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

Don't Wait! You Can Have Indoor Hyacinths for Christmas if You Start Planning Now

Grow beautiful hyacinths for Christmas with these simple tips and add some extra cheer to your holidays. Start forcing your bulbs now for the best blooms.

8 Fruits That Grow In Shade To Fill Even Tricky Corners Of Your Yard With Luscious Edibles

Ever planted fruits in low light and struggled to get them to thrive? It’s time to get savvy to these 8 fruiting shrubs and fruit trees that grow in shade

By Mary Ellen Ellis
Try These 5 Ferns in Hanging Baskets and Fern Companions for High Impact All Year Round

You’ll create instant drama and big impact with these stunning ferns in hanging baskets – plus, some high flying fern companions to brighten up quiet corners and shady spots

By Mary Ellen Ellis
8 Plants to Prune in October So They Bounce Back Beautifully in the Spring

Pruning in October? These are the plants to focus on if you want to keep them looking their best...

By Mary Ellen Ellis

6 Flowers to Plant Over Bulbs in Pots: Create Colorful, Long-Lasting Displays with Ease

Top off your container bulbs with these gorgeous annual flowers, which will fill out containers and ensure displays transition through the seasons in style.

By Mary Ellen Ellis
Slow It Down: The Lazy Gardener’s Guide to Fall Cleanup Will Benefit You, Your Garden, and Local Wildlife

Chill out and leave some of those fall cleanup tasks off of your to-do list this year. Find out how taking a break is beneficial to your garden.

By Mary Ellen Ellis
Dynamic Fall Hanging Baskets – 7 Plants and Plant Combos for Spectacular Vertical Displays

Hanging baskets can bring color and drama to the autumn season. Try these fabulous plant ideas and combinations for memorable fall hanging baskets that light up your fall garden

By Mary Ellen Ellis

6 Herbs to Harvest and Dry Before Frost Hits

Harvest and dry these 6 tender herbs in early fall before the cold takes them.

By Mary Ellen Ellis
10 Plants You Should Never Grow Near Hydrangeas – These Problematic Species Could Jeopardize Your Hydrangea's Health

If your hydrangeas are struggling to stay alive, one of these problem plants may be the cause. Find out which species you should never grow near hydrangeas.

By Mary Ellen Ellis
Collect & Save These 7 Flower Seeds Now for a Stunning Garden Come Next Spring

It's easy and fun to collect and save seeds in the autumn and it will ensure you have a gorgeous garden next year. Learn which seeds are the best to harvest.

By Mary Ellen Ellis

7 Ornamental Grasses for Stunning Fall Color and Lasting Beauty All Year Round

Beautiful autumn foliage isn't limited to trees. Plant these ornamental grasses for fabulous fall color and year-round appeal.

5 Plants That Give Garden Soil a Boost After Summer – These Cover Crops Nourish Soil and Perk Up Future Plants

If your soil is looking parched, weatherbeaten or depleted after high summer, these are some of the best cover crops to rejuvenate your ground ahead of the next round of planting

By Mary Ellen Ellis
6 Shed Mistakes You May Not Know You’re Making – Plus, Ideas For Better Yard Storage

Sheds may seem straightforward, but you’d be amazed how easy it is to misjudge their construction and care. Follow these backyard shed ideas to prevent calamity

By Mary Ellen Ellis
7 Fall Front Yard Show-Stoppers to Boost Your Curb Appeal – These Plants Will Make Your Landscape Shine All Autumn Long

There's no excuse for a drab fall landscape when you can grow one of these show-stopping plants! Find out which varieties will give your garden a boost.

By Mary Ellen Ellis

7 Fall Lawn Care Tasks To Prioritize Before Winter – Plus When To Make The Last Cut

Put your yard to bed with these 7 fall lawn care tasks, including the final mow of the season.

By Mary Ellen Ellis
4 Reasons You Should Never Leave Water in Your Watering Can – Plus, How to Treat Yours Right

A watering can is so much a part of your garden, it’s easy to forget you need to take care of it. Here’s why you shouldn’t leave water in a watering can

By Mary Ellen Ellis
Do These 5 Essential September Lawn Care Tasks Before It's Too Late

Don't let the end of summer slip away! Do these 5 simple things to your lawn before the cold hits.

By Mary Ellen Ellis

Grow A Shade Fern Garden: 6 Ways To A Fern-Based Sanctuary For Texture & Tranquility

Lovers of ferns can make dynamic growing spaces even in gloomy and sun-starved spaces – here’s how to create the perfect shade fern garden

By Mary Ellen Ellis
Expert Reveals Her Top Tips for Transplanting Peonies With Ease – Plus, Why September is the Perfect Time to Move Plants

Peonies don't like being moved. But if you do it right, they can thrive in a new location. Here are my top tips for a smooth move why you should do it now.

By Mary Ellen Ellis
8 Of The Best Thriller Plants for Fall Containers – Revamp A Classic Planting Recipe With These Seasonal Showstoppers For Autumn

If you want to create dazzling autumn containers, the ‘thriller filler spiller’ combo is a great recipe for success. Here are the best thriller plants for fall pots and planters

By Mary Ellen Ellis

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