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
-
Maximize A Greenhouse In Summer: Easy Ways To Get More From Indoor Spaces
Greenhouses aren't just for cold weather. Even in summer, your plants will appreciate the protection and optimal growing conditions.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
How To Revive An Orchid: 5 Ways To Bring It Back To Life
Don't give up on your ailing orchid – follow these expert tips to get it thriving and blooming once again.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
7 Low-Maintenance Plants For Front Yards – Boost Curb Appeal with Minimal Effort
Good landscaping is essential for creating curb appeal, but it doesn’t have to require a professional. These plants provide great visuals with little maintenance.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Vinegar For Garden Use: Making Homemade Vinegar Rooting Hormone
Using apple cider vinegar as a rooting hormone is a safe and natural way to weaken the outer coating of seeds, making for faster germination.
By Mary H. Dyer
-
Digging Into Different No-Till Gardening Methods – Which One Is Right For You?
No-till gardening methods are trending, and for good reasons. Do yourself and the Earth a favor by learning some easy alternatives to tilling garden soil.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
When Do Peonies Bloom And For How Long? Identify When Peonies Are In Season
We are delighted when peonies are in season. Watching their buds explode into large, blousy flowers and fill the garden with color is a special time of year.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Cottage Garden Plants For Shade: Add Whimsy To Quiet Corners
A sunny garden often has shady corners. If you’re looking for cottage garden plants for shade, there are some beauties that will thrive in those spots.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Fancy A Bolder Homegrown Brew? Try These 6 Unusual Plants For Making Tea
It’s exciting to try some unusual plants for making tea. Enjoy these unusual tea flavors, and try some for their medicinal qualities.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Petunias: Complete Plant Care And Growing Guide
With loads of trumpet or funnel-shaped blooms, prolific petunias are a favorite bedding plant due to their low-maintenance nature and cheerful colors.
By Becca Badgett
-
How To Grow Jasmine On A Trellis: Tips For Training Jasmine
If you grow this fragrant vine, train it to grow on a jasmine trellis to keep it happy, healthy and doing what it does best - climbing and blooming.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
How To Grow And Care For Dusty Miller In The Garden
Dusty miller has silvery-gray foliage that’s wooly and soft, and adds a lacy, distinctive touch to any bed, border or garden.
By Becca Badgett
-
7 Best Trailing Plants For Hanging Baskets – Create A Delightful Summer Display
Hanging baskets are a staple of the summer patio. Use these plants to create trailing masterpieces that add beauty and elegance to your outdoor space.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Old-Fashioned Flowers And Plants That Will Transport You To Another Time
Fancy bringing some old world beauty and elegance to your space? These nine old-fashioned flowers can help you add a touch of nostalgia and romance
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Chamomile In Containers: Growing Chamomile In Pots
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
How Long Do Orchids Live? And How To Extend Their Lifespan
When well cared for, orchids can prove a long-term investment. Discover the lifespan of popular species, and how to prolong your enjoyment of your plant.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
6 Best Flowering Plants For Privacy – Grow A Beautiful Backyard Oasis
Create secluded, peaceful garden areas by screening with flowering plants that offer privacy in addition to colorful, fragrant blooms.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Azalea Cuttings For an Infinite Number of Plants
Taking azalea cuttings to grow new azalea bushes is so easy. Fill your garden with new plants from your favorite azalea at no cost!
By Teo Spengler
-
What Keeps Jasmine Plant From Flowering and What You Can Do
If your jasmine plant is not flowering you’re missing out on the best thing about it. Check your growing conditions and get that plant blooming again!
By Becca Badgett