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 to grow catmint – expert advice for this fragrant perennial
Catmint is a great option for gardeners seeking low-maintenance perennial plants
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Weeding was slow and tough until I started using a hori hori knife – now I'm a convert to this versatile Japanese tool that makes light work of garden chores
Using the right tool for the job can drastically speed up your weeding and planting jobs
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Ditch plants are the invincible perennials that every gardener can grow – for drought-tolerant and flood-resistant planting
In times of extreme weather, with scorching summers and wet winters, resilient ditch plants can be relied upon
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Biodiversity is the best defense against ticks – here's how to improve it to keep these dangerous pests out of your yard
Gardens that are rich in biodiversity, with borders full of native planting and natural predators, will combat tick infestations
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to take azalea cuttings – expert advice for successful plant propagation
Learning how to take azalea cuttings is an easy and free way to make more plants for your yard
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Why does my clematis plant have yellow and brown leaves? Expert advice for healthier climbers
Discover the likely causes and learn how to treat yellowing or browning clematis foliage
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Best full sun ground cover plants – 6 attractive options that can tolerate direct sun and dry soil
Choosing the right ground cover plants for sunny yards will help to add year-round interest to challenging hot and dry gardens
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to propagate hibiscus shrubs – expert advice for taking plant cuttings
All hibiscus shrubs can be grown from cuttings, an easy and free way to make more plants
By Thomas Rutter Published
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What to do with delphiniums after they finish flowering – professional gardeners reveal the secrets to success
With the right care, you can keep delphiniums blooming for longer this summer, and ensure they flower again next year
By Thomas Rutter Published
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I'm a professional gardener, and this growing trick is proven to increase your zinnia flowers
Learning how to pinch out zinnias will help to increase the number of flower stems long into the summer
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to propagate salvia – expert advice for successful softwood cuttings
Learning how to propagate salvia is a cost-effective way to grow your perennial collection
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to fertilize bougainvillea – for vibrant flowers
Knowing when and how to fertilize bougainvillea can help your plants thrive
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How and when to fertilize jasmine – for healthy climbing plants full of blooms
Learning how and when to fertilize jasmine can help give your flowering plants a boost during the growing season
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to propagate crepe myrtle – advice from a professional gardener for successful cuttings this summer
Learning how to propagate crepe myrtle is a cost-effective way to grow your ornamental shrub collection
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Best fast-growing flowering annuals – to fill your borders with blooms in record time
We share some of the best fast-growing flowering annuals that will grow and bloom in just a few weeks
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to repel June bugs from your yard – expert advice to protect your plants
June bugs are plant-eating beetles and can do significant damage to crops and flowers
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to propagate star jasmine – expert advice for successful cuttings
Learning how to propagate star jasmine by taking cuttings is a cost-effective way to make more plants
By Thomas Rutter Published
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When and how to fertilize lilacs – for healthy flowering shrubs
Fertilizing lilac shrubs at the wrong time or with the wrong product can do more harm than good
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Why is my bougainvillea not flowering? Expert advice to revive your plant
If your bougainvillea appears woody and low on flowers, fear not - there are ways to revive your plant and improve blooming
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Is it too late to prune forsythia? Advice from a professional gardener on caring for these flowering shrubs
Forsythia flowering will be greatly reduced next year if stems are cut too late in the season
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Is it necessary to deadhead azalea and rhododendron flowers? Advice from a professional gardener
Deadheading faded blooms after flowering will help to improve the appearance of your shrubs
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow bleeding heart – the shade-tolerant perennial with striking blooms
With heart-shaped flowers and attractive foliage, this perennial is an ideal option for woodland gardens
By Thomas Rutter Published
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7 biennial flowers to plant in June – with seed sowing advice from a professional gardener
Sowing foxglove, honesty and wallflower seed in June will result in a bounty of blooms next year
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Best self-seeding flowers – for a vibrant and wildlife-friendly garden
Self-seeding flowers fill your yard with color, ideal for gardeners who prefer a wild and natural aesthetic
By Thomas Rutter Published