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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Native Redbud Tree Varieties And Cultivars For Every Garden
Redbuds produce beautiful flowers, don’t take up much room and don’t require much water. Click to learn about this perfect native tree.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Spring Gardening For Beginners
New to gardening? Just looking for a refresher? Here are tips on how to get started in the spring.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Tips For Reusing Old Mulch
Are you wondering what to do with old mulch? Can it be reused? Read tips for how to reuse and refresh old mulch.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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How To Grow A Trendy (But Timeless) Bloomcore Garden
Bloomcore opens the door for a natural fresh aesthetic in your garden. Here’s how to create it for yourself.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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The Best Flowers For Shade
A shady garden doesn't have to be foliage-only, so join us as we list our favorite shade-loving flowers that’ll thrive without sun.
By Heather Rhoades
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Snake Plant Care Guide
Snake plant care is easy and rewarding. Click here to learn all about snake plant growing requirements.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Mason Bees: Everything A Gardener Needs To Know
Mason bees aren't as famous as honey or bumble bees, but they're amazing native pollinators. Click here to read all about them.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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How To Make Homemade Baby Food Fresh From The Garden
Learn to make the freshest and safest baby food from homegrown garden vegetables. Your baby will love it.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Back To Eden Gardening: Everything You Need To Know
Learn about the Back to Eden gardening method of creating natural growing conditions and reducing your carbon footprint.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Asteraceae: The Largest Plant Family On Earth
If you're growing flowers, there's a good chance you have at least one member of the Asteraceae family in your garden. Click for more.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Bolting Cilantro - Why Does Cilantro Bolt And How To Stop It
Cilantro always bolts eventually, but here are some tips about getting the best from this delicious herb and how to keep it going.
By Heather Rhoades
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How To Start A Garden Cheap – Get Growing For Almost Nothing
Click here and learn how you can start a garden on a budget and get growing for almost nothing.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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How To Make A Community Garden Sustainable
Read how community gardens are full of opportunities for sustainable practices that support the environment.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Do Plants Scream? Study Shows They Can Under Stress
Some plants make noise when they’re distressed or cut, but we probably don’t need to worry about their feelings.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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English Ivy Alternatives – Grow These Native Plants Instead
English ivy is invasive in the US. Click here for some beautiful native alternatives you can grow instead.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Uses For Dandelions: What To Do With Dandelions
Dandelions are considered weeds by many people, but they're actually useful. Consider all the uses for dandelions before dismissing them.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Full Sun Plants - Plants That Do Well In Direct Sun
What are the best plants for direct sunlight? There are plenty. Click here to learn all about sun loving plants.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Helping Your Plants With A Neem Oil Foliar Spray
Finding a safe, non-toxic pesticide for the garden that actually works can be a challenge. Learn how neem oil might be the best solution.
By Heather Rhoades
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Grow These 12 Natives Anywhere With Containers
What are the best native plants for growing in pots? Click here for our top 12.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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How To Care For Hibiscus Plants
Growing hibiscus is an easy way to add a tropical flair to your garden. Click here for tips on hibiscus care.
By Heather Rhoades
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How To Amend Soil Around Existing Plants
Your plants will love these amendments. Learn how to fix the soil in your garden bed without starting from scratch.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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How To Prune Blueberries The Right Way
Pruning blueberries is essential to maintain their size, shape, and productivity. Learn more about how and why to prune blueberry bushes.
By Nikki Tilley