Arricca Elin SanSone
Contributing Writer
Arricca Elin SanSone is a writer, editor, and content creator who specializes in lifestyle and gardening. With a background in health reporting, she applies these same research skills when writing about the science of growing things. She trials new plants in her expansive garden, and her houseplant collection consists of 60+ varieties. Arricca has written thousands of articles for publications such as Country Living, House Beautiful, Good Housekeeping, Prevention, VERANDA, Southern Living, and more. She’s happiest when digging in the dirt, baking, or spending time with the people and dogs she loves.

6 heat-tolerant hanging basket plants that thrive all summer
These tough flowers and foliage plants can handle scorching temperatures and still look great

17 fast-growing flowering vines that add privacy and cottage-garden charm fast
Add a touch of maximalist beauty to your garden with these lush vining plants

10 easy rules to follow now for a wonderful wildflower garden this summer and beyond
From cornflowers to cowslips: wildflowers will help you get that cottage garden look

12 tough perennials that practically live forever — including dependable, shade-loving ferns
Plant these long-lived perennials once and they’ll reward you for decades

Should I take my bird feeder down in summer? What to know about feeding in warm weather
Here’s what you should know about how to keep your garden birds healthy

10 old-fashioned flowers that bring grandma's garden back to life
With their timeless beauty and unforgettable fragrance

Are you planting tomatoes too early? Most gardeners make this mistake
Experts say to wait for this one thing before planting tomatoes

11 stunning self-seeding flowers for effortless gardening, including forget me nots
These flowers will pop up the next growing season as new plants

30 best perennial plants and flowers for every part of your garden – including colourful coneflower
From sunny to shady spots, these low-maintenance plants will brighten every plot

Nostalgic flowers to add to your garden: 12 your grandparents grew – including merry marigolds
Take a trip down memory lane with these blooms...

Sow petunias now: How to grow and care for these stunning summer blooms
Here’s how to grow one of the most beloved flowers of spring and summer

7 irresistible old-fashioned flowers to grow now, including 'touch-me-not'
Flowers with unforgettable names and personalities to match
These 15 flowers are shockingly easy to grow from seed – including calming chamomile
Grow a beautiful garden for less with these easy flowers from seed

Plant sunflowers now: How to grow the tall, healthy blooms to add cheer to your garden
Expert top tips for growing these sunshine blooms

21 best annual flowers to grow for summer-long colour – including charming cosmos
These easy-care annuals are perfect for your garden

20 fast-growing shrubs and bushes that add garden privacy quickly
Plant these beautiful, versatile plants for privacy in a hurry

How to prune an overgrown shrub (without killing it)
Experts explain how and when a rejuvenation cut can save a shrub that's gotten out of control

11 shade-loving perennials that thrive in dark garden corners – including foxglove
If your garden has more shade than sun, these gorgeous plants are up to the task

15 plants that actually grow under trees (even in dry shade)
Because dry shade can be a challenge

10 trees and shrubs you should never prune in spring
Your biggest spring gardening mistake could be cutting these back

Should you put wood ash on your garden? Benefits and risks gardeners should know
Can cinders have a second life in your soil? Here's everything you need to know

The safest place to hang bird feeders in your garden
Experts reveal simple feeder placement tips that help protect garden birds

10 garden trends for 2026 that don't require a redesign
Expert insights and design tips for making each trend your own

Make your garden a safe haven: 6 foods that help birds through winter
Here’s how to help your local wildlife get through the cold season

Doodle dog guide: What to know about popular Poodle mixes
Plus, eight of the most common mixes...

How to care for a Christmas cactus and get spectacular blooms
This easy-care houseplant can live for decades

How to pick a poinsettia that won't wilt as soon as you get home
Choose the freshest blooms so your floral display lasts all season

How to care for your amaryllis – from bulb to bloom
Here’s how to grow this beautiful winter-blooming plant

How to keep your real Christmas tree fresh right through the festive season
Here's how to keep it fresh and green
12 plants to add to your garden now that will look beautiful all winter
Here’s what to plant so you aren’t staring at nothing out your window all winter

10 autumn chores to do right now for a beautiful spring garden
Are these items on your gardening to-do list? They should be

Here’s exactly how (and when) to plant tulips for a beautiful spring garden
Everything to know about planting these gorgeous spring-blooming bulbs...