Gardening Blog by  Cape Fear Plant Pro

Learn, Grow, and Get Inspired

Welcome to the Cape Fear Plant Pro Gardening Blog, your trusted resource for everything related to gardening and sustainable landscaping in Wilmington, NC. This is where I share practical advice, local insights, and horticultural expertise to help you make the most of your outdoor space — whether you’re a beginner gardener or a seasoned grower.

Each article is written to teach, inspire, and empower you with the knowledge to create and maintain a healthy, thriving garden. From choosing native plants and diagnosing plant problems to designing small spaces and pruning ornamentals, our content is built around the needs of Wilmington’s gardeners and homeowners.

I believe that learning is at the heart of every successful garden. Through this blog, I continue our mission to help our community garden smarter, more sustainably, and with greater enjoyment.

Woman in red shirt and shorts points at a large blue hydrangea bush in a garden setting.

Topics I Cover on the  Cape Fear Plant Pro Blog

Colorful flower bed with pink, purple, and orange flowers, bordered by a walkway and trees.

Discover how to design and maintain native and pollinator-friendly gardens that support bees, butterflies, and birds while thriving naturally in our coastal climate. Learn about local species that perform best in sandy soils and how to create year-round interest with minimal maintenance.

Broccoli plant with a large, green head surrounded by large, leafy, blue-green foliage.

Our blog features hands-on guides to vegetable gardening in Wilmington, NC — from soil preparation and planting schedules to organic pest control and succession cropping. You’ll also find creative ideas for integrating edible plants into ornamental landscape

Three people prune a tree outdoors on a sunny day. One reaches up, another cuts, and the third stands by a black bin.

Explore how garden coaching can help you understand your plants and achieve lasting results. I share real-world examples, seasonal checklists, and skill-building tutorials that make gardening easier and more rewarding.

Green plant leaves with curled edges and white, web-like structures.

Learn how to identify and address plant health issues quickly and effectively. I cover common regional problems such as fungal diseases, nutrient deficiencies, and pest infestations — offering eco-friendly, sustainable solutions that protect both plants and pollinators.

Hands holding and examining clods of soil, likely for testing.

From composting and soil regeneration to reducing chemical use, our blog promotes sustainable gardening methods. Each article focuses on working with nature to maintain balance, beauty, and long-term health in your landscape.

Small lime-green Japanese maple tree in a garden bed with green hostas near a wooden fence.

Proper pruning preserves beauty and structure. I publish step-by-step pruning advice for Japanese maples, crape myrtles, and other ornamentals, including when and how to prune for best results in southeastern North Carolina’s growing conditions.

Garden bed with pine straw mulch, plants, white picket fence, and house.

See how thoughtful design transforms compact spaces into lush, layered environments. Blog posts highlight small garden layouts, container gardening, and creative use of color and texture to maximize limited space.

I am committed to building a local gardening culture where beauty, biodiversity, and personal satisfaction go hand in hand.

Featured Articles

Green potted houseplant on a windowsill; bright light shines on the leaves.

Transitioning to Organic Gardening Practices

Learn how to eliminate synthetic fertilizers and pesticides while building soil health and supporting beneficial insects.

Hydrangea leaves with dark, circular spots, likely a fungal disease, against a brick wall.

5 Common Plant Problems in Wilmington and How to Fix Them

Learn which native plants thrive best in our coastal environment, attract pollinators, and resist drought. I share recommendations for perennials, shrubs, and groundcovers that add beauty without excess maintenance.

Large oak tree in a green field under a clear blue sky.

Choosing the Right Native Plants for Wilmington Gardens

Learn which native plants thrive best in our coastal environment, attract pollinators, and resist drought. I share recommendations for perennials, shrubs, and groundcovers that add beauty without excess maintenance.

Garden bed with pine straw mulch, plants, white picket fence, and house.

Designing Small Gardens That Feel Spacious

I break down design principles that make compact gardens feel open and balanced, using texture, proportion, and native plant layering.

Weeping Japanese maple tree with reddish-brown leaves, in a yard with a street and houses in the background.

How to Prune Japanese Maples Without Harming Their Form

Discover the proper timing, techniques, and tools for pruning your Japanese maple. Avoid common mistakes that can cause long-term damage and learn how to enhance your tree’s natural shape.

 Why Follow the  Cape Fear Plant Pro Blog

Our gardening blog is written for real Wilmington gardeners facing real challenges. Each post provides:

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Local relevance

Tips and plant recommendations specific to southeastern North Carolina

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Actionable advice

Step-by-step methods you can apply right away

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Educational value

Explanations rooted in horticultural science, presented in plain language

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Sustainability focus

Techniques that support the environment while achieving practical results

By following our updates, you’ll stay informed about seasonal tasks, design ideas, and eco-friendly approaches to landscape care.

Watering plants in trays with a hose sprayer outdoors. Green and silver foliage, sunlight.

Seasonal Guides and Garden Planning

Throughout the year, I publish seasonal guides that outline what to plant, prune, and prepare each month. Our planning articles help you stay ahead of Wilmington’s variable weather patterns, ensuring that your garden remains vibrant from spring through winter.

Topics include:

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Early spring soil preparation and plant selection

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Summer pest and disease management

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Fall pruning and perennial maintenance

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Winter planning and soil improvement strategies

These timely guides keep your garden healthy and organized year-round.

Educational Focus and Community Connection

Cape Fear Plant Pro’s blog isn’t just about plants — it’s about people. Our mission is to build a knowledgeable, connected gardening community across Wilmington and the greater Cape Fear region.

I encourage readers to ask questions, share photos, and participate in local gardening initiatives that promote pollinator conservation and sustainable landscape practices.

By fostering awareness and collaboration, I help make Wilmington’s gardens not only more beautiful, but also more ecologically resilient.

How to Stay Updated

New articles are published regularly and shared through our social media channels and Google listing. You can stay updated by:

  • Visiting our website’s blog section frequently
  • Following us on Facebook for the latest posts and community highlights
  • Bookmarking the site for seasonal gardening updates

I welcome your feedback and topic suggestions — your questions often inspire our most popular posts.

 Contact Us

Ready to apply what you’ve learned or get personalized guidance? Cape Fear Plant Pro offers coaching, consulting, and design services to help you put your gardening goals into action.

Call (910) 746-2474 or email capefearplantpro@gmail.com to connect with our team.
I am available Monday through Friday, 9:00 am–4:00 pm, proudly serving Wilmington, NC 28409 and surrounding communities.

Let’s grow together — through knowledge, experience, and gardens that tell a story.