
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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8 Ways To Help Pollinators During A Heat Wave: Create An Oasis For Bees, Butterflies & More
Pollinators are in danger, especially as summer temperatures continue to soar. Learn how to protect them from heat so they can continue their important work.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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8 Fabulous Flower Seeds To Plant In July – Because It’s Not Too Late To Sow Now For Spectacular Color From Summer Until Fall
Craving summer color but thinking you’ve missed the sowing window? There’s still time to shine – try these 8 flower seeds to plant in July for fabulous florals that last into autumn
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Try These 8 Fast Growing Climbing Roses For Quick Floral Wins With Masses Of Easy Color
Climbing roses are some of the most dynamic and spectacular bloomers you can cultivate. Here are 8 fast growing climbing roses for quick wins with gorgeous vertical displays
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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This Is The #1 Worst Weeding Mistake You Can Make – And What I Do Instead To Keep Weeds Under Control
Don't make this weeding mistake. Properly removing weeds in the garden is critical to keeping them under control. Follow these tips for weeding success.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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'Alice’ Oakleaf Hydrangea Growing Guide: Expert Advice For A Big, Showy Shrub
An 'Alice' oakleaf hydrangea is a beautiful addition to any yard. It will look brilliant all year as the seasons change and is an easy grower.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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What I’ve Learned About Deer – How To Cope With Damage, And How To Stop Deer From Eating Plants
Deer are part of our ecosystem, but they can be voracious. Learn how to stop deer from eating plants from someone who has battled them for years!
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Want Your Lavender To Bloom for Longer? Try This Expert Tip & Deadhead Lavender Plants For A Longer, Lovelier Flush of Flowers
The heady rush of lavender is a feast for the senses, so make sure you can enjoy the show for as long as possible. Follow our tips on how to deadhead lavender for an extra hit of fragrant pleasures
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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What Eats Aphids? How To Attract Beneficial Bugs To Help Control Aphid Population
Aphids cause major damage to your plants and pesticides can help, but is there a better alternative? Find out what eats aphids and how to attract these bugs.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Different Types Of Flowers: Learn About Plant Classification For Easy Identification
There are over 400,000 different types of flowers in the world. Luckily, scientists have organized them. Understanding these plant families can help us grow.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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What Can Be Composted? – And What You Should Never Put In A Compost Pile
Knowing what can be added to the compost pile makes all the difference between producing garden gold and a soggy, smelly mess. Learn how to get it right every time.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Coneflower Companion Plants: What To Grow With Echinacea For Stunning Ornamentals
Coneflowers are captable of memorable ornamental displays, especially if grown in drifts – but if you want to increase their impact, try some of these pretty coneflower companion plants
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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7 Plants Wasps Hate But Bees Adore – For A Pollinator Garden That's Buzzing, Not Bothered
Create a bee-friendly, wasp-free garden with these smart planting choices that keep pests at bay while nurturing precious pollinators.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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8 Plants You Should Always Prune In June – Or Risk Ruining Summer Growth
Timing is everything when pruning. Trim these key plants now to boost growth, prevent disease, and keep your garden thriving through summer.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Is June Too Late To Plant Tomatoes? Not If You Follow These 5 Tips For A Last-Minute Crop
Grow a delicious late-season tomato crop with our expert tips on choosing the fastest-growing varieties and creating the best growing conditions.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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8 Vegetables You Can Still Plant In June For A Late Summer And Fall Harvest
Planting time for high summer harvests has passed, but there are still many vegetables you can plant in your garden in June, for organic produce well into fall.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Grow The Sweetest Strawberry Fruits: Try These 6 Top Tips For Luscious Berry Goodness!
Why are some strawberry fruit sweet and what makes strawberries taste sour? Most causes of sour strawberries can be attributed to less than ideal growing conditions. Learn more about that here.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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9 Must-Sow Flower Seeds For June That Bloom Fast And Keep Your Garden Bursting With Color All Summer Long
Add impact to beds, borders, and containers with these easy, fast-growing flowers that grow beautifully from seed – just in time for a dazzling summer display.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Orange Star Plant Care Guide: How To Grow Striking Citrus-Colored Blooms Indoors Or Out
The orange star plant adds a bright, beautiful burst of color to interiors and garden beds alike. Learn everything you need to know to grow one yourself.
By Mary Ellen Ellis