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.

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.

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.