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 flower placed in a container near a window, showcasing potted calla lilies

Ornamental Gardens

7 Care Tips for Potted Calla Lilies

Calla lilies possess a delicate and refined beauty that makes them a popular choice for weddings and floristry. That kind of bloom is one you want to keep close by. Gardening expert Melissa Strauss has tips on successfully growing your lovely lilies in containers.

A sunny garden full of crops plant May vegetables

Gardening Tips

Plant These 15 Garden Crops in May

It's the magical month of May, and we are getting busy in the garden. There are so many great crops to plant this month. Join Florida gardener Melissa Strauss to hear about what the Epic crew is planting this May!

Close-up of a large, stunning dahlia flower, with several layers of bright apricot-pink petals surrounding a small central disc on a tall stem in a sunny garden, prize-winning dahlias tips.

Flowers

7 Growing Tips for County Fair Prize-Winning Dahlias

Summer is dahlia season, and these spectacular blooms are among the prettiest you can grow. From tiny poms to dinner plate-sized beauties, we simply can't get enough. Here are some tips on growing prize-worthy specimens from cut flower gardener Melissa Strauss.

A shot of a person in the process of tending to flowers, showcasing May garden tasks

Gardening Tips

15 Garden Tasks To Do in May

We've made it to May, and the gardening season is underway! Is your yard ready for the season? Gardening expert Melissa Strauss has some tasks you should consider to get your space into tip-top growing condition.