Posts By

Melissa Strauss

Melissa is a writer, hobby gardener, beekeeper and homemaker. She can be found working in her extensive pollinator garden, trolling the local nurseries for unique plant specimens, and tending to the many fruit-bearing plants on her property. Melissa hopes to inspire other gardeners to delve into the rich and fulfilling world of pollinator gardening.

A monarch butterfly, adorned with delicate white spots, lands on a cluster of vibrant orange native milkweed flowers. The glossy, curled leaves of the flowers add an extra layer of texture to this charming scene in nature's symphony.

Flowers

21 Species of Native Milkweed for Attracting Butterflies

Milkweed is a beautiful genus of plants that are of great importance to pollinators, and especially to the Monarch butterfly. In this article, gardening expert and pollinator enthusiast Melissa Strauss shares some of her favorite species of Milkweed plants that are native to the United States.

Bat flower blooms display intricate details with their deep purple petals and elongated dark stems. The green leaves appear vibrant and healthy, complementing the overall appearance.

Flowers

How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Bat Flower

Do you have a thing for rare and exciting plants? The bat flower is an incredible plant with some of the most interesting flowers around. Here, gardening expert Melissa Strauss explains how to care for this unique and exciting tropical beauty.

A bee forages for nectar and pollen in a cluster of pink and white flowers.

Flowers

Top 21 Shrubs for Pollinators

There are many ways to attract pollinators to the garden. One of the best ways is by planting flowering shrubs! In this article, gardening expert and beekeeper Melissa Strauss shares 21 shrubs that will keep the bees returning to your garden for more.

Two tree canopies with burnished orange and golden yellow leaves intersect under a blue sky.

Trees

21 Trees With Spectacular Fall Color

Do you want to add color to your autumn garden but aren’t quite sure where to start? Many deciduous trees create massive amounts of color in autumn with very little maintenance. Here, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares 21 of her favorite trees for maximum fall color.

a tree is loaded with round, ripe, yellow fruits and green foliage in a sunny garden.

Shrubs

15 Beautiful Edible Shrubs for Your Garden

Foodscaping has gained momentum in recent years as gardeners combine ornamental plants with edibles. Here, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares 15 beautiful edible shrubs that lay a foundation for your edible garden.

a view of a large black walnut tree looking up from the bottom displays a large canopy against the backdrop of a blue sky.

Trees

What Can You Plant Near Black Walnut Trees?

Are you struggling to keep other plants alive under the canopy of your black walnut tree? There’s a good reason for that. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss explains why this occurs and what you can plant near these trees!

An arrangement of patriotic flowers in varying sizes, showcasing shades of red, white, and blue. The blooms are thoughtfully interspersed with an assortment of lush green leaves, creating a harmonious blend of colors.

Flowers

13 Container Arrangements for Labor Day

Are you looking for ideas to build a container arrangement this Labor Day Weekend? In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares some ideas for creating a stunning arrangement that will last for multiple seasons.