The Landscape Connection Blog

By Michelle Cox July 8, 2025
Discover the natural power of handcrafted bath salts made with Epsom and Himalayan salts, homegrown botanicals, and clean essential oils. Soothe sore muscles, ease stress, and bring spa-level calm to your Zone 5 home.
By michelle.tlcgiftandgarden July 1, 2025
Discover 10 heat-loving, drought-tolerant perennials perfect for Zone 5 gardens. These low-maintenance plants bring lasting color, pollinators, and structure to your summer landscape—no sprinkler required.
By michelle.tlcgiftandgarden June 30, 2025
Wondering why your clematis isn’t blooming? This guide breaks down exactly how to grow and prune clematis for bold, beautiful blooms—without the overwhelm. Learn what your vine needs, when to prune, and how to keep it thriving all summer long.
By michelle.tlcgiftandgarden June 30, 2025
Discover safe, effective ways to stop powdery mildew on plants. Tips for cucumbers, roses & more from a Zone 5 garden expert in Rockford, IL.
By michelle.tlcgiftandgarden June 26, 2025
Discover what your Zone 5 garden needs this July—from harvesting and deep watering to succession planting and pest control. Stay ahead of the heat and keep your garden thriving with this practical mid-season checklist tailored for Illinois growers.
By michelle.tlcgiftandgarden June 18, 2025
At The Landscape Connection, everything we create is rooted in care—and our hand-poured candle line is no exception. As part of our Spa Collection’s Summer Series, our in-house candles are crafted with 100% soy wax, cotton wicks, and clean, intentional fragrances designed to elevate your everyday.
By michelle.tlcgiftandgarden June 18, 2025
Discover how our hand-poured soy candles are made—from scent blending to wax pouring. Crafted with science, care, and intention in Rockford, IL.
By michelle.tlcgiftandgarden June 3, 2025
If you’ve ever wished for more room to grow your own food but felt limited by space, I have three words for you: Let’s. Grow. Up. Vertical gardening isn’t just a clever trend—it’s a game changer, especially for Zone 5 gardeners like us who deal with short growing seasons and unpredictable weather. Whether you're working with a raised bed, a small backyard, or a patio container garden, going vertical can help you maximize space, improve plant health, and boost your harvest.
By michelle.tlcgiftandgarden May 31, 2025
Every June, gardeners across the country pause to celebrate National Pollinator Week—and this year, from June 16–22, it’s our chance to honor the tiny workers that make our gardens bloom: bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, moths, and more.
By Michelle Cox April 22, 2025
May is one of my favorite times to rethink the garden—especially the perennial beds. Plants are waking up, the weather is perfect for digging, and you can really reshape your space before summer hits. Dividing and moving perennials isn’t just practical—it’s deeply satisfying. It’s like rearranging furniture and realizing your room suddenly works better.
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By Michelle Cox July 8, 2025
Discover the natural power of handcrafted bath salts made with Epsom and Himalayan salts, homegrown botanicals, and clean essential oils. Soothe sore muscles, ease stress, and bring spa-level calm to your Zone 5 home.
By michelle.tlcgiftandgarden July 1, 2025
Discover 10 heat-loving, drought-tolerant perennials perfect for Zone 5 gardens. These low-maintenance plants bring lasting color, pollinators, and structure to your summer landscape—no sprinkler required.
By michelle.tlcgiftandgarden June 30, 2025
Wondering why your clematis isn’t blooming? This guide breaks down exactly how to grow and prune clematis for bold, beautiful blooms—without the overwhelm. Learn what your vine needs, when to prune, and how to keep it thriving all summer long.
Show More