Holly Crossley
The garden was always a big part of Holly's life growing up, as was the surrounding New Forest, UK, where she lived. 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 writes about plants and outdoor living for Homes & Gardens.
In her spare time, Holly loves visiting local English 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 get rid of mealybugs – 4 expert-approved methods to tackle these plant pests
Mealybugs are a common interloper of indoor plants – here's how to tackle them quickly and without chemicals
By Holly Crossley • Published
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What not to put in a wormery – 6 foods to keep off the menu when making compost
Ensure your worm compost bin stays healthy and productive by avoiding these problematic items
By Holly Crossley • Last updated
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How to grow blueberries in pots – garden experts share their top tips for tasty fruit
Grow these nutrient-rich berries on your patio – it's easier than you might expect
By Holly Crossley • Published
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Plants to hide a garden wall – expert-approved options for a beautiful, botanical screen
The top choices for obscuring an eyesore
By Holly Crossley • Last updated
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Patio mistakes – 5 common errors to avoid, according to landscaping experts
Ensure your new outdoor living space is a success by bearing these patio mistakes in mind
By Holly Crossley • Published
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How and when to start flower seeds indoors – to get your garden blooming sooner
Sow flower seeds on a sunny windowsill and they'll be ready to plant out when risks of frost have passed
By Holly Crossley • Published
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Diatomaceous earth – how to use this non-toxic pest control in your yard
This natural material is a wonder at getting rid of aphids, roaches, slugs, and more
By Holly Crossley • Published
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Preparing garden soil for spring – 5 ways that will give your new plants a boost
Get your backyard beds primed for planting with these expert tips
By Holly Crossley • Last updated
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How to protect tulips from frost – top tips to keep these spring favorites thriving
Don't let late-spring cold snaps defeat these flowering bulbs
By Holly Crossley • Published
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How to make a stale seedbed – and outsmart garden weeds this spring
This age-old technique is a simple yet effective way to get rid of weeds before starting new crops
By Holly Crossley • Published
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How to make a rain barrel – to benefit your plants, the environment, and your wallet
Add one of these eco-friendly features to your yard with this simple guide
By Holly Crossley • Published
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How to get rid of thrips – quick and easy ways to deal with these plant pests
Expert methods that will save your indoor, greenhouse and garden plants from these interlopers
By Holly Crossley • Published
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How to kill weeds not plants – keep flowers and shrubs safe with these expert tips
Smarten up your flower beds this spring with this advice
By Holly Crossley • Published
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5 expert-approved backyard cleaning tips – to get your space ready for spring
Get your plot looking picture-perfect again
By Holly Crossley • Published
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How and when to fertilize hydrangeas – for top-performing shrubs
Give these plants a feed when they need it and you'll be rewarded with strong growth and plenty of blooms
By Holly Crossley • Last updated
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Should you seed or fertilize first in spring? Expert advice for luscious lawns
Which order is best? Get it right with these tips
By Holly Crossley • Last updated
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5 lawn care mistakes to avoid – as revealed by the experts
These common errors can quickly damage a lawn
By Holly Crossley • Published
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8 essential lawn care tasks – for perfect turf in your yard
Get the best lawn on the block by adding these key jobs to your maintenance routine
By Holly Crossley • Published
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When to plant summer bulbs – prepare for a show-stopping display with these timing tips
Get set for a spectacular show by planting dahlias, crocosmia, gladiolus and more at the right time
By Holly Crossley • Published
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How to make a backyard look more expensive – 5 budget-friendly ways
Give your outdoor space a high-end look for less with these tips
By Holly Crossley • Published
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How and when to transplant seedlings – the experts share their top tips for success
Learn how and when to transplant seedlings for the best results
By Holly Crossley • Published
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When to mulch flower beds – garden experts reveal their timing tips
Mulching has multiple benefits – but which season is best for ticking off this outdoor task? This guide explains
By Holly Crossley • Published
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Easter outdoor decor: 22 inspiring ideas for your backyard
Celebrate the spring holiday in style with these pretty looks
By Holly Crossley • Published
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Why is my peace lily turning yellow? 3 reasons and solutions
The houseplant experts explain what to do
By Holly Crossley • Published