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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Wallis’s Wonder Plum Info – How To Grow A Wallis’s Wonder Plum Tree
For a late-season plum that holds up in storage all fall and that you can enjoy in a variety of ways, from fresh to canned, try growing Wallis’s Wonder plums. This delightful plum has a fun flavor to match its cheerful name. Learn more in this article.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Grape Armillaria Symptoms: What Is Armillaria Root Rot Of Grapes
Growing grapevines is fun, even if you don?t make your own wine. Fungal infections, including the grape armillaria fungus, can ruin your vines, though. Know the signs of infection and what to do to prevent or manage it in this article.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Blue Wonder Spruce Info: Tips For Growing Blue Wonder Spruce Trees
Blue Wonder spruce trees are great additions to formal gardens or as container plants. These small, conical-shaped evergreens are prized for their shape and for the beautiful, blue-gray color of their needles. Learn more about them in this article.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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My First Philodendron
What was my first plant I remember growing? Where did I grow it and what did I know at that time about growing it? Click here to find out.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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How To Grow A Sustainable Lawn
Adjust your thinking about a perfect green lawn and consider more sustainable methods. Click here to learn how.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Cupid’s Dart Care – How To Grow Cupid’s Dart Plants
Cupid’s dart plants provide a lovely splash of color and in the right conditions are hands-off and low maintenance. Click here to learn more.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Growing Roses In The Midwest – Top Roses For Midwest Gardens
Growing roses is possible in most gardens, but you do need to choose the right type. Click here for the best roses for your Midwest garden.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Watching Football In The Backyard – Hosting A Super Bowl Party In Your Garden
For something a little different this year why not throw an outdoor football viewing party for the Super Bowl?
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Upper Midwest Evergreens – Choosing Evergreen Shrubs For Upper Midwest
Evergreen shrubs are useful for year-round color and privacy. Many varieties thrive in upper Midwest states. Click here for some options.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Sickly Lawn Into Healthy Turf
I learned to diagnose turf grass problems. Too much shade was easy, but root-eating grubs like to hide. Click to read more.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Pretty Spring Bulbs For Pollinators
What are the best flowering bulbs for pollinators in spring? Click here to find out.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Not Pruning Is A Mistake
I try to be unafraid of pruning a thinning or leggy plant or bush, since pruning makes for a healthier, fuller plant.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Downspout Garden Planters – Plant A Rain Gutter Container Garden
A downspout planter box acts like a small rain garden and makes the area around a downspout more attractive. Click here for planter ideas.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Clean Up Soil With Plants – Using Plants For Contaminated Soil
Did you know that some plants can absorb and safely store toxins? Plants that clean contaminated soil are under study. Learn more here.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Indoor Farming Ideas – Tips For Farming Inside Your Home
Indoor agriculture is a growing trend. Growing food inside conserves resources and allows for year-round growth. Find ideas here.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Outdoor Aquarium Ideas: Putting A Fish Tank In The Garden
Aquariums are generally made for inside the house, but why not have a fish tank outside? Click here for tips and ideas on backyard aquariums.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Hygrophila Plant Care: How To Grow Hygrophila In An Aquarium
Hygrophila is a low-maintenance, attractive plant for your home aquarium. Caring for this plant is easy. Learn all about it in this article.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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August Gardening Tasks – Upper Midwest Gardening To-Do List
August gardening tasks in Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa are all about maintenance. Click here for your August upper Midwest to-do list.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Cold Hardy Hibiscus: Tips On Growing Hibiscus In Zone 7
Growing hibiscus in zone 7 means finding cold hardy hibiscus varieties that can withstand some of the colder temperatures in this growing region. There are plenty of varieties that those of us in colder regions can enjoy. This article will help with suggestions.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Transplanting Birds Of Paradise – How To Transplant A Bird Of Paradise Plant
Can you move a bird of paradise plant? Yes is the short answer, but you need to take care in doing so. Whatever the reason is, be prepared for a big job. This article will help with tips on how to transplant a bird of paradise into the landscape.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Calla Buds Not Blooming – Reasons Why Calla Lily Buds Don’t Open
Getting buds to open on callas is not typically difficult, but there may be a few easy-fix problems going on with your plant. Tweaking one or two things should help you get your blooms back. This article will help with that.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Edgers For The Garden: Learn How To Use A Garden Bed Edger
Lawn and garden edgers are important tools for anyone who appreciates the beauty of a crisp, neat line. Use an edger, not a trimmer, to create delineations between beds and grass or between grass and other surfaces, like your driveway. Learn more here.
By Mary Ellen Ellis