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.

Water Problems Jul 08, 2026

Q: My water garden has an autofill that was installed against my wishes. The device never worked properly. We used to have to wedge a stick to prop the float up and prevent the water from constantly running and overflowing the pond. Now, even that do... Read More

Garden Tour Etiquette Jul 01, 2026

It is that time of year again: garden tour season. There are garden tours and pond tours sponsored by local garden clubs and water garden societies all over the country. Sure, in some of the warmer Southern states they may have already occurred, but ... Read More

Does Corn Gluten Meal Prevent Weed Seeds? Jun 24, 2026

Q: Your previous article on weed control is spot-on regarding the limitations of weed control via vinegar, boiling water, sodium chloride, etc. I have tried all of them. None are very effective. The article mentions preemergents with corn gluten. Doe... Read More

Black Spot Disease on Roses Jun 17, 2026

Q: I have some old rose bushes. They start out great each spring, but most summers, black spots develop on all my plants. By mid to late summer, most of the leaves are off the rose bushes, and they really look sad. I don't want to start over with new... Read More

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