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 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
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Front yard landscaping mistakes – 5 easily-made errors that reduce a home's curb appeal
Offer a warm welcome by steering clear of these common issues
By Holly Crossley Published
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How to grow rose cuttings in potatoes – an intriguing trick that’s sweeping social media
Try propagating roses and growing new plants for free with this unconventional method
By Holly Crossley Published
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How to deadhead coneflowers – expert tips for a longer-lasting floral display
Keep your echinaceas looking their best with this simple advice
By Holly Crossley Published
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Best front yard hedges for privacy – 10 leafy choices to screen your home from the street
Up your sense of security with these practical and pretty planting picks
By Holly Crossley Published
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Safety tips for a backyard pool – experts reveal 5 essentials for avoiding accidents
These insider insights will help you reduce the risks while enjoying your private pool
By Holly Crossley Published
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How often should you water hanging baskets? The experts explain, and share their top watering tips
Keep your containers up high happily hydrated
By Holly Crossley Published
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Pelargonsjuka is the Scandi-chic trend that celebrates one of our favorite plants
Forget hygge (for now) – this is the Scandinavian trend we all want to try this summer and beyond
By Holly Crossley Published
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Best plants for around a pool – 10 perfect options for a private backyard paradise
From leafy shrubs to fabulous flowers, these picks will give your pool area a beautiful, botanical touch
By Holly Crossley Published
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11 compact plunge pool ideas that will revitalize both you and your yard
These chic designs are perfect for smaller spaces and budgets
By Holly Crossley Published
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Using neem oil on plants – how to tackle pests and diseases with this all-natural solution
Help your flowers, houseplants, and crops stay in top health while staying clear of chemicals
By Holly Crossley Published
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Hollyhocks care and growing guide – expert tips for these cottage garden favorites
Grow these lofty bloomers in your yard for a pretty summer display
By Holly Crossley Published
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Drought-tolerant trees – 10 resilient choices for low-maintenance yards
These reliable and robust options are ideal for warmer climes with less rainfall
By Holly Crossley Published
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Patio shade ideas – 11 stylish ways to stay cool this summer
Escape the heat when relaxing outdoors with these stunning looks
By Holly Crossley Published
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How to heat a pool without a heater – 5 clever ways to keep the water warm
Swim in comfort while keeping costs down with this insider advice
By Holly Crossley Published
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Why is my pool turning green? – expert tips on tackling algae for a fresher and safer swim
Enjoy crystal clear water that's free of green goo with this insider info
By Holly Crossley Published
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How to protect container plants from hot weather – 5 ways to help patio displays survive a heatwave
Blazing sunshine and excessive heat won't be a problem for your potted plants with these simple tips
By Holly Crossley Published
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Drought-tolerant plants for pots – 10 easy-care choices for stunning summer containers
Create a gorgeous patio display that won't need constant watering in the heat
By Holly Crossley Published
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Composting mistakes – 6 errors to avoid for a successful result
Avoid these common errors when making this valuable garden material for your pots, borders, and more
By Holly Crossley Published