School
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Expertise
Sustainable gardening, Native plant landscaping, Companion planting
- Kristina is passionate about connecting to nature in positive ways, and writes about this pursuit at her site, Hearthwilde.
- She is well-versed in growing gardens and landscapes that are fruitful as well as eco-friendly, and lives in a region that receives just seven inches of rain per year with a short growing season.
- Kristina is also a Square Foot Gardener Certified Instructor.
Experience
Kristina gained her first experience working with plants in a family-owned garden nursery over 30 years ago. After spending nearly a decade and a half in Paris, France, she made her way to the high desert of Utah where her small farm features a large vegetable garden as well as fruit-bearing trees and shrubs. She grows indoors as well, and her home is filled with more than 100 houseplants. For over five years, Kristina has worked as a gardening, horticulture, and wildlife writer for sites including Gardener's Path and the Square Foot Gardening Foundation. In each of her articles, she hopes to inspire others to make their indoor and outdoor green spaces welcoming to creatures big and small.
Education
Kristina graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a bachelor's degree in liberal studies. She is a Certified Permaculture Designer, holds a Certificate in Native Plant Studies from the University of North Carolina Botanical Gardens, and a Landscape for Life certificate through the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center and the United States Botanic Garden.
House Digest uses a knowledgeable team of editors, writers, and experts to create all our content. We dive deep into the always-evolving conversations surrounding design and home trends, striving to deliver the most current and helpful tips, strengthened by expert takes and tutorials from our talented team.
As we cover many fields of expertise, we make it a priority to ensure every beat remains fresh and comprehensive. Additional information on our editorial process available here.
-
Landscaping
By Kristina Hicks-Hamblin
Some gardeners plant ribbon grass because it spreads quickly. But this can be a big mistake, especially in some regions. Luckily, there's a better alternative.
By Kristina Hicks-Hamblin
Read More
-
Flowers
By Kristina Hicks-Hamblin
You're probably familiar with the most common types of zinnias featuring tall stems, but this variety is a little different as a low-growing ground cover.
By Kristina Hicks-Hamblin
Read More
-
Flowers
By Kristina Hicks-Hamblin
This perennial has nice bell-shaped flowers that appeal to many gardeners, but it's considered invasive in certain locations. You'll want to avoid growing it.
By Kristina Hicks-Hamblin
Read More
-
Edible Gardening
By Kristina Hicks-Hamblin
Radishes are an easy-to-grow vegetable, great for beginner gardeners. This particular variety is fast growing and compact, making it ideal for planters.
By Kristina Hicks-Hamblin
Read More
-
Trees, Shrubs & Vines
By Kristina Hicks-Hamblin
With warmer weather coming and the last frost behind you, what shrubs are best for your garden? Boost your curb appeal with these showy, colorful shrubs.
By Kristina Hicks-Hamblin
Read More
-
Garden
By Kristina Hicks-Hamblin
The humble ladybug is actually a garden warrior; you can never have too many. Providing food and shelter for ladybugs and their larvae is key to more visits.
By Kristina Hicks-Hamblin
Read More
-
Kitchen Organization
By Kristina Hicks-Hamblin
Repurposing items from the thrift store is a sure way to keep your household decor eco-friendly. Try this old-school organizer, repurposed to hold utensils.
By Kristina Hicks-Hamblin
Read More
-
Edible Gardening
By Kristina Hicks-Hamblin
If you want to get as much spiciness from your peppers as possible, wait to harvest them until you see this one telltale sign that they're ready.
By Kristina Hicks-Hamblin
Read More
-
Flowers
By Kristina Hicks-Hamblin
While the most common hydrangeas produce sterile flowers that don't draw in pollinators, this native alternative is both beautiful and pollen-producing.
By Kristina Hicks-Hamblin
Read More
-
Trees, Shrubs & Vines
By Kristina Hicks-Hamblin
If you're looking to attract pollinators, plant this native shrub in April. It won't mind the wet soil, and its showy flowers will bloom in time for summer.
By Kristina Hicks-Hamblin
Read More
-
Edible Gardening
By Kristina Hicks-Hamblin
In addition to being a great spice for cooking, rosemary helps keep pests out of your garden. If you add a companion plant, it will cut down on pests even more.
By Kristina Hicks-Hamblin
Read More
-
Trees, Shrubs & Vines
By Kristina Hicks-Hamblin
April may seem like a great time to start gardening, but don't rush to trim your hedges yet. Leaving their foliage alone for now will protect local birds.
By Kristina Hicks-Hamblin
Read More
-
Organization
By Kristina Hicks-Hamblin
A tomato cage can be used far beyond just storing tomatoes. In fact, in can become quite the handy little storage solution.
By Kristina Hicks-Hamblin
Read More
-
Flowers
By Kristina Hicks-Hamblin
Powdery mildew can be incredibly dangerous for your bee balm plants, but this simple task can help to significantly reduce their risk of fungal disease.
By Kristina Hicks-Hamblin
Read More
-
Trends
By Kristina Hicks-Hamblin
Want a bit of fun in your space that still feels functional? These once-popular items are a common find in thrift store and great for plant lovers.
By Kristina Hicks-Hamblin
Read More
-
Edible Gardening
By Kristina Hicks-Hamblin
While trellises might seem like they're one-size-fits-all, it's important to choose a structure that supports the growth habits of your specific crop.
By Kristina Hicks-Hamblin
Read More
-
Houseplants
By Kristina Hicks-Hamblin
Monsteras are known for their stunning and fast-growing leaves. But when they start growing too quickly and getting a little unruly, this hack can help.
By Kristina Hicks-Hamblin
Read More
-
Flowers
By Kristina Hicks-Hamblin
The vibrant flowers of this mandevilla variety is a favorite among many hummingbirds. Plant it as a climbing vine or trailing container plant.
By Kristina Hicks-Hamblin
Read More
-
Gardening Hacks
By Kristina Hicks-Hamblin
Whether you have a tiny yard or just want to add some rustic charm to your garden, a repurposed wagon can easily be turned into a beautiful planted space.
By Kristina Hicks-Hamblin
Read More
-
Houseplants
By Kristina Hicks-Hamblin
The more houseplants, the better. In the case of Chinese money plants, propagation couldn’t possibly be easier, even for beginners.
By Kristina Hicks-Hamblin
Read More
-
Trees, Shrubs & Vines
By Kristina Hicks-Hamblin
A tree tomato might sound like another kind of plant that produces standard tomato fruits when grown in your yard. There's more to it than that.
By Kristina Hicks-Hamblin
Read More
-
Trees, Shrubs & Vines
By Kristina Hicks-Hamblin
This cactus blooms in spring and summer and happens to look great when suspended in hanging baskets where its trailing habit is on full display.
By Kristina Hicks-Hamblin
Read More
-
Houseplants
By Kristina Hicks-Hamblin
This humidity-loving succulent has vines that can grow several feet long, making it perfect for adding greenery to your bathroom.
By Kristina Hicks-Hamblin
Read More
-
Flowers
By Kristina Hicks-Hamblin
Calendulas are low-maintenance, edible, daisy-like flowers that are generally low-maintenance. But, if you're struggling to grow them, the soil may be an issue.
By Kristina Hicks-Hamblin
Read More
-
Garden
By Kristina Hicks-Hamblin
Baby raccoons are adorable, but they may not always be welcome in your garden. Here's what to do (and what not to do) if you find a raccoon kit in your yard.
By Kristina Hicks-Hamblin
Read More
-
Trees, Shrubs & Vines
By Kristina Hicks-Hamblin
Tall trees can offer shade, privacy, and a wildlife habitat in your yard. Try planting these large trees to create the ideal canopy around your home.
By Kristina Hicks-Hamblin
Read More
-
Edible Gardening
By Kristina Hicks-Hamblin
This tomato variety has been chosen as Tomato of the Year for 2026. It's gaining fans on social media with its striking appearance and flavor.
By Kristina Hicks-Hamblin
Read More