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.

Wallflowers in vibrant shades of purple and yellow bloom profusely, complemented by lush green foliage, illuminated by warm sunlight.

Flowers

How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Wallflowers

The name wallflower probably conjures up shy schoolkids, but wallflower plants have a lot of bold personality and wonderfully fragrant flowers. Gardening expert Melissa Strauss has the low down on caring for these pretty plants.

Jacaranda trees in full bloom, adorned with vibrant purple flowers, creating a majestic canopy against the sky.

Trees

How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Jacaranda Trees

When it comes to tropical, flowering trees, few specimens hold a candle to the magical and beautiful jacaranda tree. If you’re planting one of these special trees, there are a few important factors to consider. Here, gardening expert Melissa Strauss will help you get off on the right foot with your beautiful tree.

Variegated Stromanthe leaves featuring a striking blend of vibrant green, crisp white, and deep red shades.

Houseplants

How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Stromanthe Plants

If you love colorful and beautiful houseplants and don’t mind a challenge, stromanthe plants are stunning tropical plants that look gorgeous when properly cared for. In this article, houseplant enthusiast Melissa Strauss goes over the care and keeping of these lovely plants.

Bright yellow lemon fruits hanging from the plant, framed by lush, deep green leaves.

Fruits

15 Fruit Trees That Thrive in Florida Gardens

If you’re a Florida gardener looking to plant some fruit trees in your yard, we have some great trees to tell you about. In this article, Florida gardener Melissa Strauss shares 15 trees that produce delicious fruit for your southern garden.

View of a two-story brick house with a stunning flowering rooftop garden including Orpine, Echinops, Common juniper, Verbena, and other perennials.

Gardening Tips

How to Grow a Productive Rooftop Garden

If you live in an urban setting but still want to grow your own vegetables or just enjoy the peace and beauty of a garden, consider a rooftop garden. Gardening expert Melissa Strauss has some tips to help get you on the right track.

The Brunnera plant features heart-shaped, silver-green leaves with prominent dark green veins and delicate, small blue flowers resembling forget-me-nots.

Ornamental Gardens

How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Brunnera

Brunnera is a strikingly beautiful plant that is perfect for the shade garden. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss talks about how to grow and maintain this easy-going plant for beautiful spring flowers and striking shade-friendly ground cover.

A blue and yellow Swallowtail butterfly perches on the golden center of a violet-hued zinnia.

Gardening Tips

15 Plants to Grow This Pollinator Week

Are you wondering what you can do this Pollinator Week to help sustain and protect integral pollinator populations? In this article, gardening expert and beekeeper Melissa Strauss shares some of her favorite pollinator plants for your garden.

View of a garden with wooden arches raised beds with various flowers and vegetables climbing vines on the wooden arches.

Raised Bed Gardening

19 Best Plants For Growing on Arches in Raised Beds

Raised bed gardening is all the rage! Tying your beds together with stunning, vine-covered arches is an easy way to elevate this extra convenient gardening method. To help you choose the perfect vine for your arches, gardening expert Melissa Strauss has some beautiful plants to help you with your decision.

Clusters of delicate white ammi flowers; their petals opening to reveal intricate patterns.

Flowers

How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Ammi

Ammi is a lovely little plant that looks great in the garden with its feathery foliage and lacy flower umbels. It's also a wonderful addition to the cutting garden. Gardening expert Melissa Strauss has the lowdown on growing this pretty plant in your garden.