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 plant bulbs – expert tips for every type of bulb flower
Take the time to learn how to plant bulbs properly, and your garden will be bursting with color in every season
By Melanie Griffiths Published
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Deer resistant plants – 17 best shrubs, perennials and annuals
Discover the most beautiful deer resistant plants to keep your garden safe from local wildlife
By Melanie Griffiths Published
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How to harvest tomato seeds – grow more delicious varieties
Learn how to harvest tomato seeds and you’ll always have a fresh supply of the best crops for your home veg patch
By Melanie Griffiths Published
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When to prune lilacs – to maximize flowering
Discover when to prune lilacs to keep these fragrant beauties blooming for months on end
By Melanie Griffiths Published
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How to care for a Venus flytrap – to keep it thriving
Discover how to care for a Venus flytrap – the plant world's most fascinating predator
By Melanie Griffiths Published
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Aloe plant care – how to make your aloe vera flourish
Discover the key rules of aloe plant care, to keep your houseplant in optimum health for years to come
By Melanie Griffiths Published
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Money tree care – get the best out of this exotic houseplant
Discover the essential steps of money tree care, to keep these tropical beauties thriving
By Melanie Griffiths Published
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When to plant zinnia seeds – for a bold and beautiful show
Find out when to plant zinnia seeds to fill the backyard with vibrant color in summer and fall
By Melanie Griffiths Published
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When to repot orchids – for beautiful blooms
Discover when to repot orchids to not maximize their flowering potential, and ensure they keep flourishing for years to come
By Melanie Griffiths Published
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How to dry flowers – for everlasting blooms
Discover how to dry flowers to preserve cherished blooms and make a beautiful decorative display in your home
By Melanie Griffiths Published
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Easiest vegetables to grow – 10 best crops for beginners
Discover the easiest vegetables to grow in your garden for a bumper harvest of delicious and healthy home-grown produce
By Melanie Griffiths Published
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How to decorate Easter eggs – for a pretty seasonal display
Discover how to decorate Easter eggs with painting, decoupage and more
By Melanie Griffiths Published
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When to lay turf – for a lush, healthy lawn
Discover when to lay turf for the fastest route to a lawn you can be proud of
By Melanie Griffiths Published
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How to prune climbing roses – for maximum flowers
Discover how to prune climbing roses – including rambling varieties – for healthy plants and a profusion of the most beautiful blooms
By Melanie Griffiths Published
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How to plant dahlia tubers – for a glorious floral display
Discover how to plant dahlia tubers to fill your pots and borders with fabulous flowers from summer to fall
By Melanie Griffiths Published
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Best plants for pots all year round – 10 standout varieties
Choose the best plants for pots all year round to fill your garden with color, texture and interest throughout the seasons
By Melanie Griffiths Published
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What to plant with hydrangeas – 10 beautiful companion plants
Discover favorite and unique hydrangea companion plants, as recommended by experts
By Melanie Griffiths Published
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How to grow cress – indoors or in the garden
Find out how to grow cress, the fastest growing crop that goes from seed to plate in less than a week
By Melanie Griffiths Published
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How to take plant cuttings – grow more of your favorite plants
Discover how to take plant cuttings from shrubs, perennials and trees to propagate more of your best-loved varieties
By Melanie Griffiths Published
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How to grow okra – from seed and in pots
Discover how to grow okra, the most versatile superfood that goes from seed to plate in just 60 days
By Melanie Griffiths Published
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Bonsai tree types – 12 bonsai trees you can grow at home
Discover the most stunning bonsai tree types to grow, whether you are a beginner or looking for a challenge
By Melanie Griffiths Published
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How to plant a hanging basket – to add color and interest for months
Discover how planting in a hanging basket can create a beautiful garden feature that will endure until the end of summer
By Melanie Griffiths Published
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Best trees for small gardens – 10 best trees for tiny yards
Add color and interest with the best trees for a small garden – from standout varieties for pots to evergreen beauties
By Melanie Griffiths Published
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Best fruit trees – 10 to grow in your backyard
Grow your own backyard orchard with the best fruit trees – from traditional favorites to more unusual varieties
By Melanie Griffiths Published