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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Why It's Time To Raise Ducks For The Garden – Move Over, Chickens!
Others might call you quackers, but if you get some ducks for the garden, you can enjoy a host of plot-friendly benefits. Just follow our expert guide to make the most of these unique creatures
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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What to Plant After Spring Bulbs Have Died Back – 8 Stunning Ideas
When spring bulbs die back they leave unwelcome gaps and fading foliage in their wake. But with some clever planting choices, this can be concealed. Discover the best options to take their place for beautiful beds all season long.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Purple Leafy Greens To Add Color To Your Garden
Purple lettuce and purple greens like kale and cabbage are lovely in the garden but also pack a healthy punch.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Top 10 Questions About Weeds
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Traveler’s Joy Vine Removal - Tips For Controlling Traveler’s Joy Clematis
Controlling Traveler’s Joy may become necessary. This Clematis species is invasive in the U.S.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Free Stones For Landscaping: Best Places To Find Them
It’s fun to find sources for free stones and landscaping rocks. You may be surprised at who might thank you for taking them away for free.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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How Much Does A Rain Garden Cost?
Rain garden costs can be minimal or expensive, depending on your budget. They're a sustainable idea and worth every penny.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Epiphyllum Plant Care: Tips For Growing Epiphyllum Cactus
Look into growing some of the ten species of epiphyllum, or orchid cactus. Find them in garden centers or online, and grow them in much the same way you’d grow an orchid.
By Bonnie L. Grant
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7 Mulching Mistakes To Avoid If You Want Healthier Plants
Mulching is one of the most important gardening jobs to add nutrients to plants, retain water in the soil, and keep down weeds. However, if you do it incorrectly it will do more harm than good. Discover the key mistakes to avoid – and how to fix them.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Waterlogged Soil Fixes: What To Do About Wet Garden Soil
Waterlogged soil can quickly kill plants if it has become compacted or has a heavy amount of clay. Learn how to fix the situation with soil amendments and proper drainage.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Grow A Beautiful Vegetable Garden That’s A Feast For The Eyes
In addition to being practical and useful, growing beautiful vegetable gardens that are stunning and aesthetically pleasing can enhance your garden space.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Stumpery Garden Ideas: Turning Logs Into A Lovely Garden
If you have broken or felled tree stumps available, check out some garden stumpery ideas and create a charming shady corner of your yard or garden.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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7 Indoor Vine Plants That Are Stylish and So Easy To Grow
There’s nothing like indoor vine plants to change the vibe inside your home. Let them hang, trail along a surface, or even form a living indoor wall - a lovely way to bring the outdoors in.
By Amy Grant
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Ants In Houseplants: How To Get Rid Of Pesky Indoor Pests
Ants in houseplants usually end up there looking for sweet honeydew left by other insects, but they’re also attracted to other yummy treats in the home. They don’t hurt the plants, but it’s good to know what’s attracting them and how to fix the problem.
By Liz Baessler
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Gen Z Gardening Trend – Root Causes Of Their Love For Plants
Younger populations are increasingly interested in gardening. Millennial and Gen Z plants range from garden vegetables to houseplant parenting and beyond.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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How To Propagate Begonias The Right Way, According To Pros
Once you know how to propagate begonias you’ll never want to stop multiplying these beauties for houseplants or outdoor borders and beds.
By Jackie Rhoades
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Syngonium (Arrowhead Plant): Complete Care & Growing Guide
The lovely arrowhead plant is commonly grown indoors, trailing from baskets or climbing a stake. Versatile and easy-to-grow, it’s great for indirect or low-light locations.
By Nikki Tilley
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Plant Hacks On TikTok That Are Actually Worth Trying
You may have come across a few plant hacks online and wondered how many are worth your time. We round up the key plant hacks on TikTok that are every bit as good as they claim to be…
By Mary Ellen Ellis