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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Best 6 plants with silver foliage – for a shimmering and drought-tolerant garden border
Plants with silver foliage add contrast and interest to the backyard while also thriving in hot and dry weather
By Thomas Rutter Published
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What is a pool grotto? Explore how to transform your outdoor swimming area
This naturalistic design feature will create a secluded space that is both impactful, interesting and fun for all the family
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Plants to grow for edible spring flowers – 5 of the best for beautiful floral creations
Using homegrown edible flowers will transform your spring suppers into colorful and delicious masterpieces – these are our 5 favorites
By Thomas Rutter Published
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What is hydroponic gardening? The sustainable solution that is transforming indoor growing
This space-saving and environmental approach is the future of urban and indoor gardening
By Thomas Rutter Published
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What is hugelkultur gardening? Try something new in your raised beds this year
This organic approach to cultivating in raised beds is good for the environment and can help to boost your harvest
By Thomas Rutter Published
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When is it too late to prune roses? Expert advice from a professional gardener
Timing is crucial when pruning roses, and doing so at the right moment will produce a healthy plant and a profusion of blooms
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow blue flowers – 7 of the best shrubs and perennials with true blue flora
Rare and unusual, growing a plant with blue flowers will beautifully elevate your borders this year
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How and when to prune catmint – follow our 4 simple steps for beautiful blooms
Learn from the experts on when to prune this aromatic plant, as well as easy pruning steps to ensure that your catmint puts on a brilliant floral display
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow lithops – the otherworldly living stone succulent
Learn how to grow lithops with our expert guide to caring for this unique indoor plant
By Thomas Rutter Last updated
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How to grow miniature roses – for compact shrubs with a profusion of blooms
While miniature roses might be small in size, they are no less floriferous, with many blooming through summer until fall
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to attract red cardinals to your yard this year
Birdwatching experts reveal how you can attract and support the unmistakable red cardinal to your garden borders
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to design and plant a butterfly border – expert advice for a pollinator-friendly plot
Attract plenty of pollinators this year by planting a butterfly border full of colorful and scented flowers
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Best shade-tolerant trees – 5 trees to plant this spring
Even in north-facing yards and darker outdoor spaces, shade-tolerant trees with attractive foliage and flowers can thrive
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Can I use a pressure washer to clean patio furniture?
As temperatures rise, cleaning outdoor furniture becomes a priority, but using a pressure washer can do more harm than good
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow plumbago – the tropical shrub with striking sky-blue blooms
Add an unusual shrub to your borders this year, and enjoy a bounty of pale-blue flowers
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow amaranth as a microgreen – for a healthy and colorful visual feast
Discover tips from the experts for a nutrient-rich harvest of vibrant amaranth microgreens in only 8 days
By Thomas Rutter Published
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What are species tulips? Expert tips on how to grow these vibrant flowering bulbs
Species tulips can add something unique to outside spaces when compared with more familiar, modern tulips
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to create a vertical garden – DIY advice for building a living wall
Small backyards or terraces need not be a problem, as vertical gardening can help to add different levels of interest to any outside space
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Can I grow an avocado tree from seed?
It is simple and fun to grow an avocado tree at home, using the seed – or pit – of a store-bought avocado
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Discover how to get rid of earwigs in your yard – with expert advice from professional gardeners
When thinking about how to get rid of earwigs, prevention and organic treatment can help to combat pest infestations in your borders
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow bunchberry dogwood – the ideal groundcover plant for shady spots
The diminutive but attractive bunchberry dogwood is an ideal option for those looking to add greenery under trees or large shrubs
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Best shrubs with dark foliage – 5 plants that can add drama to any space
Experts recommend the best shrubs with dark foliage, which can be planted during late winter and early spring
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How and when to prune ivy – to ensure minimal disruption to wildlife
Knowing how to prune ivy is crucial to keep this vigorous plant under control, but timing is important to protect nesting birds
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow weigela – a colorful shrub that pollinators love
This flowering shrub is both easy to grow and impactful, filling outdoor spaces with masses of colorful blooms from early spring
By Thomas Rutter Published