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.

plants that attract dragonflies

Gardening Tips

15 Plants That Will Attract Dragonflies to Your Garden

Are you looking to add some plants that will attract dragonflies to your garden this season? There are plenty of beautiful options that will have dragonflies paying you a visit all season. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen walks through her favorite plants for bringing dragonflies to your garden this season.

budget friendly perennials

Flowers

23 Perennial Plants For Gardeners on a Budget

Are you looking to start a perennial garden, but want to stay within a certain budget? There are many different perennial plants that you can grow, without breaking the bank. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen lists out her favorite budget-friendly perennials, with names and pictures of each!

landscaping blueberry plant

Fruits

11 Reasons You Should Be Landscaping With Blueberry Shrubs

Are you thinking of adding some blueberry shrubs to your home or garden landscape, but aren't quite sure where to start? "Foodscaping" is quite popular, especially for gardeners that are looking to conserve a little space. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen walks through how to successfully add blueberries to your home or garden landscape with style.

African Violet Plant in Sunlight During Blooming

Houseplants

Do African Violets Need Direct or Indirect Sunlight?

Trying to figure out if your African Violets need direct or indirect sunlight? Perhaps you aren't sure how much sunlight they actually need? In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen takes you through everything you need to know about African Violets and their sunlight needs.

privacy hedges

Shrubs

27 Flowering Shrubs That Make Beautiful Privacy Hedges

Are you looking for a flowering plant that can act as a privacy hedge? There are a number of different plants you can choose from! In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen takes a deeper look at her favorite flowering shrubs that can make beautiful privacy hedges in your yard or garden space.

A shot of a person tending to flowers that showcases how and when to water mums

Flowers

How Often to Water Mums for Maximum Flowers

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 shot of leaves and flowers covered in snow, showcasing how to overwinter clematis

Vines

How to Overwinter Your Clematis

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.

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.

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.

A close-up shot of pink colored chrysanthemum varieties

Flowers

14 Beautiful Types of Chrysanthemum For Fall Gardens

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.