About Jeff Rugg

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.

...

Staghorn Ferns Feb 25, 2026

Q: I received a staghorn fern as a Christmas present. It is on a small wooden board. I don't have any place to hang it. Can I put it in a pot? What kind of soil should I use? A: Your fern is the most commonly grown of the 18 species of staghorn or el... Read More

...

Green Thumb Awards Feb 18, 2026

The Green Thumb awards are sponsored by the National Garden Bureau, a nonprofit organization that exists to educate and inspire home gardeners. The winning products were selected based on their uniqueness, technological innovation, ability to solve a... Read More

...

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