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.

Growing a Coach for Cinderella Oct 21, 2026

Q: I have a large garden area, and now that I have some grandkids, I was thinking of growing a huge pumpkin. What do you think? Is it as easy as I think it is? A: Well, maybe. Halloween and pie pumpkins are easy to grow. Giant pumpkins (Cucurbita max... Read More

Planting Bulbs for Spring and Storing Bulbs for Winter Oct 14, 2026

Q: I received some expensive hyacinth, tulip and other bulbs that came with blue and gray mold growing on some of them. I don't want to plant them if they are going to die, and I don't want to throw them away because they cost a lot of money. Is ther... Read More

Mums the Word Oct 07, 2026

There is an early buyer problem in American retail stores. Everyone complains that Halloween products are in stores months before the holiday, even before the end of July. The same early display of products is true of every holiday because most seaso... Read More

Stopping Deer Damage Sep 30, 2026

Q: I have a long arborvitae hedge, and I just noticed that something has shredded the branches on a couple of the trees at the far end of the hedge. It doesn't look like anything was eaten. Low branches are broken off, and the bark looks like someone... Read More

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