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.

garden scarecrow ideas

Gardening Tips

11 Ways to Keep Birds Away from Seeds in Your Garden

Looking for some ways to keep birds out of your garden? There are quite a few humane methods to keep birds away from your garden and your recently planted seeds. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen shares her favorite humane bird-control methods that will keep birds under control so your plants can grow!

fall mums alive

Flowers

10 Tips For Keeping Your Fall Mums Alive This Season

Do you struggle to keep your fall chrysanthemums alive during the blooming season? Fall mums are picky plants, and it's not uncommon to see them die quickly if not properly cared for. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen shares her top tips to keep your mums alive this fall.

Blueberry Seasonality

Fruits

When Are Blueberries in Season? A Guide By Hardiness Zone

Not sure when blueberries are in season based on where you live? Blueberries season a bit differently depending on your hardiness zone. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen walks through everything you need to know about blueberry seasonality across all USDA hardiness zones!

african violet wilting

Plant Problems

7 Reasons Your African Violets Are Wilting and Dying

Are your African Violets wilting and dying unexpectedly? There are a number of different reasons that this can happen with these popular flowering houseplants. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen looks at the different reasons your African Violets may be wilting, and dying early.

A large blueberry bush grows in the garden. It is full sized, around 2 feet in total height. The image is focused on the plant, the fruits, and the green foliage grown by the shrub.

Fruits

How Big Do Blueberry Bushes Actually Get?

Looking to find out how big blueberry bushes get before you add them to your garden this season? While they can range in size depending on the plant, there are some size consistencies you can rely on. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen looks at how big blueberry shrubs can get to help you properly plan for the space you'll need.

african violet size indoors

Houseplants

How Big Do African Violets Get When Grown Indoors?

Are you growing African Violets indoors this season, but want to know just how big they will get? While this may vary depending on a few different factors, they will generally only get to a certain size when indoors. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen walks through how big you can expect your African Violets to get when grown indoors.

water african violets

Houseplants

How Much and How Often Should You Water Your African Violets?

Are you unsure how much water your African violets need, and how often they should be watered? These beloved flowering houseplants have different watering needs compared to other houseplants, especially if you expect them to bloom. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen provides watering advice for your indoor African violets.

A close up image of blueberry shrubs growing in the garden. The fruit are blue and ripe, and you can see some unripened fruits on the branches as well which are green. They are surrounded by green foliage.

Fruits

Are Blueberry Shrubs Considered Annual, Biennial, or Perennial Plants?

Are you thinking of adding some blueberry shrubs to your garden, but want to make sure they'll come back each year before you start planting? Blueberry shrubs can be a great addition to any garden, so it's only natural to do your research. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen examines if these popular shrubs are considered annual, biennial, or perennial plants.

A close up image of blueberries growing in direct sunlight. The fruits are blue, with some that are unripe and are green. Some are slightly pink as well and not ready to be picked.

Fruits

Do Blueberry Shrubs Need Full Sun, Partial Shade or Full Shade?

Confused on how much sunlight your blueberry shrubs need to grow properly? Getting an adequate amount of sunlight is essential for the growth of any plant. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen examines how much sunlight blueberry shrubs need. You'll find out if they perform better in full sun, partial shade, or fully shaded garden areas.

A close up image of fruiting blueberries. The fruits are dark blue in color, and they appear next to some un-ripened fruits which are green in color.

Fruits

How Long Does it Take For Blueberry Shrubs to Produce Fruit?

Blueberry bushes are well known for producing delicious berries during their fruiting season, but how long after planting should you see them start to produce fruit? In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen examines how long it takes for blueberry bushes to become fruit productive, and what you can expect.