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...
7 plants to bring indoors for winter (and 5 not worth the trouble)
Here’s what plants to overwinter – and what to compost
7 vegetable and herbs that actually thrive inside all winter
Salad greens, herbs, and more can all be grown inside, through the deepest winter
The difference between frost and freeze — and why it matters for your garden
Think frost is the same as a freeze? Your plants may pay the price
How to grow asters – an underrated perennial for your autumn garden
These late-blooming perennials are a keystone plant – providing beauty and food
This dahlia trick guarantees gorgeous free autumn blooms next year
Here's how to save and divide your dahlia tubers to re-plant year after year
What most gardeners forget when planting spring bulbs — and how to fix it
When you’re putting spring-flowering bulbs in the ground this fall, don't forget your companion plants!
The gorgeous early autumn perennial you’ve probably never heard of – but should plant
Plant Japanese anemones right now for season-spanning colour.
11 perennials to cut back this autumn (and the ones you shouldn't touch)
Here's what to prune for a head start next spring
Put the cold-sensitive perennials down – 7 things you should never plant in autumn
Here's what to avoid if you want them to survive winter
15 autumn garden favourites that keep the colour coming after summer
There's still plenty of time to plant, prep and prune
10 easy tips to keep your garden containers thriving in the heat
Here’s how to get your container plants through a balmy summer...
3 different plants that go by the common name 'jasmine' — and how to grow them
Add a romantic feel to your garden with this beautiful plant
This common mowing mistake could ruin your lawn – here’s how to avoid it
A scientist explains why mowing low is no-no...
How to grow gorgeous lavender: Everything to know about planting and care
This beautiful, aromatic herb is easy to care for in pots and gardens
How to plant, grow, and care for chrysanthemums – for beautiful autumn flowers
Everything you need to know about cultivating these glorious blooms
I'm a garden writer. Here are 10 perennials you haven't heard of – but should plant
These beautiful, lesser-known perennials deserve a spot in your garden...
13 flowers that grow easily from seed — it's not too late to plant
Here's what flowers you can grow on the cheap from seed
20 full-sun perennials for years of garden beauty
These stalwarts will help keep the garden looking full
10 plants you need to prune right now for summer blooms
A spring haircut will do these perennials and shrubs a lot of good...
19 shade-loving perennials that thrive out of sunlight
Whether it's under a tree or by the side of your house, these beautiful plants will thrive!
35 clever container gardening ideas to transform any outdoor space
Create instant and changeable displays
49 stunning white flowers to bring elegance and charm to your garden
From humble daisies to stunning tulips, to showy hydrangea, a white flower will always look great!
Small trees with big impact: 15 best low-growing varieties for your garden
These little trees won't take over your space...
Growing and caring for petunias: Tips for vibrant blooms all season long
Here’s how to grow one of the most popular summer flowers...
13 fuss-free houseplants that are easy to grow from cuttings
Here's how to make (free) new plants to add to your collection
How much mulch do you need for your garden? Here's the easiest way to find out
Slip on your gardening gloves — here's what you need to know
Best fragrant flowers: 18 plants that will make your garden smell heavenly
Add another level of enjoyment to your garden
How to wash pillows – and how often to do it
Everything to know about the different types and how to keep them clean