
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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My DIY Orchid Potting Mix Boosts Blooms & Saves Money – Here's The Easy Recipe That Can Be Tailored To Any Species
Forget overpriced store mixes – this DIY orchid potting medium improves drainage, supports strong roots, and encourages maximum flowering.
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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Low Maintenance Patio Plants For Containers: 12 Easiest Potted Plants For Terraces, Patios & Decks
Do you have a patio, deck or courtyard, and want low maintenance containers that deliver instant garden wins? Here are 12 of the easiest potted plants for patios
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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How To Climb Roses Up The Walls Of Your House For A Glorious Floral Display – Plus The Best Varieties To Grow
Training climbing and rambling roses to grow against your home's facade makes a stunning natural feature and boosts curb appeal. Discover how to get it right.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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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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Mulching Strawberries: Create The Ideal Growing Environment For Tasty Summer Berries
Mulching strawberries is crucial for their survival over winter and will help next year's crop be as healthy as possible. Explore best mulch for strawberries.
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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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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What Not To Plant With Tomatoes: 8 Bad Neighbors That Could Ruin Your Harvest
Not all companion plants are beneficial – some can sabotage your tomatoes. Find out which ones to keep at a safe distance in the garden.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Do Deer Eat Peonies? How To Keep Them Away And Save Your Gorgeous Blooms
Peonies are not usually favored by deer, but sometimes they go after the young shoots of the plants anyways. Learn how to keep deer away from beautiful blooms.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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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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Taking Care of Azaleas Indoors – Care Guide For Bountiful Blooms In Your Home
Azaleas are great landscape shrubs, but they can also charm indoors! Learn how to keep them happy and blooming even when potted inside your home.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Iris Companion Plants: What To Grow With Iris For Vibrant Floral Displays
Get the most out of your garden by choosing the right companion plants for irises. Accentuate and contrast iris blooms for the most attractive garden yet.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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8 Plants That Like Wet Soil And Full Sun – Stunning Picks For Damp, Sun-Soaked Areas
Finding plants that like wet soil and full sun can be a challenge, but there are plenty of varieties thrive in these tough conditions. Here are our favorites.
By Amy Grant
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7 New & Improved Cultivars Of Old-Fashioned Plants – These Aren’t Your Grandma’s Plants!
Old is new again! These old-fashioned plants have new cultivars that are sure to thrive in your garden and bring the charm factor. Neighbors will be envious!
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Never Plant Seedlings Until They Pass These 3 Simple Tests
Don't be over-eager to transplant seedlings into the garden before they are ready. These quick and easy checks will help ensure flourishing plants.
By Mary Ellen Ellis