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.

butterfly garden

Gardening

15 Tips For Creating a Beautiful Butterfly Garden

Thinking of assembling the perfect plants to create a beautiful butterfly garden? Just adding plants alone is often not enough. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen shares her top tips for creating a butterfly friendly refuge in your garden this season!

african violets infected with pests and diseases looking worse for wear in a pot on a shelf.

Plant Problems

11 Common Pests and Diseases That Love African Violets

African Violets can succumb to many different issues, depending on their environment. These delicate plants should be cared for to avoid common pest and disease infestation. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen looks at the most common diseases and pests that you may come across when growing African Violets both indoors and outdoors.

A shot of a withered stem of a plant that showcases how blueberry plant dying

Plant Problems

Is Your Blueberry Plant Dying? Here’s Why and How To Fix it

Do you have a blueberry plant in your garden that looks like it's at the end of it's life? There are actually many reasons your blueberry plant may be dying. Not all of those reasons mean your plant can't rebound and survive. In this article, we look at each reason individually, as well as what you can do if there's still a chance to salvage your plant.

Pink blooming clematis vine that was recently transplanted to a new garden location

Vines

How and When to Transplant Clematis Plants

Trying to transplant your clematis but aren't sure when or how to do it? Transplanting these popular vines is fairly straightforward. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen takes you through each step of transplanting clematis, starting with when to do it, through how it's done.

A close-up shot of ruby colored leaves of a fruit-bearing shrub, showcasing blueberry plant red leaves

Plant Problems

Does Your Blueberry Plant Have Red Leaves? Here’s How to Fix it

Did you recently plant a blueberry plant in your garden or yard, only to find its leaves are turning red? What could be causing the leaves to turn colors when they normally should be healthy and green? In this article, amateur gardener Jason White helps troubleshoot why your blueberry plant has this problem, and how to fix it.

Flowering Perennials For California Gardens

Flowers

23 Flowering Perennials for California Garden Spaces

Looking for some flowering perennials to brighten up your California garden? There are many different perennial options to choose from, depending on what part of the state you are gardening in. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen looks at some of the top perennial flowers you can plant this season in the Golden State.

Native Plants for Tennessee Gardens

Ornamental Gardens

17 Native Plants For Tennessee Gardens

Are you thinking of adding some native plants to your Tennesee garden? There are many different native plant options, depending on the area of the state you live in. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen shares some of her faborite native plants for Tennessee garden spaces.

zucchini and tomatoes

Companion Planting

Should You Plant Zucchini With Tomatoes This Season?

Looking to grow both tomatoes and zucchini in the garden, but aren't sure if they should be planted near one another? These two popular garden plants will yield plenty of fruit, but should they be planted as companions? In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen shares if you should be planting tomatoes with zucchini, or if it's best to stick to other plants.

New York Aster Perennial Growing in Garden with Purple Flowers

Flowers

15 Flowering Perennials For New York Gardens

Looking for a few perennial plants to add some color to your New York garden? There are plenty of different options, depending on what part of the state your garden is in! In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen walks through her favorite perennial plants for New York gardens.

Jackmans Clematis Blooming on a vine in Deep Violet Color

Vines

How to Plant, Grow and Care for Clematis ‘Jackmanii’

Are you looking for a unique flowering vine to add to your garden this season? 'Jackmanii' Clematis might be just the right plant to liven up your gardening space! In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen shares all you need to know about growing 'Jackmanii' Clematis, including maintenance and care.

Tennessee Purple Coneflower blooming perennial in the garden with pink flowers

Flowers

21 Flowering Perennials for Tennessee Gardens

Are you thinking of adding some flowering perennials to your Tennessee garden, but aren't quite sure which plants to choose? There are many different options to pick from, depending on what area of the state you live in. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen shares her favorite flowering perennials for Tennessee gardens.