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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Epiphyllum Plant Care: Tips For Growing Epiphyllum Cactus
Look into growing some of the ten species of epiphyllum, or orchid cactus. Find them in garden centers or online, and grow them in much the same way you’d grow an orchid.
By Bonnie L. Grant
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7 Mulching Mistakes To Avoid If You Want Healthier Plants
Mulching is one of the most important gardening jobs to add nutrients to plants, retain water in the soil, and keep down weeds. However, if you do it incorrectly it will do more harm than good. Discover the key mistakes to avoid – and how to fix them.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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How To Bring Your Lawn Back To Life – Your Essential Post-Winter Plan
Before winter fully surrenders to the glory of spring, make time to give your lawn some much-needed TLC. Follow our fool-proof plan and your grass will look lusher and healthier than ever before.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Waterlogged Soil Fixes: What To Do About Wet Garden Soil
Waterlogged soil can quickly kill plants if it has become compacted or has a heavy amount of clay. Learn how to fix the situation with soil amendments and proper drainage.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Grow A Beautiful Vegetable Garden That’s A Feast For The Eyes
In addition to being practical and useful, growing beautiful vegetable gardens that are stunning and aesthetically pleasing can enhance your garden space.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Stumpery Garden Ideas: Turning Logs Into A Lovely Garden
If you have broken or felled tree stumps available, check out some garden stumpery ideas and create a charming shady corner of your yard or garden.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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7 Indoor Vine Plants That Are Stylish and So Easy To Grow
There’s nothing like indoor vine plants to change the vibe inside your home. Let them hang, trail along a surface, or even form a living indoor wall - a lovely way to bring the outdoors in.
By Amy Grant
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Ants In Houseplants: How To Get Rid Of Pesky Indoor Pests
Ants in houseplants usually end up there looking for sweet honeydew left by other insects, but they’re also attracted to other yummy treats in the home. They don’t hurt the plants, but it’s good to know what’s attracting them and how to fix the problem.
By Liz Baessler
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Gen Z Gardening Trend – Root Causes Of Their Love For Plants
Younger populations are increasingly interested in gardening. Millennial and Gen Z plants range from garden vegetables to houseplant parenting and beyond.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Syngonium (Arrowhead Plant): Complete Care & Growing Guide
The lovely arrowhead plant is commonly grown indoors, trailing from baskets or climbing a stake. Versatile and easy-to-grow, it’s great for indirect or low-light locations.
By Nikki Tilley
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Plant Hacks On TikTok That Are Actually Worth Trying
You may have come across a few plant hacks online and wondered how many are worth your time. We round up the key plant hacks on TikTok that are every bit as good as they claim to be…
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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How To Love Your Plants: Easy Ways To Pamper Houseplants
Just as there are different kinds of love, there are different ways to cherish your houseplants. Our experts reveal how to love your plants in winter for years of harmony
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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USDA Planting Zones: What Is My Growing Zone?
Understanding planting zones is not complicated. Learn how to find your zone on handy USDA maps and plan your garden accordingly.
By Gardening Know How
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HOW PLANTS GROW: WHAT DO PLANTS NEED TO GROW?
A basic knowledge of how plants grow helps us understand how to support their survival. It takes several interactions within the plant’s chemistry and growing environment to kindle the magic of growth and optimal health.
By Nikki Tilley
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HOW TO GROW PERIWINKLE, OR VINCA MINOR
Periwinkle flowers can fill in as a pretty ground cover with bright purple-blue flowers, but it's important to be aware of the periwinkle’s invasive tendencies.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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6 Winter Blues-Beating Houseplants To Grow In The Cold Months
If the cold and dreary weather gets you down, try growing these 6 winter blues houseplants.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Instagrammable Plants To Give Your Indoor Garden A Glow Up
Instagrammable plants are a beautiful way to show off some of your favorite gardening successes and inspire your followers.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Natural Homemade Fungicide That Won’t Hurt Plants
Stirring up a batch of homemade, natural fungicide can go a long way in treating various garden problems and is much more environmentally friendly.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Bioswale Vs. Rain Garden - Know The Difference
Bioswales are an ingenious and environmentally friendly way to deal with water runoff. But they're not quite rain gardens. Learn more here.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Best Native Plants For Winter Interest In The Garden
Native plants for winter interest are pretty and will keep birds and wildlife happy in the cold months.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Are Plants Sentient? An Investigation Of Plant Intelligence
The question of whether plants are sentient or conscious is still not fully answered, but plant lovers might have their own opinions.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Real Life Sci-Fi Plants That Look Like They’re From A Movie
Grow some amazing sci-fi plants that look like they’re from another planet for some alien interest in the garden.
By Mary Ellen Ellis