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.

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.

Native Plant to New York Blooming With Pink Flowers

Ornamental Gardens

21 Native Plants For New York Gardens

Looking for a few native plants to line the beds of your New York garden? There are many different options to choose from, depending on which part of the state you live in. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen looks at some of her favorite New York native plants!

Blueberries and Strawberries from Garden

Companion Planting

Can You Grow Strawberries With Blueberries?

Thinking of growing strawberries with blueberries in your garden this season? Companion planting is a common practice but can lead to stunted crops when you pair your plants incorrectly. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen looks at if blueberries and strawberries make good companion plants in the garden.

North Carolina native flower growing in garden

Gardening Inspiration

29 Native Plants For North Carolina Gardens

Live in North Carolina and need a few native plants for your garden this season? There are a number of native plants will thrive, depending on what part of the state you'll be planting them. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen walks through her favorite native plants for North Carolina gardens!

North Carolina perennial flower garden in full sun

Flowers

21 Popular Perennials For North Carolina Gardens

Are you looking for some perennial plants to grow in your North Carolina Garden this season? With North Carolina's moderate climate, you have plenty of options to choose from! In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen walks through her favorite perennial plants for every North Carolina garden!

Grow a peach tree on your own

Fruits

How to Plant, Grow, and Care For Peach Trees

Are you thinking of adding some peach trees to your garden this season? These popular fruit trees can grow across a wide variety of different climates. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen takes you through everything you need to know about growing peach trees, including their maintenance and care.

Pink African Violet Flower Being Eaten by Bugs

Garden Pests

5 Garden Pests That May be Eating Your African Violets

Does it look like something took a bite out of your African Violets? These popular houseplants can become victims to many different pests that will dine on their tender foliage and beautiful blooms. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen examines the five most common pests that may eat your African Violets.

Gooseberry fruiting plant growing in partial shade

Fruits

17 Fruiting Trees, Shrubs and Vines That Grow in Partial Shade

Do you have a partially shaded area of your garden where you'd love to place some fruiting plants? If you aren't sure which types of fruiting trees, vines and shrubs thrive in shady areas, you've come to the right place! In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen looks at her favorite fruiting plants for shady garden spaces!

Tomatoes and Strawberries freshly picked sitting in a basket

Companion Planting

Can You Grow Tomato Plants and Strawberries Together?

Thinking of growing strawberries and tomatoes together as companions in your garden, but aren't quite sure if it's a good idea? In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen examines if these two popular garden plants can be grown together, or if they are better off paired with something else.

Gardener pruning blueberry shrub with red leaves

Fruits

How and When to Prune Blueberry Shrubs

Are you attempting to prune your blueberry bushes this season, but aren't sure where to start? Pruning can be more of an art form, especially with difficult shrubs like the blueberry. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen walks through how to prune blueberry shrubs in just a few easy steps!

Bradford pear tree growing with white flowers in garden landscape.

Trees

11 Reasons to Avoid Planting Bradford Pear Trees

The beautiful white flowers of the Bradford Pear tree make it an enticing option tof any garden or home landscape. But these popular trees can often cause more problems than people anticipate. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen shares some of the top reasons you need to avoid Bradford Pear trees in your garden or home landscape plans this season.