Peggy Riccio Peggy Riccio is a Virginia horticulturist and garden communicator. She has 30 years of experience writing for Horticulture, The American Gardener, Chesapeake Home, The National Gardener, Early American Life, gardening newsletters and blogs. About Southern Living Southern Living, a Dotdash Meredith Brand, celebrates the food, homes, places, and culture of the South. We reach 7.2 million readers a month. Our content is written by experienced journalists and fact checked for accuracy. Learn more about us and our editorial guidelines.