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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What is a zen garden? This Japanese approach to design can turn backyards into calming sanctuaries
Japenese zen gardens are both calming and inspiring, adding a sense of verdant tranquility to any outdoor space
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow ixora – for a flowering shrub that will dazzle
For those seeking a tropical addition to the backyard, make a bold statement with colorful ixora blooms
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to build hazel plant supports – for an English cottage garden look
Learn how to use sustainable, natural materials to build support structures for your climbing plants and tall perennials this year
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Best native dogwood trees – for a spectacular seasonal show
Flowering dogwoods are renowned for producing spectacular spring blooms and also displaying colorful foliage in the fall
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Growing verbena from seed – here is everything you need to know
Discover how to grow verbena from seed and fill your yard with beautiful, vibrant blooms this summer
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow an almond tree – for beautiful blossom that can rival the cherry
With delicate pink and white petals, the flowering almond tree is a spring showstopper
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Flowering shrubs for full sun – 5 plants that can handle the heat
Experts recommend the best flowering shrubs for full sun positions in the yard, which can be planted from late winter
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow the firecracker plant – for explosive red blooms in your yard
The nectar-rich blooms of the firecracker plant are attractive in any space, plus they are adored by birds and insects
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow tradescantia – the indoor plant with vivid and unusual foliage
This easy-to-grow indoor plant ticks all the boxes, showcasing a range of vivid foliage colors, textures and patterns
By Thomas Rutter Published
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California native planting – 7 ideas for drought-tolerant flora
Discover the most resilient planting native to the drought-prone and desert regions of The Golden State
By Thomas Rutter Last updated
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How to grow moss – the greenest groundcover for shade gardens
Easy to grow and environmentally friendly - is moss the shade-tolerant plant that gardeners need to rethink?
By Thomas Rutter Published
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What is kudzu vine? And how to identify this invasive plant
Learn how to spot this troublesome invasive species and what steps you can take to remove it
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Winter climber ideas – discover the best plants to add interest in your yard
Many climbing and vining plants can add impact and color to garden walls and structures at this darker time of the year
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow verbena – the flowering plant that is popular with pollinators
If you are looking for a plant that will perform in your yard all summer long, look no further than verbena
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to prune star jasmine – and keep this vigorous climber under control
Discover when and how to prune star jasmine by following our simple pruning guide
By Thomas Rutter Published
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What is a rain garden? This bright idea might just be the best solution for a waterlogged yard
Wet weather can result in waterlogged yards, but this design idea uses excess water in a practical and clever way
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow hellebores in containers – planting ideas for winter displays
During the cold and dark months of the year, a floral container display can brighten up any outdoor space
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Best bare-root roses to grow this year – our top five picks
Experts share their favorite rose varieties that are available to grow as bare-root stock, and these showstopper blooms will not disappoint
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow hardy hibiscus in pots – expert advice on container growing
Growing hardy hibiscus in containers is an ideal way to include tropical flowers in smaller spaces
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow forsythia – the hardy shrub that will reward you with a bounty of golden blooms
This cold-hardy shrub is one of the earliest to blossom in late winter and early spring, filling our backyards with golden-yellow stars
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow monkey grass – the perfect part-shade perennial
This low-maintenance herbaceous perennial is an attractive and tough groundcover option for partially shady areas
By Thomas Rutter Published
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French drain mistakes – and how to avoid making them
Here are the common problems and mistakes to avoid when installing this popular drainage solution
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to plant bare-root roses – and fill your backyard with fragrant blooms this summer
Discover how to plant bare-root roses and enjoy beautiful, romantic flowers this year
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow sweetheart succulents – and add a romantic accent to your houseplant collection
The heart-shaped hoya succulent is a green twist on traditional Valentine's Day gifts
By Thomas Rutter Published