About Jessica
Jessica Mercer, Content Marketing Coordinator, has been with Plant Addicts since February 2022. As a “plant collector”, Jessica enjoys growing many different plants and learning about the best culture practices for each. Writing for Plant Addicts is a real joy for her, as she can use her science background to research many interesting plant topics. She carefully considers how to best present the information to other gardeners in an environmentally conscious way.
Education and Certifications
Doctor of Philosophy, Experimental Neuroscience - University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE
Bachelor of Arts, Psychology - St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN
Expertise
Favorite Plants
Salvias are an all-time favorite because this large genus is full of tough plants that are big performers. Many perennial types will bloom all summer long and can stand up to heat and humidity without sacrificing on appearance. On top of it, salvias support many types of pollinators. Ornamental grasses are another underused group. They add movement and soften hard edges in a landscape. I plant them en masse to provide a cohesive texture throughout my plantings. Japanese maples are also a favorite because of their vibrant fall colors and beautiful form. Learning to correctly prune Japanese maples is a lifelong endeavor and has been a fun skill to practice.
