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.

magnolia trees white flowers

Trees

15 Varieties of Magnolia Trees With White Flowers

Are you looking to add some white flowering magnolia trees to your yard or garden, but aren't sure where to start? Magnolias can bloom in many different colors, but are most famous for their pillowy white flowers. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss takes a deeper look some of the top types of magnolia trees that bloom in different shades of white.

One of the dwarf magnolia trees blooming flowers, surrounded by grass at the base and other small trees in the well-lit area

Trees

11 Dwarf Magnolia Trees For Small Gardens

Are you looking for a smaller magnolia tree to fit in your home landscape or gardening area? There are several dwarf magnolia trees that can fit into more compact spaces. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss looks at her favorite types of dwarf magnolia trees you can plant.

when do camellias bloom

Shrubs

When Do Camellias Bloom Each Season?

If you've planted camellias, then you know there's nothing more exciting than watching their beautiful and prolific blooms. But when do they start blooming in the season, and how long do they bloom? In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss walks through everything you need to know when it comes to camellias and their bloom schedule.

A beautiful pink blooming cattleya orchid growing in the garden. Green foliage is behind the flower, and the flower has purple petals with yellow stamens.

Flowers

How to Plant, Grow and Care For Cattleya Orchids

Looking to add some cattleya orchids to your indoor or outdoor garden this season? These tropical flowers are both popular, and stunning to look at. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss walks through everything you need to know about cattleya orchids and their care.

orchids indoors

Flowers

15 Tips For Growing Beautiful Orchid Flowers Indoors

Orchids can be picky about their growing conditions, which makes them great indoor flowers. There are also a few things you can do to maximize their blooms. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares her top tips for growing beautiful orchids indoors!

A camellia blooming in the shade with a flower that has white petals. A bright yellow stamen is in the center of the bloom.

Shrubs

11 Shade Friendly Camellia Varieties For Shady Garden Spaces

Are you looking for some shade-friendly camellias to add to an area of your garden or yard that doesn't get as much sunlight? While most camellias can tolerate some shade, there are certain varieties that excel in it. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss walks through her favorite varieties of camellia that will thrive in the shade.

camellias blooming on a shrub

Shrubs

11 Tips For Beautiful Fall Blooming Camellias This Season

Camellias are a fall gardener favorite. With their colorful blooms and vividly colored flowers, these plants can make a statement in any garden. In this article, gardening expert and camellia enthusiast Melissa Strauss walks through her top tips for beautiful camellia blooms in your garden up through first frost!

purple orchids

Flowers

15 Purple Orchid Varieties For Indoor and Outdoor Gardens

Thinking of adding a few purple orchids to your flower garden but aren't sure which type to add? There are many different shades of purple orchids, so picking the perfect flower can be a bit difficult! In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss looks at the some of the top purple orchid varieties you can grow!

A camellia flower that has been impacted by some type of health problem. The bloom is white, and the exterior rings of the petals are tinged with orange due to the disease or issue that is impacting the plant.

Shrubs

11 Common Problems With Flowering Camellia Plants

Are your camellias having issues this season, but you aren't quite sure what could be causing them? Camellias can be picky plants and have a few common problems that they encounter. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss looks at some of the most common issues with camellias.

camellia colors

Shrubs

Camellia Colors: What Colors Do Camellias Bloom?

Thinking of adding some camellias to your garden but can't decide what color to plant? Camellias can bloom in many colors, with red being the most commonly thought of. In this article, gardening expert and camellia enthusiast Melissa Strauss looks at all the different colors camellias can bloom in.

pink orchids

Flowers

15 Pink Orchid Varieties For Indoor & Outdoor Gardens

Looking for a pink orchid to plant in your indoor or outdoor garden, and can't decide what to choose? There are many different pink varieties to choose from, so picking just one can be a challenge. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss takes a deeper look at some of her favorite orchids that bloom in beautiful shades of pink!