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.

Pollinator plant growing in southwestern garden.

Plants

15 Pollinator Plants For Southwest Gardens

Are you looking for some pollinator-friendly plants to add to your southwestern garden? In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares her favorite plants that can survive the dry and arid climates of many southwestern states.

Beautiful yellow colored hibiscus flower blooming against dark green foliage

Shrubs

What Colors Are Hibiscus Flowers When They Bloom?

Trying to figure out what color of hibiscus you should plant this season? The different colors of hibiscus will vary based on the variety. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss examines the most common colors for hibiscus blooms, and what colors you can expect from your shrubs!

Tropical hibiscus shrub being pruned by a gardener with shears. The shrub has bright green foliage with serrated edges and lavender blooms, each with a red center

Flowers

How and When to Prune Hibiscus Plants

Do your hibiscus plants need a good pruning? Maybe you aren't sure when to prune them, or how it's done without causing damage to the plant? In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares how to prune hibiscus properly, and the best times of year to get it done.

Succulents

15 Succulents That Attract Bees and Other Pollinators

Looking for some succulent plants that will attract bees and other pollinators? There are plenty o f different options depending on your growing climate. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares her favorite succulents that will welcome bees and other pollinators to your garden.

Compact Hibiscus Blooming in Garden with Pink Flowers

Shrubs

17 Compact Hardy Hibiscus Plants For Small Garden Spaces

Do you need a compact hibiscus plant for small growing spaces? There are many different hardy hibiscus plants that can grow in small spaces. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss looks at the best types of hibiscus with more compact growth profiles.

Strawberries and Blackberries in garden growing on leaves

Fruit

Can You Grow Strawberries with Blackberries?

Are you thinking of growing strawberries with blackberries in your garden this season, but aren't sure if these two plants pair well together? Both blackberries and strawberries can make good companions with other plants, but are they a sweet match made in the fruit garden? In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss compares the two and if there are better garden companions for both plants.

Blanket Flower with Honeybee Feeding Pollinating

Flowers

37 Flowering Plants That Will Attract Honeybees

Looking for some plants that will attract honeybees to your garden this season? There are many different flowering plants to choose from, depending on your hardiness zone. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares her favorite flowers that will bring bees and other pollinators to your garden.

Trees

How to Plant, Grow and Care for Crape Myrtles

Thinking about adding crape myrtles to your yard or garden this season? These lovely trees have beautiful blooms, but can be sensitive to certain growing conditions. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares all you need to know about growing crape myrtles, including maintenance and care needs.

Blackberries in garden growing with green foliage and fresh berries

Fruit

19 Companion Plants to Grow With Blackberries

Not sure what you should grow with your garden blackberries this season? Picking the right companion plants for your blackberries can have many benefits, including better fruit yield. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares her favorite plants to grow with Blackberries this season.

Reddish orange and pink hibiscus blooms in garden

Shrubs

When Does Hibiscus Bloom and How Long Do They Last?

Are you unsure how long you can expect your hibiscus blooms to last this season, or when you can expect to see their first beautiful flowers? In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss examines the bloom times of hibiscus plants, and how long you can expect their blooms to actually last.

Pink blooming peggy martin rose in garden.

Flowers

11 Reasons to Grow a ‘Peggy Martin’ Rose This Season

Are you thinking of adding a new rose to your garden this season, but aren't sure which variety to choose? The 'Peggy Martin' Rose has a storied history to match its beautiful blooms. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares some of her favorite reasons for planting a 'Peggy Martin' rose in your garden this season.

orchids hanging baskets

Flowers

9 Tips For Growing Beautiful Orchids in Hanging Baskets

Orchids can be picky plants when it comes to their growth habitat. So you may be concerned if you are trying to grow them in anything other than their natural environment. The good news is, hanging baskets are close to native environments for many orchid types. In this article, gardening expert and orchid enthusiast Melissa Strauss shares her top tips for beautiful blooming orchids in hanging baskets!

Vegetables

How Far Apart Should You Plant Carrot Seeds?

Trying to figure out how far apaart you need to plant your carrot seeds in your garden or in your raised beds? Proper carrot spacing will help ensure that they have enough room to grow. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares exactly how far apart your carrots should be spaced out when planting from seed.

Bright orange hibiscus flower blooming in the garden with beautiful orange flowers

Shrubs

13 Tips for Longer Lasting Hibiscus Blooms

Are you looking to get longer lasting blooms from your Hibiscus this season? Hibiscus blooms can last a while, but there are some tricks to getting their blooms to stick around. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares her top tips for ensuring you get the most out of your hibiscus this season.

Yellow flowers growing in sandy soil and are in full bloom in the garden.

Flowers

17 Beautiful Flowers That Thrive in Sandy Soils

Do you have sandy soil in your garden? If so, you may have had a hard time picking the perfect flowers to plant. But fear not, as there are actually quite a few flowers that grow quite well in even less than ideal soil conditions. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares her favorite flowers that can actually thrive in sandy soil.

orange hibiscus

Shrubs

11 Orange Hibiscus Varieties to Brighten Your Garden

Thinking of adding an orange hibiscus to your garden but aren't sure where to start? There are many different orange hibiscus plants you can grow, depending on your hardiness zone. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares her favorite orange hibiscus varieties, with names and pictures of each!