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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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
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How to reduce surface water run-off in your yard – 4 effective DIY methods to try this spring
Implementing these clever solutions will prevent your lawn, patio and flower beds from flooding and waterlogging
By Thomas Rutter Published
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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