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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What to Do With Lavender in September – 5 Easy Tasks to Complete Now for More Fragrant Blooms Next SummerBefore cold weather arrives, make sure you check these simple tasks off your lavender care to-do list.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Gardening Season's Not Over! Plant These 7 Vegetables in September for Harvests This Fall and Next SpringSummer may be ending, but your harvest doesn’t have to. These 7 vegetables are perfect for planting in September.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Every Garden Needs One Plant That Smells Better At Night – 7 Fragrant Choices for Dreamy Evenings on the PatioAdd ambience and aroma to your evening plans on the patio with these fragrant plants that smell even better at night than they do during the day.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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7 Houseplants You Should Bring Inside in September – Before the Cool Nights and Pests Catch Them OutSummering tropical houseplants outdoors will have triggered stunning growth, but this month can bring the risk of cold shock and leaf drop (or worse), so it’s time to transition these lush specimens indoors
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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4 Foolproof Ways Protect Your Berries From Animals So You Can Actually Enjoy Your HarvestDon't let the birds and squirrels eat all your berries before you can even pick them! Follow these simple tips to protect your harvest.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Is Your Hydrangea a Lazy Bloomer? 6 Easy September Fixes to Unlock a Gorgeous Comeback Next YearIf you’ve been underwhelmed by a lack of blooms on your favorite shrub this season, these fixes will help turn things around for a glorious, flower-packed show next year
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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These 4 Common Mistakes Are Creating an Aphid Infestation in Your Garden – Take Control Before They Totally Take OverAphids multiply and spread quickly. See if you are making any of these mistakes that turn your garden an aphid buffet and what to do if you are.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Here's How Often You Should Actually Mow Your Lawn in August – Cutting Too Much (or Not Enough) Can Create Problems in FallAs the seasons change, your lawn mowing regimen should too. Mowing too much or not enough can both cause lasting issues. Here's how to mow properly in August.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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10 Front-Yard Shrubs Landscape Designers Love But Anyone Can Grow – They Need Almost No WateringDitch that thirsty hydrangea and improve your curb appeal with a resilient drought-tolerant shrub that doesn't steal hours of your time through summer.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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6 Herbs To Plant In August That Keep Going As Summer Fades – There's No Need to Give Up on Delicious, Homegrown Flavor!These smart herb choices for August mean you can continuing harvesting and cooking with fresh flavor until the first frost, (or beyond)!
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Every Garden Needs Plants That Give You Flowers Now and Structure Later – These 7 Still Shine in WinterA beautiful garden shouldn’t disappear when flowering season ends. The right plants add shape, texture, and movement for months longer.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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6 Tough Ground Cover Plants to Add to Your Garden in August – Before Weeds Take Over Fall BedsStop weeds before they start and add beautiful blooms and foliage to your garden with these hardy ground cover options.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Can I Revive My Brown Hydrangea? Essential Steps to Save Your Heat-Stressed Shrub in AugustHydrangeas are having a hard time surviving this heatwave summer so if yours is looking a little crispy, come on in to the critical care unit…
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Drop the Pruners! There's an Important Reason You Shouldn't Deadhead These 6 Beneficial Plants in Late SummerSure, deadheading has its benefits. But when it comes to these plants, it's actually best to leave them alone at the end of summer. Find out why.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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What Your Dahlias Need in August – 5 Easy Wins for Massive Blooms That Keep Dazzling Until First FrostYou can supercharge your dahlia display this August with a few quick, high-impact tasks, designed to trigger a fresh wave of vibrant flowers that keep going strong through fall
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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What Your Peace Lily Needs in August – 5 Easy Wins for Lush Growth and Dazzling Blooms that Last LongerEven your most resilient houseplant will appreciate a late-summer lift. These easy tasks revive heat-stressed peace lilies, prevent dreaded brown tips, and keep your plant sitting pretty
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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6 Gorgeous Native Plants That Bloom in August for a Late Summer Pop of Color and Feast for PollinatorsAugust can be a month of bountiful blooms and bright pops of color with these native plant picks.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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What Lemon Trees Need in August: 5 Easy Tasks That Guarantee Juicy Harvests in the Coming MonthsHot, dry spells in August can mean disaster for potted fruit trees. Learn how to keep your lemons safe.
By Mary Ellen Ellis

