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.

A hand delicately holds a vibrant red hibiscus flower, revealing its yellow pollens. The backdrop showcases the lush green leaves of the plant, with another captivating red bloom nearby. The ground beneath is adorned with neatly trimmed grass.

Shrubs

How to and When to Deadhead Hibiscus Plants

Do your hibiscus flowers need to be deadheaded but you don't know where to start? This process if fairly simple if you follow the right steps. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss outlines exactly how to deadhead your hibiscus plants this season.

A close-up reveals the beauty of a blooming white gardenia flower, its delicate petals glistening with moisture. Behind the flower, the vibrant green leaves stand out, also displaying a moist appearance. In the blurred background, glimpses of other lush green leaves create a serene setting.

Shrubs

How Much and How Often Should You Water Gardenias?

Are you unsure how much or how often you should be watering your gardenias? These garden favorites have beautiful white blooms, but need the right amount of water for proper health. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares the proper watering frequency for these popular plants.

Cape Honeysuckle

Vines

How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Cape Honeysuckle

Are you looking for a fast-growing, prolific flowering plant that can be grown as both a shrub and a vine? Cape Honeysuckle fits all of these qualifications and is very easy to care for. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares everything you need to know about planting and caring for Cape Honeysuckle.

magnolia tree blooming with pink flowers

Trees

When Do Magnolia Trees Bloom?

Are you wondering when your magnolia trees will start blooming this season and how long those blooms will last? In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares when you can expect your magnolias to bloom, and how long their beautiful white flowers will stick around.

tropical landscape plants

Ornamental Gardens

17 Plants for a Thriving Tropical Landscape

Do you live in a tropical or sub-tropical climate, and wonder what plants you can plant to create a tropical oasis in your backyard? Perhaps you just want to find some stunning tropicals to add to your houseplant collection. Here, gardening expert Melissa Strauss introduces 17 of her favorite types of tropical plants and gives examples of some of the more popular varieties of each.

spinach with carrots

Companion Planting

Can You Plant Spinach With Carrots?

Thinking of planting spinach with your garden grown carrots this season, but aren't quite sure if it's a good idea or not? These two popular vegetables are quite popular, but do they offer benefits when grown next to one another? In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss looks at if these two vegetables will grow well together or if there are better companion plants for each.

Magnolia tree with big pink flowers and no leaves

Trees

How Much and How Often Should You Water a Magnolia Tree?

Are you unsure of how much water your magnolia tree needs, or how often it should be watered? These popular trees need the right amount of moisture to thrive. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares how much moisture your Magnolias need, and how often you should be watering them.

A close-up shot a small composition of developing long green legume pods and their leaves, placed in pots, showcasing green beans in containers

Vegetables

How to Grow Green Beans in Pots or Containers

Thinking of growing green beans in pots or containers this season? These popular plants make execellent container vegetables, even in small spaces. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss walks through each step of growing green beans in pots or containers.

burros tail succulent

Cacti & Succulents

How to Plant, Grow and Care For Burros Tail Succulents

Are you looking for a new succulent to add to your indoor or outdoor garden? Burro's Tail succulents make excellent trailing succulents as houseplants and outdoors. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares everything you need to know about the Burro's Tail succulent including their maintenance and care needs.

dracula orchid

Flowers

How to Plant, Grow and Care for Dracula Orchids

Looking for a unique orchid to add to your plant collection? The dracula orchid is a unique orchid variety that will brighten up your plant collection. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares all you need to know about Dracula Orcids, including their maintenance and care needs!

blueberries and blackberies

Fruits

Can You Plant Blueberries With Blackberries?

Thinking of planting blueberries next to your blackberry plants this season? These two plants do share similar growing conditions, but does that make them good garden companions? In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss looks at if these two plants should be planted next to each other or if there are better options in your garden.

tomatoes with radishes

Vegetables

Can You Grow Tomatoes With Radishes?

Are you thinking about planting tomatoes and radishes in your garden this year, and wonder whether these two plants can be planted together? Saving space in the vegetable garden is always a plus. Here, gardening expert Melissa Strauss will explore the ability of these two plants to cohabitate in the garden.