Latest articles by Thomas Rutter
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How to grow periwinkle – for a shade-tolerant and sprawling ground cover plant
Shade-loving periwinkle plants are perfect for filling troublesome spots under trees and shrubs
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Should you cut back blazing star in the winter or spring? Expert pruning advice for this popular native plant
Pruning perennials at the right time is essential for plant health
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How to protect avocado trees in winter – expert advice to keep these fruiting trees safe from the cold
Winterizing avocado trees is crucial as they do not like frost, snow or cold
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How to eliminate invasive weeds in your yard – identify and eradicate problem plants from your borders
Learn how to spot and stop invasive weeds with our expert-approved guide
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6 things that make a yard look cheap, say garden designers – and how to avoid making these mistakes for a stylish plot in 2025
Garden experts reveal the dos and don'ts to help breathe fresh life into your yard
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Plants that complement hellebores – for colorful borders full of winter and spring flowers
One garden expert reveals the best planting companions for much-loved hellebores
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How to grow Arkansas blue star – for a drought-tolerant and flood-resistant native perennial with sky blue blooms
This southern native perennial will add height, texture and color to borders
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Why is my rose of Sharon turning yellow? Expert advice for common gardening problems
If your rose of Sharon shrubs are discolored, it is important to diagnose and treat them as soon as possible
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Bird feeder cameras are the must-have digital wildlife gadget to enjoy in 2025 – and these are the products that have our attention
These cameras allow you to take incredible photographs of garden birds from the comfort of your home
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Invasive climbers never to grow – 5 vines to avoid and what you should grow instead
Many invasive climbers can quickly cover garden walls and fences, out-competing other vines
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I've scoured the weirdest gardening gadgets on the internet you didn’t know you needed – but won't be able to live without
They might be unusual, but as a gardener, I would love any one of these gadgets in my tool shed
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Easiest evergreen shrubs to grow – 5 foolproof plants for year-round greenery
Whether grown in borders or pots, these easy evergreens will maintain interest in all seasons
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Best edible hedge plants – 5 shrubs perfect for nutritious boundaries
Growing edible hedge plants will add fruits and flavor to the perimeter of your plot
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How to protect palm trees in winter – expert gardening advice to keep your tropical plants safe during cold weather
Winterizing palm trees is crucial in colder, northern regions
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How to grow coleus – for an unusual plant with dramatic foliage
This tender plant is valued for its impactful, colorful leaf display
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I'm a professional gardener, and a pruning sickle is a game-changing tool for cutting back perennials – and I rate my favorite five stars
The right tool makes a difference, and pruning sickles can be transformative
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How and when to prune climbing hydrangeas – for healthy flowering vines that will bloom better than ever next year
Knowing the right time to prune climbing hydrangeas will keep your plants looking their best
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Invasive trees never to grow – 5 species to avoid and which trees you should plant instead
Many invasive trees can cause harm to your yard by crowding out native species
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Time is running out for planting tulip and daffodil bulbs, but this tool will speed the process up before winter arrives
Planting plenty of bulbs in the fall will produce a vibrant spring display
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Best ground cover plants to prevent soil erosion – expert-approved species to stabilize sloping areas
These 5 ground cover planting options will help to bind the soil and control erosion
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How to grow Solomon's seal – for a graceful part-shade perennial with bell-like blooms
Discover how to grow Solomon's seal to enjoy delicate, pendulous spring flowers
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How and when to fertilize winter jasmine – avoid harming your plants by feeding at the wrong time
Fertilizing during the wrong season can reduce winter jasmine blooms
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How to protect mulberry trees in winter – gardening advice to keep your fruiting plants safe from the cold
Young mulberry trees or plants grown in pots need winterizing to help keep them protected from frost and snow
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Invasive bulbs to never plant – 5 flowering bulbs to keep out of your garden and what you should grow instead
While the list of invasive bulbs is small, there are some troublesome species to avoid planting
