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 Grow An Outdoor Green Wall
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Maximalist Garden Ideas That Make A Huge Impact
Maximalism in the garden can create a dramatic and fascinating ambience, blending sizes, textures and colors.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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October To-Do List – What To Do In The Garden In Fall
Your October to-do list for the garden will depend on where you live. Here are some specific regional garden chores for October.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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What To Do (And Not Do) With Your Garden In The Fall
When deciding what to do to your garden in the fall, remember there are just as many things NOT to do.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Overwintering Tropical Plants Indoors
There are a few ways to keep tropical plants alive in winter. Some like winter dormancy and may prefer to move indoors.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Hydrozones: Grouping Plants With Similar Water Needs
Hydrozones are designated areas where plantings require similar amounts of water or grouping plants with similar water needs.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Best Landscape Plants For The Upper Midwest Region
Trees, shrubs and flowers are abundant in Michigan, Minnesota,Wisconsin and Iowa. Don’t forget to plant natives!
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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How To Make A Natural Area In Your Garden
Natural gardens with native plants are becoming the conscientious gardener’s choice for a more sustainable yard.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Ivy Houseplants - Information On Caring For Ivy Plants
Growing English ivy indoors is a great way to enjoy this attractive vine without setting it loose in the garden.
By Heather Rhoades
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How To Grow Plumeria
You can grow fragrant plumeria plants at home under the right conditions, but they dislike cold temperatures.
By Nikki Tilley
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What Is An Ecosystem? How Your Garden Is An Ecosystem
Your garden has its own ecosystem and it includes you! Harmonious relationships exist even at microscopic levels.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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What To Do With Eggshells Before Composting Them
Eggshells can go into the compost whole, but baking and grinding them first will get more calcium to your plants.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Preventing Soil Compaction: How To Fix Compacted Soil In The Garden
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Invasive Black Swallow Wort: Control And ID
Black swallow-wort is invasive and harmful to ecosystems and monarchs. Learn how to identify and eradicate it!
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Tips For Growing Russian Sage
Russian sage is drought tolerant and loved by pollinators. And it looks great to boot. Learn to grow it here.
By Jackie Carroll
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Plants That Fight Crime: How Community Gardens Lower Crime Rates
The benefits of community gardening run deep, and they include a clear reduction in crime rates in urban areas.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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How To Care For Anthurium Plants
Add a splash of tropical red to your houseplant menagerie with all the ins and outs of anthurium care.
By Heather Rhoades
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Growing Geraniums: Tips For The Care Of Geraniums
Geraniums are some of the most popular flowers, and for good reason. We'll teach you how to grow these vibrant, easy plants.
By Nikki Tilley
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Care Of Peace Lilies As Houseplants
Looking for a beautiful, easy-care houseplant? Read these tips for growing the graceful easy-going Peace Lily.
By Heather Rhoades
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How To Use Soil Heating Cables To Grow In Winter
Soil heating cables are popular for a simple way to provide consistent warmth for soil in winter, but how to use heating cables? Click here and find out.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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6 Low Budget Small Garden Ideas That Look Great
Looking to start a small garden on a small budget? Click here for 6 tips to get you growing.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Whimsical Garden Ideas – Planting A Fun Flower Garden
Gardens can be funny and fun. There are lots of ways to add whimsy to your outdoor space without spending too much.
By Mary Ellen Ellis