
Thomas Rutter
Thomas is a Content Editor within the Gardens Team at Homes and Gardens. He has been working as a gardener and garden writer for several years. Whilst completing his Horticultural Traineeship at the Garden Museum, he was able to gain experience at many world famous gardens, including Sissinghurst, Lowther Castle and Iford Manor. Following this, he worked for two private estates in Tuscany, Italy. During this time, he developed expertise regarding practical gardening and growing in dry and hot climates. He has managed kitchen gardens and cut flower gardens.
When not gardening, Thomas writes on gardens and garden history. His work ranges from 'how to' guides, book reviews, and longer form copy on the history of gardening and garden design. He has written for a ariety of publications, including The English Garden, Gardens Illustrated, Hortus and Bloom. He has co-authored a Lonely Planet travel book, The Tree Atlas, due out in 2024.
Latest articles by Thomas Rutter
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Best climbers to grow in pots – 5 easy-to-grow vines that will transform small spaces with vibrant color
Make the most of small terraces, patios and balconies by filling pots with colorful climbers
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow Virginia creeper – it may divide opinion, but this fast-growing, shade-tolerant vine will cover walls and fences in record time
If you are looking for spectacular fall color, Virginia creeper is the climbing plant to grow
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow tree peonies in pots – for a show-stopping shrub that will thrive in partially shaded yards
With large, saucer-like blooms, tree peonies are the ultimate flowering shrub
By Thomas Rutter Published
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This $20 pop-up greenhouse from ALDI is perfect for small yards – it will turbocharge your tomato harvests this summer
Easy to use and compact to store, pop-up greenhouses are ideal for patio or balcony gardeners
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to weed a garden quickly – professional gardeners reveal the five-minute weeding jobs to do now and get your yard summer-ready
Short on time? These time-efficient tasks will keep on top of problem plants
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Can you revive woody rosemary plants? Expert pruning advice from a professional gardener to save old, leggy herbs
With the right pruning approach, old and woody rosemary plants can be brought back to life
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Small yard but want to grow your own crops? This wooden cold frame is 40% off at Wayfair – and it's perfect for tiny patios and apartments
Cold frames are a sensible investment for any gardeners struggling for space on balconies, backyards or patios
By Thomas Rutter Published
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5 fast-growing tiny flowers – expert recommendations to fill your pots and borders with color in record time
These fast-growing tiny flowers prove that miniature can also be marvelous
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow sassafras – for a low-maintenance native tree that can even be planted in shady yards
For an easy-to-grow North American tree, you will not find much better than sassafras
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow crepe myrtle in pots – and transform even the smallest of yards with dazzling flowers this summer
Growing crepe myrtles in pots will inject splashes of brilliant color into your outside space
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Is the viral salt hack the secret to a weed-free patio? A garden expert warns of irreparable, long-term damage – plus reveals the safest way to get results
You might have seen gardeners on TikTok or Instagram using salt to kill weeds in pavers, but this hack should be avoided at all costs
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Worst-smelling plants to avoid – experts reveal 5 pungent species and suggest perfumed options to grow instead
These are some of the worst-smelling plants that can cause quite a stink
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to fertilize magnolias – garden experts reveal the secrets to better blooming, and timing is critical
Magnolias are famed for their spring flowers, and feeding at the right time can give trees a boost
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to revive old rhododendron plants – pruning advice from a professional gardener to save your struggling shrubs
With the right pruning approach, you can rejuvenate old and woody rhododendrons
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow medlar trees – to enjoy a harvest of unusual fruits from this forgotten heritage species
Medlar fruits were once a popular delicacy, yet today, they are a rare find
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Best fragrant shrubs – 5 perfumed plants to transform garden borders and pot displays this summer
Grow one or more of the best fragrant shrubs to add a sensory element to your yard
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow mandevilla in pots – and elevate your outside space with impactful tropical flowers this summer
Learning how to grow mandevilla in pots will add a colorful and vertical accent to any size plot
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Skyseed is a vigorous invasive weed that is becoming a problem in backyards – here's how to identify and control it
Gardeners in North America should keep an eye out for this vigorous perennial weed
By Thomas Rutter Published
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When do hummingbirds return from migration? Wildlife experts reveal when to expect them and how you can help
As hummingbirds return to North America, gardeners can play a part in caring for these weary travellers
By Thomas Rutter Published
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All you need to know about keeping chickens – a comprehensive guide to caring for hens in your backyard
Find out what’s involved in keeping chickens and enjoy a constant supply of freshly laid eggs straight from your garden
By Thomas Rutter Last updated
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Best flowering ground cover plants – 5 expert-approved species to fill your borders with vibrant color
These flowering ground cover plants will not only look good but will also prove popular with bees and butterflies
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow red hot poker – for low-maintenance and long-lasting flower spikes that pollinators adore
If you enjoy colorful, vibrant borders, there can be no better perennial to grow than red hot pokers
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Best perennials to attract hummingbirds – 5 fantastic flowers to grow, as recommended by master gardeners
These colorful and fragrant perennials will prove popular with hummingbirds and other pollinators
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow lantana in pots – and transform even tiny gardens with masses of kaleidoscopic flowers this year
For colorful and wildlife-friendly blooms, there can be no better plant than lantana
By Thomas Rutter Published