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.

Magnolia 'Little Gem' Growing in garden with dark green foliage

Trees

11 Reasons Why You’ll Love Magnolia ‘Little Gem’

Thinking of adding a Magnolia to your garden? Why not try 'Little Gem' this growing season? This small magnolia has beautiful white flowers, and has a more compact growing profile. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss walks through the reasons this plant can be a star in your garden!

cactus indoor

Cacti & Succulents

17 Different Types of Cactus Plants You Can Grow Indoors

Looking to add some cactus plants to the inside of your home, but aren't sure where to start? There are plenty of different indoor-friendly cactus plants you can add to your indoor garden. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss lists out some of her favorite cactus plants to grow inside your home.

purple succulents

Cacti & Succulents

37 Different Types of Unique Purple Succulents

If you are looking for something that's a little more unique to add to your garden, a purple succulent might be exactly what you need! In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss walks through her favorite purple succulents to add to your indoor or outdoor garden.

Gardener watering orchid with golden metal container

Flowers

How to Correctly Water Orchids For Beautiful Blooms

Are you looking for a little guidance on properly watering your orchids? Whether grown indoors or outdoors, these picky plants can be tough to manage. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss takes you through all the important factors for correctly watering your orchids.

magnolia trees florida

Trees

13 Types of Magnolia Trees For Florida Gardens

Does your Florida garden crave the beautiful blooms of the magnolia tree? With their beautiful and fragrant flowers, it's not tough to see why so many gardeners are drawn to these popular trees. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss walks through the top magnolia varieties you can add to your Florida garden space this season!

yellow magnolias

Trees

11 Different Types of Bright Yellow Magnolia Tree Varieties

Thinking of adding some yellow flowering magnolia trees to your garden this season? There are a few different options to choose from, depending on your hardiness zone. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss looks at some of the most popular yellow flowering magnolia trees.

small cactus plants

Cacti & Succulents

11 Small Cactus Plants For Pots or Containers

Looking for a small cactus to grow in pots or containers? There are many different options to choose from, including some that flower and some that don't. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss looks at her favorite types of small cactus plants you can add to your container garden collection.

red camellias growing in the sun

Shrubs

Do Camellias Like Full Sun, Partial Shade or Full Shade?

Adding some camellias to your garden but aren't sure how much sun they need to flourish? These popular shrubs can survive in a variety of different conditions, but proper planning can ensure they thrive. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss looks at how much sun camellias need for optimal blooms.

Succulent With Orange Flowers Blooming in Garden

Cacti & Succulents

13 Different Succulents & Cacti With Orange Flowers

Are you looking for a few succulents that have beautiful orange blooms? There are many different orange flowering succulents to choose from, blooming in all shades of orange. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss examines her favorite succulents that have beautiful orange flowers.

pink magnolia tree varieties

Trees

11 Different Types of Pink Flowering Magnolia Tree Varieties

Looking for a magnolia tree with pink blooms to add to your garden or home landscape? There are many different types of magnolia trees that have beautiful pink blossoms. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss takes a deeper look at some of the most popular pink flowering magnolia trees you can grow.

A gardener repotting an orchid into a purple plastic pot, next to another in a pink plastic pot.

Flowers

How to Repot Orchids in 7 Easy Steps

Are you thinking of moving your orchids into a new pot? While it sounds like it might take some work, repotting is actually quite common and easy to do if you follow the proper steps. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss walks through seven simple steps to repotting your orchids.

Trees

Magnolia Tree Types: Planting, Maintenance and Care

Magnolia trees are beloved by many gardeners for their fragrant blooms and dark leafy foliage. There are many different magnolia trees to choose from, so where do you start? In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss walks through the most popular types of magnolia trees, as well as everything you need to know about their maintenance and care.