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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 cluster of vibrant pink, multi-petaled flowers and green leaves on a bed of light brown wood chips — showcasing roses growing in sandy soil.

Shrubs

9 Recommended Roses for Sandy Soil

Growing roses in sandy soil can be tricky. But if you know which types are best suited for this environment, it's not impossible. Join gardening expert Melissa Strauss to look at some beautiful roses and discuss the best way to grow them in sandy soil.

Clusters of soft pink roses in full bloom with ruffled petals and glossy green leaves thriving in rich clay soil.

Shrubs

9 Recommended Roses for Clay Soil

Clay soil can be challenging for roses. It compacts easily, and drainage issues often require attention. Join gardening expert Melissa Strauss to talk about roses that thrive in clay soil and how to get off on the right foot.

Bright yellow goldenrod flowers with slender petals attract wasps like the Asian paper wasp collecting pollen and nectar.

Garden Pests

15 Common Plants That Attract Wasps

It's unusual to talk about wanting to attract wasps. But these insects are valuable members of the garden ecosystem. Whether you want to attract them or avoid them, it's good to know which plants they like. Here are some of their favorites to add or take away from your garden!

Slender European paper wasp with yellow and black markings perched on delicate yellow dill flowers, showing its benefits to the garden.

Garden Pests

3 Benefits of Wasps in the Garden

You might not know it, given their stinging reputation, but wasps are extremely helpful in the garden. Pollinator enthusiast Melissa Strauss makes the case for appreciating these flying frenemies, rather than chasing them off.

Close-up of the striking daisy-like flowers of the rudbeckia variety with fiery red, narrow petals tipped with yellow, radiating from bulbous black centres on tall, sturdy stems in a sunny garden.

Flowers

13 Rudbeckia Varieties For Your Summer Garden

Rudbeckia is a hardy and cheerful native plant that works well in many climates. Its versatility and value to wildlife make it a popular addition to many gardens. Join gardening expert Melissa Strauss to look at some wonderful varieties of rudbeckia.

A close-up shot of a person's hand, holding a red and diseased flower, showcasing hibiscus problems

Shrubs

What’s Wrong With My Hibiscus? 5 Problems and Fixes

Hibiscuses are famous for their large, eye-catching flowers and glossy foliage. While the plants are quite popular, hibiscus problems are not. Join Florida gardener Melissa Strauss to discuss common issues with these plants and how you can combat and cure them.

A close-up shot of a large composition of bulbous flower varieties, showcasing which fall bulbs to order this July

Bulbs

11 Fall Bulbs We’re Ordering in July

Many of the beautiful spring flowers we love come from bulbs and need a period of cold to bloom. Join gardening expert Melissa Strauss for some beautiful cultivars that you should order in July. This way, you will have them in time for fall planting!

Woman picking pink flowers and pruning plant in July

Gardening Tips

13 Plants You Should Prune in July

July is typically a month for sitting in the shaded parts of the garden and sipping lemonade. If you're looking for a project to keep things looking neat and tidy, there are some plants that take well to pruning in the summer. Gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares some plants you can prune this July to keep the garden in order.

A close-up shot of a dying yellow flower atop a slender stem, showcasing a cause of wilting coneflower

Plant Problems

Why is My Coneflower Wilting?

Coneflowers are typically dependable and tough. When something causes them to wilt, it's surprising and a little troubling. Join gardening expert Melissa Strauss to talk about some possible reasons why your coneflower is wilting.