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.

Vibrant marigolds bloom with a stunning display of red and gold petals, creating a vivid and cheerful contrast. Lush green leaves gracefully frame the blossoms, enhancing the overall beauty of this radiant floral arrangement.

Flowers

21 Best Flowers for Gardeners with a Short Growing Season

If you live in a climate with a short growing season, it can be hard to find plants that grow fast enough to enjoy. The first frost comes all too soon. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss discusses 21 flowers that work perfectly in short growing season climates.

A close-up of a flower garden. Landscaped big rocks provide a captivating backdrop for an array of green plants. Different flowers grace the scene with their varied colors, creating a visually stunning tapestry against a sea of lush green leaves.

Flowers

11 Tips for the Beginner Flower Gardener

So, you’ve decided to plant a flower garden and aren’t sure exactly where to start. We can help with that! In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares some valuable tips for starting a thriving flower garden.

Vibrant purple Creeping Thyme flowers bloom in clusters, forming a mesmerizing carpet. The tiny blossoms showcase delicate petals, adding a burst of color. The lush green leaves of Creeping Thyme create a dense and textured ground cover resembling a vibrant lawn.

Ground Cover

How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Creeping Thyme

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance groundcover that will cut down on mowing and smells great, creeping thyme is perfect. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss will tell you how to replace your lawn with an aromatic herb that pollinators love, too!

A vibrant California garden showcases a myriad of wildflowers, each boasting its unique color and shape. Bathed in the warm sunlight, the flowers burst into full bloom, creating a picturesque scene that captivates with its natural beauty and diversity.

Flowers

27 Native Wildflowers for California Gardens

A garden full of native wildflowers is a beautiful sight with benefits for the gardener and the ecosystem. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares 27 gorgeous native wildflowers for California gardens.

A serene garden glows with colorful flowers and trees, embracing the warmth of the radiant sunlight. Beyond the sturdy wooden fences, towering trees provide a verdant backdrop, adding depth to the picturesque scene.

Gardening Tips

18 Beautiful Design Ideas for Small Gardens

If you have a limited amount of real estate but want to design a garden with unlimited impact, we have some great ideas for you to create a beautiful garden that will suit your space perfectly. Here, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares 19 design ideas that are perfect for creating a beautiful garden in a small space.