
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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How To Prune Lavender For Even More Heavenly-Scented Blooms – Just Follow These 5 Simple Tips
Pruning lavender at the right way is essential for promoting robust growth and prolific flowering. Here's how and when to do it for the best results.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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8 Easiest Plants To Propagate From Cuttings Before Summer Ends – Expand Your Garden For Free Before It's Too Late!
Don't let summer pass without propagating cuttings from these 8 easy-to-grow plants. Here's how to make the cut for more of your favorite varieties for free.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Choose These Vegetables To Plant In August – Enjoy Quick Fall Harvests And Get The Jump On Cool-Weather Crops
Late summer can feel tight in terms of knowing what to grow next. To guarantee you enjoy tasty crops both in fall and in cooler weather, these are the 8 vegetables to plant in August
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Prune These 7 Plants In August To Prepare Them For Fall – And Get Another Flush Of Flowers Before Summer Ends
Grab your pruners! August is the ideal time to cut back these 7 types of plants so they're ready for fall. Plus, they may give your another round of blooms.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Plant These 8 Flowers In August For Dazzling Displays Of Late Summer & Fall Color
You might not think there are any flowers to plant in August that could bloom this year, but think again! Sow these 8 gorgeous ornamentals for late season splendor
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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8 Ingenious Ways To Use Buckets In The Garden That You’ve Probably Never Thought Of, But Should Definitely Try
Give that old bucket in your garage a second life with one of these clever tips. We've rounded up the best uses for buckets in the garden to save space and cash.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Can This Common Fruit Be the Answer to Deterring Ants? Learn About Lemons for Natural Ant Control
Lemon is a helpful natural tool that can keep ants out of the home when used with other strategies. Learn the best way to naturally repel pesky ants.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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How to Make a DIY Moss Pole for Houseplants – It's the Best Way to Support Monstera, Pothos & More
Making a moss pole is a quick and easy way to create an attractive support for popular climbing houseplants such as monstera, pothos, and philodendron.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Best Full Sun Hydrangeas For Light-Soaked Landscapes – These 4 Shrubs Shine In Sunny Yards & Gardens
Find the perfect full sun hydrangea for your bright, sunny landscape. Plus, follow these tips to make sure shrubs shine in even the most light-filled locations.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Stop Wasting Tomato Leaves! Try These 5 Smart Ways to Use Them in the Garden and Kitchen
This summer, don’t just throw away your pruned tomato leaves – give them a second life in the garden or kitchen with these clever ideas.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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I Shrunk My Lawn To Grow These 6 Must-Have Ground Covers – They're Low Maintenance & So Much Prettier Than Grass
A longtime gardener reveals the 6 ground cover plants she used to shrink her lawn. Find out why these low-growers are absolute must-haves.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Endless Summer Bloomstruck Hydrangea: A Reblooming Beauty For Sensational Summer Color
Endless Summer Bloomstruck hydrangeas will add vibrant color to your garden all summer long. Explore how to care for these beauties.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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6 Types of Plants That May Actually Be Attracting Mosquitoes To Your Garden
These plants might be sneakily trapping water that mosquitoes are using to breed. See if you have any of these mosquito magnets lurking in your backyard.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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How to Propagate Roses Like A Pro: 5 Expert Methods Every Gardener Should Know
Discover the best ways to grow new rose plants with these expert methods, which make propagation easy for beginners – plus options to take it to the next level.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Dwarf Dahlias: 7 Varieties Of Brilliant Blooms Best Suited For Containers And Small Gardens
Passionate about dahlias but short on space or keen to advance your container garden? Try growing dwarf dahlias like these special shorties for stunning blooms
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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This Simple Stick Trick Stops Squirrels From Raiding Your Garden – And It Doesn't Harm Them
A few simple sticks will keep squirrels from destroying your vegetable garden. Learn how to use this stick trick to protect your produce.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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How To Grow Climbing Hydrangea For A Dash Of Elegant Drama In Your Garden
Climbing hydrangeas add stately elegance to any garden. They're a bit different than other hydrangeas, but just as lovely. Here's how to care for one yourself.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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How To Get Rid Of Snails And Keep Them Away Naturally Without Harming Plants, People, or Pets
You don't have to give in to the little land mollusks. Take back control of your garden with these easy tips for getting rid of snails naturally.
By Mary Ellen Ellis