
Holly Crossley
The garden was always a big part of Holly's life growing up. 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 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 plant hosta seeds – for lush green leaves in shaded pots and borders
Experts share their top tips on growing these fabulous foliage plants from seed
By Holly Crossley Published
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Garden arbor ideas – 12 stylish designs to frame pathways and shelter your seating
Ideas Arbors provide beautiful and versatile structure for your outdoor space
By Holly Crossley Published
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What does it mean to 'harden off a plant'? Experts explain this gardening term – and why it's important
If you've started seeds indoors, 'hardening off' is a key step when moving them outside
By Holly Crossley Published
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Does alfalfa tea really make roses bloom better? Gardening pros say yes – here's how to try it at home
This gardening hack may seem unusual, but it can help you get your best summer display yet
By Holly Crossley Published
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Now is the time to divide dahlia tubers that are planting ready – discover how to multiply your exquisite summer blooms for free, before it's too late
Multiply your dahlia collection for free with this step-by-step guide
By Holly Crossley Published
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Uses for horticultural wool – 5 expert-approved ways it can benefit the plants in your garden
This eco-friendly material can deter pests, help retain soil moisture, and more
By Holly Crossley Published
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What to plant with peonies – 6 expert-approved options, plus which ones to avoid
Discover the perfect companion plants for peonies, including a ground cover with lime-green flowers and brilliant, blooming shrubs
By Holly Crossley Published
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Best types of cosmos – 15 beautiful varieties to grow for a colorful summer display
Plants These flowers instantly brighten flower beds, they're popular with pollinators and they make charming cut flowers
By Holly Crossley Published
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Best plants for a Scandi-style backyard – 7 gorgeous suggestions from landscape designers for a Nordic-inspired look
Embrace naturalistic look with these flowers, trees, and grasses
By Holly Crossley Published
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The majestic fiddle leaf fig can help enhance the energy of your home – here's how to pick the perfect spot for one for positive Feng Shui
Discover exactly where to place a fiddle leaf fig – experts share tips for these auspicious plants
By Holly Crossley Published
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These houseplants are perfect for maximalists – 5 high-impact options for a more is more approach
Ramp up the drama with these big leaved or brightly colored botanicals
By Holly Crossley Published
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How to make the 5 worst gardening jobs easier – with time-saving tips from the experts
Tick off those trickier backyard tasks with this pro advice, including simple shortcuts for watering, thinning seedlings, and more
By Holly Crossley Published
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Keep these 5 spring garden pests at bay with expert-approved methods that won't risk damaging your yard
Here's what you need to watch out for as the weather warms up, to keep your precious plants safe
By Holly Crossley Published
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Where to place an orchid for good Feng Shui – professionals share advice for enhancing beauty and relationships
Discover how to get the most from these exotic blooms in your home
By Holly Crossley Published
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Plastic alternatives in the garden – experts share easy swaps for pots, tools, and landscaping fabric
Plastic is problematic in more ways than one, so it's worth making these simple switches
By Holly Crossley Published
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Gardening habits plant experts say you should break this year – 5 things to ditch for a more sustainable yard
Are these approaches part of your gardening routine? Here's why it's worth giving them the boot, and what to do instead
By Holly Crossley Published
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Plants never to buy as seedlings – experts recommend veggies, flowers, and herbs that you should sow from seed instead
Buying seedlings may seem a time-saving solution, but sowing some types of seeds at home can give you better results
By Holly Crossley Published
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I'm a houseplant addict and this is everything I know about how to shop in a plant store – plus how not to make the same costly mistakes I did
How to shop wisely for a long-lasting leafy friend, with advice from a horticulturist
By Holly Crossley Published
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11 spring-flowering plants guaranteed to add joy and uplifting color to your yard
Celebrate the season with these favorites – whether that's in borders or patio pots
By Holly Crossley Last updated
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How to grow a skeleton flower – for an unusual woodland plant with petals that turn transparent in the rain
Experts share tips on watering, soil type, lighting and more for these unique perennials
By Holly Crossley Published
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How to sow seeds without using any plastic – and why you should switch to these eco-friendly methods
There are alternatives to plastic pots and labels that are simple, cost-effective, and better for the environment, too
By Holly Crossley Published
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5 fast-growing succulents to plant outdoors – for fast and dramatic impact in borders and pots
Try these drought-tolerant picks for your plot, including architectural, trailing, and flowering types
By Holly Crossley Published
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5 flowers that look like birds – from unusual orchids to large, tropical beauties, these striking blooms bear an uncanny resemblance to our feathered friends
Discover these intriguing plants, plus expert tips on how to look after them
By Holly Crossley Published
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How to make the most of a side yard – landscape designers share 6 inspiring ideas for these often tricky spaces
These long and narrow areas are frequently overlooked, but with a bit of know-how they can be transformed
By Holly Crossley Published