Garden Writer at Plant Addicts
About Lauren Youngcourt
Lauren Youngcourt is a Plant Addicts garden writer with a background in plant science, farming, floral design, soil research, native plants, and sustainable landscaping.
Her interest in plants started at a young age after receiving a wildflower field guide and eventually grew into collecting plants in her own garden and pursuing a college education focused on plant science.
Lauren currently manages a small produce and cut-flower farm in Northeast Pennsylvania, where she grew up. Her horticultural experience also includes work in floral design and soil research.
Her Approach to Gardening
Lauren is especially interested in sustainable landscaping and biodiversity. She has been active with local native plant societies and community gardens and enjoys advocating for land stewardship, plant conservation, and gardening practices that support healthy ecosystems.
Her work combines practical growing experience with an interest in native plants, pollinator gardens, perennial landscapes, cut flowers, and thoughtful plant selection.
Education and Horticultural Background
Bachelor of Sciences
Plant Sciences
Pennsylvania State University
State College, Pennsylvania
Hands-On Horticultural Experience
Lauren manages a small produce and cut-flower farm in Northeast Pennsylvania, giving her hands-on experience growing plants for both food production and floral use.
Her horticultural background also includes floral design and soil research, providing experience with plants from multiple perspectives including cultivation, plant performance, growing media, and ornamental use.
Lauren has also been active with native plant societies and community gardens, reflecting her interest in biodiversity, native plant conservation, land stewardship, and sustainable landscape practices.
Areas of Expertise
Lauren's work focuses on sustainable plant selection, native plants, pollinator-friendly gardens, perennials, cut flowers, and landscape biodiversity.
Favorite Plants
Phlox is one of Lauren's favorite groups because the genus includes a wide range of garden forms, from low-growing groundcovers such as Phlox subulata to tall perennial types such as Phlox paniculata.
Bee balm is another favorite for pollinator gardens. Its clusters of tubular flowers attract pollinating insects and hummingbirds while adding strong color and structure to perennial plantings.
Lauren also appreciates false indigo for its multi-season interest. Spring flowers are followed by distinctive seed pods that remain ornamental into fall and winter, while the flowers provide a valuable nectar source for bumblebees.
Featured Gardening Articles
Lauren has contributed plant-care resources covering several popular houseplants.