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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Are Peace Lilies Toxic To Cats? What You Need To Know
Your peace lily and cats aren’t a perfect combination, but these plants are not necessarily deadly for cats. If your cat eats a peace lily it will cause irritation but probably won't prove fatal.
By Mary H. Dyer
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Gardening Makes You Live Longer, According To Research – How To Reap The Benefits
It's obvious that gardening makes you live longer, but it’s nice to know research supports the idea.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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How To Fertilize Peonies For Better Blooms
Newly planted peonies benefit from balanced fertilizer applications. Once established, fertilize peonies every three years or so.
By Teo Spengler
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Care Instructions For Ponytail Palm - Tips For Growing Ponytail Palms
In recent years the ponytail palm tree has become a popular houseplant, and it is easy to see why. Ponytail palm is forgiving and easy in its care. Learn more caring for the plant in this article.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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7 Fragrant Hedge Plants For Heavenly Floral Boundaries
A fragrant hedge will boost your home's curb appeal, providing a feast for the senses with glorious flowers and a delicious aroma.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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How To "Feel" Soil Is Ready To Plant – Easy Tests And Fixes
Getting up close and personal with your soil will make you a better gardener. Learn how to determine and amend its texture and moisture content through touch.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Beautiful Butterfly Garden Ideas: 10 Ways To Attract Pretty Pollinators To Your Yard
Bringing butterflies to your backyard is one of the most important ways you can enhance wildlife, boost pollination and improve biodiversity. These 10 butterfly garden ideas can get you started
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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How To Get Rid Of Mosquitoes In The Garden: 9 Natural Ways To Make Them Buzz Off!
How to get rid of mosquitoes is on the minds of people in the summer in almost every region of the world. Learn how to repel the pests without toxic chemicals.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Urban Beekeeping Guide: Top Tips For Raising Bees In The City
Urban beekeeping can be a rewarding and appreciated pastime, but first be sure it’s legal in your city and learn the ropes of beekeeping.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Urban Composting Guide: How To Compost In The Middle Of The City
Urban composting does not have to be daunting. You can compost in the city, and maybe even try some urban worm composting!
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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9 Natural Landscaping Ideas For A Garden That Looks Like It’s Always Been There
Read about 9 natural landscaping ideas that will inspire you! Create and enjoy a natural garden and even a natural landscape design.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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DIY Liquid Fertilizer For Plants – 5 Powerful Tonics To Make
Homemade liquid fertilizer has myriad benefits for vegetables, garden plants, and houseplants. Discover natural tonics that are quick, easy, and cheap to make.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Bottlebrush, A Complete Plant Care And Growing Guide
Aptly named, callistemon bottlebrush flowers add a wispy shape, texture and color to your garden. They're happiest in zones 8 to 11.
By Jackie Carroll
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Landscaping Around A Fire Hydrant: Landscaping Tips And Safety Considerations
It might not sound like the obvious choice for a landscaping project, but a fire hydrant can work with a bigger gardening vision. Follow our tips on landscaping around a fire hydrant
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Crown Of Thorns Plant, a Complete Indoor Care Guide
A crown of thorns plant will light up your home with its colorful blooms. It likes a dry indoor environment and is not particularly fussy.
By Jackie Carroll
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6 Beautiful Ornamental Grasses That Pollinators Love
Ornamental grasses add softness and texture to a garden, but they can provide additional value in enticing precious pollinators. Discover the best varieties to support nature in your yard.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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New USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map: What Changed & What It Means For Gardeners
The new USDA plant hardiness zone map reflects our changing climate and new considerations for plant hardiness. It affects everyone, but especially gardeners.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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How And When To Cut Back Daylilies: Daylily Trimming Made Simple
Daylily trimming after bloom time will keep these beauties tidy and disease-free. Trim the plants back after they bloom and before you divide them.
By Mary Ellen Ellis