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.

Purple fountain grass with frosted purple foliage and pinkish-gold spikes stands in a winter garden, showing how to overwinter purple fountain grass successfully.

Ornamental Gardens

How to Overwinter Purple Fountain Grass

Burgundy foliage and soft, feathery plumes make purple fountain grass a landscaper's dream. Adding texture and movement to the garden, it's among the most popular ornamental grasses. Join gardening expert Melissa Strauss to find out how you can overwinter this beauty.

Women’s hands are dividing overcrowded amaryllis bulbs, showing their large, layered white bases with roots attached and long strap-like green leaves emerging from the tops.

Bulbs

When and How to Divide Overcrowded Bulbs

If you're concerned that your bulbs are starting to compete for resources, it might be time to divide them. Or is it? Join gardening expert Melissa Strauss to talk about how and when to divide your overcrowded bulbs.

A profusion of reddish-orange composite flowers blooming from native seeds planted in October.

Seeds

15 Low-Maintenance Native Plant Seeds to Sow in October

October is a prime time to sow native seeds. Planting now mimics the natural habits of native plants, and lets the seasons create the perfect conditions for germination. Florida gardener Melissa Strauss shares some seeds you should definitely sow this month for a beautiful garden next year.