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 grow cucumbers – expert tips to grow from seed and get top summer harvests
Discover how to grow cucumbers for the most refreshing crop you’ll be enjoying all summer long
By Melanie Griffiths Last updated
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How to prune cucumber plants
Discover how to prune cucumber plants to keep them in shape and ensure a bumper harvest
By Melanie Griffiths Last updated
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How to clean hardwood floors
Discover how to clean hardwood floors to restore their natural shine, remove stains, and protect them from damage, with advice from industry experts
By Melanie Griffiths Last updated
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How to refinish hardwood floors – and keep them in top condition
Refinish hardwood floors and make them look their best. This is what you need to know
By Melanie Griffiths Last updated
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How to clean cast iron – remove rust, reseason and refinish
Discover how to clean cast iron pans, furniture and architectural features to keep them in good condition, remove rust and make them last a lifetime
By Melanie Griffiths Last updated
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How to clean encaustic tiles – an expert guide
Discover how to clean encaustic tiles to restore their vibrancy, remove ingrained dirt, and protect them from damage, with advice from the experts
By Melanie Griffiths Last updated
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How to prune wisteria – and the best time to do it
Learn how to prune wisteria for a healthier plant with maximum blooms
By Melanie Griffiths Last updated
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Why are my rose leaves turning yellow?
Wondering why your rose leaves are turning yellow? Discover the likely cause and how to fix it
By Melanie Griffiths Last updated
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How to harvest sunflower seeds – for planting, eating and feeding wildlife
Discover how to harvest sunflower seeds to enjoy these iconic summer blooms to their fullest
By Melanie Griffiths Last updated
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How to collect zinnia seeds – for an endless supply of glorious flowers
Discover how to collect zinnia seeds to add color and interest to your garden next summer and beyond
By Melanie Griffiths Last updated
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How to grow runner beans – from seed and in pots
Discover how to grow runner beans with our step-by-step guide, and you'll be enjoying this delicious crop for months to come
By Melanie Griffiths Last updated
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When to cut back peonies – for show-stopping blooms next year
Discover when to cut back peonies to ensure the plants stay healthy and disease free, and keep producing the best possible flowers
By Melanie Griffiths Last updated
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Best plants for hanging baskets – 17 stunning ideas
Discover the best plants for hanging baskets to brighten up your garden in the months ahead – including perennial favorites and low-maintenance options
By Melanie Griffiths Last updated
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Best trees to grow in pots – 15 compact varieties for year round interest
Choose the best trees to grow in pots to add color, height and interest to patios and courtyards
By Melanie Griffiths Last updated
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How to clean a fireplace – these expert tips will keep your fireplace looking its best
Discover how to clean a fireplace the right way, to restore its luster and make it the heart of your living room year round
By Melanie Griffiths Last updated
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Best trailing plants for hanging baskets – 12 beautiful ideas
Discover the best trailing plants for hanging baskets, to create a romantic feel and brighten up dull areas of the garden
By Melanie Griffiths Last updated
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How to prune roses – for long lasting blooms and healthy plants
Follow this guide on how to prune roses to get the best out of your plants and boost flower production
By Melanie Griffiths Published
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When to plant lavender – for wonderful scent and color
Discover when to plant lavender to enjoy the sight and fragrance of this glorious wildlife-friendly Mediterranean herb
By Melanie Griffiths Last updated
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Mosquito repellent plants – 10 natural pest-deterrents for your garden
If you’re tired of being bitten, then grow the best mosquito repellent plants to help keep the critters away
By Melanie Griffiths Last updated
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When can you transplant hydrangeas? Expert tips on moving these plants safely and successfully
Knowing the right time to transplant hydrangeas is key if you want these showy plants to thrive for many summers to come
By Melanie Griffiths Published
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Vegetable garden trellis ideas – 18 ways to maximize your home harvest
These pretty and practical vegetable garden trellis ideas will make a feature out of your crops, while ensuring successful growth
By Melanie Griffiths Published
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Vegetable garden container ideas – 20 ways to grow crops in pots
Grow your own potted harvest with vegetable garden container ideas that are both beautiful and productive
By Melanie Griffiths Published
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How to plant tulip bulbs – for a dazzling display of spring flowers
Learn how to plant tulip bulbs to enjoy their beautiful color and varied blooms in your spring garden
By Melanie Griffiths Published
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Crepe myrtle not blooming? Here's why
Seven reasons that explain a crepe myrtle not blooming – and how to fix it
By Melanie Griffiths Published