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 close-up view of one of the most fragrant flowering bulbs showing large, bowl-shaped magenta petals with white edges and prominent orange-brown stamens.

Bulbs

11 Most Fragrant Flowering Bulbs

Fragrant bulbs flowers are unparalleled in their ability to fill a room and a garden, with their intoxicating perfume. Gardening expert Melissa Strauss has some of the most wonderfully fragrant bulb flowers to share that you can use for making your own garden a sweet-smelling paradise.

Close-up of gloved hands repotting an alocasia plant with large, glossy arrow-shaped leaves and thick upright stems, with a terracotta pot standing on the wooden table nearby.

Houseplants

How and When to Repot Alocasia Plants

Alocasias bring an instant tropical vibe to any space with their lush foliage and exotic form. They make excellent, low-maintenance houseplants that live for a long time and grow quite large. Join houseplant enthusiast Melissa Strauss to discuss when and how you should re-pot your alocasias.

Three cozy fall terrariums in round glass vessels display air plants nestled among pebbles and natural accents, creating a warm seasonal decoration.

Ornamental Gardens

11 Cozy Fall Terrarium Ideas

If you're thinking that this fall is the perfect time to put together a terrarium, you're absolutely right! Enjoy some of the beautiful plants that shy away from the cold this season in the comfort of your own home. Gardening expert Melissa Strauss discusses some of the great choices for your cozy fall terrarium.

A person planting herbs inside during fall, pressing lush green foliage with oval leaves into dark soil.

Herbs

9 Herbs You Should Pot Up and Bring Inside for Fall

Fall is upon us, and the temperature is quickly dropping. It's time to think about bringing frost-tender plants in for the season. Make sure you dig up these herbs and bring them inside so you have plenty for all of those winter soups and stews!

A large Japanese maple tree with crimson leaves cascading over dark, curved branches in a sunny fall garden, which is perfect for planting in October.

Trees

11 Japanese Maple Trees You Can Plant in October

When it comes to beautiful form, stunning seasonal color, and ornamental value, it doesn't get much better than a Japanese Maple. Join gardening expert Melissa Strauss to look at some classic varieties as well as some more surprising and unconventional varieties to plant in October.