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.

Stopping Deer Damage Sep 30, 2026

Q: I have a long arborvitae hedge, and I just noticed that something has shredded the branches on a couple of the trees at the far end of the hedge. It doesn't look like anything was eaten. Low branches are broken off, and the bark looks like someone... Read More

The Best Time To Move Your Plants Indoors for the Winter Sep 23, 2026

Remember last fall, when you had to bring all your houseplants indoors on the night before a killing freeze? You were in a panic because you forgot to bring them in over the weekend before the frost. You were dragging all the heavy, dirty and bug-rid... Read More

Pruning Climbing Roses for More Flowers Sep 16, 2026

Q: I walked around the corner of my house to a side yard that isn't used much. There are two rose bushes that are planted next to the house with trellises. I was surprised to see 8-to-10-foot rose branches hanging down to my knees, way out over the l... Read More

Renovating a Lawn Sep 09, 2026

Q: Our lawn took a beating this summer. I was thinking that I should plant a cover crop of grass seed this fall so that it could start growing in the spring. Would that work? I have a pretty big area to cover. A: It could work, but you should plant t... Read More

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