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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These ingenious and budget-friendly ideas will protect plants from frost and snow fast, without breaking the bank
You can reuse and repurpose old items in the garden shed for fast and efficient frost protection this winter
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow marsh mallow plants – for a hardy perennial that will thrive in damp yards
This tall perennial is a good option for adding height to flower beds
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Invasive perennials to keep out of your garden – 5 species to avoid and what to grow instead
These problem perennials might display remarkable growth, but they can quickly get out of control
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to prune rowan trees – for healthy, shapely trees that are full of berries
Timing is everything when learning how to prune rowan trees
By Thomas Rutter Published
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6 impractical garden trends that won’t last in 2025 – ideas to avoid for a user-friendly plot this year
From expansive lawns to high-maintenance designs, these impractical garden trends are best left in the past
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Easiest climbers to grow – 5 fool-proof vines to quickly and effectively cover bare walls this year
In no time at all, these climbers will fill your fences, walls and garden structures with foliage and flowers
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow goldenrod – for a native prairie plant with nectar-rich flower spikes
Goldenrods are North American natives that will add height and color to any planting schemes
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow bottlebrush trees in pots – for a bounty of crimson blooms this summer
Our expert-approved guide will ensure that your pot-grown bottlebrush trees thrive
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow rowan trees – for an ancient species with a touch of festive magic
Rowan trees have a rich folkloric history, thought to offer protection and bring good fortune
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Best witch hazel varieties – with unusual spider-like blooms to transform your winter garden
Witch hazel shrubs add color and scent to pots and borders when it is most needed during winter
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to use sculpture to transform your winter garden – and create a year-round work of art
Discover how garden sculptures can bring beauty and personality to your outdoor space
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow arborvitae – for evergreen hedge plants that add greenery and privacy to any plot
Arborvitae can be cleverly used to create an attractive green boundary
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Should you remove snow from plants? Our guide has all the winter gardening advice you need to know
Removing snow and ice can sometimes do more harm than good
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Best fragrant evergreens – 5 perfumed plants for a year-round sensory garden
Fragrant evergreens can add a sensory element to any plot
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Now is the perfect time to take weigela cuttings – a step-by-step guide to propagation success
Learning how to take weigela cuttings is a free and fun way to grow your shrub collection
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow hedge apple trees – the native species with otherworldly fruits
Resilient and reliable, this native tree is an unusual species to grow at the back of the yard
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Why doesn't my holly tree have berries? Expert advice for this festive foliage plant
Discover the reasons for berryless holly trees in your yard
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Easiest evergreen trees to grow – 5 reliable species for year-round greenery
Whether used as hedge planting or as specimen trees, these species will maintain interest during every season
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Plants that complement daffodils – for pots and borders that will dazzle in winter and spring
We reveal five plants that complement daffodils with lush foliage and vibrant color
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to create a native landscape in 2025 – experts reveal eco-friendly gardening secrets to transform your plot
Creating a space that is in sync with the wider ecosystem is not as complicated as you might think
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Best evergreen ferns – 5 unusual options to grow for year-round greenery in your yard
Introduce one or more of these striking evergreen ferns for garden interest even during fall and winter
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow evergreen clematis – for year-round greenery and extraordinary spring blooms
Evergreen clematis will prove popular with local wildlife, with birds and bees attracted to the fragrant blooms
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow periwinkle – for a shade-tolerant and sprawling ground cover plant
Shade-loving periwinkle plants are perfect for filling troublesome spots under trees and shrubs
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Should you cut back blazing star in the winter or spring? Expert pruning advice for this popular native plant
Pruning perennials at the right time is essential for plant health
By Thomas Rutter Published