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.

evergreen clematis

Vines

11 Spring Blooming Evergreen Clematis Varieties For Your Garden

Are you looking for some spring-blooming clematis varieties to add to your garden? There are many different types of evergreen clematis that will fit this criterion. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen examines her favorite evergreen clematis varieties that will bloom in the spring.

Perennial Blooming After Frost with Deep Purple Bloom

Ornamental Gardens

25 Frost Proof Perennials That Can Survive Winter Outdoors

Are you looking to add some frost-friendly perennial plants to your garden this season? Believe it or not, there are plenty of cold hardy perennials that can survive in areas that get a bit more cold weather. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen walks through her favorite frost proof perennials to add to your garden this season.

chrysanthemum water

Flowers

How Much and How Often Should You Water Mums?

Are you confused about how much water your chrysanthemums actually need? These hardy plants do require regular moisture, but how much and how frequently will depend on your climate. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen walks through how much water your chrysanthemums need, and how often you should be watering them.

A flowering clematis vine in the snow. Purple blooms are starting to wilt as snow is packed on the top of the plants.

Vines

7 Care Tips For Overwintering Your Clematis This Season

Are you preparing your flowering clematis plant for winter this season, but aren't sure where to start? These perennial vines are a garden mainstay, but can be susceptible to frost. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen shares her top tips for overwintering your clematis this season.

chrysanthemum varieties

Flowers

14 Different Types of Chrysanthemum Varieties For Your Garden

Thinking of adding some mums to your garden this season but aren't quite sure which type to grow? There are many different types of mums that you can grow, depending on your hardiness zone. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen looks at the most popular mums most gardeners choose to plant, with names and pictures of each.

pollinator plants

Ornamental Gardens

37 Perfect Plants For Your Pollinator Garden

Thinking of planting a pollinator garden but not sure where to start? There are quite a few pollinator-friendly plants that you can grow in just about every hardiness zone. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen looks at her favorite plants you can use to create a beautiful pollinator-friendly garden!

Purple flowering clematis is a vine growing against the fence with yellow stamens on the center of the blooms.

Vines

Is Flowering Clematis Considered a Vine or a Shrub?

Thinking of planting some clematis in your garden, but aren't sure if it's considered a vine or a shrub? Understanding the plant class that clematis falls into is important when determining where and how to plant it. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen examines if flowering clematis is considered a vine or a shrub.

Amaryllis growing in container with white flowers that has red stripes

Flowers

How to Plant, Grow and Care For Flowering Amaryllis Plants

Thinking of adding some Amaryllis to your garden but aren't sure where to start? These popular plants can bring some extra color into your indoor or outdoor garden. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen examines all you need to know about Amaryllis and their care.

African Violet With Leaves That Have Turned Yellow Sitting in Sunlight

Plant Problems

7 Reasons Your African Violets Have Yellow Leaves

Does your African Violet have yellow leaves? There are a number of different factors that can contribute towards this condition. The good news is, most causes are treatable, and preventable. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen walks you through what to do when you start seeing yellow leaves on your favorite houseplant.

low maintenance plants full sun

Ornamental Gardens

27 Low Maintenance Plants That Thrive in Full Sun

Looking for some low-maintenance plants that thrive in sunny conditions? There are many different sun-friendly plants to choose from, depending on your hardiness zone. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen lists her favorite sun-loving plants that don't require much work from you in the garden.

drought tolerant plants

Ornamental Gardens

45 Drought Tolerant Plants For Dry Climates

Are you looking for a hardy plant that can tolerate some drought? There are a number of different plants you can choose, depending on your hardiness zone. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen looks at her favorite drought-tolerant plants for dry climates.

African Violet Plant with Lack of Blooms

Plant Problems

7 Reasons Your African Violets Aren’t Blooming

Are your African Violets struggling to bloom this season? There are a few common reasons that this can happen. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen looks at the different issues that may prevent your African Violets from blooming to their fullest potential.