
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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Want Showstopper Trees? Grow these 7 Unique Beauties for Dramatic Bark Tone and Texture to Add Some Winter Wow
Think bark is boring? These 7 breathtaking trees prove otherwise, offering extraordinary textures, bold color and instant character that turn even winter into a showpiece
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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How to Grow Fava Beans: Planting, Care, and Harvest Tips for a Successful Crop
Growing fava beans is like four crops in one: flavorful fresh pods, both fresh and dry beans, and – surprise! – delicious greens to eat fresh or add to cooked dishes.
By Ellen Wells
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These 7 Popular Houseplants Won’t Survive Without Extra Humidity – Do You Have One? Here’s How to Help Them Thrive
Dry indoor air can be tough on certain tropical plants. Here are 7 high-humidity houseplants you need to protect – and how to help your indoor jungle flourish
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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I Was Losing the Battle With Houseplant Pests – Until I Started Growing These Herbs Beside Them
Place these 10 pest repellent herbs next to your houseplants to protect them from beetles, fungus gnats and more.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Craving Color? There's Still Time to Plant These 10 Shade-Loving Bulbs
It's not too late to add some color! These 10 shade-loving spring-flowering bulbs thrive under trees and in dark spots. Get them in the ground before it freezes.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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11 Trees and Shrubs With Red Berries for a Bright and Cheery Winter Landscape
Add a pop of festive color to the dreary winter landscape with one of these trees and bushes with red berries. They provide instant cheer that lasts all season.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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The Complete Poinsettia Care Guide: Planting, Pruning & Keeping It Alive
Did you get a poinsettia for the holidays? Wondering how to take care of it? Our comprehensive guide will take you through the basics and beyond.
By Liz Baessler
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Plants You Can Still Propagate in Winter (For Free Plants in Spring)
Don't wait for spring to expand your plant family. Learn the key differences when propagating in winter and the 6 easiest plants to try rooting from cuttings.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Complete Guide to Overwintering Container Plants: Expert Tips to Help Plants Survive the Cold Season
Save money and save your favorite pots for next summer by overwintering container plants with this easy guide. An expert walks you through exactly how to do it.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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2 Tasks I Never Skip Before Storing Garden Tools for Winter to Keep Them in Tip-Top Shape
Make sure your gardening tools last a long time by treating them right in fall. Here's what you have to do now before you put them away for winter.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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This Is the Easiest Way to Level Your Lawn – And It Only Takes 2 Items You Probably Already Own
Get a perfectly flat lawn with this simple guide. It only takes a couple items you probably already own to do it right.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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How to Care for Hydrangeas in Winter So They're Bursting With Beautiful Blooms Next Summer
How you care for hydrangeas in winter can determine whether your shrubs are bursting with blooms next summer or not. Here's how to protect them from the cold.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Need More Privacy? These 8 Cold-Hardy, Evergreen Vines Will Shield Your Patio or Balcony Year-Round
Forget bulky hedges – vines give you the privacy you want with minimal footprint. Our top 8 picks are cold-hardy evergreens, so they'll stay full even in the depths of winter.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Finding More Holes in Your Yard Than Usual? Here’s How to Identify Which Animal Is Making Them
Animal holes can pop up in the least expected place in the yard and it is hard to know what animal caused them. Learn how to identify holes and stop pests.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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This Simple Trick Stops Pots From Cracking in the Cold – Plus, the Worst Winter Storage Mistakes to Avoid
Protect pots from cracking in the winter cold with this one free and easy trick.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Do Your Houseplants Need Moving for Winter? Why Fall Chills Affect Indoor Plants, How To Tell – and What to Do Next
Fall can spell trouble for your favorite houseplants. Here’s how to spot the signs plants are too cold indoors – and where to put them to keep them happy
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Japanese Maples Aren’t Just for Fall – These Ultimate 4-Season Varieties Dazzle All Year Long
Japanese maples are prized for their fall foliage, but they can look gorgeous all year round. Here are the best 4-season beauties for continuing Japanese maple color and character
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Neighbor’s Tree Making a Mess in Your Yard? Here’s What You Can (and Can’t) Do About Fallen Leaves
Is your neighbor's tree is dumping leaves on your yard and making your fall cleanup unmanageable? Here's how to get rid of leaves and preserve good relations.
By Mary Ellen Ellis

