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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Spices to deter common garden pests – 3 natural repellents for the backyard
Using spices from the kitchen cupboard is a quick and easy way to prevent pest infestations in your garden borders
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Job for the weekend: How to make your own plant fertilizer using these two common weeds
Give your plants a natural boost this year by applying these nutrient-rich fertilizers made from weeds
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How and when to deadhead tulips – expert advice for better blooms next year
Discover how and when to deadhead tulips, a simple but vital task that will improve future flowering
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow wisteria from cuttings – advice for patient gardeners
While propagation is an easy way of growing more plants, wisteria can take decades to flower from cuttings
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to propagate mint – 2 quick and easy methods to grow your herb collection
Garden experts share simple and speedy ways to propagate mint, for a bounty of aromatic herb plants this year
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow cockscomb – the show-off flowering annual to plant for vibrant color
Try something unusual in your flower beds this year by planting cockscomb, for brash and brilliant floral displays
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow a ginkgo tree – the ancient tree that survived the dinosaurs
Ginkgo trees are long-living, drought-tolerant and pest-resistant. This low-maintenance tree might be the perfect addition to your backyard
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Can you revive woody lavender plants? Pruning advice from a professional gardener to save your plants this spring
With the right care and pruning approach, gardeners can save old and woody lavender plants
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to create a modern cottage garden – for a quintessentially English look with a contemporary twist
Experts share clever landscape design tricks that can help cottage gardens work in a modern space
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to garden in a rental property – top tips for renter-gardeners
Renters can grow a vibrant and verdant plot by maximizing container and vertical displays
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Plants for privacy on a balcony – grasses, shrubs and climbers to create an urban oasis
Discover the best plants for privacy on a balcony to create a green and secluded haven on your balcony
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Growing flowering dogwood trees in pots – expert advice for container growing
Not all dogwood shrubs and trees should be grown in containers, but certain varieties can thrive in pots
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow a tulip tree – for a flowering tree that hummingbirds and pollinators adore
Tulips trees are celebrated for their spectacular spring show that is popular with butterflies, birds and bees
By Thomas Rutter Published
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The future of indoor gardening – experts reveal trends and health benefits of the hydroponic revolution
Hydroponic growing is the future of indoor gardening and is changing how we grow and consume food in cities
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Permaculture gardening projects – 3 simple DIY jobs for the weekend
Incorporating regenerative permaculture practices can transform your veg beds and backyard borders
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Best desert plants – expert advice for drought-tolerant shrubs and flowers
Discover some of the best desert plants that are resilient, low-maintenance and will thrive in dry and hot backyards
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to create a balcony herb garden – for a floral and fragrant outside space
Herbal container displays can help you to make the most of your balcony, patio or terrace
By Thomas Rutter Published
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5 native spring flowers to attract hummingbirds, butterflies and bees
Plant some of these native spring flowering plants to attract birds and pollinators to your plot this year
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Gardening with grow bags – use this simple, space-spacing method to grow your own fruit and veg
Grow bags are a flexible and adaptable growing method, and are ideal for small backyards
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow a desert rose – the tropical shrub that can bring good luck
This drought-tolerant shrub produces brilliant blooms from spring, proving popular with both gardeners and pollinators
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow an orchid tree – for unusual and vibrant blooms in your backyard
Celebrated for its orchid-like flowers, add this tropical tree to your borders this year
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Growing without soil – the pros and cons of hydroponic gardening
Discover the advantages and disadvantages of growing hydroponically, considered by many as the future of urban and indoor gardening
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to create an Italian garden – 5 steps for a beautiful Mediterranean escape
By emulating some of the essential elements of Italian garden design, your dreams of escaping to the Tuscan hills can become reality
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Wildlife to spot in April – birds and butterflies that celebrate the arrival of spring
Wildlife experts reveal some of the beautiful birds and butterflies that can be seen in the yard from spring
By Thomas Rutter Published