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 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
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The experts reveal the worst trees to plant near a pool – and explain why
A leafy canopy can be an appealing addition to your pool area, but some varieties are best avoided
By Holly Crossley Published
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Where to put a pool in your backyard – 5 essential tips from the experts
Find the perfect spot in your outdoor space with this advice
By Holly Crossley Published
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How to propagate a prayer plant – to easily expand your houseplant collection
Propagating these tropical beauties only takes a few steps
By Holly Crossley Published
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How to keep deer away from plants – 5 tips for protecting your flowers, shrubs, and trees
Prevent these pests from spoiling your gardening efforts
By Holly Crossley Published
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How to propagate a rubber plant – and get more houseplants for free
Try this simple step-by-step guide for more greenery in your home
By Holly Crossley Published
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How to keep mosquitoes away from your pool – 6 tips to keep the bugs at bay
Don't let these pests spoil a relaxing outdoor swim
By Holly Crossley Published
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Low-maintenance front yard ideas – 11 fuss-free ways to create a stylish welcome
From gorgeous planting picks to statement pathways, these looks will increase your home's curb appeal without much upkeep
By Holly Crossley Published
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How to get rid of squash vine borers – 5 ways to protect your vegetable garden
These expert tips will prevent these pests from ruining your homegrown crop
By Holly Crossley Published
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What is the best potting soil for herbs? Create the perfect growing environment with these tips
Help your container herbs thrive by providing the right type of soil
By Holly Crossley Published
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How to prune dahlias – expert tips for getting the most from these summer favorites
Cutting dahlias back can result in better-performing plants – here's how to try it at home
By Holly Crossley Published
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How to look after a backyard swimming pool – expert advice for proper pool maintenance
Keep your swimming pool in top condition with this step-by-step guide
By Holly Crossley Published
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Small backyard pool ideas – 11 dazzling designs for yards with limited space
You don't need acres of space to enjoy a private pool, as these beautiful examples demonstrate
By Holly Crossley Published
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Can you water plants with distilled water? The gardening experts weigh in
It may be purer than rain or tap water, but that isn't necessarily an advantage
By Holly Crossley Published
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How and when to prune spirea – an expert guide for these flowering shrubs
Try these top tips for a successful trim – you'll be rewarded with healthier, better-looking plants
By Holly Crossley Published
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How to prune a monstera – top tips for cutting back these popular indoor plants
Tidy up your Swiss cheese plant with this simple advice
By Holly Crossley Published
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How to deadhead zinnias – expert tips on when and how to cut these beautiful blooms back
Get more flowers from these heat-tolerant plants by giving them a prune
By Holly Crossley Published