Posts By

Dr. Liessa Bowen

Liessa started learning everything she could about plants, animals, and ecosystems at a young age. Since then, she's earned a Master’s degree in wildlife biology (Iowa State University) and a PhD in forestry (North Carolina State University), both with an emphasis on conservation biology and birds. She has worked as a greenhouse technician, wildlife biologist, educational consultant, and writer.

close up of a branch laden with bright green leaves and ripening fruit.

Gardening Tips

What Trees Work Best in a Permaculture Garden?

Are you starting a permaculture garden and wondering what trees to grow? Permaculture is a great way to create a sustainable garden in your own yard! You can grow a wide variety of plants and enjoy an edible landscape. In this article, gardening enthusiast Liessa Bowen will discuss the types of trees that work wonderfully in a permaculture garden.

A lush permaculture garden thrives with a vibrant tapestry of diverse plants and trees. This thriving ecosystem showcases nature's harmonious collaboration, where each species contributes to the overall balance and sustainability.

Gardening Tips

15 Tips for Growing a Permaculture Garden

Permaculture is the practice of creating a long-lasting and sustainable garden that is good for you and the environment. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen explains permaculture gardening and gives some practical tips to help you get started with your own permaculture landscape.

A collection of strawflowers displays a variety of hues, from soft pinks to vibrant yellows, all with striking yellow central disks. Their slender stems are crowned with delicate, elongated leaves that add to their charm and elegance.

Flowers

How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Strawflowers

Are you looking for beautiful, showy, and long-lasting flowers for your annual garden, raised bed, or container garden? Strawflowers are easy to grow and come in many bright and cheerful colors. In this article, gardening enthusiast Liessa Bowen will discuss the proper care and maintenance of these spectacular plants.

A cluster of coral and orange strawflowers bloom in a vibrant fall garden.

Flowers

37 Fall Flowers for A Beautiful Autumn Garden

Did you know that autumn can be one of the most colorful seasons in your garden? Beautiful flowers aren’t just for spring and summer. Plenty of fall-blooming annuals and perennials will liven up your landscape. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen introduces 37 fabulous flowers you can grow in your autumn garden.

A close-up reveals intricate details of purple floss flowers, their delicate petals forming a clustered masterpiece. The vivid purple color contrasts distinctly with the gentle, unfocused scenery of abundant green foliage.

Flowers

How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Floss Flower

Are you looking for a quick and easy-to-grow annual flower? Floss flower is a vibrant and showy plant that will grow from seed to full bloom within a single growing season. In this article, gardening enthusiast Liessa Bowen will share tips on how to best grow this attractive garden beauty.

A hand cradles chokeberry branches adorned with leaves. Bunches of dark, ripe chokeberries nestle among the foliage, promising a burst of tart sweetness with every bite. In the backdrop, a blurred red fence adds a touch of contrasting color.

Shrubs

How to Plant, Grow, and Care For Chokeberry

Are you looking for an easy-to-grow native shrub with excellent fall color and wildlife value? Chokeberry has visual appeal throughout the growing season: showy white flowers in the spring, clusters of small fruits throughout the summer and fall, and beautiful late-season foliage. In this article, gardening enthusiast Liessa Bowen will discuss the proper care and maintenance of these interesting and useful shrubs.

A vibrant array of yellow and purple flowers creates a lush tapestry of colors, forming a captivating sight. Their tall, elegant stems adorned with delicate leaves sway gently in the breeze, exuding natural grace and beauty.

Flowers

11 Native Perennials to Direct Sow this Fall

Are you looking for some native perennial wildflowers to grow in your garden? Direct seeding in fall gives you a head start on beautiful spring blooms! Starting new perennials from seed is both economical and enjoyable. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen introduces 11 native perennial wildflowers you can sow this fall.

a bushy mum plant in the garden is bursting with coral red blooms next to a small trowel.

Flowers

When is the Best Time to Plant Fall Mums?

Are you getting ready for your fall garden? It’s time to start thinking about hay bales, scarecrows, and pumpkins. And don’t forget to add some fall-blooming mums to brighten your landscape. In this article, gardening enthusiast Liessa Bowen will share some insights into the best timing for planting your fall mums.

A pink wild bergamot bloom stands out against green foliage on a sunny day.

Flowers

How to Plant, Grow, and Care For Wild Bergamot

Are you looking for a native wildflower that’s easy to grow, beautiful, and highly attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds? Wild bergamot is a minty-scented perennial that would make a fine addition to any garden setting. In this article, gardening enthusiast Liessa Bowen will discuss the proper care and maintenance of these prolific and showy plants.

Blue lechenaultia flowers gracefully arranged along their green stems. The delicate petals glisten with sparkling water droplets, reflecting the morning dew. The blurred background hints at the presence of more breathtaking blue lechenaultia flowers beyond.

Flowers

How to Plant, Grow and Care For Blue Lechenaultia

Are you looking for a stunning flowering plant that thrives on neglect? If you've never heard of Blue Lechenaultia, let gardening enthusiast Liessa Bowen introduce you to this spectacular drought-tolerant plant that looks great in container gardens, xeriscapes, and rock gardens!

A white radish root topped with fresh green leaves is ready to be harvested from the garden bed.

Vegetables

17 Vegetables to Plant Right Now for a Fall Harvest

Amid the summer heat, it’s hard to think about growing fall vegetables. But if you want a bountiful fall harvest, late summer is the time to start planning and planting! In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen shares 17 vegetables you can plant in late summer to enjoy this fall.

Rows of pecan trees standing tall, their lush green leaves forming a natural canopy above. Below the magnificent trees, a meticulously manicured lawn of mowed grass adds a contrasting touch to the rustic beauty of the orchard.

Nut Trees

How to Plant, Grow and Care For Pecan Trees

Do you enjoy eating soft, buttery pecan nuts? Perhaps you are looking for a large and attractive shade tree for your landscape. If you live in the eastern or central United States, pecan trees can serve both purposes. In this article, gardening enthusiast Liessa Bowen will discuss the proper care and maintenance of these spectacular trees.