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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How and when to feed monkey grass – to keep this part-shade perennial thriving
This low-maintenance ground cover is a tough plant, but feeding can help to improve growth and flowering
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to care for delphinium plants – 3 expert tips for long-lasting flowers
With the right care and attention, you can extend your delphinium displays
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to propagate clematis plants – expert tips for successful softwood cuttings
Taking cuttings is an easy way to grow your clematis collection
By Thomas Rutter Published
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When and how to move a rose – expert advice for successfully transplanting roses
Timing and preparation are both of paramount importance when moving roses.
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Best fragrant hedge plants – 6 perfumed shrubs for beautiful boundaries
Hedge planting needn't be dull. These hedge ideas will add scent, color and interest to the perimeter of your plot
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Best full-shade perennials – 7 perfect plants to add foliage and flowers to darker borders
These perennial plants will brighten up even the shadiest of yards, adding lush foliage and brilliant blooms to tricky areas under shrubs and trees
By Thomas Rutter Published
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I'm a professional gardener, and this is the reliable and resilient perennial every garden needs
I have grown salvia in many gardens where I have worked, and this perennial never fails to put on a show
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How and when to fertilize hedges in spring – expert advice for healthy green growth
Knowing how and when to fertilize hedges is important and will give your boundaries a boost this year
By Thomas Rutter Published
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These are the most unusual and aromatic mint varieties to grow this year
There are so many mint varieties to choose from, but these delicious and unique plants are the ones to grow
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Discover how to revive woody clematis plants – professional gardeners offer expert advice to save your mature flowering climbers
With the right pruning and care, gardeners can revive woody clematis plants, and keep them blooming for many more years
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Should I fertilize established trees? Expert gardeners reveal how best to care for mature trees
While trees might not need as much attention as perennials or annuals, we should not forget them. Professional gardeners advise on how and when to use fertilizer
By Thomas Rutter Published
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These are the secrets to zinnia success – discover how to keep them blooming well into the fall
By following a few simple steps, gardeners can enjoy zinnia flowers up until the first frost
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Is it necessary to deadhead hibiscus flowers? Gardening experts share hibiscus growing secrets
Deadheading spent blooms can help to improve the appearance of shrubs and extend flowering, but it might not be necessary for every hibiscus species
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to combat lavender pests and problems – to keep these aromatic plants thriving
Lavender plants are regarded as low-maintenance herbs, but there are some pests and problems to look out for
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How and when to fertilize dogwoods – for healthy trees and shrubs
Recently planted dogwoods can benefit from an occasional feed, and will reward you with lush green growth and striking blooms
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to deadhead and care for hyacinths after flowering – for brilliant blooms year after year
With a little love and care, hyacinth bulbs will return and rebloom next year
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Can slugs and snails ever be good for the backyard? This gardener says 'it's time for a rebrand'
Gastropods play a vital role in the garden ecosystem. So, is it time for gardeners to rethink the relationship with these supposed pests?
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow bearded irises – for elegant, artistic and colorful blooms
Bearded irises are an English cottage garden favorite that require plenty of sunshine to thrive
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to keep snapdragons flowering for longer – advice from a professional gardener
By following these simple steps you can prolong the snapdragon floral show this year
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Peony pests and problems – expert advice for trouble-free blooms
Peonies are the favorite flower of many gardeners, yet this spring flower is susceptible to pests and diseases
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Best evergreen ground cover plants – low maintenance options for year-round interest
Evergreen ground cover plants will add texture, foliage and flowers to the tricky areas of the backyard
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow jasmine in pots – the fragrant flowering climber that every space needs
Cover garden walls, trellises and structures with perfumed flowers this year by growing jasmine in pots
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Best ways to combat mealybugs in your yard – expert advice for identifying and killing mealybugs outdoors
Mealybugs are a troublesome pest that will cause damage to your prized plants if left untreated
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Should you fertilize lavender? Garden experts offer advice for this aromatic favorite
Fertilizing herbs is not always necessary and gardeners can sometimes do more harm than good when feeding their plants
By Thomas Rutter Published