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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Should I aerate before seeding? The experts advise on this lawn-care question
Get your new grass off to a strong start
By Holly Crossley • Published
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Fertilizing rhododendrons will help them flourish – the experts explain how and when to do it
Get your flowering shrubs looking their best with the right fertilizer, compost, and water
By Holly Crossley • Published
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How to get rid of moss in your lawn – 4 simple ways to restore a pristine stretch of green
Tackle this common problem with this expert advice
By Holly Crossley • Last updated
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What to do with tulips after they bloom – tips to encourage new flowers next year
You don't always need to discard these spring bulbs when the flowers fade
By Holly Crossley • Published
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The best soil to start seeds in – improve your chances of growing success
Get your homegrown flowers and veg off to a strong start
By Holly Crossley • Published
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How to propagate pansies and violas – 3 easy ways
Get more of these pretty spring bedding plants for free
By Holly Crossley • Published
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Spring garden ideas – 9 ways to make the most of the season in your outdoor space
From decorating to planting – get your plot spring-ready with these simple and seasonal ideas
By Holly Crossley • Published
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'How can I kill a tree without cutting it down?' – an expert arborist offers their advice
If you're unhappy with a neighboring tree, you may be wondering if there's a way to kill it without chopping it. But it's not worth the risk – as this expert explains
By Holly Crossley • Published
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What is eating my viburnum leaves? An expert reveals the likely cause – and how to save your shrubs
Solve this common problem and help your garden plant thrive again
By Holly Crossley • Published
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When do irises bloom? Choose the right variety for your seasonal planting schemes with these tips
Irises brighten a backyard with their fabulous flowers – but while some bloom in summer, others are late-winter stars
By Holly Crossley • Published
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No-grass backyard ideas – 7 ways to switch out lawns for stylish and easy-care alternatives
You don't have to stick to traditional turf – these looks will inspire you to embrace other ground-cover options
By Holly Crossley • Published
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Preparing a garden for spring – 5 easy tasks to get your outdoor space ready for the new season
From pruning to planting – these are the jobs you need to add to your to-do list
By Holly Crossley • Published
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Spring-flowering plants – 10 bright and beautiful picks from the experts
Celebrate the season with these favorites – whether that's in borders or patio pots
By Holly Crossley • Published
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Why is my boxwood turning yellow? 4 reasons for discoloration on your shrubs
Get your buxus shrubs looking green and glorious again
By Holly Crossley • Published
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Is your jade plant dropping leaves? Here's how to fix it – according to the experts
Nurse your Crassula ovata back to health with this easy guide
By Holly Crossley • Published
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Tapestry lawns – what are they, and should you have one in your backyard?
Move over traditional turf – this alternative look is gaining popularity for more reasons than one
By Holly Crossley • Published
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This simple 1/3 pruning rule is easy to follow – and can save your shrubs and trees from disaster
The experts share their insights on this popular guideline that encourages successful snipping
By Holly Crossley • Published
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Garden path design rules – 5 expert tips you need to know before updating your space
The experts reveal the essential dos and don'ts when creating walkways in your backyard
By Holly Crossley • Published
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How to repot a bird of paradise – 6 simple steps to keep your houseplant in top condition
Give your strelitzia a new home with this simple guide – but only when the time is right
By Holly Crossley • Published
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Paved backyard ideas – 10 inspiring looks that combine practicality with style
From patterns to integrated planting, these are our favorite backyard paver designs
By Holly Crossley • Published
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How to keep squirrels away from bird feeders – 5 must-try tips from the experts
Stop these critters stealing your feathered friends' food with these simple ideas
By Holly Crossley • Published
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Modern backyard ideas – 10 clean and contemporary looks for your outdoor space
From feature fire pits and cool color schemes to perfect paving and pools, the experts share their top tips on achieving a fresh and functional backyard
By Holly Crossley • Published
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What do you do with an amaryllis after it blooms? Don't discard it – follow these tips instead
With the right care, you'll be rewarded with more fabulous flowers the following year
By Holly Crossley • Published
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8 types of mulch for gardening success – from homemade compost to pretty pebbles
These popular options will cut hours off the time you spend maintaining your yard – and some add serious style points, too
By Holly Crossley • Published