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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Needle Palm Information: How To Care For Needle Palm Trees
Growing needle palms is one of the easiest tasks for any gardener. This cold-hardy plant from the southeast is highly adaptable to varying soils and sunlight amounts. Needle palm tree care is as simple as finding a good place for it and watching it grow. Learn more here.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Spring Woodland Wildflowers Of Michigan
Click here and I will share with you not one, but several, of my most favorite native plants that grow in my home state of Michigan.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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2023 Garden Resolutions
Click here to find out what resolutions I have in the garden for 2023.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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The Miniature World Of Terrarium Plants
Some of the smallest plants I’ve ever grown have been those that fit inside a terrarium. Click here to learn about them.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Terrariums As Interior Design
A major part of my home décor with plants is that of terrariums. Click here to learn how this came to be.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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An Overabundance Of Hostas
Have you ever had to get rid of plants because you ran out of space? Click here to see what I’ve done with an overabundance of hostas.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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How To Create A Secret Garden In Your Own Backyard
You don’t need a large space to create a secret garden for respite, solace and magical fun. Read on to learn more.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Creative Ways To Keep Plants Warm
Years of gardening in Michigan weather leads me to find creative ways to keep my plants warm.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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The Flowers That Draw All The Bees
My garden has several plants that draw in bees and other pollinators, but year after year, the one they seem to love the most is my large rose of Sharon.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Upper Midwest Lawn Care Guide
If you live in the Midwest US, you’ll need to know the rules for a healthy cool season turf lawn.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Most Common Flower Color In The World
What are the most common and least common flower colors in the world? Click here to find out.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Tomato Plants - The Smell of Summer
Tomato is a popular hot-weather staple of the vegetable garden. They thrive in the hot days of summer and provide a tasty bounty in late summer and into fall. For me, it is the quintessential plant of summer, and a big part of that is how it smells.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Animals Or Vegetables?
My yard is blessed with all types of wildlife and they are most often vegetarians. Read about how I’ve had to make choices about what to grow in my garden.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Peace Lily Growing: The Story of My Peace Lily Houseplant
I have a huge peace lily in a large container that graces my formal living space in the house. Learn about my peace lily plant’s survival here.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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How To Grow Philodendrons "Hope" and "Little Hope"
Click here to learn how to grow a philodendron ‘Little Hope’ plant, as well as its big cousin 'Hope.'
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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My Seeds Are For Eating
What is my favorite kind of seed and why? Just click here to find out.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Vegetable Gardening: Bush Vs. Vining Plant Types
Do the benefits of bush plants mean you shouldn’t bother with their vine-like counterparts? Explore the reasons for planting each here.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Rose Color Guide: What Do Different Rose Colors Mean
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Advantages And Disadvantages Of Alternative Lawns
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Tilling Advantages Vs. No-Till Advantages
Our gardening experts weigh the pros and cons of till vs. no-till gardens based on their own experiences with both methods. Find out which one is best for you.
By Bonnie Grant
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Pros And Cons Of Growing In A Greenhouse
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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English Laurel Care: Growing A Dwarf English Cherry Laurel
English laurel plants are small evergreen shrubs with attractive flowers and berries birds love. Click this article to learn more.
By Mary Ellen Ellis