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.

Waves of flowering phenomenal lavender shrubs form tidy rows, their purple blossoms rising above pale green, narrow leaves.

Herbs

How to Plant, Grow, and Care For ‘Phenomenal’ Lavender

If you adore the look and smell of lavender, but struggle to keep it alive, try 'Phenomenal' lavender. It's ultra tough and thrives in a wider range of climates. Join Florida gardener Melissa Strauss to learn about this phenomenal plant and how to care for it in your garden.

A close-up shot of dark purple flowers and aromatic leaves of the siam queen basil

Herbs

How to Plant, Grow, and Care For ‘Siam Queen’ Basil

'Siam Queen' Thai basil is wonderfully aromatic and has a delightfully spicy kick. If you want basil with a little something extra, it’s an excellent addition to your herb garden. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss discusses how to grow and care for this tasty herb.

Growing a mango tree in a sunny garden, with thin curving branches, heavy with clusters of ripe golden-yellow fruits hanging among glossy green leaves.

Fruits

How Fast Do Mango Trees Grow?

Are you wondering how long you'll have to wait for your mango tree to produce sweet and delicious fruit? If you want to know how long it will take for your tree to grow, we have the info you're looking for. Join Florida gardener Melissa Strauss to talk about how fast mango trees grow.

Bushy, low-growing hidcote lavender plant bears fragrant, velvety purple flowers that stand above narrow, muted green leaves.

Herbs

How to Plant, Grow, and Care For ‘Hidcote’ Lavender

Elegant and aromatic, there are few replacements for lavender in the garden or the kitchen. Pollinators and people love the scent of this charming Mediterranean native. Join gardening expert Melissa Strauss to discuss how to grow and care for 'Hidcote' lavender.

A gardener working on woody lavender plants, using a tool to cut back the bush

Herbs

How to Rejuvenate Woody Lavender Shrubs

Growing lavender doesn't have to be difficult; it's really quite simple. However, without proper care, the plants can become woody over time. Follow along as gardening expert Melissa Strauss explains how to rejuvenate your woody lavender plant so it will bloom again.

A gardener thinning a plum tree, plucking unripe green fruits from a branch.

Fruits

How to Thin Plum Trees in 5 Simple Steps

Plum trees are excellent producers and beautiful additions to the garden. Like other fruit trees, they benefit from thinning. Join gardening expert Melissa Strauss to walk through the steps for big, juicy plums and a strong, healthy tree.