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, London, he was able to gain experience at many of the UK's 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 variety of publications in the UK, including The English Garden, Gardens Illustrated, Hortus, The London Gardener 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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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
By Thomas Rutter Published
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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
By Thomas Rutter Published
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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
By Thomas Rutter Published
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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
By Thomas Rutter Published
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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
By Thomas Rutter Published
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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
By Thomas Rutter Published
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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
By Thomas Rutter Published
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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
By Thomas Rutter Published
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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
By Thomas Rutter Published
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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
By Thomas Rutter Published
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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
By Thomas Rutter Published
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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
By Thomas Rutter Published
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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
By Thomas Rutter Published
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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
By Thomas Rutter Published
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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
By Thomas Rutter Published
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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
By Thomas Rutter Last updated
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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
By Thomas Rutter Published
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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
By Thomas Rutter Published
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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
By Thomas Rutter Published
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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
By Thomas Rutter Published
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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
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to protect Japanese maple trees in winter – with expert advice to keep your plants safe from frost and snow
The approach to winterizing Japanese maple trees will depend on whether they are grown in the ground or in a pot
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Plants never to use in winter pots or window boxes – and the resilient options you should be growing instead
Stick to tough and hardy plants for your winter pot displays
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Can you plant bulbs too deep? Avoid this common mistake to guarantee brilliant spring flowers
Ensure you plant at the right depth for healthy tulip and daffodil blooms in your yard next year
By Thomas Rutter Published