
Rachel Bull
Rachel is a gardening editor, floral designer, flower grower and gardener. Her journalism career began 17 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 professionally as a floral designer and stylist for six years, and has created floral installations at iconic venues. She joined the Homes & Gardens team in 2023, where she heads up the Gardens section, and presents the weekly gardening and floristry social series Petals & Roots. Her love of gardening has endured throughout her entire career, and she now grows an abundance of vegetables, flowers, trees and shrubs on her rambling plot. An expert in cut flowers, Rachel 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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Trust me, window boxes can thrive even in shade – and this is my go-to plant recipe for adding zest and light to a gloomy ledgePicking beautiful shade plants and ensuring good drainage is key to success
By Rachel Bull Published
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Should I cover my outside faucet in winter? Experts explain how this simple task can save you hundreds of dollars in damagesFrozen faucets cause more issues than not being able to water your plants
By Rachel Bull Last updated
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How to fertilize dahlias to get more flowers than ever before this summer – plus the only types to useNot all fertilizers are ideal for dahlias, but choosing the right one will make all the difference
By Rachel Bull Published
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Should you buy houseplants from Amazon? Our editors reveal the 'green flags' you need to watch for, and how to choose healthy, thriving plantsTrust us, we are houseplant shopping pros
By Rachel Bull Published
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The secret to stopping squirrels from destroying your yard is hiding in your kitchen pantry – and I know exactly how to use itGarlic is a powerful natural defence against squirrels and other garden pests
By Rachel Bull Published
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7 whimsical plants that will give a magical, fairy garden feel to your yardIf you love flower fairies, look no further than this delightful plant curation
By Rachel Bull Published
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I’ve discovered a fresh herb that squirrels hate, but you will adore – and it’s an ideal form of natural pest controlPeppermint is a powerful pest repellent, as long as it is applied in the correct way
By Rachel Bull Published
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I’ve come up with a clever way to cover my bare fence instantly – and create a vertical kitchen garden that tastes as good as it looksYou can do this in minutes and it looks amazingly effective
By Rachel Bull Published
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I'm an expert florist, and this is my simple, go-to formula for making the perfect hand-tied bouquetCreate stunning arrangements for your home with this simple step-by-step guide
By Rachel Bull Published
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12 last minute Father's Day gifts for the dad who has everythingStill searching for the perfect present for the dad in your life? These gifts for the keen cook and gardener have got you covered
By Katrina Harper-Lewis Published
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Best umbellifer plants – 5 whimsical, elegant flowers that will dance and delight in borders, softening planting schemesThese fairy-like blooms will help you to create a wildlife haven in your yard
By Rachel Bull Published
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The Glasshouse Garden at Chelsea Flower Show is a masterclass in bold, meaningful color – I predict this combination will be everywhere in 2026The rich, jewel tones within Jo Thompson's planting palette symbolise strength and resilience
By Rachel Bull Published
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First-ever striped David Austin rose debuts at Chelsea Flower Show 2025 in honor of King Charles IIITaking more than a decade to breed and produce, The King’s Rose is a charming delight for the senses
By Rachel Bull Published
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How to save leggy cosmos seedlings in 3 easy steps – so you never lose a plant againYou can save all your leggy cosmos seedlings with this simple gardening trick
By Rachel Bull Published
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Stop thinking of heirlooms as antique pieces of furniture – seeds can be just as collectable and vital in preserving culture all over the worldFind out how you can become a seed hero – or perhaps you are one already
By Rachel Bull Published
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'A flower grown from seed is the perfect metaphor for our individual creativity' – why 2025 floral trends are about stepping back and letting nature ground usDiscover how to keep your floral designs fresh and current with the latest trend advice
By Rachel Bull Published
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7 New Year’s gardening resolutions our editors are committing to in 2025Be inspired to refresh your backyard by discovering what our team of editors will be focusing on this year
By Rachel Bull Published
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These 9 gardening trends will be huge in 2025, says leading US horticultural societyFrom gardening under glass to backyard orchards, here’s how to get started with these emerging trends
By Rachel Bull Published
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How to set your gardening goals – for a joyous and fruitful yard in 2025Learn how to set clear, intentional gardening goals this year and watch your backyard dreams come true
By Rachel Bull Last updated
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How to propagate air plants – and the exact conditions plant pups need to thriveDiscover how to multiply these ethereal and exotic indoor plants
By Rachel Bull Published
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I tested the Felco 290 pole pruner – it was so easy to use I felt like I'd been given a gardening superpowerI was unsure whether I'd be able to manage a pruner with an 8.5ft reach, but this Swiss brand really is worth the investment
By Rachel Bull Published
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This Mediterranean style garden in California is a masterclass in native and drought-tolerant planting that provides year-round beautyModern elegance is balanced with lush Mediterranean planting in this low-water use space
By Rachel Bull Published
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Floral foam alternatives – 12 natural, eco-friendly and reusable options for your flower arrangements, including one you can grab straight from the kitchen pantrySwitch out floral foam for any one of these environmentally-friendly options and the planet will thank you
By Rachel Bull Published
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I've just discovered a festive plant hack – a Christmas cactus alternative that doesn't need watering, and even works in wreathsWaxed amaryllis bulbs might just be the easiest way to create fuss-free, festive floral designs
By Rachel Bull Published
