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 shot of a person's hand in the process of insepcting ripe fruits of a plant, showcasing how fast avocado trees grow

Fruits

How Fast Do Avocado Trees Grow and Produce Fruit?

If you're wondering how long you'll need to wait for your new or not-so-new avocado tree to bear fruit, we have the information you need to figure it out. Join Florida gardener Melissa Strauss to learn how fast avocado trees grow, and when you can expect to harvest some deliciously creamy avocados!

Striking bicolor striped rose with deep red and creamy white swirled petals, surrounded by glossy green foliage.

Shrubs

13 Showstopping Striped Roses For Your Summer Garden

Solid colored roses are stunning, but have you ever seen a striped rose? These striped and splashy beauties are everything we want in our gardens this summer! Join gardening expert Melissa Strauss to take a look at some of the most colorful and beautiful striped stunners around.

Oblong ripening red 'Roma' tomatoes hanging from a vine

Vegetables

How to Plant, Grow, and Care For Roma Tomatoes

Feeling saucy this summer? Why not grow some Roma tomatoes in your vegetable garden? Romas make the best sauce, and they are tasty for raw eating, too! Join gardening expert Melissa Strauss for some tips on growing these tasty tomatoes.

A close-up shot of a composition of various flowers, showcasing low-maintenance native plants

Ornamental Gardens

17 Low-Maintenance Native Plants to Grow This Season

Native plants, in general, are some of the most low-maintenance plants you can grow in your garden. Uniquely adapted to your region, they require minimal care and are beneficial for native wildlife. Join pollinator enthusiast Melissa Strauss to discuss some wonderful species you can add to your landscape this season.

A sunny bed of flowering native plants, including purple coneflowers, yellow black-eyed susans, and white daisies showing off their help to the environment.

Gardening Inspiration

How Do Native Plants Help the Environment?

If you've been gardening for a while, you've doubtlessly heard about the importance of growing native plants. If you've wondered how native plants actually help the environment, we have the info you're looking for. Join gardening expert Melissa Strauss to talk about the benefits of growing native plants in your garden.