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.

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Growing Pumpkins Sep 02, 2026

Q: My pumpkins have turned orange, and it is still two months until Halloween. What do I do now? A: If the last few inches of the stem next to the pumpkin have turned brown, it is best to harvest it. If it is still green, leave it in the garden. If y... Read More

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Spindle Galls and Moving Lilies Aug 26, 2026

Q: I bring most of my houseplants outdoors for the summer. We have had a lot of wind and rain this summer, but except for a few tattered leaves, they are doing well. However, several different kinds of plants are producing new leaves that are a yello... Read More

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Can You Save a Blown-Over Tree? Aug 19, 2026

Have you been in the path of any storms lately? It seems like there have been a lot of storms in the past few weeks. The local sirens turned on a few days ago, so I headed to the basement. I quickly turned my phone to the Max Velocity YouTube channel... Read More

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Can You Move a Tree? Aug 12, 2026

Q: We planted a nice redbud tree three years ago, and it has grown too high for where it is. We want to move it about 20 feet to one side of the yard. Do you think the root system is too big now? How should we dig it up? It was balled and burlapped, ... Read More