Mary Ellen Ellis

Writer

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

Trout Lily Care Guide: How to Grow This Native Woodland Ephemeral

The trout lily only blooms 1-2 weeks per year, but it's worth it! Plant these gorgeous woodland wildflowers for a blanket of yellow every spring.

How to Pick the Best Plants in the Clearance Section – and Which Ones You Should Always Leave Behind

You can find some great deals on plants in the clearance section, if you know what to look for. Don't waste money on a dud, follow these top shopping tips.

By Mary Ellen Ellis
Tackle Infestations of Aphids on Houseplants: 5 Effective Methods to Get Indoor Pests Under Control

They aren't just an outdoor pest. Aphids on houseplants can spell disaster if not treated quickly. Learn how to best manage an indoor infestation.

By Mary Ellen Ellis
Orchid Flower Spikes: How to Train New Spikes for Beautiful Blooms

An orchid flower spike is where all the drama and beauty is. Learn to train new flower spikes without breaking them to keep your orchid looking gorgeous.

By Mary Ellen Ellis

5 Underrated Annuals Worth Starting From Seed Now – for Beds That Are Bursting With Color by Spring

Your garden will be bursting with color by spring if you sow these overlooked seeds now. Here are the underrated annuals that deserve a spot in your plot.

By Mary Ellen Ellis
Cutting These 3 Shrubs Back to a Stump in February Delivers Stunning Summer Color – This Tough Love Trick Really Works

It might feel like garden sabotage, but giving these three summer flowering shrubs the chop now is the kindest thing you can do. Here’s the secret to dazzling summer color

By Mary Ellen Ellis
Is Your Garlic On Track? Don’t Skip this February Trick for Massive Summer Bulbs

The clock is ticking on the most important feeding of the year! Your garlic is about to wake up hungry. Discover how a late winter energy drink can help you cultivate massive, juicy cloves by summer

By Mary Ellen Ellis

6 Underrated Shrubs That Deserve a Spot in Your Garden

Stop overlooking these stunning, but underrated shrubs! It's time to plant one (or more) of these beautiful bushes for a unique addition to your garden.

By Mary Ellen Ellis
African Violet Care Made Easy: Your Complete Guide for Sweet Year-Round Blooms

African violets are beautiful plants that can bloom year-round and live for decades with proper care and attention. Get healthy plants with vibrant blooms.

By Kathleen Walters
Should You Use Coffee Grounds Instead of De-Icing Salt? Here's When it Works

Is there any truth to the internet hack of using coffee grounds on icy walkways? Our scientist-turned-garden expert explains.

By Mary Ellen Ellis

assortment of vases with unique flower arrangements on a marble table

Move Over, Roses! These 7 Underrated Plants Are Just as Romantic for Valentine’s Day

The special person in your life deserves a plant that's just as unique as they are. Give them one of these unexpected plants instead of the same old red roses.

Decoding Michigan Growing Zones: What Michiganders Need to Know for a Stunning Four-Season Garden

Michiganders, listen up! Here's everything you need to know about Michigan growing zones for a gorgeous, thriving garden.

By Mary Ellen Ellis
Don't Clear Garden Leaves Yet! Wait for this Exact Moment to Get Maximum Benefits for Plants and Wildlife

Resist the urge to rake too soon ahead of spring. Discover why holding onto those fallen leaves for a few more weeks is the secret to a high-bloom, low-pest garden – and make sure you know the magic number that tells you it's safe to start

By Mary Ellen Ellis
Fertilize Grass With Coffee Grounds? Lawn Care Secret That Actually Works – Here's How to Do It

Coffee grounds can give your lawn a fantastic boost. Learn how and when to apply your spent grounds and why this trick works.

By Mary Ellen Ellis

Ultimate Snake Plant Care Guide: Discover the Key to Stunning Snake Plants That Thrive Year-Round

Snake plants are some of the easiest houseplants to grow, but they still require the proper care to thrive. Discover exactly what they need.

By Mary Ellen Ellis
February Is the Key Pruning Window for These 10 Plants – Make the Cut Now Before Dormancy Breaks

February is the prime time to do some necessary pruning. Find out which plants will benefit most from a late winter trim this month.

By Mary Ellen Ellis
Don’t Throw Away Your Wine Corks! 8 Inspired Ways to Give Them a Second Life in Your Yard

Ever wondered if the secret to a happier garden might be innocently sitting in your wine rack? Here’s how to recycle wine corks around your yard with these resourceful sustainable tips

By Mary Ellen Ellis

Gardeners Are Using This DIY Terracotta Pot Hack to Heat Their Greenhouses – But Does It Actually Work?

The viral clay pot heater hack is taking the internet and greenhouses by storm, but does this DIY trick really work? A scientist turned gardener weighs in.

By Mary Ellen Ellis
Ultimate Guide to Companion Planting in the Vegetable Garden: Everything You Need to Know

Companion planting is a fun and easy way to reap extra benefits in your garden. Learn everything you need to know to get started and the best pairings to try.

By Nikki Tilley
How to Get Rid of Mealybugs Indoors – 5 Easy Organic Controls to Zap Houseplant Infestations

They may look like bits of fluff, but mealybugs are a major problem for indoor plants. If you see them, use these 5 expert-backed organic methods to curb infestations and keep plants thriving

By Mary Ellen Ellis

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