Location
Buffalo Niagara Region
School
SUNY Buffalo, Drexel University
Expertise
Sustainable Gardening, Edimentals, Urban Permaculture
- Lauren loves gardening's mix of beauty and utility, and she believes everyone can have a green thumb.
- She grows flowers, vegetables, and fruit trees, all on a 1/8 acre city lot.
- Lauren currently gardens in USDA zone 6, but has previously lived and gardened in zones 8, 10, and 13.
Experience
As a news writer for House Digest, Lauren has written on a range of topics, including seed-starting strategies, gardening techniques, and houseplant care. She had so much fun researching and writing about companion plants for the article "Deter Insects Naturally With This Fast-Growing Garden Classic" that she decided to grow nasturtiums herself this year. Lauren has been writing professionally for over five years and has written for sites including Collider Media, Backyard Boss, and Haddee Education. She is fascinated by the symbiotic relationship between humans and plants and has never met a succulent she doesn't love.
Education
Lauren has a bachelor's degree in anthropology from SUNY Buffalo and a master's in library and information science from Drexel University.
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.
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With a rich history, unique characteristics, and a majestic appearance, dawn redwood trees are perfect for adding both privacy and lovely color to your yard.
By Lauren Krystaf
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Sure, a hanging basket full of of one gorgeous flower brightens up any outdoor space, but for maximum impact, grow these two stunners together.
By Lauren Krystaf
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Cleaning
By Lauren Krystaf
Mr. Clean Magic Erasers are known for their ability to "magically" remove stains, but the science behind that magic may cause real damage to your countertops.
By Lauren Krystaf
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The eastern red cedar tree is native throughout much of the United States, making it an ecologically-friendly choice for privacy and beauty in your landscape.
By Lauren Krystaf
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To bring a touch of eternal summer to your home, consider preserving your fresh or dried flowers with this smart jar and oil DIY decor hack.
By Lauren Krystaf
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Although most bulbs are planted in the fall for spring blooms, some can be planted after the coldest part of winter has passed for summer flowers.
By Lauren Krystaf
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Growing watermelons without a garden doesn't have to be hard. Instead, explore these renter-friendly methods to enjoy fresh, homegrown fruit in small spaces.
By Lauren Krystaf
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Fill your baskets or container garden with these gorgeous, vibrant trailing flowers that will tolerate full sun and heat from spring until early fall.
By Lauren Krystaf
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If you're looking for a yellow flowering vine that's similar to Carolina Jessamine but blooms twice a year instead of once, this Southeast native is for you.
By Lauren Krystaf
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Cleaning
By Lauren Krystaf
Are you wondering what that mysterious knob on your office chair does? Believe it or not, it has a fairly important function that improves your comfort.
By Lauren Krystaf
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If you live in a tropical climate, you may see hummingbirds year round. Make sure they hang around your yard with this gorgeous tree that boasts red blooms.
By Lauren Krystaf
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Looking to grow your own fruit in your yard? This fruit tree will thrive in a variety of conditions, including heat, drought, full sun, and partial sun.
By Lauren Krystaf
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Cleaning
By Lauren Krystaf
It seems like cleaning your garage floor should be as simple as grabbing the closest cleaning product and some water, but these items could damage your floors.
By Lauren Krystaf
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Some plants are picky about the pH in their soil, so you'll need to make some amendments. Be sure to avoid these mistakes that will lead to bigger problems.
By Lauren Krystaf
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Thyme is a pretty easy plant to grow, but nothing is invincible. Avoid making these common mistakes to grow happy, healthy thyme in your garden.
By Lauren Krystaf
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Home Improvement
By Lauren Krystaf
While quartz countertops are considered heat resistant, there's only so much heat the stone can take. Here's what to know to avoid damaging your countertops.
By Lauren Krystaf
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Creating a cozy kitchen with banquette seating doesn't come without its challenges. Consider the downsides you should be aware of before deciding.
By Lauren Krystaf
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Flowers
By Lauren Krystaf
If you want to add more color to your spring garden, check out a gorgeous, fast-growing flower you can plant in early spring to create more interest.
By Lauren Krystaf
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Flowers
By Lauren Krystaf
Jacaranda trees grow gorgeous purple flowers in spring and summer, but it's important to fertilize them at the right time to encourage blooms.
By Lauren Krystaf
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It might not be common in gardens, but maybe this hardy flower should be. With blooms that thrive in full sun through full shade, this flower grows everywhere.
By Lauren Krystaf
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Consider this ground cover option for your garden or lawn. It's native to North America, boasting evergreen leaves and bright, sunny flowers in spring.
By Lauren Krystaf
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Crepe myrtles are low-maintenance bushes or trees that grow well with many types of companions. This flowering bush provides loads of blooms.
By Lauren Krystaf
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There are many flowers you can start indoors early to get gorgeous blooms. This classic comes in so many colors, you won't want to leave it out of your garden.
By Lauren Krystaf
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We tried out the Fresh Cut Flower of the Month Club to see how it delivered on providing a fresh bouquet and how long the blooms would last.
By Lauren Krystaf
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There are many types of trees you could add to your yard, but one has the distinct advantage of being a primary host to the the giant swallowtail butterfly.
By Lauren Krystaf
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This fast-growing, North American native fruit tree may sound appealing, but there are several reasons you won't actually want to plant it in your yard.
By Lauren Krystaf
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If you have a little extra space in your garage, you can collect dirty shoes and other items before the ever pass your home's threshold with this simple DIY.
By Lauren Krystaf
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