
Holly Crossley
The garden was always a big part of Holly's life growing up. Her appreciation for the great outdoors has only grown since then; over the years, she's been an allotment keeper, a professional gardener, and a botanical illustrator. Having worked for Gardeningetc.com for two years, Holly now regularly writes about plants and outdoor living for Homes & Gardens.In her spare time, Holly loves visiting local gardens and is particularly fond of relaxed cottage-garden schemes. She also loves prairie-style planting – the tapestry effect of grasses mixed with drought-tolerant blooms never ceases to delight her. Always happiest around plants, when she isn't swooning over gardens, she's looking after her ever-growing collection of houseplants and arranging seasonal flowers in her apartment to paint.
Latest articles by Holly Crossley
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How to grow strawflowers – for bold summer color, perfect stems for cutting, and long-lasting dried displays
Gardening experts share advice, including tips on pruning, watering, and growing from seed
By Holly Crossley Published
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5 places you should never plant hydrangeas – to get the best from these fabulous flowering shrubs in your backyard
Gardening professionals share top tips on soil type, sunlight, and more
By Holly Crossley Last updated
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Fence line landscaping ideas – 10 ways to beautify your boundaries, with expert insights from landscape designers
There are many stylish ways to incorporate your fence into the rest of your design scheme
By Holly Crossley Published
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These celosia companion plants will guarantee a spectacular summer display – 5 expert picks to grow next to these vibrant blooms
These planting options will thrive alongside celosia in pots and borders
By Holly Crossley Published
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You should never plant peonies in these 5 places – the locations to steer clear of in your backyard, according to professionals
There are a few key things to consider when finding the perfect spot for peonies
By Holly Crossley Published
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Where never to plant azaleas – 5 places to avoid growing these early bloomers in your backyard
Experts share advice on what to consider when choosing the perfect spot for planting azaleas
By Holly Crossley Published
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Where never to plant roses – 6 spots to avoid, with expert tips from rose-growing professionals
Avoid planting your roses in these backyard locations to help them bloom at their best
By Holly Crossley Published
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Where never to plant sweet peas – avoid these 5 locations for a beautiful, fragrant display this summer
Experts share advice on soil type, sunlight, suitable companion plants, and more
By Holly Crossley Published
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Does putting ice on peonies help them grow in hot climates? Experts debunk this gardening myth – and suggest alternative options
Discover why this method is worth giving a miss, and what to try instead if you have mild winters
By Holly Crossley Published
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How to stop your neighbor’s weeds from invading your yard and lawn – expert tips for a weed-free garden this year
Is next door's overgrown garden getting you down? Here's how to protect your property from pesky interlopers
By Holly Crossley Published
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5 places you should never plant dahlias – expert advice on soil type, sunlight, and unsuitable containers
Picking the right spot for your dahlias is key for a beautiful late-summer display
By Holly Crossley Published
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Does your hydrangea have yellow leaves? A nutrient deficiency could be the problem, experts warn, but you can fix it with 1 simple test
Discover the potential causes for discolored foliage on these backyard shrubs, and how to go about fixing them
By Holly Crossley Published
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7 common weeds to watch out for in your backyard – and expert tips on how to remove them
From dandelions to chickweed, get these pesky interlopers under control in your outdoor space
By Holly Crossley Published
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How to propagate olive trees – horticultural experts explain ways to increase your stock of these silvery-leaved trees, plus which mistakes to avoid
Boost the Mediterranean vibe in your yard for free
By Holly Crossley Published
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Can you pick your neighbor's overhanging fruit? Legal experts discuss when doing so could incur a fine
A fruit-laden branch encroaching on your yard may seem like fair game – but could picking without permission get you in trouble?
By Holly Crossley Published
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How to design a mini meadow in pots – and welcome birds, bees and butterflies to your urban wildlife garden this summer
Experts share advice on species recommendations, soil, and types of containers to use for meadow planting
By Holly Crossley Published
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Pot plants that thrive on neglect – 5 easy-going picks for super busy gardeners
From spiky succulents to pollinator-friendly blooms, these expert recommendations need barely any attention to flourish
By Holly Crossley Published
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Best types of delphiniums – 14 stunning varieties for vibrant flower spikes in your yard
Plants Here are our top types of delphiniums for brightening summer borders
.By Holly Crossley Published
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5 hydrangea myths debunked by experts – and what you need to know instead for beautiful blooms
From ways to change their color to when to prune, there are certain misconceptions to steer clear of when growing these flowering shrubs
By Holly Crossley Published
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How to plant hosta seeds – for lush green leaves in shaded pots and borders
Experts share their top tips on growing these fabulous foliage plants from seed
By Holly Crossley Published
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Garden arbor ideas – 12 stylish designs to frame pathways and shelter your seating
Ideas Arbors provide beautiful and versatile structure for your outdoor space
.By Holly Crossley Published
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What does it mean to 'harden off a plant'? Experts explain this gardening term – and why it's important
If you've started seeds indoors, 'hardening off' is a key step when moving them outside
By Holly Crossley Published
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Does alfalfa tea really make roses bloom better? Gardening pros say yes – here's how to try it at home
This gardening hack may seem unusual, but it can help you get your best summer display yet
By Holly Crossley Published
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Now is the time to divide dahlia tubers that are planting ready – discover how to multiply your exquisite summer blooms for free, before it's too late
Multiply your dahlia collection for free with this step-by-step guide
By Holly Crossley Published