
Thomas Rutter
Thomas is a Gardens Writer and Author and formerly part of the Homes and Gardens team. He has been working as a gardener and garden writer for several years. Whilst completing his Horticultural Traineeship at the Garden Museum in London, 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 variety of publications, including The English Garden, Gardens Illustrated, Hortus and Bloom. He co-authored a Lonely Planet travel book, The Tree Atlas, published in 2024. His latest book, The Garden Through Time, was published in May 2026.
Latest articles by Thomas Rutter
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How to grow creeping phlox – for a resilient and pretty flowering ground cover that will illuminate backyard bordersCreeping phlox is an impactful and easy-to-grow ground cover plant
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How and when to fertilize fig trees – for lush growth and a bounty of fruit every summerThese impressive fruiting trees can benefit from the occasional application of feed
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow the Canary creeper – for a yellow-flowering climber that will prove irresistible to migrating hummingbirdsGrowing the Canary creeper is an easy way to fill your outside space with zingy yellow blooms
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to create a hummingbird border – expert advice to transform your plot into a wildlife-friendly sanctuaryThese simple actions will make your yard attractive to native hummingbirds
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Why do hummingbirds fight? Wildlife experts answer this age-old question – plus we reveal how you can keep the peace in your yardHummingbirds can be fiercely territorial, but there are ways to lessen disputes
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Evergreen shade plants can instantly illuminate dark corners of a yard – 5 expert recommendations for hard-working shrubsShady gardens can be a challenge, but these evergreens can inject some color
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow flossflower – for a tough but pretty flowering plant that will ward off mosquitoes during summerPurple flossflowers can help keep biting insects out of your yard
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow olive trees in pots – for an unfussy, evergreen container plant that will practically grow itselfGrowing olive trees in pots can help to add color and structure to any-sized yard
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to fertilize coneflowers – what I do as a professional gardener for long-lasting showstopping flowersFeeding coneflowers can help to give your plants a boost during summer
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to take evergreen magnolia cuttings – late summer is the best time to take semi-ripe cuttings and grow more magnolia trees for freeIf you have a large Southern magnolia (or other evergreen species), August is a good time to take cuttings
By Thomas Rutter Published
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'I have tried everything to stop deer destroying my garden' – 10,000+ reviews say this $49 motion-activated sprinkler is the 'only thing that works'If deer have been invading your borders this year, the Orbit 62100 motion-activated sprinkler might just be your best option
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Is it necessary to deadhead red hot pokers? What I always do as a horticulturalist to enjoy maximum flower spikesKeep your fiery flowers in tip-top shape this summer
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Is it necessary to fertilize Shasta daisies? Expert advice from a pro grower for long-lasting blooms this summerLearning how to fertilize Shasta daisies can help to encourage more blooms during August and September
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow veronica – for an easy-going flowering perennial that will erupt with color every summerThis low-maintenance flowering plant is perfect for time-short gardeners
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to take forsythia cuttings – August is the ideal time to take semi-ripe cuttings and grow more spectacular shrubs for freePropagate more of your favorite shrubs at zero cost this summer
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Is it necessary to fertilize red hot pokers? Here's what I do as a plant pro to enjoy masses of long-lasting fiery flowersDiscover when and how to fertilize red hot pokers and the best products to use
By Thomas Rutter Published
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7 flowers to plant in August to fuel the hummingbird migration – it's not too late to grow a nectar-rich floral buffetThese late-summer blooms will help hummingbirds on their journey south
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Can I cut the roots of my neighbor's tree in my yard? Attorneys and landscape professionals advise – and reveal when you might be breaking the lawTree roots trespassing in your yard? Sometimes, a friendly conversation is the best course of action
By Thomas Rutter Published
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7 fruit trees to prune in August for a bigger, better harvest – my late-summer essential checklist as a professional gardenerTrimming your mulberry, apple and pear trees in late summer is an important task never to forget
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to fertilize daylilies – my essential tips as a professional gardener for lush, long-lasting flowers this summerDiscover when to fertilize daylilies and the best products to use
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Why is my agapanthus not flowering? What I've learned after years of growing these blooms as a professional gardenerIf your agapanthus is lacking flowers this year, it is likely due to one of these reasons
By Thomas Rutter Published
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7 must-have bulbs to order in August – my go-to showstopping spring flowers as a professional gardener (get them before it is too late)While it might feel too soon, ordering spring bulbs earlier in the year (before they sell out) is a good idea
By Thomas Rutter Published
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I thought I'd need an expensive arborist, but this $39 cordless mini chainsaw is the smart way to handle tough tree pruning jobs this fallI doubt this Saker mini chainsaw will stay in stock for long
By Thomas Rutter Published
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7 plants I always prune in August as a professional gardener – trim these flowers and shrubs now before it's too lateLate summer pruning can make all the difference to the look and vitality of your plants
By Thomas Rutter Published
