Articles by Jacky Parker | Homes and Gardens

Jacky Parker is a freelance lifestyle journalist and writer, producing a wide range of features for magazines and websites. She has written for Homes & Gardens and its sister titles, Livingetc and Country Homes & Interiors for more than 15 years, both as a freelance contributor and staff member, regularly reporting on the latest interiors, gardens and lifestyle inspiration, speaking to experts in their respective fields and discovering the newest tips.

Jacky has also written for Sunday Times Style, The Telegraph, The Guardian, Country Living, Red, House Beautiful, Elle Decoration and more.

Latest articles by Jacky Parker

8 Container Refresh Tricks That Make Your Whole Garden Look Newly Planted - Instant Refreshes To Avoid Pots Looking Tired Before Hosting Season

Create a spectacular setting for summer entertaining and make light work of container gardening with these easy wins from gardening experts

This is The Only Fragrant Climber You Need To Trail Over a Pergola – For Naturally Scented, Colorful Evenings of Summer Hosting

Clematis offers a spectacular long-lasting, floral canopy that will bloom until fall

By Jacky Parker Published 6 June 26
Designers Are Ditching All-White Gardens – These Gentler Color Palettes Are Replacing Them for Summer 2026

With influences from naturalistic planting and native species, these color palettes are beautifully cohesive and highly composed, without being contrived

By Jacky Parker Published 1 June 26
7 Unusual Wildflowers To Sprinkle In Your Garden In May – For a Whimsical Display That Will Last Until Fall

Sow these lesser-known seeds while the soil is warm for a magical meadow-scape that will support pollinators, too

By Jacky Parker Published 23 May 26
The May Planting Formula That Brings Bees and Butterflies Back to Your Yard Fast

Ecological gardeners explain the six steps that will have pollinators beating a path to your patch this month

By Jacky Parker Published 15 May 26
What To Do With Peonies In May For Spectacular Blooms And Sturdy Plants

Experts advise what to do this month to ensure your peonies are strong and sturdy, with longer-lasting blooms that return each year

By Jacky Parker Published 9 May 26
What Your Yard Needs to Attract Downy Woodpeckers This Spring – and Keep Them Coming Back All Year

These beautiful birds can take care of pest control for you by eating destructive insects

By Jacky Parker Published 1 May 26

7 Simple Tricks to Attract a Tufted Titmouse – And Turn Your Backyard Into a Bird Haven

There is much you can do to entice these cute crested songbirds – discover what ornithology experts suggest

By Jacky Parker Published 23 April 26
Creating an idyllic garden for American Goldfinches requires these 5 things

Employ these simple strategies and enjoy more of this sociable species' pretty plumage and cheerful chirruping in your yard

By Jacky Parker Published 16 April 26
How to Attract More American Robins to Your Yard - And Keep Them There

With their cheerful song and charming orange breast, these are popular birds to entice – discover how according to experts

By Jacky Parker Published 10 April 26
Discover the Secret Recipe to Bring Bluebirds to Your Yard – It’s All Down to the Right Plants, Food, Shelter and Water

Back from the brink after huge population decline, there is still much homeowners can do to encourage these beautiful birds

By Jacky Parker Published 4 April 26
These Low Maintenance Plants for Pots Are so Fuss Free, They Practically care of Themselves – 7 That Don't Mind Being Ignored

Even if you forget about them, these plants will still thrive

By Jacky Parker Published 2 April 26
The Red Tape Rule That Attracts Hummingbirds – This Works Whether You Have an Urban Courtyard or a Country Garden

This simple trick will entice these feathered-foragers who are on the hunt for hot-hued flowers

By Jacky Parker Published 29 March 26

5 Shrubs That Give Hummingbirds Shelter and a Safe Place to Rest

Give these tiny creatures a place to rest, feed, and feel safe, and they will be drawn to your yard

By Jacky Parker Published 20 March 26
5 Easy Ways to Make Your Balcony Hummingbird-Friendly – Even if You Live in a City

You can make migration less hazardous for these captivating creatures

By Jacky Parker Published 13 March 26
Discover When Hummingbirds Will Return To Your Garden – And How To Be Ready To Keep Them There

Here's how to follow the flyways, and attract these avian superstars as they flit through your region

By Jacky Parker Published 10 March 26
What Your Hyacinths Need in March to Make Them Bloom Again (And Again)

Don't throw out your hyacinth bulbs once they have flowered

By Jacky Parker Published 4 March 26
Dopamine Digging And Other Fun Feb Garden Tasks For Instant Hits Of Joy

We reveal the most rewarding tasks to tackle when it's cold outside to boost your mood and get set for spring

By Jacky Parker Published 22 February 26
9 Signs Your Indoor Plants Have Draft Damage – And What To Do About It

Discover how to decipher these clues from your houseplants and prevent lasting damage caused by drafts

By Jacky Parker Published 16 February 26

Discover the 9 Features All Bird-Friendly Gardens Have in Common – To Enrich Your Yard with Wildlife

Discover the best conditions for our feathered friends and you'll have a yard alive with birdsong and beauty

By Jacky Parker Published 10 February 26
How to Perfect the ‘First-impression Formula’ This Holiday Season to Make Your Guests Feel Welcome

Create a lasting impression for your guests with insider tips from interior designers and etiquette experts

By Jacky Parker Published 21 December 25
Best plants for living fences – 7 varieties to green up a bare boundary no matter the size or style of your yard

From flowering shrubs and woody perennials to trees and grasses, discover which plants will most suit your yard's perimeter

By Jacky Parker Published 18 July 25
8 resilient trees that will thrive in cities – these species will absorb pollution, cool the air and grow in compact spaces with minimal maintenance

Choose these tree species for greener, cooler, more natural urban spaces

By Jacky Parker Published 12 July 25
7 best plants for small backyards – compact yet striking species that will transform even the tiniest of yards

Having a small yard doesn't mean you have to compromise on plants

By Jacky Parker Published 10 July 25
Catmint vs catnip – what is the difference between these popular perennials?

Discover how to discern the difference between these plants and grow what's most suitable for your yard

By Jacky Parker Published 23 June 25

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