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.

Orchid flowers being watered with ice cubes in a giant container

Flowers

Should You Water Orchids with Ice Cubes?

Have you heard that you can water an orchid with just ice cubes? Perhaps you've even considered trying it out? Many gardeners tend to have mixed feelings on this topic. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss examines if watering orchids with ice cubes is just another gardening fad, or something you should put into practice with your plants.

Lavender Scallops succulent growing in garden with green petals that have a red fringe

Cacti & Succulents

How to Grow and Care For Lavender Scallops

Need help determining the best way to care for your Kalanchoe Fedtschenkoi? This popular succulent is low-maintenance and makes an excellent plant for beginners. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strass walks you through the maintenance and care of Lavender Scallops!

Perennial orchid growing in garden with light orange flowers

Flowers

Are Orchids Considered Annual, Biennial, or Perennial Flowers?

Are you thinking of welcoming an Orchid into your indoor or outdoor garden space? Curious to know if it will come back each season or if you'll have to replant it every year? In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss walks through if Orchids are considered annual, biennial, or perennial plants.

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.