About Jeff Rugg

Jeff Rugg

With degrees in science, zoology, horticulture and landscape architecture Rugg uses his many interests to help others learn about nature. He has managed garden centers in Texas and Illinois and owned a water garden and wild bird nature store.

He is currently an employee of Pond Supplies of America. His articles and photographs have appeared in Pond Keeper, Water Garden Magazine, Landscape Architect and Specifier News, Landscape Contractor Magazine, Ponds USA, American Nurseryman and other publications. He is currently an Illinois Certified Nurseryman and Registered Landscape Architect.

Great Backyard Bird Count Feb 11, 2026

A lot of people make New Year's Resolutions to lose weight. The birds that come to your yard have the opposite problem. They can lose 15% of their body weight in just one cold winter's night trying to stay warm. Even though they can lose weight fast,... Read More

Heart-Shaped Plants for Valentine's Day Feb 04, 2026

Q: I was in a store the other day, and they were selling little heart-shaped plants. My wife loves plants, and I thought the heart-shaped plant would be a good Valentine's Day present. While I was looking at them, someone came up and told me they are... Read More

Houseplant Problems Jan 28, 2026

Q: I have a few houseplants that stay indoors all year. Last summer, I received a couple of gift baskets with plants in them. Last fall, I repotted the plants into larger separate pots. The plants grew well, and I brought them in for the winter. I li... Read More

All-America Selections Flower Winners Jan 21, 2026

The AAS testing program is an independent nonprofit organization that tests new plants. They have about 80 test gardens from Alaska and Canada to California and Florida. They also have almost 200 display gardens all across the continent that are not ... Read More

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