Thomas Rutter
Thomas is a Content Editor within the Gardens Team at Homes and Gardens. He has been working as a gardener and garden writer for several years. Whilst completing his Horticultural Traineeship at the Garden Museum, London, he was able to gain experience at many of the UK's world famous gardens, including Sissinghurst, Lowther Castle and Iford Manor. Following this, he worked for two private estates in Tuscany, Italy. During this time, he developed expertise regarding practical gardening and growing in dry and hot climates. He has managed kitchen gardens and cut flower gardens.
When not gardening, Thomas writes on gardens and garden history. His work ranges from 'how to' guides, book reviews, and longer form copy on the history of gardening and garden design. He has written for a variety of publications in the UK, including The English Garden, Gardens Illustrated, Hortus, The London Gardener and Bloom. He has co-authored a Lonely Planet travel book, The Tree Atlas, due out in 2024.
Latest articles by Thomas Rutter
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Growing hummingbird mint from seed in the fall – lessons from my time as a professional gardener
Enjoy masses of blooms (and pollinators) next summer by learning how to grow hummingbird mint from seed
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow witch hazel in pots – for long-lasting aromatic flowers during the winter months
With spider-like scented blooms, witch hazel will brighten even the darkest December and January days
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Should you cut back astilbe in the fall or winter? Expert pruning advice for these popular flowering perennials
Pruning perennials is not a complicated process, but trimming at the right time is essential
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Best ornamental grasses for winter interest – 5 varieties for color and texture in the colder months of the year
With striking shades and shapes, these ornamental grasses are ideal for maintaining interest during fall and winter
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Sanctuaries in the city – NYC garden designer reveals how to transform urban rooftop gardens into green oases
Filling an urban space with planting will create a private, calming retreat
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Best shrubs for fall berries – 6 fruiting bushes to plant now for colorful borders and pots
Adding some of these fall-fruiting shrubs to your plot will not only look good but prove popular with wildlife too
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow Japanese maple bonsai trees – for miniature gardens with spectacular fall color
Patience is needed when practicing the art of bonsai, yet this slow and mindful approach to gardening can be transformative
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to divide hummingbird mint – expert propagation advice for this native perennial
While many people divide perennials in the fall, this is not the ideal time to divide hummingbird mint
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow creeping juniper – for a native evergreen ground cover
Everything you need to know to ensure this low-growing pine thrives in your borders
By Thomas Rutter Published
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What to do with hibiscus in the fall – expert advice to prepare for the winter months
How to care for these flowering shrubs to prepare them for the coldest time of year
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How and when to prune monkey grass – expert advice for this part-shade perennial
Trimming this shade-tolerant perennial at the right time will keep your plants in good health and your yard tidy
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow Texas sage – for a native evergreen shrub with pretty pink blooms
With silver foliage and masses of flowers, this unusual native shrub will add something different to your borders
By Thomas Rutter Published
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What to do with viburnums in the fall – expert tips for healthy shrubs
Whether you have a snowball bush or a nannyberry shrub in your yard, our fall care guide has all the information you need
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Bottlebrush tree problems – 3 expert-approved solutions to common garden woes
Yellow leaves? Damaged stems? Our guide will help you to keep your bottlebrush tree in good health
By Thomas Rutter Published
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What to do with wisteria in the fall – to ensure your climbers bloom better than ever next year
Everything you need to know about caring for wisteria plants in the fall to prepare for the colder months
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow firebush plants – for a native shrub that hummingbirds adore
By learning how to grow the firebush shrub you can easily attract spring pollinators to your yard
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Native alternatives to Japanese maples – 5 North American trees for a spectacular fall display
These native species are sure to add seasonal joy to any yard, and they will prove a hit with wildlife too
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow blue fescue grass – for an unusual plant with striking blue blades
This tough ornamental grass is the perfect plant to grow for a cool and calm planting scheme
By Thomas Rutter Published
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What to do with bougainvillea in the fall – expert tips to prepare your flowering climbers for the colder months
Our seasonal guide has all the information you need to know to best care for these tropical climbing plants in October and November
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow ixora – for a flowering shrub that will dazzle
For those seeking a tropical addition to the backyard, make a bold statement with colorful ixora blooms
By Thomas Rutter Last updated
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How to take mulberry tree cuttings – expert tips for successful plant propagation
Learning how to take mulberry tree cuttings is a cost-effective way to grow your tree collection
By Thomas Rutter Published
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I have planted thousands of perennials and shrubs as a professional gardener – and biochar is the secret ingredient I always recommend
Biochar is a helpful and long-lasting soil additive, with impressive results
By Thomas Rutter Published
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I have planted more than 10,000 bulbs as a professional gardener – and these are the best tools for the job
These bulb planter deals will help to minimize effort and maximize productivity when gardening in the fall
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow a hummingbird tree – an unusual tree with striking, colorful blooms
This flowering tree is ideal if you are looking for a unique statement that will attract pollinators
By Thomas Rutter Published