Holly Crossley
The garden was always a big part of Holly's life growing up, as was the surrounding New Forest, UK, where she lived. Her appreciation for the great outdoors has only grown since then; over the years, she's been an allotment keeper, a professional gardener, and a botanical illustrator. Having worked for Gardeningetc.com for two years, Holly now regularly writes about plants and outdoor living for Homes & Gardens.In her spare time, Holly loves visiting local English gardens and is particularly fond of relaxed cottage-garden schemes. She also loves prairie-style planting – the tapestry effect of grasses mixed with drought-tolerant blooms never ceases to delight her. Always happiest around plants, when she isn't swooning over gardens, she's looking after her ever-growing collection of houseplants and arranging seasonal flowers in her apartment to paint.
Latest articles by Holly Crossley
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How to grow and care for violas – for cheery winter color in pots and borders
Experts share their top tips for these pretty plants, including advice on watering, deadheading, and growing them from seed
By Holly Crossley Published
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How to grow a cinnamon plant – experts share advice for these tropical trees and shrubs
From tips on watering and pruning to growing them in a pot, here are all the essentials
By Holly Crossley Published
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Greenhouse trends – 10 inspirational ideas for growing under glass in 2025
Industry professionals share their greenhouse trend predictions for the new year, from practical accessories to ways to make them more eco-friendly
By Holly Crossley Published
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Houseplants that grow vertically – 5 vining varieties to create a jungle feel in your home
Try training these lush and leafy options to climb up a support – it's an easy way to beautify an empty corner of your home
By Holly Crossley Published
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How to grow a clivia plant – essential tips for these fabulous flowering houseplants
Plant-care professionals share advice on caring for clivias indoors, including guidance on watering and getting them to bloom
By Holly Crossley Published
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What to do with a butterfly bush in the winter – experts share tips for these stunning shrubs
Buddleia can benefit from a bit of extra care when temperatures drop – here's how to keep them protected, according to plant-care pros
By Holly Crossley Published
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How to grow and care for a crested cactus – experts share insights for these curious plants
From watering tips to advice on repotting, this essential advice will keep your crested cactus happy
By Holly Crossley Published
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How to care for robins in winter – expert advice for welcoming these feathered friends
By providing suitable sustenance and shelter, you can turn your yard into a sanctuary for these cheery visitors
By Holly Crossley Published
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Small Japanese garden ideas – 15 planting, landscaping and color palette suggestions for zen-inspired plots
These small Japanese garden ideas will bring a sense of serenity to your outdoor space
By Holly Crossley Published
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Plants to Feng Shui a patio – 5 picks to create a soothing outdoor sanctuary
Gardening experts share their top suggestions, from leafy foliage plants to fragrant flowers
By Holly Crossley Published
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How to take artichoke cuttings – a simple method for growing more vegetable plants for free
Plant-care professionals share their advice for this budget-friendly task
By Holly Crossley Published
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Best apricot cut flowers and how to grow them – 5 beautiful blooms for homegrown bouquets
These apricot flowers add warmth to floral arrangements and are easy to grow
By Holly Crossley Published
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How to keep your poinsettia alive for next Christmas – plant-care professionals share simple tips
These cheery plants aren't just for the festive season – with the right maintenance routine, they'll stay happy and healthy all year
By Holly Crossley Published
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Bay tree problems – how to spot and remedy these 5 common issues
We explain how to avoid these common bay tree problems, from pests to planting errors
By Holly Crossley Published
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What is bokashi composting? How to get started with this Japanese gardening method
With help from the experts, we explain all you need to know about bokashi composting so you can try it in your backyard
By Holly Crossley Published
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Winter plants for wildlife – 5 expert-approved options for a nature-friendly yard
Provide shelter and food for birds, insects, and other creatures with these planting picks
By Holly Crossley Published
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When to prune honeysuckle – experts share timing tips, plus advice on how to do it
Pruning honeysuckle keeps it neat, healthy, and flowering well – but the best time to do it depends on the type, as plant-care professionals explain
By Holly Crossley Published
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How to overwinter banana trees – professional tips to keep your tropical plant protected
If you’re expecting cooler conditions this winter, you need this expert advice
By Holly Crossley Published
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Best mulch for roses – 4 natural options for flourishing plants
From bark chippings to homemade compost, these biodegradable mulches will help your roses to thrive
By Holly Crossley Published
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What is guerrilla gardening? We take a closer look at this on-trend movement transforming urban landscapes
From seed-bombing to building community gardens, guerrilla gardening turns unsightly city spaces into natural havens
By Holly Crossley Published
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Best burgundy flowers and plants – 5 statement choices and how to care for them
From velvety blooms to fabulous foliage, these burgundy plants will add on-trend drama to your outdoor space
By Holly Crossley Published
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How to protect an olive tree in winter – expert advice to keep these sun-loving trees safe from the cold
Whether you’re growing your olive tree in the ground or in a pot, these tips will help it survive the cooler months
By Holly Crossley Published
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Best fall plants for privacy – 11 beautiful choices for seasonal garden screening
From colorful shrubs to lofty, late-blooming perennials, these choices will brighten up your garden while making it feel more private
By Holly Crossley Last updated
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How to prune cilantro – to promote growth and enjoy this tasty herb for longer
Learning how to prune cilantro is easy and will reward you with neater plants and an extended harvest time
By Holly Crossley Published