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.

Sunlit pink cherry blossoms, a sight of ethereal beauty. Their delicate petals catch the sunlight, casting a soft pink hue. In the backdrop, a blurred canvas of more flowers against the serene expanse of a clear, blue sky.

Trees

27 Spectacular Spring-Blooming Trees

Are you looking for the perfect splash of color to add to your spring garden? In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares 27 of the most stunning spring-blooming trees for your landscape.

A large clump of baptisia blooms with tall spikes of bicolor flowers in purple and yellow.

Flowers

15 Beautiful Varieties of Baptisia for Your Garden

If you are looking for a long-lived, flowering shrub that can tolerate a wide range of conditions, baptisia is a widely hybridized and beautiful option. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares 15 of her favorite varieties.

In a soft glow, delicate white Orlaya flowers blossom amidst lush green stems. The petals exude an ethereal charm, capturing the essence of purity and grace. The interplay of light highlights the intricate details of each bloom.

Flowers

How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Orlaya

If you’re looking for a wonderful new flowering plant for your cottage, wildflower, or cutting garden, Orlaya is a stunner that will certainly fit the bill. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares how to grow this amazing annual in your garden.

A regal crown of thorns adorned with slender thorn stems, showcasing nature's intricate design. Delicate pink flowers bloom amidst the thorny crown, adding a touch of softness to the resilient structure.

Shrubs

How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Crown of Thorns

Crown of thorns plants are eye-catching and exciting to look at, as well as easy to care for, and make great houseplants. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss tells you all you need to know to care for your own crown of thorns.

Vibrant pink blooms of the Purple Bell Vine glisten with moisture, creating a vivid and refreshing sight. The blurred background showcases lush greenery, enhancing the beauty of the delicate blossoms.

Vines

How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Purple Bell Vine

Purple Bell Vine is a stunning climber that blooms for a long time and won’t crowd out other plants in the garden. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares all you need to know to grow this eye-catching vine in your own space.

Numerous tall purple and white blazing star flowers stand tall, their delicate petals catching sunlight amidst lush green foliage. The vivid hues create a striking contrast against the backdrop of deep green trees.

Flowers

9 Varieties of Blazing Star for Your Native Garden

Looking for a stunning, vertical addition to your native garden? Blazing Star adds color and personality to flower beds and attracts tons of wildlife. Join gardening expert Melissa Strauss as she shares her favorite varieties of this US native flower.

In a beautiful garden, an array of wildflowers bloom among lush green foliage, painting a picturesque scene with nature's brushstrokes. Delicate petals in shades of pink, purple, and white dance in the gentle breeze.

Flowers

20 Gorgeous Wildflowers for Shade Gardens

If you’re hoping for a wildflower aesthetic in the shade garden, many beautiful flowering plants are perfectly happy growing in low-light conditions. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares some of her favorite shade-loving wildflowers.

A billowing nasturtium plant with coral red flowers tumbles over a brick wall.

Seeds

15 Fast-Growing Annuals to Start From Seed

If you’re anxious to get your garden growing and blooming again as early as possible, go all out with these fast-growing annuals. Join gardening expert Melissa Strauss as she shares the plants that will get you kicking off the growing season in Epic fashion.