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 plant that features large, ovate to lance-shaped leaves that are often smooth and green, with prominent veins. There are elongated, drooping clusters of purple berries growing on bright pink stems.

Gardening Tips

28 Invasive Plants to Avoid in the Pacific Northwest

Do you live in the Pacific Northwest and want to grow a healthy landscape without any invasive species? Invasive plants can take over your garden, invade nearby natural areas, and compete with native species. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen shares 28 invasive plants you should not introduce into your yard or garden.

Close up on a large cluster of deep pink blooms with white centers on a red-flowering currant plant.

Ornamental Gardens

31 Recommended Native Plants for the Northwest

Are you gardening in the northwestern United States and wondering which native plants you can grow in your yard? A diverse assortment of beautiful and interesting plants are native to your region and make excellent additions to your garden. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen introduces 31 wonderful native plants for Northwestern gardens.

The shiny berries of a porcelain vine look iridescent blue next to green foliage.

Gardening Tips

28 Invasive Plants to Avoid in the Northeast

Do you live in the northeastern United States and want to avoid invasive plants in your landscape? It doesn’t take long for invasive plants to take over your garden and spread into nearby natural areas. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen introduces 28 invasive plants you should avoid with suggestions for better alternatives.

A close-up of Coral Honeysuckle in full bloom reveals vibrant, tubular scarlet-orange flowers. The lush green leaves and twining branches frame the blossoms beautifully.

Vines

How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Coral Honeysuckle

Are you interested in growing coral honeysuckle in your garden? This beautiful flowering vine is native to the southeastern United States and a magnet for hummingbirds! In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen will discuss the proper care and maintenance of these spectacular plants.

A close-up of Water Hyacinth highlights its enchanting light lavender flowers. The green leaves, some marred with charming holes, add character and a sense of the plant's journey in nature's intricate tapestry.

Gardening Tips

28 Invasive Plants to Avoid in The Southeast

If you live in the Southeastern United States, you are probably already familiar with some of the most common invasive plant species. Learn to recognize your region's invasive plants so you can keep them out of your landscape. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen will introduce 28 common invasive species of the Southeast and better alternatives for each.

A cluster of ripening blueberries grows on a beautiful red-stemmed blueberry shrub.

Ornamental Gardens

31 Recommended Native Plants for The Northeast

Are you gardening in the Northeast and wondering which native plants to grow? There are plenty of beautiful native plants to compliment your landscape, from ground covers to trees and everything in between. In this article, garden expert Liessa Bowen introduces 31 fantastic native plants for Northeastern gardens.

In a home garden landscape design, a lush green lawn stretches out, providing a vibrant canvas. Surrounding the lawn, colorful flowering plants bloom, adding a burst of natural beauty to the scene.

Gardening Tips

How to Get Rid of Your Lawn: Say Goodbye to Grass

Are you burnt out with your grassy lawn and ready to try something else? There are plenty of beautiful, interesting, and beneficial alternatives to a turfgrass lawn. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen explores the wonderful world of gardening beyond grass.

A close-up of a rustic DIY countryside bird feeder crafted from brown wood that resembles a cozy birdhouse. It stands amidst a lush backdrop of vibrant green leaves from nearby trees.

Gardening Tips

17 Tips for a Bird-Friendly Garden

Do you enjoy bird watching, bird feeding, or simply knowing that birds enjoy your garden? There are many ways that gardeners can create a bird-friendly landscape. In this article, gardening and wildlife expert Liessa Bowen offers 17 tips to create your own bird-friendly garden.

Drifts of golden yellow black-eyed susans and pink coneflowers bloom in a lush border.

Gardening Tips

11 Tips for a Native Garden with Curb Appeal

Some gardeners are afraid to grow a native plant garden, fearing it will look untidy. There are many ways you can help your garden look great, both up close and from a distance. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen discusses 15 tips to help your native plant garden thrive and look spectacular in the process!

In this perennial ornamental landscape, decorative grasses and plants are showcased, boasting an array of colors, including brown, white, and purple. These botanical wonders come in various sizes, adding depth and diversity to the garden design.

Ornamental Gardens

How to Grow Your Own Pocket Prairie in 9 Steps

Do you have a sunny plot of land you’d like to convert into a native prairie habitat? A pocket prairie is a mini prairie habitat that can support native plants and plenty of pollinators. It’s easy to create a beautiful pocket prairie as part of your home landscape. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen introduces nine tips for starting your own pocket prairie.

The beautiful, feathery inflorescences of Pink Muhly Grass sway in the wind.

Ornamental Gardens

15 Plants to Grow in a Pocket Prairie

Are you ready to grow a miniature prairie habitat in your own yard? A pocket prairie is a great way to create a beautiful garden, incorporate native plants into your landscape, and support pollinators. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen will introduce 15 fabulous plants to include in a pocket prairie habitat.