Rachel Bull
Rachel is a gardening writer, flower grower and floral designer. Her journalism career began 15 years ago on Country Living magazine, sparking a love of container gardening and wild planting. After more than a decade writing for and editing a range of consumer, business and special interest titles, Rachel became editor of floral art magazine The Flower Arranger. She then trained and worked as a floral designer and stylist in London for six years, and has created floral installations at iconic London venues including Kew Gardens, the Barbican and Peckham's Asylum Chapel. In 2022, she moved to York and later joined the Homes & Gardens team. Her love of gardening has endured throughout, and she now grows an abundance of vegetables and flowers on her rambling Yorkshire plot. She is particularly interested in sustainable gardening methods and growing flowers and herbs for wellbeing. In summer 2024, she was invited to Singapore to learn about the nation state's ambitious plan to create a city in nature, discovering a world of tropical planting and visionary urban horticulture.
Latest articles by Rachel Bull
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Can boiling water kill weeds? Horticultural experts reveal all
Chemical-free, sustainable solutions for weed control is often high on a gardener’s priority list, so could boiling water be the answer?
By Rachel Bull Published
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These are the 5 essential components to designing any garden space, according to an NYC landscape architect
Based on decades of experience, landscape designer Ed Hollander shares with H&G the secrets to creating a cohesive, kind and joyful outside space
By Rachel Bull Published
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This is the best material to propagate cuttings in – plant stylist Hilton Carter swears by this technique
Insider tips on how to grow the strongest and healthiest plants from your existing collection
By Rachel Bull Published
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How to care for tulips in a vase – and prevent them from drooping
Our expert florist shares the dos and don'ts to perfectly poised tulips, and explains how to style them like a pro
By Rachel Bull Published
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What is keyhole gardening? And how to add this sustainable growing system to your backyard
This method of raised bed gardening is an ideal solution if you live in a challenging climate
By Rachel Bull Published
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How often should I change the water in a vase of flowers? Our expert florist weighs in
To ensure maximum vase life for your cut flowers it is crucial to change the water, but how often should you be doing it?
By Rachel Bull Published
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How to practice mindful gardening – and cultivate a sense of calm
Learn how to be more present in the garden with these simple mindfulness techniques
By Rachel Bull Published
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Green therapy: how gardening can improve your physical and mental wellbeing
The mood-boosting impacts of gardening are undeniable - we take a closer look at how it really can improve our health
By Rachel Bull Last updated
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These are the most romantic spring flowers to give on Valentine's Day – and there’s not a rose in sight
Ditch the roses on February 14th in favor of these stunning and more sustainable alternatives, says this expert florist
By Rachel Bull Published
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How to grow winter aconites – for tiny splashes of sunshine in the garden
These diminutive blooms are ideal for bringing life to your yard in the winter
By Rachel Bull Published
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How to enclose a wild-ish patch – and transform a natural area of your yard
In this book excerpt, professional forager Tama Matsuoka Wong shows us how to style a wild area, and make it look intentional
By Rachel Bull Published
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Hot composting – an expert guide on how to get fresh compost in 28 days
Hot composting transforms kitchen leftovers and grass clippings into rich compost in just four weeks
By Rachel Bull Published
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Lessons from a professional forager – get curious, allow plants to fail and embrace invasive weeds, says NYC restaurant supplier
Discover how to reframe your attitude to weeds and forage for edible delicacies right on your doorstep
By Rachel Bull Published
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How to set your gardening goals – and make sure you achieve them in 2024
Learn how to set intentional and clear gardening goals for this year and watch your backyard dreams come to fruition
By Rachel Bull Published
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What is native planting? Our expert guide to understanding this vital gardening trend
Discover why native planting is so important right now, and how you can get started in your own backyard
By Rachel Bull Published
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These are the key industry trends we will be embracing in our own backyards – for a sustainable start to the gardening year
Discover the gardening industry ideas that will provide long-term, stylish solutions to your backyard schemes
By Rachel Bull Published
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7 mood-boosting ideas for gardeners in winter – to help protect your mental health in January
The flower beds may not be blooming, but there are still so many ways to connect with your garden and nature during the winter months
By Rachel Bull Published
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Why is my poinsettia dropping leaves? Tips for healthy holiday plants
Discover why your poinsettia plant might be dropping leaves, and the best ways to remedy it
By Rachel Bull Published
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These are the 2024 floral design trends industry pros predict we will be seeing more of in the new year
Whether it’s a deeper connection with nature or bold, exuberant color palettes, these floral trends will dominate in 2024, according to industry experts
By Rachel Bull Published
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How to help garden birds in winter – 7 ideas for providing shelter and food
Discover how you can help to support your backyard bird life throughout the coldest months of the year with these expert tips
By Rachel Bull Published
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How to make strawflower baubles – these jewel-like festive decorations will instantly elevate your holiday decor
Learn how to create your own dried flower baubles for unique, natural decorations with a premium feel
By Rachel Bull Published
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How to take hardwood cuttings – Monty Don explains why this is the ideal way to reproduce your favorite plants
November is the perfect time to take hardwood cuttings - we share the expert way to do it
By Rachel Bull Published
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How to choose a rain chain – 4 essential points to consider when selecting a rain chain for your yard
We take a look at which styles of rain chain are most efficient and would work best depending on your local climate
By Rachel Bull Published
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USDA updates hardiness zone map for the first time in over a decade – here's what it means for your garden
The updated USDA hardiness zone map reveals more than half of the United States has warmed, increasing the range of plants and flowers that many gardeners are able to grow
By Rachel Bull Published