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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October Glory Red Maples: How To Grow October Glory Trees
For an ornamental, fast-growing tree with great fall color, it's hard to beat the "October Glory" cultivar of red maple. Click on the following article for more information on growing this beautiful maple tree in your landscape.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Gardening For Mental Wellness
Click to read how gardening helps me with mindfulness, meditation and general mental well-being.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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The King Of Butterflies
Click here to learn more about my favorite butterfly visitor to the garden.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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My Favorite Birds
All birds are welcome in my garden. I offer them food, but they don’t need an invitation to come for a visit.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Learn About Flower Viewing Or Hanami In Japan
What is hanami? Click here to find out all about the history of flower viewing and the hanami meaning in Japan.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Overwintering Coleus For Another Year Of Growth
Click here to find out about my process and personal preference when it comes to overwintering coleus for another year of growth.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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What Is A Bearded Iris: Bearded Iris Varieties And Growing Info
A popular perennial for its stunning flowers, variety of bloom colors, and striking, sword like leaves is the bearded iris. Click here for more info.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Treating Asters With Leaf Spots – Treating Leaf Spots On Aster Plants
Asters won’t need much care or maintenance, but there are a few diseases that may trouble them. If you see spots on aster leaves, you may have a fungal disease growing in your garden. Learn how to prevent leaf spot and how to deal with it in this article.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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What Causes Citrus Flyspeck – Treating Symptoms Of Flyspeck Fungus
Growing citrus trees can be a great joy, providing a beautiful landscaping element, shade, screening, and, of course, delicious homegrown fruit. And there is nothing worse than going to harvest and finding they have been damaged by the flyspeck fungus. Learn more here.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Differences Between Hansel And Gretel Eggplants
Hansel and Gretel eggplants are two different varieties that are very similar to each other, like the brother and sister from fairy tales. Read up on some Hansel and Gretel eggplant information to find out why these hybrids are desirable. Click here for more.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Herman Plum Information – Tips For Growing Herman Plums
Choosing the variety of a particular fruit to grow can be difficult, especially with so many options and limited garden space. A Herman plum tree is a good option for many reasons. Learn more about how and why you should grow this plum tree in the following article.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Excalibur Plum Tree Care: Tips For Growing Excalibur Plums
For a tasty, large plum in your backyard orchard, consider growing Excalibur. Care for an Excalibur plum tree is easier than for some other fruit trees, although you will need another plum tree nearby for pollination. Learn more in this article.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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North And South Dakota, Nebraska, Montana, Wyoming Lawn Care
Read up on how to grow a beautiful lawn in the Plains and Rocky Mountain areas of the US.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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What Is Hull Rot: Learn How To Avoid Rotting Nut Hulls
Almond hull rot is a fungal disease that affects the hulls of nuts on almond trees. It can cause big losses in almond farming, and the occasional backyard tree. Understanding basic identifying factors can help you manage this disease. Learn more in this article.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Shuck Dieback Of Pecan Trees: Learn About Pecan Shuck Decline Disease
Pecans are prized in the South, and if you have one of these trees in your yard, you likely enjoy the shade of this regal giant. You may also enjoy eating the nuts, but if your trees are hit with pecan shuck decline and dieback, you could lose your harvest. Learn more here.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Purple Dome Aster Info – How To Grow Purple Dome New England Asters
Purple dome aster is a purple, daisy-like flower that adds cheer to any garden or perennial bed. Read on for more.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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A Years-Long Battle With Barren Peonies
My peonies proved to be hardy when I gave them the right growing conditions, and added a little patience. Read on for more.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Lavender Seed Propagation – How To Plant Lavender Seeds
Lavender seeds are slow to germinate and plants grown from them may not flower in the first year, but if you?re patient and willing to put in the work, you can generate beautiful plants from seeds. Learn about starting lavender from seed in this article.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Red October Tomato Care – How To Grow A Red October Tomato Plant
Nothing at the supermarket can compare to the freshness and taste you get from homegrown tomatoes. There are many varieties you can grow, but if you want a tasty tomato that will keep well, try the Red October. Click this article to learn more.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Southern Pea Root Knot Nematode: Managing Root Knot Nematodes On Southern Peas
Southern peas with root-knot nematodes can suffer in multiple ways. The pathogen can damage the plants enough to reduce the harvest, but it can also make your peas vulnerable to other infections, including fungal and bacterial diseases. Learn more here.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Feather Reed Grass ‘Avalanche’ – How To Grow Avalanche Feather Reed Grass
Ornamental grasses are popular in landscaping and home gardens because they provide vertical interest, varied textures, and an exotic element to beds and walkways. Hardy from zones 4 to 9, Avalanche feather reed grass is a showy choice. Learn about it here.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Tillamook Strawberry Facts – What Is A Tillamook Strawberry
If you decide to grow strawberries in your backyard garden, you may be overwhelmed by all the choices. There are many cultivars of this berry. If you want a high-yield plant that produces large, good-quality berries, try the Tillamook. Learn more in this article.
By Mary Ellen Ellis