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.

vertical garden

Gardening Tips

4 Ways to Grow Vertical Gardens in Small Spaces

If you are struggling with a lack of space, growing a vertical garden can be a great way to solve that problem. While it can seem intimidating, it's actually not too complex if you follow the right steps. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss walks through each step you'll need to take for a successful vertical garden in a tight space.

plants to avoid planting with tomatoes

Companion Planting

13 Plants to Avoid Planting With Tomatoes This Season

Are you planning on companion planting your tomatoes this season, but aren't sure which plants to avoid? There are several plants that can compete with tomatoes for nutrients or attract unwelcome diseases into your garden. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares the plants you should avoid growing near your tomatoes this season.

flowers for sandy soil

Flowers

17 Beautiful Flowers That Thrive in Sandy Soils

Do you have sandy soil in your garden? If so, you may have had a hard time picking the perfect flowers to plant. But fear not, as there are actually quite a few flowers that grow quite well in even less than ideal soil conditions. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares her favorite flowers that can actually thrive in sandy soil.

orange hibiscus

Shrubs

11 Orange Hibiscus Varieties to Brighten Your Garden

Thinking of adding an orange hibiscus to your garden but aren't sure where to start? There are many different orange hibiscus plants you can grow, depending on your hardiness zone. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares her favorite orange hibiscus varieties, with names and pictures of each!

Bright blooming red hibiscus flower in the garden

Shrubs

15 Different Red Hibiscus Varieties for Your Garden

Are you thinking of growing some red hibiscus but aren't sure where to start? These beautiful shrubs can add a bit of tropical flair to just about any garden. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares her favorite varieties of red hibiscus that will steal the show in your garden this season.

Orchid flowers in terrariums

Flowers

15 Different Types of Orchids for Terrariums

Looking for some orchids to put in your terrarium but aren't quite sure where to start? There are actually many different orchid species that can thrive in terrarium environments. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss looks at the most popular orchids to grow in your terrariums!

Gardenia blooming in garden with white flowers.

Flowers

11 Tips for Longer Lasting Gardenia Blooms

Are you looking to maximize the bloom production of your gardenias? With as lovely as these plants smell, most gardenia owners want their flowers to stick around as long as possible. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares her top tips for longer lasting gardenia blooms this season!

Overwatered Christmas Cactus

Plant Problems

How to Revive an Overwatered Christmas Cactus in 5 Easy Steps

Is your Christmas Cactus looking a bit worse for wear? Is the soil soggy and your plant showing signs of being overwatered? These plants are resilient and can often be saved if they've been exposed to too much moisture. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares how to save an overwatered Christmas Cactus in five easy steps!

pink hibiscus

Shrubs

13 Different Pink Hibiscus Varieties For Bright Garden Color

If you are looking to brighten up your garden, there are few flowering shrubs that will achieve that as well as a pink hibiscus. There are many different hibiscus varieties that have pink blooms and each has different growth needs. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares her favorite Pink Hibiscus varieties with names and pictures of each!

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.