you should be drying your laundry outside this summer, and the reason surprised me
By Madeleine Streets published
This method does more than save on energy bills. According to experts, it's also a natural stain remover.

7 plants you should propagate this August
By Madeleine Streets published
Propagation is a great way to turn one healthy plant into two (or more) plants. This August, there are several plants that are ready and willing to be used to take cuttings.

Summer isn't over yet — 9 perennials to cut back in August for even more blooms
By Madeleine Streets published
To keep the garden full of vibrant blooms all the way into fall, target certain perennials and cut back tired growth this month to give plants the chance to flower again.

7 vegetables you should plant in August for a bountiful fall harvest
By Madeleine Streets published
As August arrives and we pass the midpoint of summer, it’s time to look ahead to cooler months and start planting vegetable seeds now for a bountiful fall.

9 low-maintenance yard plants that are impossible to kill
By Madeleine Streets published
Every garden needs some reliable plants that will thrive year after year, with minimal attention. These species are so hardy and low-maintenance, they’ll turn anyone into a gardener.

9 colorful plants you can grow quickly for summer flowering
By Madeleine Streets published
Gardening is often a game of patience, but some varieties can mature and flower in quick time. These 9 species are a great way to see colorful results, fast.

7 perennial flowers to plant now for a vibrant summer garden
By Madeleine Streets published
Many flower gardens are already in bloom, but these 7 perennials are a great way to ensure colorful blooms throughout the latter part of summer.

The 7 best fragrant hedge plants to keep your yard fresh this summer and beyond
By Madeleine Streets published
Hedges are a practical way to add natural barriers to the garden, but certain plants can also add color and scent. These 7 choices are a perfumed take on the traditional border.

7 easy to grow flowers to plant in June — for a low-maintenance cutting garden
By Madeleine Streets published
Enjoy fresh blooms both in the garden and indoors in a vase, by building your own cutting garden. These seven flower species are ideal for growing, cutting, and home display.

The 7 best companion plants for tomatoes
By Madeleine Streets published
Tomatoes are a summer staple, but they can be susceptible to all kinds of pests and disease. With companion planting, you boost your chances of a happy harvest.

Ditch the chemicals: 9 pest-repellent flowers that will keep pests away from your garden
By Madeleine Streets published
No gardener wants to spend time and energy on their vegetable patch, only for pests to destroy the crop. Plant these flowers in your garden to deter pests and enjoy pretty blooms.

The 7 best plants for neat yet low-maintenance hedges
By Madeleine Streets published
Hedges are an easy way to create a natural privacy barrier in the garden that doubles as attractive greenery. When the plants are also low-maintenance, it’s a perfect combination.

Take a natural approach to pests: How to use diatomaceous earth to solve 7 garden problems
By Madeleine Streets published
Avoid the use of chemical fertilizers and still prevent garden pests, by applying diatomaceous earth to your garden in these 7 creative ways.

7 best plants for balconies — turn any space into a summer sanctuary
By Madeleine Streets published
Balconies may not have soil beds or lawns, but there are still plenty of plants that will thrive in this environment and bring life to your sky patio.

What to plant in small gardens — these 9 plants will add color and interest
By Madeleine Streets published
Make the most out of a smaller green space by focusing on tall and narrow plants, shorter species that fit under a windowsill, and hanging planters that add dimension.

5 big gardening trends of 2025 — according to gardening pros
By Madeleine Streets published
New gardening trends in 2025 will have us moving towards regenerative, pollinator-friendly planting and warm, earth colors, say professional gardeners.

Plant these 7 beginner-friendly vegetables in April for a stunning summer harvest
By Madeleine Streets last updated
Warmer weather means it’s time to start planning for your summer vegetable harvests. Here are 7 different veggies to plant now, so you can tuck into fresh produce come June and beyond.

7 colorful flowers to plant in April for a vibrant summer garden
By Madeleine Streets published
Gardens come into their own during the summer months, when so many species are blooming. Here are 7 different flowers to plant in April that will bring color and vibrancy to your garden.

9 perennial flowers to plant in April for blooms year after year
By Madeleine Streets published
April brings the first full month of spring, which means it’s time to plant these 9 perennials.

7 tell-tale signs that your patio furniture needs replacing
By Madeleine Streets published
Old patio furniture can not only be an eyesore, but cause more hassle. Here are seven signs that you need to replace your furniture right now.

7 tips for sowing seeds outdoors this spring for a blooming garden
By Madeleine Streets last updated
As we leave the winter frosts behind, garden soil gets warm enough for direct outdoor planting. Here’s how to sow seeds the right way so they thrive this spring.

7 plants to prune in March for healthy spring growth
By Madeleine Streets published
Pruning helps to clear away the old and make room for new growth, but timing is everything. Here are the 7 plants to prune now March is here.

7 gardening tasks you should do in February for a bountiful spring
By Madeleine Streets last updated
February may be a quiet month for growing, but there are still a lot of useful tasks to get done now to help prepare your garden for the months ahead.
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