Posts By

Liessa Bowen

Liessa started learning everything she could about plants, animals, and ecosystems at a young age. Since then, she's earned a Master’s degree in wildlife biology (Iowa State University) and a PhD in forestry (North Carolina State University), both with an emphasis on conservation biology and birds. She has worked as a greenhouse technician, wildlife biologist, educational consultant, and writer.

Gooseberry fruiting plant growing in partial shade

Fruit

17 Fruiting Trees, Shrubs and Vines That Grow in Partial Shade

Do you have a partially shaded area of your garden where you'd love to place some fruiting plants? If you aren't sure which types of fruiting trees, vines and shrubs thrive in shady areas, you've come to the right place! In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen looks at her favorite fruiting plants for shady garden spaces!

Gardener pruning blueberry shrub with red leaves

Fruit

How and When to Prune Blueberry Shrubs

Are you attempting to prune your blueberry bushes this season, but aren't sure where to start? Pruning can be more of an art form, especially with difficult shrubs like the blueberry. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen walks through how to prune blueberry shrubs in just a few easy steps!

Pink African Violet Flower Being Eaten by Bugs

Pests

5 Garden Pests That May be Eating Your African Violets

Does it look like something took a bite out of your African Violets? These popular houseplants can become victims to many different pests that will dine on their tender foliage and beautiful blooms. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen examines the five most common pests that may eat your African Violets.

North Carolina perennial flower garden in full sun

Plants

21 Popular Perennials For North Carolina Gardens

Are you looking for some perennial plants to grow in your North Carolina Garden this season? With North Carolina's moderate climate, you have plenty of options to choose from! In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen walks through her favorite perennial plants for every North Carolina garden!

African Violet that needs repotting growing in a small container

Problems

7 Signs You Need to Repot Your African Violets

If your African Violet is struggling, you may be wondering if it's time to repot your plant. While some common issues can be solved with a proper maintenance routine, other problems are more serious and will require repotting. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen looks at the most common signs your African Violet needs to be completely repotted.

drought tolerant plants

Plants

45 Drought Tolerant Plants For Dry Climates

Are you looking for a hardy plant that can tolerate some drought? There are a number of different plants you can choose, depending on your hardiness zone. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen looks at her favorite drought-tolerant plants for dry climates.

African Violet with small blooms sitting indoors up close

Problems

7 Signs Your African Violets Aren’t Getting Enough Water

Are you worried that your African Violets may not be getting enough water? These popular houseplants can be picky about their moisture needs. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen looks through the most common symptoms that your African Violets may show when they are lacking in moisture.

Amaryllis growing in container with white flowers that has red stripes

Flowers

How to Plant, Grow and Care For Flowering Amaryllis Plants

Thinking of adding some Amaryllis to your garden but aren't sure where to start? These popular plants can bring some extra color into your indoor or outdoor garden. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen examines all you need to know about Amaryllis and their care.

low maintenance plants full sun

Plants

27 Low Maintenance Plants That Thrive in Full Sun

Looking for some low-maintenance plants that thrive in sunny conditions? There are many different sun-friendly plants to choose from, depending on your hardiness zone. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen lists her favorite sun-loving plants that don't require much work from you in the garden.

Pink blooming clematis vine that was recently transplanted to a new garden location

Vines

How and When to Transplant Clematis Plants

Trying to transplant your clematis but aren't sure when or how to do it? Transplanting these popular vines is fairly straightforward. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen takes you through each step of transplanting clematis, starting with when to do it, through how it's done.

Pink blooming clematis vine is in full season with a bright pink flower

Vines

When Does Clematis Bloom? Will it Bloom All Summer?

Did you plant flowering Clematis plants last season, but aren't quite sure when to expect them to bloom? There are a few factors that go into Clematis bloom times. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen looks at when you can expect your Clematis to bloom this season, and beyond.

African Violet With Leaves That Have Turned Yellow Sitting in Sunlight

Problems

7 Reasons Your African Violets Have Yellow Leaves

Does your African Violet have yellow leaves? There are a number of different factors that can contribute towards this condition. The good news is, most causes are treatable, and preventable. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen walks you through what to do when you start seeing yellow leaves on your favorite houseplant.

Fast Producing Fruit Tree Called PawPaw

Fruit

21 Fast Producing Fruit Trees, Shrubs & Vines

Are you thinking about adding some fruit trees to your garden or fruit orchard this season? Fruit trees can take time to grow, but there are some that produce fruit faster than others. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen looks at some of the fastest-growing fruit trees you can plant.

African Violet Plant with Lack of Blooms

Problems

7 Reasons Your African Violets Aren’t Blooming

Are your African Violets struggling to bloom this season? There are a few common reasons that this can happen. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen looks at the different issues that may prevent your African Violets from blooming to their fullest potential.

privacy hedges

Shrubs

27 Flowering Shrubs That Make Beautiful Privacy Hedges

Are you looking for a flowering plant that can act as a privacy hedge? There are a number of different plants you can choose from! In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen takes a deeper look at her favorite flowering shrubs that can make beautiful privacy hedges in your yard or garden space.

African Violet Plant in Sunlight During Blooming

Houseplants

Do African Violets Need Direct or Indirect Sunlight?

Trying to figure out if your African Violets need direct or indirect sunlight? Perhaps you aren't sure how much sunlight they actually need? In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen takes you through everything you need to know about African Violets and their sunlight needs.

Purple flowering clematis is a vine growing against the fence with yellow stamens on the center of the blooms.

Vines

Is Flowering Clematis Considered a Vine or a Shrub?

Thinking of planting some clematis in your garden, but aren't sure if it's considered a vine or a shrub? Understanding the plant class that clematis falls into is important when determining where and how to plant it. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen examines if flowering clematis is considered a vine or a shrub.

pollinator plants

Plants

37 Perfect Plants For Your Pollinator Garden

Thinking of planting a pollinator garden but not sure where to start? There are quite a few pollinator-friendly plants that you can grow in just about every hardiness zone. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen looks at her favorite plants you can use to create a beautiful pollinator-friendly garden!