Melanie Griffiths
Melanie has worked in homes and gardens media for two decades. Having previously served as Editor on Period Living magazine, and worked on Homes & Gardens, Gardening Etc, Real Homes, and Homebuilding & Renovating, she is now focusing on her passion for gardening as a Senior Editor at Gardening Know How.
In her spare time, Melanie loves to explore inspiring gardens and historic properties. Based in England, in a village just outside the Cotswolds, she is spoiled for choice as there are so many beautiful cottage gardens and Arts and Crafts schemes in the area.
As a keen home grower, Melanie has experimented with pretty much every type of vegetable at some point – with mixed results. Often it is the simplest things that elude you, which may explain why she just can't seem to master zucchinis.
Thankfully she has more luck with flowers, and has spent the last few years evolving her garden – adding beds and borders, and planting up too many containers.
Though she has more roses than anything else (at least 20 varieties), her favorite flowers are dahlias, and she adores the variety of colors and textures they bring to her garden. In addition to her gardening expertise, Melanie has also studied interior design, and has a BA in English and IT.
Latest articles by Melanie Griffiths
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Best plants for hanging baskets – 18 ideas to suit any spot in your yard or home
Add color and drama to your hanging baskets with these long-lasting plant suggestions that will grow in full sun or shade
By Melanie Griffiths Last updated
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How to plant grass seed – 5 expert-approved steps to get a lush and green lawn
Step-by-step advice 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 can you transplant hydrangeas? Expert advice on successfully moving these glorious plants to new parts of your yard
Discover the right time to transplant hydrangeas for your climate, and how to avoid potential transplant shock
By Melanie Griffiths Last updated
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How to prune lavender – top tips to maximize flowering for young and mature plants
Keep your lavender shapely and compact, with no woody stems in sight
By Melanie Griffiths Last updated
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When to cut back peonies – for beautiful and bright returning blooms
Keep your peonies healthy and disease-free but cutting them back at just the right time
By Melanie Griffiths Last updated
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Fall flowers for pots – 12 spectacular blooms to add seasonal color to containers
Choose from the prettiest annuals and perennials to extend the flowering season in your backyard
By Melanie Griffiths Last updated
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Deer resistant plants – 20 flowers and shrubs that deer hate
Discover an array of beautiful, deer resistant plants to keep your garden safe from local wildlife
By Melanie Griffiths Last updated
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What to plant with hydrangeas – 10 stunning companion plants
Discover unique and textural hydrangea companion plants, as recommended by experts
By Melanie Griffiths Last updated
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Best trees to grow in pots – 16 species to suit any outdoor space
Growing trees in containers gives us so much more freedom to plant creatively on our patios and terraces
By Melanie Griffiths Last updated
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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 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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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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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