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 tree is loaded with round, ripe, yellow fruits and green foliage in a sunny garden.

Shrubs

14 Beautiful Edible Shrubs for Your Garden

Foodscaping has gained momentum in recent years as gardeners combine ornamental plants with edibles. Here, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares 14 beautiful edible shrubs that lay a foundation for your edible garden.

a view of a large black walnut tree looking up from the bottom displays a large canopy against the backdrop of a blue sky.

Trees

What Can You Plant Near Black Walnut Trees?

Are you struggling to keep other plants alive under the canopy of your black walnut tree? There’s a good reason for that. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss explains why this occurs and what you can plant near these trees!

An arrangement of patriotic flowers in varying sizes, showcasing shades of red, white, and blue. The blooms are thoughtfully interspersed with an assortment of lush green leaves, creating a harmonious blend of colors.

Flowers

13 Container Arrangements for Labor Day

Are you looking for ideas to build a container arrangement this Labor Day Weekend? In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares some ideas for creating a stunning arrangement that will last for multiple seasons.

A sprawling garden adorned with a variety of roses in shades of pink, red, and white, creating a colorful tapestry. Towering trees stand sentinel in the background, their branches intertwining to form a natural canopy that complements the garden's serenity.

Flowers

17 Roses That Thrive on Neglect

Do you dream of an elegant rose garden but are nervous to get started? Here, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares 17 low-maintenance roses perfect for beginners and experts alike.

A grouping of red firecracker plants, characterized by their tubular shape, dangles gracefully. These blooms hang delicately from slender, deep green stems, adding a burst of color to the surroundings.

Flowers

How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Firecracker Plants

Are you looking for a shrub or hanging plant that brings a bit of drama and a ton of color to the garden? Firecracker Plant does all of that and more! In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss discusses how to grow and care for this fun evergreen plant.

A concrete soil bed nestling areca palm trees, adding a touch of tropical elegance to the garden. Interspersed among the taller areca palms, short and charming plants complete the scene.

Trees

How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Areca Palms

Are you looking for a low-maintenance tropical tree that makes an excellent houseplant? Areca Palm is a wonderful plant that thrives in a consistent environment inside the home. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares all you need to know to grow this pretty tree.

A podocarpus plant, its slender leaves stretching gracefully. Red, yellow, and orange berries adorn the podocarpus branches, adding a burst of color to the scene. The blurred background shows green grass.

Trees

How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Podocarpus

Are you looking for a low-maintenance shrub that makes an excellent noise or windscreen? Perhaps you're in the market for a sturdy privacy hedge. Podocarpus handles these tasks wonderfully. Here, gardening expert Melissa Strauss discusses how to grow and care for these coniferous shrubs.

Close up of a beautiful shrub with burgundy foliage and dangling violet blossoms shines in the sun.

Shrubs

21 Fast Growing Shrubs With Impressive Foliage

Do you need a privacy hedge, noise barrier, or a shrub that can quickly fill a space in the garden? We have just the thing! Here, gardening expert Melissa Strauss lists 21 of her favorite fast-growing shrubs with aesthetic appeal.