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 Much Humidity Do Orchids Need To Thrive? – Plus Tips To Boost Moisture Levels
Learn how much humidity your orchids need and easy techniques to increase moisture levels for happy and healthy plants with more vibrant blooms.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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8 Stunning Shrubs For Front Yards To Add Instant Curb Appeal
Discover the perfect front yard shrubs that will frame your home and create an inviting, lush entrance.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Why Butterflies Matter For Our Gardens, Well-being, And Biodiversity
Beautiful butterflies are good for our gardens!
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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7 Cactus Dahlia Varieties And Semi-Cactus Dahlia Types To Try
While some dahlias have soft petals or pompon heads, others have dramatic spikes! We round up seven outstanding cactus dahlia varieties and semi-cactus types to grow
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Should You Water Orchids With Ice Cubes? Discover The Pros And Cons Of This Controversial Method
Curious about watering orchids with ice cubes? Learn the benefits and drawbacks of this popular method to keep your plants healthy and thriving.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Need Floral Inspiration For Your Raised Bed? Try These Raised Flower Bed Ideas
Were you thinking raised beds were purely the domain of exciting edible gardening? Prepare to be dazzled, as we reveal the best raised flower bed ideas to try
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Can You Grow Apples From Pips? How To Plant Apple Seeds That Can Flourish
Knowing how to plant apple seeds can be a fun project that has the potential to lead to exciting future fruits. Find out a free way to grow your own homegrown apple trees
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Elevate Your Garden With The Rule Of Three: A Pro Landscaping Trick For Stunning Designs
Create a more professional look in your garden by using the Rule of Three in beds, borders, and pots to create a natural space that keeps the eye interested.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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10 Destructive Rose Pests To Look Out For – Plus Natural Treatments For An Organic Garden
Beware these common rose pests and learn about natural ways to control them without harming the biodiversity of your garden.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Native Alternatives To Invasive Plants: 8 Safe Garden Beauties
These beautiful native alternatives to invasive plants not only look better than non-native species but are better for your local ecosystem, too!
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Create A Vibrant Wildlife Oasis With These 6 Native Flowering Shrubs For Pollinators
Growing native flowering shrubs for pollinators gives your garden added wildlife appeal as well as multi-seasonal visual interest. Try these stunning sustainable shrubs for bees and butterflies
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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The Benefits Of Pinching Herbs: Why It Matters And How To Do It Right
Frequently pinching herbs back encourages a healthier, bushier growing habit. It doesn't work for every type of herb, but most will benefit from it.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Don’t Trim These Plants Before Fall: 7 Plants You Should Not Prune In Summer
High summer is synonymous with deadheads and straggly growth, so it’s tempting to reach for the cutters. But here are the plants you should not prune in summer – and why
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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The Best Wood For Raised Garden Beds: Selecting The Right One For Your Gardening Project
The best wood for raised garden beds varies in terms of durability and availability, but most importantly, it needs to be untreated. Learn about the best ones to use.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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5 Water Butt And Rain Barrel Benefits: Why It Matters For Sustainable Gardening
For anyone serious about sustainable gardening, rainwater harvesting is an easy way to conserve natural resources. Here are five water butt and rain barrel benefits
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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8 Native Shade Plants To Brighten Up Your Garden
If you have dark gloomy corners in your garden or yard, plant some native shade plants to brighten and liven up the space.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Do You Have Boxwood Leafminer? Identify and Remove This Boxwood Pest
The boxwood leafminer can do major damage to boxwood shrubs and can even prove fatal to plants. Find out how to maintain plant health for better plants.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Do Raised Garden Beds Need Drainage?
Before building or buying garden beds, consider how raised garden bed drainage can make a difference for your soil and plants.
By Mary Ellen Ellis