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 regularly 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 grow plumeria from cuttings – for new frangipani plants
Whether you're growing these tropical plants indoors or out, making more is easy
By Holly Crossley Published
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When to cut back daisies – for healthy plants and plenty of flowers
There are three times of year to cut back shasta daisies – and all are worthwhile, for different reasons
By Holly Crossley Published
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When should I prune lavender? The experts share their timing tips
Cutting these fragrant shrubs back at the wrong time of year can do more harm than good
By Holly Crossley Published
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When to cut back buddleia – get the timing right with this expert advice
For the best results, you'll need to wait until a certain time of year to prune your butterfly bush
By Holly Crossley Published
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Fall tree care – 5 expert tips for preparing backyard trees for winter
Add these tasks to your seasonal to-do list to keep your trees in top condition
By Holly Crossley Published
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Fall patio ideas – 10 seasonal ways to cozy up your outdoor living space
From twinkling lights and pretty planters to autumnal color palettes, there are plenty of ways to create an inviting backyard as temperatures cool
By Holly Crossley Published
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How to propagate hoya – for more of these flowering houseplants
There are two ways to propagate wax plants – and both are easy to try at home
By Holly Crossley Published
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Why are my hostas turning yellow? The reasons and solutions explained
There are a few factors that can cause hostas to lose their luxuriant green hue
By Holly Crossley Published
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How to prune avocado trees – top tips for healthy houseplants
Keep your indoor avocado looking its best with this expert advice
By Holly Crossley Published
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Will a backyard pool add value to your home? The experts weigh in
These are the factors to consider when deciding if a pool is worth the investment
By Holly Crossley Published
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Modern front yard landscaping ideas – 10 chic looks for contemporary homes
Embrace clean lines, bold planting, and stylish focal points for serious curb appeal
By Holly Crossley Published
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How to deadhead marigolds – in 3 easy steps
Tidy up your summer pots and flower beds with this expert advice
By Holly Crossley Published
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How to prune red hot pokers – according to gardening experts
Does your kniphofia need a tidy? This guide will help you get the best results
By Holly Crossley Published
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How to harvest peony seeds – and sow new plants for your garden
Fill your yard with more of these fabulous flowers by collecting peony seeds this fall – it's easier than you might expect
By Holly Crossley Published
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Do backyard pools need to be fenced? The experts weigh in
Adding a barrier around your pool is a crucial safety feature – and often mandatory by law
By Holly Crossley Published
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How to create a wildflower front yard – 5 steps for a vibrant and eco-friendly entrance
Try a more natural approach for the front of your plot with this advice, from plant suggestions to design ideas and more
By Holly Crossley Published
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How to harvest coneflower seeds – for more fabulous flowers next year
Collecting echinacea seeds is an easy way to grow new blooms for free
By Holly Crossley Published
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How to propagate string of turtles – for more of these popular, trailing houseplants
The experts share their tips on how to propagate string of turtles, so you can make more of these beautiful, trailing plants for your home
By Holly Crossley Published
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How to deadhead phlox – for neater plants and an extra flush of flowers
These border plants benefit from a trim – here's how and when to do it successfully
By Holly Crossley Published
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How to clean a pool filter – top tips for cartridge, sand, and diatomaceous earth designs
Keep your pool filter functioning properly with these expert guidelines
By Holly Crossley Published
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Front yard vegetable garden ideas – 10 stylish ways to grow delicious crops
Transform the front of your plot into a harvestable haven – no matter its size
By Holly Crossley Published
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How to prune weigela – top gardening tips to get it right
Keep your spring-flowering shrub looking its best with this expert advice
By Holly Crossley Published
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How to propagate aloe – for more of these stunning succulents
Aloe vera can be propagated from leaf cuttings or by division – and both methods are easy to try at home
By Holly Crossley Published
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Why is my cactus turning brown? The reasons explained – and ways to avoid it from happening
Keep your cacti looking green and healthy with this advice
By Holly Crossley Published