
Melanie Griffiths
Melanie is editor of Period Living, Britain’s best-selling period homes magazine, which is available internationally and covers all aspects of caring for an older home and garden.
She also writes regular articles for Homesandgardens.com, with a particular focus on gardening.
Having worked in the industry for almost two decades, Melanie is interested in all aspects of homes and gardens. Her previous roles include working on Real Homes and Homebuilding & Renovating, and she has also contributed to Gardening Etc. She has an English degree and has also studied interior design.
A country girl at heart, Melanie lives in a rural village in England, just outside the Cotswolds. She has been busy renovating her home, but it is still a work in progress – the current project is extending and remodeling the kitchen.
Her main hobby is gardening, and she spends much of her spare time outdoors, adding extra flower beds where she can find the room, and experimenting with new plants. In the past couple of years, she has become passionate about growing organic fruit and vegetables and, aside from a few notable failures, has loved cultivating her own home-grown produce.
Melanie also loves to explore heritage properties and gardens in her spare time, and endeavours to take design and planting inspiration for her own projects.
Latest articles by Melanie Griffiths
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How to prune a lemon tree – expert tips to keep it in shape
Learn how to prune a lemon tree to maximize fruit production and keep the plant looking its best
By Melanie Griffiths Last updated
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When to plant spring bulbs – for spectacular flowers
Plan a beautiful garden display with these tips
By Melanie Griffiths Last updated
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How to plant grass seed – an expert, easy step-by-step
Follow this guide on how to plant grass seed for a wonderfully lush, green lawn or to repair bare spots
By Melanie Griffiths Last updated
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When to plant grass seed – for the perfect lawn
Discover when to plant grass seed for a lush, verdant lawn in less than two months
By Melanie Griffiths Last updated
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How to take care of orchids indoors – all your questions, answered
The experts reveal their best orchid care tips, to keep these exotic houseplants thriving and blooming for years to come
By Melanie Griffiths Last updated
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Varieties of Japanese maples – 10 show-stopping acers to add to your yard
Acers make a statement with their vibrant leaves and sculptural form – here are our favorite choices
By Melanie Griffiths Published
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When and how to prune Japanese maple trees – for a glorious display
Pruning acers can help keep them in good health and looking their best year round
By Melanie Griffiths Last updated
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Japanese maples care and growing guide – top tips for these colorful trees
Acers create a spectacular feature in any outdoor space – here's how to look after them successfully
By Melanie Griffiths Last updated
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Are poinsettias poisonous to cats and dogs?
Are poinsettias poisonous to cats and dogs? Experts settle the matter once and for all
By Melanie Griffiths Published
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Best poinsettias for Christmas – our favorite poinsettia varieties
Discover the best poinsettias for Christmas, to give as gifts or add holiday cheer to your home
By Melanie Griffiths Published
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Poinsettia care tips – discover how to make this festive favorite flourish
These expert poinsettia care tips will help this festive favorite bloom throughout the holiday season
By Melanie Griffiths Last updated
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Pothos plant care – how to guarantee pothos success
Discover expert pothos plant care tips to get the best out of this glossy trailing houseplant
By Melanie Griffiths Last updated
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Best winter flowers – 14 ideas to brighten up your garden
Discover the best winter flowers to add color and interest to your garden through the coldest months
By Melanie Griffiths Last updated
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Best winter plants for pots and borders – to add color and scent
These best winter plants will add color, fragrance and structural interest to your winter garden through to spring
By Melanie Griffiths Last updated
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How to build a rockery – a step-by-step guide
Discover how to build a rockery to bring an intriguing new feature to your backyard
By Melanie Griffiths Last updated
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Beautiful kitchen ideas – 13 effortlessly elegant spaces
These beautiful kitchen ideas will make your space more unique, personal and charming – from cabinetry to finishing touches, this is what to add
By Melanie Griffiths Published
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When to plant sunflower seeds – for an eye-catching display
Discover when to plant sunflower seeds for cheering, fiery blooms during late summer and early fall
By Melanie Griffiths Last updated
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How to prune lavender – top tips for the best results
Find out how to prune lavender to keep it shapely and compact and to prevent it from becoming woody, to maximize flowering year after year
By Melanie Griffiths Published
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When to plant hydrangeas – for beautiful flowers that last
Find out when to plant hydrangeas to enjoy their superb structure and color in late summer and fall
By Melanie Griffiths Last updated
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Best balcony plants – 10 beautiful ideas to create a private oasis
Discover the best balcony plants to fill your outdoor space with natural beauty and enhance privacy
By Melanie Griffiths Published
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How to grow rosemary – from cuttings and from seed, with top care tips
Make your garden a feast for the senses by learning how to grow rosemary. This evergreen herb will become an essential ingredient in your kitchen all year round
By Melanie Griffiths Last updated
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How to design a fragrant garden – 10 beautiful, aromatic ideas
These expert ideas for designing a fragrant garden will allow you to create a feast for the senses in every season
By Melanie Griffiths Published
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Cottage porch ideas – 12 designs for a cozy, welcoming entrance
Embrace the cottage porch look to make your home feel warm and inviting, and even extend your living space
By Melanie Griffiths Last updated
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When to plant cucumber seeds – for a bumper harvest
Discover when to plant cucumber seeds for a maximum yield of the most refreshing salad crop in the veg patch
By Melanie Griffiths Last updated