
Amy Draiss
Amy Draiss, serving as the Digital Community Manager at Gardening Know How since 2021, is responsible for building and maintaining connections within our online community. Her knack for gardening has seamlessly translated into a digital green thumb, allowing her to educate and inspire thousands of gardeners daily on social media.
Amy's journey into the green world began with her hands-on experience in the family landscaping business. She later transitioned into the role of manager at a retail garden center in Northeast Ohio, where she cultivated her knowledge of plants, gardening supplies, and customer relations. Her knack for social media management soon blossomed, allowing her to connect with fellow gardeners and share her wisdom on a wider scale.
Still living in the Midwest, Amy has honed her gardening skills under the challenging conditions of the region. Her two-acre property enables her to cultivate a raised vegetable garden and enjoy a wide range of trees, shrubs and perennials, including a couple of her favorites: hydrangeas and Japanese maples. Fun fact – her deep love for hydrangeas has earned her the title of the Hydrangea Queen here at Gardening Know How.
Since joining the team, Amy has assisted in various marketing campaigns, manages email communications, publishes daily on social media and is the voice and author behind many of the team’s YouTube videos, covering a multitude of topics, with a special emphasis on her favorite subject—hydrangeas.
During her free time, she enjoys spending quality moments with her family and devoted canine companion, as well as indulging in her love for travel, theme parks, and, of course, gardening.
Amy's mission is to offer advice and inspiration for all plant enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting to sow your first seeds, Amy's expertise and genuine passion will help your garden flourish.
Latest articles by Amy Draiss
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How To Grow Panicle Hydrangeas For Gorgeous, Low-Maintenance Blooms All Summer Long – Plus, Top Cultivars To Try
Panicle hydrangeas are the ultimate low-maintenance shrubs! These beauties bloom all summer and all it takes is a little care. Here's how to help them thrive.
By Tonya Barnett
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Tomato Blight: How To Identify, Prevent & Treat The Most Common Types
There are several types of tomato blight that can get in the way of an abundant crop. Learn the signs to look for, treatment options, and preventative measures.
By Amy Grant
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Grow The Peony Dream Team: 9 Peony Companion Plants For Style And Color
As gorgeous as peonies are, they look even better when grown alongside the right ornamentals. Here are 9 peony companion plants to enhance your blooming shrubs
By Tonya Barnett
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Grow These Eye-Popping Purple Hydrangea Varieties For A Lively On-Trend Tonal Treat
From subtle indigo to rich violets, a purple hydrangea captures the imagination and adds elegance and verve to borders. Here are some of the finest purple bloomers
By Teo Spengler
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Grow Limelight Hydrangea Shrubs For Green Themed Displays And Brilliant Borders
If you're a panicle hydrangea lover in search of flamboyant, long-lasting florals, knowing how to grow Limelight hydrangea shrubs will ensure gorgeous green blooms
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Low-Maintenance Flowering Bushes And Shrubs That Will Add Value To Any Property
These easy-growing flowering bushes are sure to add curb appeal and make your neighbors jealous. Try out these favorites and sit back and relax!
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Low-Maintenance Shrubs – Foolproof Landscaping Ideas For Busy Gardeners
Having a beautifully landscaped yard doesn't have to mean all work and no play! Check out these low-maintenance shrubs that will look great and feel easy.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Guide To Pruning Oakleaf Hydrangeas: How & When To Cut Back Bushes So You Don’t Lose Any Blooms
Pruning oakleaf hydrangeas is simple, but for the best blooms and the healthiest plants it's vital to follow a few rules. Learn how and when to prune properly.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Grow Shade Plants for Hummingbirds: 11 Flowers To Bring Hummers To Shady Spots
Just because your garden has a few shady corners doesn’t mean they can’t attract pollinators. Try these 11 charming and easygoing shade plants for hummingbirds
By Susan Albert
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Looking For Full Sun Container Plants? Try These Gorgeous Plant Combos And Themes
There are plenty of heat-tolerant plants that thrive in containers – but if you’re stuck for ideas, these full sun container plants and planting ideas will help get you started
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Hydrangea Landscape Uses – 5 Beautiful Ideas To Try In Your Yard This Year
Hydrangeas can add a vibrant element to your garden and there are numerous landscape uses for these blooming beauties. Gorgeous hydrangea ideas abound!
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Best Blue Hydrangeas: Stunning Blue Hydrangea Varieties For A Sapphire-Studded Garden
Whether you’re a mophead or a lacecap lover, blue hydrangea varieties present breathtaking profusions of cool, lush floral displays. Here are 5 of the best to try
By Teo Spengler
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Which Invasive Shrubs Should You Avoid Growing? Plus, Best Natives To Plant Instead
Certain plants may look lovely but they can wreak havoc to local areas and native wildlife. Here are the key invasive shrubs to avoid – with recommendations on gorgeous native alternatives to try
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Pruning Limelight Hydrangea Bushes For Bigger Blooms & Stronger Plants
Pruning 'Limelight' hydrangea will benefit the shrub. Flowers will be more bountiful the next year and branches will be stronger. Learn how and when to prune.
By Teo Spengler
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What’s Wrong With Your Azaleas? Identify, Tackle And Prevent 6 Common Azalea Pests
If you’ve spotted signs of azalea leaf damage, don’t panic – here’s how to identify the most common azalea pests so you can take action swiftly and keep plants healthy
By Tonya Barnett
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Why Are There No Leaves On My Azaleas? Identify Common Azalea Leaf Issues And Fix Foliage Problems
Azaleas grown under ideal conditions are normally carefree and disease free, but things can go wrong. Learn about common azalea leaf problems and solutions.
By Susan Albert
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Native Hydrangea Varieties In North America – 8 Sensational Smooth And Oakleaf Varieties For Hardy Blooms And Multi-Season Beauty
Hydrangeas are beloved for their enduring visual dynamics – but if you go native, they’re even better. Here are the most captivating native hydrangea varieties you can grow
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Looking For Blue Garden Design Inspiration? Try These 8 Plants For A Super Cool Garden
Embrace some of the coolest flowers and foliage around with blue garden design, as we reveal the design ideas and plants that can add a fresh new look to your space
By Teo Spengler