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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7 Worst Plants For Bees, Butterflies, And Pollinators
Not all plants are great for bees and other pollinators. Learn which 7 to avoid in your pollinator garden.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Most Invasive Species In Michigan And The Upper Midwest
Learn about some of the worst invasive plants to watch out for in the regions of Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota and Iowa.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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What Is Damping Off?
Damping off is a common term for the sudden death of seedlings. It can be alarming, so knowing what to look for can help. Learn more here.
By Nikki Tilley
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Best Vegetables To Grow In Michigan And The Upper Midwest
What are the best vegetables to grow in Michigan and the upper Midwest? Click here for a complete upper Midwest growing guide.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Why Are My Tomato Leaves Turning Yellow?
There are several possible reasons for yellow leaves on tomato plants. Click here to learn more.
By Mary H. Dyer
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What Makes A Plant Invasive? How Good Plants Go Bad
What makes a plant invasive? How do plants become invasive? Click here to find out.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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How Do Plants Know When To Bloom?
How do flowering plants know when to bloom? Learn the process that tells them when it’s time.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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How To Start Your Own Victory Garden
Victory gardens today are still important in countless ways. Click to learn about victory garden design and what to plant.
By Mary H. Dyer
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Heat Tolerant Ornamental Grasses For The Southeast
To learn about options for heat tolerant ornamental grasses for the southeast region, click here.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Can Native Plants Be Invasive Or Overly Aggressive?
Can native plants become invasive? Click here to find out the answer, and what you can do about it.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Good Azalea Care: Azaleas, Noteworthy Shrubs For Any Garden
By Nikki Tilley
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Best Planter Filler Materials To Help You Save On Soil
To learn how to fill deep planters and what makes good container filler materials, click here.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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How To Grow Native Whorled Milkweed In The Garden
Whorled milkweed is beloved by monarch butterflies, but it attracts other pollinators, too. Click to read more.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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The Environmental Impact Of Electric Vs. Gas Yard Tools
If your gardening requires machinery, learn the difference in the environmental impact of electric vs. gas powered tools.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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How To Create A Whimsical Gnomecore Garden
Click here for ideas and to learn all about how to create a whimsical Gnomecore garden.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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How To Care For Caribbean Houseplants - 5 Tropical Plants To Grow Indoors
Have you ever wanted to bring a little of the Caribbean indoors? Click here for ideas on Caribbean indoor plants.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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How To Prune A Money Tree Houseplant
Read the best ways to prune a money plant to keep it healthy and tidy.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Spring Cleanup Time: When To Start Spring Garden Cleaning
Knowing when/how to spring clean your garden is important for local ecosystems, as many pollinators overwinter in dead plant material you may want to remove. By waiting to clean, it ensures the safety of these beneficial insects. Learn about spring garden cleaning here.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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How To Grow A Native Beaked Hazelnut Bush
Try growing one of these unique filberts called beaked hazelnuts. Your squirrels will love them, and so will you.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Energy Efficient Landscaping Tips To Lower Home Energy Bills
Learn how to reduce your home’s energy footprint by landscaping according to your climate.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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My Gardening Sustainability Practices – A Work In Progress
I try to maintain a sustainable gardening practice partly out of love for the wildlife that visit my garden. Click for more.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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How To Grow An Outdoor Green Wall
A green wall is great for cooling and filtering the air and providing respite from the city. Click to learn how to grow a living plant wall.
By Mary Ellen Ellis