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.

Tall Succulent Snake Plant in Container

Cacti & Succulents

17 Tall Succulent Plants for Big Garden Spaces

Looking for a tall succulent to add to your indoor or outdoor garden? There are many options to choose from, depening on the size and space you have available. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares her favorite tall succulents that have some height when fully grown.

cymbidium orchids

Flowers

How to Plant, Grow and Care For Cymbidium Orchids

Are you thinking of adding some Cymbidium Orchids to your plant collection? These popular flowers can do well in a wide variety of indoor environments. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss examines everything you need to know about Cymbidium Orchids, including their maintenance and care needs.

Gardenia

Shrubs

How to Plant, Grow and Care For Gardenias

Are you looking to add some gardenias to your outdoor or indoor garden, but aren't quite sure where to start? These popular plants are well known for their fragrant scent and beautiful blooms. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares all you need to know about growing gardenias in your garden, including their maintenance and care needs.

orchids dropping leaves on the table

Plant Problems

5 Reasons Your Orchid is Dropping Leaves

Is your orchid dropping its leaves, and you can't seem to figure out why it happens? There are actually a few different issues that may arise that cause the leaves to start falling off your plant. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss walks through the most common causes of leaves dropping from an orchid plant.

Flowerbed idea of petunias planted in a square wooden box

Flowers

27 Unique Flower Bed Ideas for Your Garden

Need some inspiration for your flower beds this season? There are many different ways you can bring creativity to your garden beds this season. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss provides some of her favorite flower bed ideas to keep your garden interesting this year!

Dendrobium Orchid Growing in Garden

Flowers

How to Plant, Grow and Care For Dendrobium Orchids

Have you decided to add a Dendrobium Orchid plant to your indoor or outdoor garden? These interesting orchids can display beautiful blooms when they are properly cared for. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss explains everything you need to know about growing dendrobium orchids, including their maintenance and care needs.

Kalanchoe blossfeldiana

Cacti & Succulents

How to Grow and Care For Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana

Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana is one of the most popular varieties of Kalanchoe grown in home gardens, both indoors and outdoors. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss takes you through everything you need to know about growing Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana, including its maintenance and care requirements.

Purple vanda orchid blooming indoors after watering

Flowers

How to Plant, Grow and Care For Vanda Orchids

Thinking of growing vanda orchids but aren't quite sure where to start? These popular flowers can be a bit picky about their growing environment. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss walks through all you need to know about growing vanda orchids, including their maintenance and care.

Vibrant Orchids Blooming Outdoors

Flowers

11 Tips For Post Blooming Orchid Care

Not sure how to care for your orchid after it blooms? These sensitive flowers are notoriously picky about their maintenance routine, especially after they've bloomed. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares her top tips for post-blooming orchid care.

Bright orange epidendrum orchid growing outdoors in the garden sunlight

Flowers

How to Plant, Grow and Care For Epidendrum Orchids

Thinking of growing epidendrum orchids but aren't quite sure where to start? These beautiful flowers have lovely blooms and are a favorite for many gardeners. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss takes you through all you need to know about growing epidendrum orchids and their maintenance needs.

Orchid that has not been cared for properly sitting on windowsill

Plant Problems

15 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Growing Orchids

If you recently became the proud owner of a new orchid, you have likely already educated yourself on the basics of their care. But what about what "not" to do? In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss examines the most common mistakes that orchid owners make during their care routines.