
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 Keep Mature Landscaping Looking Its Best – Expert Tips For Established Gardens
Does your property have mature landscaping and a garden that's come of age? Learn some tip for keeping it looking its best.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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8 Plants To Prune In January: Brave The Cold For A Better Garden
Discover which plants to prune in the dead of winter to help your garden shape up for a glorious spring and summer.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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What's The Best Music For Plants? Discover How Music Can Help Your Garden Grow
If they grow better with music, make sure to choose the best music for your plants. Turns out they have specific tastes.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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7 Vegetables To Plant In January: Delicious Organic Crops To Kickstart Your Growing Year
Discover the best vegetable seeds to start in January – to banish winter blues and begin a new ritual of growing and harvesting the tastiest, healthiest crops.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Gardening With An AI Botanist: How To Use ChatGPT Effectively In The Garden For Planting & Design Inspiration
It's time to learn how to use ChatGPT effectively in the garden. Why not? It might help develop your gardening creativity. Here’s how to use it.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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How To Make A New Garden Look Mature: Simple Tricks For A Lived-In Landscape
Use these tips to learn how to make a new garden look mature. You’ll have your garden space and landscape looking lush in no time.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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How To Make A Terrarium In A Jar: Grow A Beautiful Miniature Ecosystem
A jar terrarium is a fun, simple, and inexpensive winter project. It’s a great way to spend the colder months when your outdoor garden is dormant.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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5 Easy Winter Container Recipes: Last-Minute Plant Combinations For Your Porch Pots
These winter container plant combos are quick and easy to put together before the holidays – and will add visual interest while the rest of your garden sleeps.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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How To Make Plantable Seed Greeting Cards: Share The Joy Of Growing This Holiday Season
Get creative making holiday cards using plantable seed paper, and give the memorable gift of growing flowers that will delight recipients for months on end.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Bold & Beautiful Festive Bloomers: 6 Christmas Flowering Plants For A Big Holiday Buzz
‘Tis the season for celebration and easy living, so make sure your plants are up to it. These dynamic Christmas flowering plants will help you see out the season in style
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Are Amaryllis Plants Poisonous To Cats? How You Can Tell – And What To Grow Instead
The holiday season is a perfect time to showcase your favorite Christmas blooms, but are amaryllis plants poisonous to cats? Here’s how to keep felines safe and well
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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How To Make A Christmas Cactus Bloom – And Then Bloom Again For Double The Flowers
The ever-popular Christmas cactus needs a little encouragement to produce stunning tropical blooms over the holiday season, especially if you want them twice.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Rosemary Decor Ideas: Try These 5 Creative And Tasteful Ways To Decorate With Rosemary
Have you only ever used rosemary as a garnish with the festive turkey? These rosemary decor ideas will fill your home and gifting horizons with fragrant new possibilities
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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8 Low-Maintenance Trees With Wow Factor: Plant These Easy-Care Landscape Heroes
Discover low-maintenance trees with maximum impact – these leafy beauties require only minimal care, but their rewards are plentiful.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Winterizing Raised Beds: How To Protect Your Raised Bed Gardens In Winter
Keeping raised beds protected in winter will ensure that you can hit the ground running in spring. Our guide to winterizing raised beds will help you get ready
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Easy Plant Choices To Boost Your Curb Appeal: Go Big With These 6 Small Front Garden Ideas
Even the smallest front yard can be a curbside showstopper with the right plant choices. We reveal six small front garden ideas that dynamically improve a home’s allure and value!
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Why Green Spaces Are Important – And How To Create One In Your Local Community
If you live in a town or city and don’t have a big yard, look beyond your back door. We explore why green spaces are important – and how to make more of yours
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Get Gardening For Better Sleep: Why Gardens And Plants Can Give You Happier Bedtimes
We all know gardening is intrinsically linked to a ‘feel good’ factor – have you ever wondered why it helps with rest? Here’s the thinking behind gardening for better sleep…
By Mary Ellen Ellis