
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, he was able to gain experience at many 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 ariety of publications, including The English Garden, Gardens Illustrated, Hortus 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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How to fertilize magnolias – garden experts reveal the secrets to better blooming, and timing is critical
Magnolias are famed for their spring flowers, and feeding at the right time can give trees a boost
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to revive old rhododendron plants – pruning advice from a professional gardener to save your struggling shrubs
With the right pruning approach, you can rejuvenate old and woody rhododendrons
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow medlar trees – to enjoy a harvest of unusual fruits from this forgotten heritage species
Medlar fruits were once a popular delicacy, yet today, they are a rare find
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Best fragrant shrubs – 5 perfumed plants to transform garden borders and pot displays this summer
Grow one or more of the best fragrant shrubs to add a sensory element to your yard
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow mandevilla in pots – and elevate your outside space with impactful tropical flowers this summer
Learning how to grow mandevilla in pots will add a colorful and vertical accent to any size plot
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Skyseed is a vigorous invasive weed that is becoming a problem in backyards – here's how to identify and control it
Gardeners in North America should keep an eye out for this vigorous perennial weed
By Thomas Rutter Published
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When do hummingbirds return from migration? Wildlife experts reveal when to expect them and how you can help
As hummingbirds return to North America, gardeners can play a part in caring for these weary travellers
By Thomas Rutter Published
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All you need to know about keeping chickens – a comprehensive guide to caring for hens in your backyard
Find out what’s involved in keeping chickens and enjoy a constant supply of freshly laid eggs straight from your garden
By Thomas Rutter Last updated
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Best flowering ground cover plants – 5 expert-approved species to fill your borders with vibrant color
These flowering ground cover plants will not only look good but will also prove popular with bees and butterflies
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow red hot poker – for low-maintenance and long-lasting flower spikes that pollinators adore
If you enjoy colorful, vibrant borders, there can be no better perennial to grow than red hot pokers
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Best perennials to attract hummingbirds – 5 fantastic flowers to grow, as recommended by master gardeners
These colorful and fragrant perennials will prove popular with hummingbirds and other pollinators
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow lantana in pots – and transform even tiny gardens with masses of kaleidoscopic flowers this year
For colorful and wildlife-friendly blooms, there can be no better plant than lantana
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow marsh marigolds – the ultimate low-maintenance, moisture-loving plant that spring pollinators adore
Marsh marigolds can thrive in problem areas, including moist woodlands and boggy soils
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Best trees for spring blossom – 5 beautiful options for a spectacular seasonal show in any sized yard
Planting one of these best trees for spring blossom will fill your yard with color
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Low-maintenance dwarf evergreens for small spaces – 5 easy-to-grow compact plants for year-round greenery
These easy evergreens will inject structure and impact to a small yard
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow lilac in pots – for a fragrant spring flowering shrub that will elevate even the smallest yards
Growing lilacs in pots is a great way to add a spring pop of color to patios and terraces
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to plant begonia bulbs – and transform your yard with the ultimate summer-flowering plant
From hanging baskets to patio pots, begonias are sure to elevate your summer displays
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Shrubs to never hard prune – don’t risk the health of these 5 popular plants by cutting too much this year
Sometimes little is more when pruning, and these shrubs prefer a light touch
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow mulberry trees in pots – to transform small spaces with this beautiful and delicious fruiting plant
Growing fruiting trees in pots is a great way to boost your harvests in compact yards
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Best dwarf trees for compact spaces – 5 unusual species to transform even the smallest yard
These dwarf trees will inject foliage and flowers into any sized space
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Is La Foce the greatest Italian garden? How this Tuscan estate became a timeless masterpiece – and how to get the look in your yard
Italian gardens have long been the envy of the world and on visiting La Foce, it's easy to see why
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Best native ground cover plants to stop weeds – 5 expert-approved species to keep weeds out of your borders
These low-growing North American plants will stop weeds from dominating your yard
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to remove deadly nightshade – expert advice to safely eliminate this pretty but poisonous perennial from your yard
Discover how to safely remove deadly nightshade from your borders
By Thomas Rutter Published
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I tested the Bird Buddy 2.0 – this impressive smart feeder camera captured more just than hungry songbirds
With high-quality close-up shots sent directly to your phone, we predict this wildlife gadget will be popular with birders
By Thomas Rutter Published