Latest articles by Thomas Rutter
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Why you should never plant Bradford pear in your yard – how to control this invasive tree, plus the best native alternatives
Discover how to control Bradford pear trees with our expert guide
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How to grow sacred lotus – for an ancient pond plant that attracts good fortune and enhances garden Feng Shui
The sacred lotus plant has been adored for thousands of years as a symbol of purity and prosperity
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Best hydrangeas for small spaces – 5 floral shrubs that will transform compact yards
A garden expert reveals the best hydrangeas for small spaces to grow this year
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6 plants to prune in spring – cut back these shrubs and perennials at the right time in 2025 for brilliant borders this year
As spring arrives, it is time to dust off the pruning shears and head outside
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What to plant in March – 9 of the best flowers, fruits and vegetables to sow in early spring to kickstart your 2025 growing season
With the arrival of spring, you will be spoilt for choice when deciding what to plant in March
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What not to prune in spring – avoid damaging these 10 plants by trimming too early, and when you should prune instead
Pruning at the wrong time of the year can harm your plants and reduce flowering
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Is burning bush invasive? Expert advice to control this vigorous shrub, plus native alternatives to grow instead
Discover how to control burning bush with our expert guide
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When is it too late to cut hedges to protect nesting birds? Expert advice on legal regulations and keeping songbirds safe in your yard
Hedge-cutting at the right time is important to safeguard breeding birds
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How to grow mandevilla – expert advice for cultivating this tropical flowering vine, a gem of the Brazilian rainforest
With lush evergreen foliage and colorful blooms, mandevilla can transform a patio and elevate your pot displays
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How to grow flowering cherry trees in pots – expert advice for masses of blossom that will transform even the smallest spaces
Follow our expert-approved guide so that your pot-grown flowering cherry tree thrives this year
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Best plants for early spring pollinators – 5 nectar-rich species to support bees and butterflies, plus expert advice on how to grow them
Adding one or more of the best plants for early spring pollinators is a must for any budding wildlife gardeners
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Are weeds really the enemy? Why so-called problem plants deserve a rebrand and maybe even a place in your yard
From wildflowers to soil fixers, is it time we looked at weeds in a new light?
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Beware these common but toxic tree species – how to identify 5 poisonous trees that might be growing in your yard, and what to plant instead
Arborists reveal the pretty but perilous tree species to watch out for
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How to grow ginger indoors – and enjoy a fresh, year-round harvest of this nutritious root
Growing this root vegetable indoors is sure to elevate your culinary creations
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Are edimentals the new bedding plants? Why you should ditch petunias for parsnips – and enjoy beautiful, edible borders
Edimental plants prove that borders can be both decorative and delicious
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When and how to prune red twig dogwood – to maximize its bold, fiery display next winter
Our expert-approved guide has all the information you need to know on when and how to prune red twig dogwood
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How to grow Florida anise – for a native evergreen shrub that thrives in shade
With crimson spider-like blooms, this native shrub can elevate darker borders
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Best low-maintenance evergreen shrubs for a front yard – 5 easy-to-grow plants that will instantly boost curb appeal
These evergreens will maintain impact and interest all year long
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How to create a rain garden in 4 simple steps – for a sustainable and cost-effective solution to waterlogged yards
Rain gardens are a natural way to control surface water runoff and reduce flooding
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Best native plants to stop weeds – 5 shrubs and perennials to keep unwelcome weeds out of your yard
We reveal the best native plants to stop weeds from germinating and taking over your borders
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Easiest ground cover plants to grow – 5 expert-approved species that will quickly fill challenging areas of your yard
These ground cover plants are low-maintenance options for any border
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They're beautiful but deadly – 5 poisonous perennials that every gardener should know about, and the safer alternatives to grow instead
Some of the prettiest plants can pack a dangerous punch
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Can you grow passion flowers indoors? A plant breeder reveals how to add a touch of the tropics to your home with exotic, flowering vines
Learning how to grow passion flowers indoors will elevate your houseplant collection
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How to grow sweetshrub – an unusual flowering plant that dates back to the time of the dinosaurs
This native shrub will add flowers and fragrance to your yard
