Tag: Month November Week 2

How to Make Candles at Home (The Master Guide!) – Garden Therapy
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Candle making is such a fun hobby to get into, using all kinds of recycled containers (from seashells to flowerpots!) to make unique homemade candles. But how do you know what wick to use? Or how much scent to mix in? This master guide will cover everything you need to know on how to make candles at home.

I’ve been a candle-obsessed, maker-enthusiast, and DIY potion master for so many years now. Once you make one candle, you quickly become hooked.

I got so obsessed with how to make candles at home that I wrote a whole book about it. If you really want every tidbit and the nitty-gritty details about how to make your own candles, I encourage you to check out my book Make & Give Home Candle Making. It has tons of unique homemade candle ideas, too!

But let’s buckle in, because this is a juicy, tip-filled article. I cover everything you need to know about making homemade candles.

First, I’ll break down the different types of materials available, and then I’ll go into step-by-step candle-making instructions. I’ll finish off by sharing some of my candle projects to spark some inspiration.

Feel free to jump ahead to whatever section you’re interested in most below!

A Note on Safety

Remember that we’re dealing with fire here! All candles should never be burned without you in attendance. Always be prepared to extinguish a candle by covering it. Do not throw water on a burning candle, as it can cause the wax to splatter.

When adding anything into a candle other than wax, be aware that it can catch on fire. If you add herbs or other elements like glitter, colour, or even essential oils, they can react in a way that you might not expect.

Materials for Candle Making

While candle making is fairly straightforward, each material has a few options. Read through to find the best option for you based on your desired candle and budget.

If you’re looking for samples and suggestions, check out my home candle making supply guide.

Choosing a Wax

When it comes to wax, there are three popular options for candle making: beeswax, soy, and paraffin. All are fairly easy to come across, either online or in craft and candle-making stores.

Beeswax is created by honeybees, giving it a sweet honey aroma and honey colour hue to the candles you make. It’s on the more expensive side, but often doesn’t need any fragrance added (though it pairs well with citrus and floral scents).

Soy wax is a vegetable-based wax made of hydrogenated soybean oil. It comes in a creamy white that can easily be dyed any colour. It also takes well to most fragrances. It has a lower melting point and a longer burn time than paraffin wax, but it can create dimples when the candle is burned.

Paraffin wax is a byproduct of crude oil and has been used for over 150 years to make candles. It can be a more economical choice for wax and is known for an even burn. However, it has a shorter burn time than soy wax.

You can always blend your waxes to improve wax texture, performance, and affordability. Don’t be scared to mix things up!

Candle Vessels

Choosing a container for your candle is one of the best ways to personalize your candle. As you can see from the pictures in this post, I’ve made candles in all kinds of containers.

Any container that is heatproof, clean, and free of cracks and holes is a goodoption. Avoid using large jars, as they require lots of wax to fill, which can get expensive and create an uneven burn once you light the candle.

Aim for containers that are pint-sized or smaller. Here are a few recycled container ideas you can try:

Candle Wicks

Wicks come in all materials and types. You don’t want to choose a wick that’s too small, or your candle won’t melt all the way to the edge. On the other hand, a wick that is too large will create lots of smoke. You want to look at the packaging of the wick to see what wax it’s appropriate for and the appropriate vessel diameter.

Here are some wick options:
- Cotton wick: comes in a large roll of string and is braided for thickness.
- Wood wick: flat wicks made from a soft wood. Make a cracking sound when burned.
- Wired wick: contains a thin zinc wire to help keep the wick straight.
- Waxed wick: contains a thin coat of wax. Use a paraffin-coated wick for paraffin wax and a soy-coated wick for both soy and beeswax.
- Tabs: metal tabs to hold and weigh the wick down at the bottom of the container (often glued in place).
Artificial Fragrance vs Essential Oils

Personally, I rely only on essential oils for my candles. I find artificial fragrances irritating, especially in candle form when they are designed to scent the whole room. That being said, I’ll tell you the pros and cons of both fragrance and essential oils.

Fragrance oils are the most consistent. They are designed to handle the hot temperatures of a lit candle without evaporating, and come in a wide variety of lab-created scents you just won’t find in an essential oil.

Essential oils are natural scents extracted from plants. They’re sometimes better suited for people with scent sensitivities or allergies. Essential oils are common in aromatherapy thanks to their healing effects. In candles, they aren’t as consistent in fragrance as some will evaporate at the high temperatures of candles.

Pro Tip: hot throw refers to the scent the candle gives off when it’s burned, while cold throw refers to the candle’s scent when unlit.

You can also try to make youe own fragrance blends by combining different scents.

Colouring Candles

Another great way to personalize your candle is by adding colour. I love making ombre candles by layering different colours of wax. You can use liquid wax dye and solid wax dye, both designed for colouring candles.

I also like to use crayons because they’re super inexpensive. However, they can give a slight crayon smell and can clog a wick. To avoid this, use them in a very small amount.

Decorative Elements to Add Candles

You can add all kinds of specialty items to your candles, as long as you do it safely. I go into much more detail in this post on how to properly add botanicals to your candles.

All in all, remember that you’re dealing with fire here. You don’t want to include anything large and flammable. Keep elements like dried flowers to the edges. I like incorporating pressed flowers along the glass where they are decorative but well away from the wick and fire.

Another creative way to decorate is with wax itself. You can make shapes out of beeswax sheets (like in this flower candle).

You can also buy moulds with all kinds of shapes that you can use to fill with wax and then decorate the top of your candles with. I particularly like these succulent ones, this seashell mould, this flower one, and this fall-themed set.

Wrapping Candles

The final touch on a candle is to wrap it up. If you’re gifting your candle, you definitely don’t want to skip this step!

Here are some wrapping suggestions:

How to Make Candles At Home: Step-by-Step

Now onto the candle making! Once you have all your supplies and materials sorted out, the actual candle-making process isn’t difficult.

Gather your supplies ahead of time

Start by preparing your wick. Assemble your wick of choice by placing it in a tab (if it isn’t already in one). Make sure it sits flat on the bottom of the container.

Add a dab of hot glue or a wax adhesive to firmly attach the wick tab to the bottom of the container. Use a pencil or pen with a lid if you can’t get your fingers to the bottom of the container.

Secure your wicks before pouring the wax.

Use a chopstick or clothespin to help keep the wick upright and straight.

Even glued down, wicks can move. A chopstick or clothespin helps to keep it straight.

Prepare your double boiler. I like to use a container with a pour spout to make pouring my wax as easy as possible. If you make homemade candles often enough, I suggest investing in a candle pouring pitcher.

Temperature is important when pouring candles.

If working with wax blocks, cut them up into smaller pieces to help them melt faster.

Weigh the amount of wax needed on a scale, followed by the fragrance or essential oils.

Weight is more accurate for measuring your wax.

Heat the wax over medium heat until the wax is melted and reaches the appropriate temperature designated on the packaging of the wax you purchased.

If you’re adding colour and scent, the wax needs to be heated higher than you will pour the candle. It will differ depending on what type of wax you’re using since they all have different melting points. So refer to your wax’s packaging for the temperature.

Candle dye can come as a liquid or a wax chip.

Let the wax cool to 140°F and pour the wax into the container.

Make your candles in a warm room to prevent cracking or dips.

Wrap your candle in a towel and let it cool down, and set it completely untouched in a warm room.

After 24 hours, trim your wick to 1/8” to ¼”. And it’s ready to be burned!

Trim your wicks once your candles are fully cured.

Unique Homemade Candle Ideas

I’ve made MANY candles over the years. Here are a handful of the candles I’ve made for indoor, outdoor, and Christmas use. Find detailed tips and tutorials for each candle by clicking the project link!

Indoor Candle Projects

Outdoor Candle Projects

Christmas and Holiday Candles

Homemade Candles Troubleshooting

How much fragrance do I add to my candles?

Fragrance load is how much scent oil the wax will hold. A common fragrance load for soy wax is one ounce of scent oil per one pound of wax, or a 6.25% ratio.

You can increase or decrease the ratio depending on how strong the scent is. Use 8-10% for a subtly fragrant oil and 6-8% for a strongly scented one.

How to make homemade candles smell stronger?

Fragrance oils will always smell stronger than essential oils, since they are designed to handle the higher temperatures when lit. Essential oils can evaporate when they reach a certain temperature, leaving the cooled-down candle nearly scentless. So, while they may have a nice cold throw (scent when unlit), they may lose the hot throw (scent when lit).

If you want to stick with natural essential oils, choose strong, notable scents such as eucalyptus, sweet orange, lemon, and cinnamon.

Make sure you add the fragrance at a higher temperature so that it properly bonds to the wax and is evenly distributed. The temperature varies depending on the wax, so read the packaging for the exact temperature. For soy wax, it’s typically around 160°F.

Why do my homemade candles sink in the middle?

A depressed center can occur from the wax cooling too quickly or varying wax temperature. If you get a depressed area around the wick when cooled, warm up some more wax and pour a thin layer on top of the candle to smooth out the surface. You can also smooth out the top using a low-temperature heat gun (do not use a blow dryer, as it melts and splatters the wax).

Some brands of soy wax can create dimples when it’s burned. If this happens, consider using a different brand or a soy wax blend.

Cracks in the candle can happen if the wax was cooled too quickly or left in a cold room.

And that just about covers it all! If you have any more questions about how to make your own candles, leave them in the comments below, and I’ll get back to you as soon as I’m able!

A city girl who learned to garden and it changed everything. Author, artist, Master Gardener. Better living through plants.
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Stephanie Rose

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November 19, 2025
Herbal Guide to Pine Needles – How to Identify and Use Pine Needles
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If you are in North America, you likely have pine needles all around you! Did you know that these needles offer a host of benefits? From aromatherapy to cleaning to medicinal benefits, learn how to use pine needles in daily life.

When I think of winter gardening, I think of evergreens. For those who live up north, evergreens are some of the only greenery you will see for months.

However, what most people don’t know is that the evergreen family of pine trees, Pinaceae, are edible and medicinal! Pine is easy to find year-round, making it extremely accessible for most people. It has many useful benefits (I use it for aromatherapy and cleaning!) and is ideal for a selective herbal cabinet.

Pine is also good for respiratory health, making it very useful for this cold and flu season! With all that being said, this herbal guide to pine will cover how to forage for needles, the health benefits of pine, and useful ways to utilize one of winter’s best plants!

LoriAnn’s Green Blessings

This article was reviewed by herbalist LoriAnn Bird. This is not to be used as personal medical advice; always consult your health care professional for individual concerns.

Here is what LoriAnn had to say:

The taste and flavour of pine is an indicator of its’ healing properties. One of the ways I love to engage with pine is to put the resin or fresh needles into honey. This infusion is great for sore throats and for flavouring my homemade tea blends. Anything sour-tasting lets us know it is full of vitamin C. The resin is anti-microbial therefore helping with inflections. Note the ascorbic acid is found to be higher when harvested in the winter months vs the warmer months!

History and Meaning of the Pine Tree

The beacon of green during the winter, pine trees have been around a LONG time. The pine species originated about 150 million years ago in the mid-Mesozoic Era and spread during the Cretaceous Period. As the trees evolved in response to new plants and trees, the family found its way into low nutrient soil, extreme cold or heat, and into fire-prone landscapes.

Christians and Pagans have been using the evergreen tree for thousands of years during winter festivals. During the winter solstice, Pagans used branches to decorate their homes and remind them that spring was on the way. In Northern Europe, people planted evergreen trees in boxes inside for the winter. Over time, this and other practices led to the tradition of decorated Christmas trees.

Pine has been used since the Middle Ages for its medicinal benefits and was a favourite healing plant for Native Americans. They taught early settlers how to utilize the needles, bark, and sap for their health.

The Eastern White Pine in particular was useful to settlers in the winter as it is high in Vitamin C and was used to treat scurvy. The needles also contain Vitamin A. Native Americans have been using pine for centuries to help with the respiratory system and for healing wounds.

Identifying Pine Needles

What you may think is a pine tree, may not in fact be a pine tree! Pine, fir, and spruce trees are often confused as not all conifer trees are pine trees and not all evergreens are coniferous. It doesn’t help that common names of trees can be misleading. For example, a Douglas Fir is not a fir tree and is actually a pine tree. My first advice for identifying pines is to look at the scientific names of the tree and not their common names.

To define pine trees (Pinus spp), look at their needles. Pine needles come in clusters of 1-6, most often found in 2-5. These clusters are called a fascicle and will have a papery sheath at the base, as well as an attached pinecone.

Most pine species will have long needles but there are a few with shorter ones. Meanwhile, spruce or fir needles will be attached to the branch rather than a cluster.

When foraging, be sure to look for local species in your area. Research them ahead of time so you know what to look for. It is also important that you do not harvest any yew, a conifer often mistook as pine, but its needles are poisonous.

Since pine trees are around every corner in North America, you could forage for them in the forest. However, if you’ve never foraged before or are inexperienced, be sure to consult with someone who has some experience. A great resource is the online foraging course from Grow Forage Cook Ferment for those who are interested in learning more about safe foraging.

Common pine varieties along the west coast include:
- Douglas Fir
- Ponderosa Pine (not suitable for use by pregnant women)
- Blue Spruce
- Coastal Redwood
Health Benefits of Pine Needles

There are many health benefits of pine needles, making it a great basic selection for your herbal cabinet. Pine needles contain a compound called alpha- or beta-pinene, which is a natural decongestant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antimicrobial, and anxiolytic.

When ingested, pine can be used to treat colds and coughs, reducing phlegm and helping with sinus infections. It is an expectorant, which means it thins mucus to help you cough and draw phlegm up from the lungs.

As mentioned earlier, pine needles are high in Vitamin C and are especially helpful in preventing scurvy. Younger, fresh needles called pine tops contain the most Vitamin C and are an effective survival plant.

Traditionally, these pine tops are boiled in water to make a tea used to treat fevers and coughs, as well as increase urination. Essential oils are collected specifically from pine needles for remedy use, but the needles can also be used for crafts and food.

When applied topically, pine can be used to draw out toxins or objects from the skin. Pine pitch is especially helpful in removing splinters, glass, and toxins from bug bites. This can help to avoid infections.

You can also bathe in it to help with joint inflammation and to ease sore muscles. Traditional Chinese medicine used infused pine in wine to apply topically for joint pain. Pine bark is especially convenient for topical uses.

Using Pine Needles

Given the range of benefits, there are many ways to incorporate pine needles. First, forage for them well away from roadsides where there might be constant vehicle exhaust, and the same if you live in a rural area that is subject to roadside herbicides, pesticides, or other contaminants.

The flavour of the needles can vary quite a bit based on the season and species. Spring is the best time to harvest needles as they are a little tastier and more sour than older needles.

It is also best to harvest the bark in the spring. Try to choose a tree that could use some thinning or has fallen from a winter storm. While spring is the optimal time for harvesting, you can do it year-round.

Before using the needles, you will want to thoroughly wash and dry them. Cut the brown ends off and trim the rest of the needles into small pieces. Let them dry in a basket or gently bruise the needles with a spoon to release the compounds, which will also produce more flavor for immediate use.

Now that we have discussed all things pine, let’s use them!

Pine Needle Vinegar

Infusing vinegar is one of the easiest ways to amp up your cooking. I often use different combinations of herbs to get different palettes for dishes. Infusing with pine needles will provide a balsamic flavour. Check out my guide on herbal-infused vinegars for step by step instructions on how to infuse your own vinegar. Be sure to use only clean and dry pine needles to avoid spoilage.

Pine Needle All-Purpose Cleaner

I like to infuse alcohol and vinegar cleaners with pine for use around the house. It adds a refreshing, winter scent that makes the space feel clean instantly. To make your own all-purpose cleaner, combine the pine-infused vinegar above with baking soda and castile soap. You will likely want to use a basic, white vinegar as your base for cleaning purposes. This can be used in the kitchen, bathroom, on the floors, and anywhere else that needs some pine action.

Pine Needle Tea

Pine needle tea is the most traditional way to utilize the herbal benefits of pine. To make your own cup, add a small handful of pine needles to a mug and pour boiling water over top. Allow the needles to steep until they turn a light brown or sink to the bottom of the cup. You may wish to place a saucer over top to keep the essential oils in. Peppermint, catnip, and thyme also compliment the flavours and benefits of this tea well. Add honey for some sweetness!

Pine Needle Salve

Making a healing salve is an effective way to use pine needles topically. I recommend the Peppermint Pine Salve from Reformation Acres. Apply to your temples or chest for headache relief, or on your body for sore muscles and joints.

There are many ways to use pine needles, making it a great addition to your remedy list and your herbal cabinet. The health benefits alone are worth the time spent learning to identify pines from other conifers and to forage from your local forest.

More Herbal Guides:

A city girl who learned to garden and it changed everything. Author, artist, Master Gardener. Better living through plants.
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Stephanie Rose

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November 15, 2025
The Homemade Dog Cookies That Make Dogs Go Squirrley
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You know who deserves a treat? The garden protectors. Well, they may also be the garden destroyers at times—digging holes, burying bones, trampling plants, and eating the snow peas—but they are pretty darn good at keeping critters from running amok. So let’s make them some easy, homemade dog cookies!

How do I thank the garden protectors? First, I bark “Hey! Quit all that barking!” and then I (sheepishly) realize that they have done their jobs oh so well by keeping the squirrels away from the veggie garden.

It’s not a perfect system. They probably eat more veggies than the critters could ever stomach. My fig tree and strawberry patch get stripped of all the ripe fruit before I can even pull out my harvest basket. I suppose that it’s my fault for introducing them to the delights of garden-fresh food.

My current dog, Ozzie.

Guarding the garden is a thankless job, mostly. The crows taunt them by stealing their bones and leaving them on the roof of the garage. Skunks spray and raccoons hiss. Overall, they are under-appreciated for standing guard. The least I can do is I make up a batch of these yummy squirrel cookies. They drive them almost as insane as the real thing, but in a good way.

Meatball, whom I originally designed this recipe for, has since passed.

Homemade Dog Cookies

Note: the squirrel cookie cutter was part of a set that I bought at Ikea. Here is the whole set, though I don’t think it’s available anymore. Here is an alternative cookie cutter you can use.

Ingredients

Makes approximately 48 squirrels
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 3 cups whole wheat flour
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup low-sodium beef stock
- Cinnamon
- Crunchy bits from leftover dog cookies, crushed kibble, or bacon bits (optional)
Make It!

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Grind rolled oats in a food processor until you get a coarse flour. Add all ingredients except the crunchies to a large bowl and mix until combined. It may be easier to use your hands to mix the dough because it is very stiff.

I like to add something with a different flavour kneaded into the dough at the end, but it isn’t necessary. You can use the crumbs leftover in the pooch’s cookie jar or kibble bag, or even some bacon bits. They would LOVE that, right?

Form a ball with the dough and roll it out on a floured surface to 1/2″ thick. Use a cookie cutter to make cookies shaped like squirrels, bones, or whatever you choose.

Bake on a parchment-lined cookie sheet for 30 minutes.

Let the cookies cool, and they’re ready to treat the pups for protecting the garden. Or package them up for your furry ones’ pals. They will be a welcome treat for any canine family members!

More Tips and Recipes for Dog Owners
Homemade Dog Cookies That Make Dogs Go Squirrely

Treat your four-legged friend to a treat they will adore, shaped after their arch nemesis…the squirrel!

Prep Time15 minutes

Cook Time30 minutes

Total Time45 minutes

Course: Dog treats

Cuisine: Pet food

Keyword: dog treats

Servings: 48 squirrels

Calories: 46kcal

Cost: $6

2 cups rolled oats

3 cups whole wheat flour

3 eggs

1 cup low-sodium beef stock

cinnamon

Crunchy bits from leftover dog cookies, crushed kibble, or bacon bits (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Grind rolled oats in a food processor until you get a coarse flour. Add all ingredients except the crunchies to a large bowl and mix until combined. It may be easier to use your hands to mix the dough because it is very stiff.

Form a ball with the dough and roll on a floured surface to 1/2″ thick. Use a cookie cutter to make cookies shaped like squirrels, bones, or whatever you choose.

Bake on a parchment-lined cookie sheet for 30 minutes.

Let the cookies cool, and they are ready to treat the pups for protecting the garden. Or package them up for your furry ones’ pals.

Serving: 1cookie | Calories: 46kcal
A city girl who learned to garden and it changed everything. Author, artist, Master Gardener. Better living through plants.
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Stephanie Rose

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November 14, 2025
Want to Know WHEN to Prune? This Will Answer All of Your Questions! – Garden Therapy
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Learning when to prune can be confusing when there are different rules for many different plants, and even differing rules that vary by cultivar! This guide takes away all of that confusion by looking at the basics of how plants grow and using that as your foundation. With just a bit of logic, you can take these basics and apply them to most of the jobs in the home garden.

Today, we’re covering the question, “When Should I Prune (…)?” If you would like to know HOW to prune, please click over to Learn How to Prune like a Pro! Pruning 101.

There is a “best” time to prune various plants, and it’s not always the same. If you are trying to decide when to prune a particular plant in your yard, I suggest you look up your plant’s particular pruning guidelines in a garden book or online.

If you are looking for a guide that you can use throughout the year to help you know what and when to prune with your specific garden in mind, then you will look at your grouping of garden plants as workers and decide where they are putting their energy. Let me explain!

A Plant’s Yearly Lifecycle

Plants, big or small, live their lives working towards the same goal: to grow to mature height, set fruit, then set seeds and continue the species. That’s their job.

Think about plants doing their job in terms of energy.

In spring, the plant’s energy is in the soil, moving its way up through the trunk and branches and forcing life in new growth. In summer, the energy exists in the trunk, branches, leaves, and flowers as it works to produce fruit. In the fall, the energy gives the tree a final push to set seeds, then drop leaves and head back down to the roots. In winter, the energy is stored in the roots, while what is above ground faces winter cold.

The same Japanese Maple as above, but in the winter!

A Deciduous Example

Let’s use an unnamed deciduous tree as an example. This particular tree is dormant in the winter. In spring, it buds and leafs out. It sets flowers and fruit in summer and ripens to seed. The seeds are planted elsewhere by squirrels caching food for the winter. And in the fall, the plant drops its leaves to prepare for energy-saving winter dormancy again.

Now, think of what response this plant will have to pruning based on where it is putting its energy.
- In winter dormancy, the plant’s energy is stored below the surface in the roots. Pruning branches at this time will result in less space above the ground for all the energy stored in the roots, therefore, it will encourage vigorous new spring growth.
- In the spring, when the flower buds and leaves are forming, pruning could cut off new buds and reduce or eliminate flowering for that year.
- In the summer, after flowering and before fruiting, pruning off some of the flowering branches will direct the plant’s energy into the remaining fruit, making them more robust.
- In the fall, when the fruit has turned to seed and the tree is losing its leaves, pruning reduces the amount of energy held in the branches, sending less down to the roots for winter dormancy.
Now, of course, not all plants flower, fruit, set seeds, or go dormant at the same time of year. Some flower in the fall and fruit in the winter, others flower in winter and go dormant in the summer. And some plants skip various stages or go semi-dormant, like certain evergreens. Regardless, you can still think of where the energy is when pruning as a guide for when to prune.

Cornus kousa ‘Miss Satomi’

When To Prune: How Pruning Affects Plants at Different Stages
- Pruning during dormancy results in enthusiastic growth after dormancy. This can be good for plants requiring invigoration, but bad for trees that will send up a bunch of unsightly water sprouts with all that extra energy coming from the roots in spring.
- Pruning before buds form can increase the vigour of deciduous suckering shrubs and roses.
- Pruning after buds form can eliminate flowering, which is good for invasive plants but bad for ornamentals.
- Pruning after flowering is a good way to manage the overall shape and size of ornamental plants. It can also encourage bigger, sweeter fruit, which is great for fruit trees.
- Pruning after fruiting is good for setting the stage for the next year. The plant’s energy is now in its mature stage above ground, and cutting off the branches at this stage will not encourage more growth to be sent to replace them.
- Pruning after the fruit sets seed can be stressful for the plant because it has worked tirelessly to do its job and is now it is at its lowest point of energy. It can also encourage disease, as the plant will be slow to heal.
- Pruning coniferous evergreens can be done at any time of the year, but the best time to prune them is in the cooler weather when the sap is less likely to cause a mess in the garden. Sap flows steadily in the spring as the weather warms up.
- Pruning in the summer or during dry spells can be beneficial if your plants are prone to disease. Warm, dry summer weather is less likely to spread diseases than wet weather.
- Pruning deciduous plants in winter is convenient, as you can more easily see the structure.
Thinking about when to prune in this way has greatly helped me in my quest to garden in a way that supports proper plant growth. It helps me to work with the plants and not against them, ensuring that they are healthy and well-loved, and most importantly, requiring less maintenance.

If you have any tips, ideas, questions, or notes to share, please add them to the comments section. We can never have too much pruning help from wise gardeners!

Pruning FAQ

Is there a best time of day to prune?

It would be similar thinking to the time of year. When will it cause the least stress to the plant? First thing in the morning, before the heat of the day, would be my choice. But I also choose based on the most efficient time for me to do it correctly.

Is there a wrong time to prune?

You never want to prune when the plant is under stress, unless you’re removing diseased, pest-ridden, dead, or damaged branches (as pruning can be how you SAVE your plant in this instance).

Make sure the plant is hydrated and the weather conditions are good. For instance, you might not want to prune if there’s going to be extreme cold, or on the opposite end, a large heat wave.

You also want to avoid pruning before the tree blooms, as you’ll remove the chance for new buds, flowers, and fruits.

More Helpful Tips on Pruning

A city girl who learned to garden and it changed everything. Author, artist, Master Gardener. Better living through plants.
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Stephanie Rose

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November 13, 2025
Coffee Bean Massage Bars Recipe – Garden Therapy
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The soothing scent combination, skin-nourishing ingredients, and relaxation of a massage all come together in these coffee bean massage bars for an at-home spa experience that will make weary muscles and minds feel renewed.

Solid massage bars are a great way to soften skin without the mess of massage oil. The beeswax, cocoa butter, and coffee beans add so much fragrance to this recipe that no additional essential oils are needed for aroma.

The coffee beans in these massage bars serve a dual purpose. First, those little round beans are the perfect shape to add texture to the massage bar that feels great on your skin.

Second, coffee antioxidants help to calm inflamed skin. This makes for a massage bar that’s both stimulating and calming at the same time. This might be the perfect gift for someone you hope will give YOU a massage!

How to Make Coffee Bean Massage Bars

With just four ingredients, this is a super simple recipe you can make at home using easy-to-find ingredients. Looking for a last-minute but thoughtful gift? These massage bars are perfect!

Ingredients

Makes four, 50-gram bars

Materials

Make It!

Weigh your ingredients and add them to the top pot of a double boiler.

Add 2 tablespoons of roasted coffee beans evenly between four of the cups in the silicone soap mould.

Stir the ingredients in the double boiler until they have all melted together.

Pour the ingredients into the silicone mould, dividing the contents equally.

Leave the massage bars undisturbed until they are set. If you are making them in a warm room, move the silicone tray into the fridge to firm up.

Remove from the mould and store them in the refrigerator when not in use.

Give It!

Package a single massage bar in a burlap drawstring bag, which looks like a miniature burlap coffee sack. Use letter stamps to create a label to identify the bar. Give the edges of the label a burnished look by brushing them across the ink pad.

A small grapevine heart attached to the tag and sack with jute twine finishes off the wrapping.

Coffee Bean Massage Bar FAQ

Is the bar a one-time use?

You can use these bars many times for multiple massages, until the product is used up.

Even More Plant-Based Skincare Recipes
Coffee Bean Massage Bars

These coffee bean massage bars moisturize and soothe the skin while the beans provide a relaxing massage experience.

Prep Time10 minutes

Cook Time10 minutes

Resting time1 hour

Total Time1 hour 20 minutes

Keyword: coffee bean, massage bar

Servings: 4 50g bars

Weigh ingredients on the kitchen scale. Add them to the double boiler.

Heat on low while stirring the ingredients until they’ve all melted together.

Add the roasted coffee beans evenly to four cups in the silicone mould.

Pour the melted oils into the mould, spreading evenly amongst the four cups.

Let the massage bars cool down and set before removing them and packaging them.
A city girl who learned to garden and it changed everything. Author, artist, Master Gardener. Better living through plants.
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Stephanie Rose

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November 11, 2025
Thanksgiving Mindfulness: Cultivating Gratitude Through Lessons Learned Gardening – Garden Therapy

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Online, Thanksgiving is a big feast surrounded by friends and family decorated with turkeys, fun gourds, and fallen leaves. But there’s a lot of history and pain behind the holiday, and I invite you to rethink how you celebrate, focusing on gratitude and the harvest. Here’s how to practice Thanksgiving mindfulness this season.

In school, we’re taught that Thanksgiving began centuries ago as a peaceful union between pilgrims and the Indigenous people of North America. For the US, the Pilgrims in Plymouth shared a harvest with the Wampanoag people in 1621. For Canada, Samual De Champlain organized a feast and invited the local Mi’kmaq people in 1606.

Both are very simplified stories and far from the truth of what Thanksgiving really is and what it represents to many Indigenous people.

By now, many of us know that Thanksgiving is often linked to the harmful legacy of colonization. I personally don’t celebrate Thanksgiving due to the cultural implications it has for Indigenous Peoples.

What I do practice is thankfulness for family, friends, and abundance on a regular basis. Instead of celebrating the holiday and its history, we can use this time to be grateful and connect with ourselves and our overall well-being.

This post will cover Thanksgiving mindfulness and…

No matter the time of year, we can practice gratitude for our harvest.

The True History Behind Thanksgiving

In North America, we have a painful past in the way in which our Indigenous Peoples have been treated. While Thanksgiving celebrates the pilgrims and the Indigenous people co-existing peacefully, the arrival of the pilgrims was the beginning of centuries of colonization and erasure.

The pilgrims brought disease, which quickly spread throughout many Indigenous tribes, killing a vast population of people. Colonizers displaced the Indigenous Peoples, taking their lands and forcing their European cultural values on the people.

I recommend you read more about the true history of Thanksgiving here.

When we celebrate Thanksgiving, it can be a reminder of this history, and it feels like we’re celebrating this history of erasure. The holiday can gloss right over the continued struggles of Indigenous communities, including their land rights and cultural survival. For this reason, I do not celebrate Thanksgiving traditionally.

The first thing we need to do is acknowledge this history and ensure we’re not complicit in ignoring the past.

Many of my herbalism teachings come from Indigenous people and their connection to the land and native plants.

Reconciliation and Education

What can we do about this? While we can’t change our past, we can work on creating a better, more respectful future.

It’s important for everyone to educate themselves about the topic. Learn from Indigenous storytellers, journalists, authors, filmmakers, influencers, and people. Hear their experiences and look beyond the textbooks in school.

Reconciliation is also important. In reconciliation, we work to create a mutually respected relationship between Indigenous and non-indigenous people. This can be done by acknowledging Indigenous rights and titles, examining stereotypes, learning about Indigenous history, supporting their culture and beliefs, and trying to build better relationships going forward.

Celebrating the Harvest Instead

For centuries and generations, people from all over the world have celebrated the harvest. Native Americans in the Southeastern US have Green Corn Ceremonies to celebrate the corn ripening and harvest. In Nigeria, the Igbo, Yoruba, and Idoma people celebrate the New Yam Festival as the beginning of the yam harvest season. In China, the Mid-Autumn festival celebrates the moon at its fullest and brightest as gratitude for a good harvest.

Many gardeners know fall as a time of harvest and abundance. I celebrate this season by hosting feasts with my loved ones and cooking meals from the produce I’ve grown.

It’s not about one big Thanksgiving meal but a series of gatherings that honour the earth’s bounty.

Enjoy and share your bounty.

Choosing Your Family and Connecting

Holidays that focus on gathering a family together can be difficult for many people who have lost loved ones or have difficult relationships with the idea of family.

You can redefine family completely. Family can be who you choose, not just those you’re related to. Invite your neighbours, your best friend, your partner’s friends, your children’s friends…anyone who you want to surround yourself with.

In my life, my gatherings have long been a celebration of my chosen family, those who nourish me as much as I nourish them.

Kiddo will always be a part of my chosen family.

Setting Your Personal Boundaries

Celebrating with your chosen family is an important boundary to set, but it’s not the only one. No matter who you celebrate with, remember that you should never need to force yourself into a harmful ritual or toxic family dynamics.

If you’re anxious at the thought of spending yet another stress-induced holiday with family, ask yourself what it would be like if you didn’t go. Or if you did, how could you make it better?

Boundaries, especially during these gatherings, are a form of self-care and a reflection of the beauty in cultivating relationships that feel right.

Setting boundaries is difficult, but putting yourself first offers greater peace in the long run.

Gratitude from the Garden

The garden has taught me so much about gratitude. From starting your own seedlings to watching your garden grow into an urban oasis, gardening has taught me the value of patience and nurturing.

In return, I gain a deeper sense of gratitude when I harvest. Only gardeners know that nothing tastes better than a butternut squash or a tomato you’ve cared for all season.

When I share the food I’ve grown with loved ones, it allows me to appreciate the journey the food has made from seed to table—and that’s a form of celebration that’s meaningful beyond any traditional holiday.

More Ways to Spread Gardening Joy

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Stephanie Rose

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October 24, 2024
How to Make a Nine-Foot Grinch Christmas Tree {DIY Whoville Tree}
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Want to add some whimsy and playfulness to your Christmas decor? Make this Whoville Christmas tree! It’s simpler than you think, and everyone will admire your unique decor. Here’s how to make a Grinch tree for Christmas.

There are many versions of the Dr. Seuss-inspired Grinch tree, from Whoville-esque trees adorned with candy-coloured ornaments to snow-covered, oddly-shaped trees that set the scene outdoors.

Perhaps the most iconic is a tall, skinny evergreen wound up with wire and a heavy ornament dangling from the curved-over top. These represent the trees that Mr. Grinch robbed of ornaments and then shut like an umbrella before tossing in his giant sack.

Quirky looking and cartoonish, a Whoville Christmas tree’s message is that Christmas isn’t about presents, or ornaments, or trees, or even roast beast.

“Maybe Christmas, he thought… doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps… means a little bit more.”

Let’s embrace the true spirit of the Grinch!

Add Cheer With a Whoville Christmas Tree

It was Christmas 2011 when I was feeling a little blue during the holidays, and I wasn’t in the mood to celebrate much. By some magic, a Grinch tree entered my life, and Christmas was saved!

You can read all about the Magic of the Grinch tree here. Bonus: you will get to see how much my old dog Meatball resembles the Grinch.

After I published that post, I proceeded to field what seemed like endless emails from people ALL OVER THE WORLD trying to order the Grinch-inspired Christmas tree. I was blown away!

I emailed everyone back to say that I had described in the post how I made it, but they just wanted me to make them one, or fifteen, and in, like, the next two days, and then ship it across the continent.

Good grief!

I considered making them (for a minute), but since I’m more about “teaching someone to fish” than “fishing for them” I planned to write a tutorial on how to make a Grinch tree.

My nine foot Grinch tree is big enough to be the sole Christmas tree of the house.

A Simple DIY Project

That is really the whole point of everything I do here on Garden Therapy: showing how to make some fun garden (or garden-inspired) project that gets people jazzed enough to give it a try. I hope they just may catch the gardening bug, get outside, have fun, and sing the praises of gardening to all, just like those little Whoville kids. I have big dreams.

Anyway, I politely told folks how to make the Grinch-inspired Christmas tree and the ones who made them sent the praises of a) how much fun it was, b) how easy it was, and c) how everyone loved their unique tree. Want to learn how to make one, too? I’ve got you covered!

How to Make a Grinch Tree

Today, I will break down the whole thing, step-by-step. Even better, you won’t be making a regular old Grinch tree. Nope, today you will learn to make one that is nine feet tall!

By the way, if you don’t have the space or just want something a bit smaller, I recommend you check out my post on how to make a tabletop Grinch tree. It’s the perfect way to pack all that holiday whimsy into a tiny package. 😉

For this particular tutorial, however, we are going large! Let’s talk about how to build an impressive 9-foot-tall Whoville Christmas tree!

For extra height, you can prop it up on a small table or chair like I did.

Materials

Make It!

Choose a full cedar shrub that is healthy, stands upright, and is symmetrical. I used a 5′ cedar hedge because that was what was available during the winter months.

If you think ahead and grab one when there are plenty of nurseries open that are full of 8′ hedges, you will have an easier time fashioning it into a Grinch tree.

I added extra boughs of cedar to increase the height of the potted cedar.

Use the wire to attach the green plant stake to one or more strong stems in the center of the hedge. You want the stake to add an extra 3′ in height. (The remaining foot will be the branches that hang over the top.)

Begin adding boughs of cedar to build up the tree at the top, covering the plant stake. Begin with the cedar branches starting from below the stake with the leaves facing upwards, and layer more and more onto the stake to fill in branches all the way up to the top.

Continue adding branches and securing them with the garden wire until you have the rough shape that you want, with at least a foot of cedar draping from the very top of the plant stake. Reserve a few branches for filling in spots once you have bound the hedge.

If the tree is unstable at all, use 1-2 more stakes inserted in the center of the plant and use wire to attach it.

Now, when you have the height and fullness you want, you can begin wrapping the lights around the tree. Start at the bottom and wind miniature white lights around the tree fairly snugly, tucking in floppy branches as you go.

The final look should be a bound, skinny, evergreen tree with a floppy top.

The top should naturally curve due to the weight of the topper but you can use the wire to help curve the top.

Decorate the Grinch Tree

Place the pot on the plant tray and set the whole thing into the burlap sack. Use ribbon to tie the sack at the top.

Wind decor mesh around the tree, then add a large but fairly light ornament to the very top of the tree.

What is a Christmas tree without lights?

At this point, you can really personalize it. The tree is complete as it is, but you can add some of your favourite ornaments as well. I would recommend small ones so as not to overpower the skinny design.

The topper ornament is a must-have to make it a true Grinch tree.

Want a smaller version? Don’t forget to check out how this tabletop Grinch tree turned out!

Frequently Asked Questions About Grinch Trees

How do you turn a Christmas tree into a Grinch tree?

There are two key things you need to do to turn a tree into a Grinch inspired Christmas tree. The first, you need to wrap it with wire to tighten and gather the branches together so they’re all facing upward. You may need to add some extra boughs to bulken it up.

The other key part of a Grinch tree is it’s curved top. The tree should naturally flop with the weight of the topper ornament, but you can also help curve it with the wire.

What colours go on a Grinch tree?

The most common colours to decorate a Grinch tree are red. The top ornament and the ribbon around the tree should be red or green if you want to replicate the Whooville Christmas tree, as well as a burlap sack at the bottom. But decorate it however you want!

More Christmas Ideas:
DIY Grinch Tree {How to Make a Whoville Christmas Tree}

This 9-foot tall Grinch tree is sure to add whimsey and fun to your Christmas decor this year.

Place your pot into the burlap sack and tie it with ribbon.

Use the wire to attach the green plant stake to one or more strong stems in the center of the hedge. You want to add the extra height to the tree to make it 9-feet tall. The amount you need to add depends on how tall your tree is.

Begin adding boughs of cedar to build up the tree at the top. Make sure to cover the plant stake. Begin with the cedar branches starting from below the stake with the leaves facing upwards, and layer more and more onto the stake to fill in branches all the way up to the top.

Continue adding branches secured with the garden wire until you have the rough shape that you want. To get that classic Whoville Christmas tree look, make sure to leave at least a foot of cedar draping from the very top of the plant stake.

Fill in any areas that look sparse with more branches if necessary.

Wrap lights around the tree, starting at the bottom. Make sure to tuck them into the greenery.

Next, wrap the deco mesh ribbon around the tree. Red will be the most classic color to use.

Add a large ornament to the top of the tree, then smaller ones within the branches if you like.
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Stephanie Rose

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November 22, 2023
Rustic Chic: Crafting a Cedar Garland for Your Festive Home – Garden Therapy

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It’s time to deck the halls and turn your home into a cozy winter wonderland. Rather than pull out the dusty, plastic garland that sheds or shell out the big bucks for a custom-made garland, try making your own cedar garland. Here’s how to make a cedar Christmas garland using minimal materials.

From Christmas trees to wreaths, it’s no wonder we love to decorate our homes with fresh greens during the holidays. In the darkest days of winter, we like to be reminded of the lush greenery of spring and summer. Luckily, we have evergreens to keep us company in the winter!

Fresh garden greens aren’t just for wreaths. An evergreen garland, or swag, can instantly cheer up a porch, banister, or fireplace. Garland can be made from many types of evergreen boughs. Generally, anything you can use for outdoor wreaths can be used for outdoor garlands.

But some greenery is better than others.

If you plan to bring your garland inside, the conditions are much drier, and watering will be difficult. I like cedar because it holds its leaves when dry and doesn’t turn brown for a very long time. I also love the look of the draping cedar leaves as they flop over the edges of a banister or fireplace.

If you want to make your own whimsical and natural cedar garland, keep reading!

Here’s what we’ll be covering today…

First, a Note on Accessibility

I have a bone to pick when it comes to garlands. For a long time, I’ve avoided posting a Christmas garland because I didn’t want to encourage people to block off railings for those who might need them.

Hand railings are essential for accessibility. People with mobility issues rely on them to get up stairs and avoid slips and falls. There are many invisible disabilities, so never assume your space is exempt from the rule.

Whether it’s the postman delivering your holiday packages or Christmas carolers who come to brighten your day, you never know you may be visiting your space and using the railing. Plus, you always want them something to grab in an emergency, like slipping on ice.

So please, if you’re making a Christmas garland with cedar, do not use it to decorate and block railings.

Add garland to railings outside that won’t be used, draped over windows, or lining the porch.

How to Make a Cedar Christmas Garland

You don’t need many materials to create this cedar Christmas garland. You can keep it as simple as you like, using cedar alone or adding in other greenery and decor for texture. And if you have a cedar tree in your yard, this is the perfect opportunity to prune it back and make something out of its branches.

Materials

A thick wire can also act as a base, helping to hold the garland shape if you’re winding it around something.

Make It!

Start by cutting the jute or rope to the length of the garland that you want to create. If you plan on hanging your garland, add extra length on either end to make loops for hanging.

It helps to tie my rope to something sturdy while making my cedar garland, allowing me to pull the rope tight.

Wrap your floral wire a few times around the base of the bunch until it feels secure.

Gather a nice handful of cedar and align the stems. If you’re adding more greenery than just cedar, alternate your types of greenery for a more natural look.

Secure this first bunch to the top end of the rope by wrapping it with floral wire. With one hand, hold your bunch and the rope tight while you wrap the base of the bunch with floral wire with the other hand.

Green floral wire gets hidden under the leaves.

Then, you’ll continue snipping cedar branches and securing bunches to the rope. As you layer them, overlapping and hiding the wire of the previous bunch. Alternate the direction that the bunches face for a more natural look.

When you get to the end of the garland, tie a few smaller cedar branches pointing the opposite direction of the other branches. Tie with floral wire to disguise the stems of the end branches.

It’s easy to tuck in the last bunch and hide the end of the rope.

Add Décor to Your Christmas Garland

This garland has a casual form and makes a wonderful backdrop to display holiday décor: natural elements, such as oversized sugar pinecones, mixed with unexpected items, such as sparkly, vintage mason jars lit with a string of fairy lights, create an eclectic-natural look.

You can make pinecone spheres to add to the cedar garland by gluing the bases of many mini pinecones onto a Styrofoam ball with a hot glue gun. Be sure to dry the pinecones first, so they are fully open.

Pinecone spheres are best made with small pinecones.

Garland Not Kindling

Take caution if you decorate your fireplace with soon-to-be-dry plant material (AKA kindling). Do not build a fire if there is any spark danger at all.

In my home, the gas fire is completely behind glass. Even still, the fireplace is kept on a low setting and is never left unattended. Safety comes first and beauty second.

Yes, fresh greenery is flammable still! So be safe.

Frequently Asked Questions About Making a Cedar Garland

Why you should use a real cedar garland?

Christmas garlands with cedar are quite simple to make. You can even forage for the clippings, making it an affordable option. The best reason to opt for a real cedar garland instead of a faux one is to avoid plastic. Faux Christmas greenery doesn’t usually have as long a lifespan as we might think; most faux Christmas trees are only used for six years.

After the season, you can compost the leaves and even the twine, saving the floral wire for another project or next year’s Christmas garland.

How long will a cedar garland last?

Cedar garlands should last about two weeks indoors if they’re kept away from heat sources. Cedar keeps fairly well compared to other evergreens. If you place your garland outside, it will last much longer, upwards of a month.

How do I keep my garland alive?

The key to making your cedar Christmas garland last is to keep it from drying out. Avoid placing it by any heat registers or fire. So yes, while it may look good above the fireplace, it’s probably not the best spot for the garland if you intend on having a fire. It’s also a major safety concern.

To keep your cedar garland hydrated, you can spritz it daily with a spray bottle on a misting setting. If possible, aim for the base of the plant.

What’s the best way to add lights to a cedar garland?

You’ll want to add lights (and other décor) once you’ve made the garland rather than wrapping it in the garland itself.

Start at one end of the garland and start zigzagging the lights across the garland. Tuck in some lights to be nestled in the greens and have others sitting on top.

More Ideas for Natural Christmas Décor

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Stephanie Rose

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October 30, 2023