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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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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Clever Vertical Vegetable Garden Ideas For Small Spaces – 7 Ways To Save Space
Short on garden space? Learn some vegetable garden ideas for small spaces that are fun and easy.
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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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
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Cheap Fence Ideas For A Pretty And Private Yard
You don’t need to spend a fortune to box in your garden. Take these cheap fencing ideas for your garden and budget and run with them.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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8 Simple Steps To Rid Your Vegetable Garden Of Pests – Without Using Chemicals
Step away from the pesticides! These natural solutions will fight critters from all angles, without harming your garden's biodiversity.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Why It's Time To Raise Ducks For The Garden – Move Over, Chickens!
Others might call you quackers, but if you get some ducks for the garden, you can enjoy a host of plot-friendly benefits. Just follow our expert guide to make the most of these unique creatures
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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What to Plant After Spring Bulbs Have Died Back – 8 Stunning Ideas
When spring bulbs die back they leave unwelcome gaps and fading foliage in their wake. But with some clever planting choices, this can be concealed. Discover the best options to take their place for beautiful beds all season long.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Purple Leafy Greens To Add Color To Your Garden
Purple lettuce and purple greens like kale and cabbage are lovely in the garden but also pack a healthy punch.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Top 10 Questions About Weeds
By Mary Ellen Ellis