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The Grumpy Gardener, Steve Bender

Steve Bender

Steve Bender grew up in Lutherville, MD and was exiled to Alabama in 1983 for reasons that remain secret to this day. He loves fried okra and often selects dinner wine based on whether it goes well with fried okra. His mission is to make gardening uplifting, accessible, and inspirational to all. He will no doubt succeed.
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Articles by Steve Bender

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Jubilation Gardenia in Southern Living Plant Collection brown pot
Planting & Care

Ask Grumpy Gardener: What To Do When Your Gardenia Leaves Turn Black

Gardenia leaves turning black? Learn what’s causing it & how to fix it!
By: Steve Bender
|
October 24, 2023
How To Fix Crape Murder
Planting & Care

How To Fix Crape Murder

Southerners are fixated on crape myrtles — mainly because we see so many crape-murdered
By: Steve Bender
|
October 24, 2023
3 varying sized galvanized planters in a raised bricked walled garden bed container Boxwood and red Verbena and footballs
Inspiration & Projects//Plan Your Garden

Video: Team Spirit Game Day Garden from Southern Living

Want to create your own game day garden?
By: Steve Bender
|
October 24, 2023
Loropetalum shrubs are purple bushes used as hedge border in this photo
Plan Your Garden

The Best What-a-Petalums—You Know, Them Purple Bushes

From relative obscurity, loropetalums have leaped to the forefront of Southern gardens.
By: Steve Bender
|
October 28, 2024
Growing Rhododendrons in the South
Plan Your Garden//Planting & Care

Growing Rhododendrons in the South

Grumpy’s Guide to Rhododendrons
By: Steve Bender
|
October 24, 2023
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Three pots with different plants in them.

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Also of Interest
  • How To Fix Crape Murder
  • Grumpy’s Top Ten Plants
  • Video: Team Spirit Game Day Garden from Southern Living
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