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Southern Living Plants

Grumpy's Garden

Steve Bender, famously known as the "Grumpy Gardener" from Southern Living magazine, is a gardening expert with a witty and no-nonsense approach to sharing plant care advice, tackling landscape challenges, and celebrating the joys of Southern gardening. His humor and expertise have made him a beloved voice in the gardening community.

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Grumpy's Garden

Who is the Grumpy Gardener?

Steve Bender, affectionately known as the "Grumpy Gardener," is a renowned gardening expert and columnist for Southern Living magazine. With decades of experience, he shares his wisdom on Southern gardening with a trademark mix of humor, practical advice, and candid opinions. His approachable yet no-nonsense style has made him a trusted voice for gardeners seeking solutions to common challenges or inspiration for their landscapes. Through his work, Bender demystifies plant care while celebrating the beauty and quirks of gardening in the South.

Get great Grumpy Gardener Articles at Southern Living

Listen to Grumpy's New Podcast

Take 10% Off Grumpy's Favorites!

Use coupon code GRUMPY at checkout for 10% off of your Southern Living Plants and enjoy Steve Bender's favorite selections from the Southern Living Plant Collection.

  • Crepe Myrtles that have been crepe murdered

    What is crape murder?

    According to Steve Bender it's, "..any indiscriminate pruning of a crepe myrtle could be classified as crepe murder, but the worst offenders are those who shorten tall crepe myrtles by six feet, turning beautiful trunks into thick, ugly stubs."

    Shop all of our crepe myrtles here, including Southern Living varieties.

  • Sunshine Ligustrum, Black Ripple Elephant ear and purple diamond planted in a landscape along a stone walking path in front of a white house

    What is the Grumpy Gardener Discount Code?

    To get your gardening gloves on Steve Bender's favorite Southern Living Plants, use coupon code GRUMPY at checkout on plantsbymail.com for 10% off your Southern Living Plants selections.

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  • Free shipping on orders over $100

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