Mary Ellen Ellis
Mary Ellen Ellis is an amateur gardener and freelance writer who lives in the Detroit area. She has degrees in Chemistry and Biochemistry and is a former high school science teacher. She has been gardening for more than 20 years and writing professionally for 15. Mary Ellen is the proud owner of only a few houseplants because she has cats who cannot stop chewing on them. Because of this she has developed a hobby growing terrarium plants that cats can’t reach.
Latest articles by Mary Ellen Ellis
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Can You Grow Apples From Pips? How To Plant Apple Seeds That Can Flourish
Knowing how to plant apple seeds can be a fun project that has the potential to lead to exciting future fruits. Find out a free way to grow your own homegrown apple trees
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Elevate Your Garden With The Rule Of Three: A Pro Landscaping Trick For Stunning Designs
Create a more professional look in your garden by using the Rule of Three in beds, borders, and pots to create a natural space that keeps the eye interested.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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10 Destructive Rose Pests To Look Out For – Plus Natural Treatments For An Organic Garden
Beware these common rose pests and learn about natural ways to control them without harming the biodiversity of your garden.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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22 Plants To Propagate From Cuttings In August – And How To Ensure They Thrive
Discover the top plants to take semi-ripe or softwood cuttings from in August, and grow your garden for free with these easy-to-propagate favorites.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Native Alternatives To Invasive Plants: 8 Safe Garden Beauties
These beautiful native alternatives to invasive plants not only look better than non-native species but are better for your local ecosystem, too!
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Create A Vibrant Wildlife Oasis With These 6 Native Flowering Shrubs For Pollinators
Growing native flowering shrubs for pollinators gives your garden added wildlife appeal as well as multi-seasonal visual interest. Try these stunning sustainable shrubs for bees and butterflies
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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The Benefits Of Pinching Herbs: Why It Matters And How To Do It Right
Frequently pinching herbs back encourages a healthier, bushier growing habit. It doesn't work for every type of herb, but most will benefit from it.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Don’t Trim These Plants Before Fall: 7 Plants You Should Not Prune In Summer
High summer is synonymous with deadheads and straggly growth, so it’s tempting to reach for the cutters. But here are the plants you should not prune in summer – and why
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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The Best Wood For Raised Garden Beds: Selecting The Right One For Your Gardening Project
The best wood for raised garden beds varies in terms of durability and availability, but most importantly, it needs to be untreated. Learn about the best ones to use.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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8 Native Shade Plants To Brighten Up Your Garden
If you have dark gloomy corners in your garden or yard, plant some native shade plants to brighten and liven up the space.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Do You Have Boxwood Leafminer? Identify and Remove This Boxwood Pest
The boxwood leafminer can do major damage to boxwood shrubs and can even prove fatal to plants. Find out how to maintain plant health for better plants.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Do Raised Garden Beds Need Drainage?
Before building or buying garden beds, consider how raised garden bed drainage can make a difference for your soil and plants.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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How To Propagate Ivy – Best Methods For Success
Learn how to propagate ivy and pot up a lovely houseplant. Learning how to propagate English ivy is super-easy, since it forms roots so quickly.
By Anne Baley
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Leaf Spot Diseases, Their Causes & How To Fix Them
Are you worried about leaf spot disease on your plants? Relax. Leaf spots on plants rarely cause any serious damage and are fairly easy to manage.
By Jackie Rhoades
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Heat-Stressed Lawn Care: 5 Tips To Ensure Your Grass Survives The Summer
A lawn in summer heat is usually a brown lawn, but that doesn’t mean it has to be unhealthy or that it can’t rebound. Read on for tips.
By Melanie Griffiths
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How To Safely Grow Lupines In The Garden Near Edible Plants
Is the tall and lovely lupine edible when planted near vegetables? Maybe not - learn what kind of lupine you’re planting to avoid the toxic varieties.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Does Your Tree Have Douglas Fir Tussock Moth? How To Tackle This Evergreen Pest
If your gorgeous Douglas fir is looking sickly or defoliated, there’s one pest you’d better check for, and fast! We show you how to tackle the Douglas fir tussock moth
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Are Peonies Poisonous For Cats? How Peony Lovers Can Keep Pets Safe
Cats love plants that are interesting and fragrant, but are peonies poisonous for cats? Put some space between your feline and your peonies to keep them safe.
By Mary Ellen Ellis