Latest articles by Thomas Rutter
-
Is it necessary to fertilize Shasta daisies? Expert advice from a pro grower for long-lasting blooms this summer
Learning how to fertilize Shasta daisies can help to encourage more blooms during August and September
-
How to grow veronica – for an easy-going flowering perennial that will erupt with color every summer
This low-maintenance flowering plant is perfect for time-short gardeners
-
How to take forsythia cuttings – August is the ideal time to take semi-ripe cuttings and grow more spectacular shrubs for free
Propagate more of your favorite shrubs at zero cost this summer
-
Is it necessary to fertilize red hot pokers? Here's what I do as a plant pro to enjoy masses of long-lasting fiery flowers
Discover when and how to fertilize red hot pokers and the best products to use
-
7 flowers to plant in August to fuel the hummingbird migration – it's not too late to grow a nectar-rich floral buffet
These late-summer blooms will help hummingbirds on their journey south
-
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 law
Tree roots trespassing in your yard? Sometimes, a friendly conversation is the best course of action
-
7 fruit trees to prune in August for a bigger, better harvest – my late-summer essential checklist as a professional gardener
Trimming your mulberry, apple and pear trees in late summer is an important task never to forget
-
How to fertilize daylilies – my essential tips as a professional gardener for lush, long-lasting flowers this summer
Discover when to fertilize daylilies and the best products to use
-
Why is my agapanthus not flowering? What I've learned after years of growing these blooms as a professional gardener
If your agapanthus is lacking flowers this year, it is likely due to one of these reasons
-
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
-
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 fall
I doubt this Saker mini chainsaw will stay in stock for long
-
7 plants I always prune in August as a professional gardener – trim these flowers and shrubs now before it's too late
Late summer pruning can make all the difference to the look and vitality of your plants
-
Take cuttings of these plants in August before it is too late – 7 flowers and shrubs to propagate now before the summer window ends
August is the ideal time to take cuttings of many popular plants
-
This is the one plant to grow if you want to help endangered monarch butterflies – and it's not too late to add one to your yard this summer
As the host plant for monarch butterflies, milkweed is the one species you can grow to support this remarkable migratory species
-
An English flower garden of one's own – how Pom Shillingford grew more than just dahlias and sweet peas in the grounds of her Connecticut home
Garden Diaries: From her grandmother's greenhouse in Hampshire, England, to an exquisite flower garden in rural Connecticut, Pom Shillingford's story is one of memory, beauty and growing something deeply personal
-
Why are my Japanese maple leaves turning brown? A professional gardener reveals 5 common causes (plus how to rescue your tree)
Here's what to do if your Japanese maple has brown foliage
-
Now is the time to take sage cuttings – this is the easiest way to grow more herbs for free, just like a pro gardener
Summer is the perfect time to take semi-ripe sage cuttings
-
Should you deadhead agapanthus? Here's what I always do as a professional gardener, for minimum fuss and maximum flowers
Learning how to deadhead agapanthus will keep your blooms in tip-top shape
-
This $8 ‘Bucket of Doom’ trick stops mosquitoes breeding during summer – it's so simple, plus it won't harm other wildlife in the yard
Kill mosquito larvae before they hatch with this simple (and cost-effective) trick
-
Now’s the time to boost summer pots – this easy-to-use fertilizer shaker is the one product your garden needs for more flowers through fall
If your pots are looking a little tired, this fertilizer from Organic Plant Magic is fast and fool proof
-
These 5 popular garden plants are (surprisingly) invasive – a professional gardener issues a stark warning, and reveals what you should grow instead
Avoid planting these aggressive and vigorous species
-
Stop deadheading these 5 perennials now – they’re essential for migrating hummingbirds during summer and fall
From bee balm to salvias, these hardworking plants are vital nectar sources for hummingbirds on the move
-
5 tick-repellent ground covers – a natural solution that’s fragrant and pretty for you, but repulsive to harmful pests
Plant these low-maintenance ground covers to help deter ticks naturally
-
Can you change the color of Japanese maples? Here's what actually affects their vibrant foliage, and what you can do to help
From fiery reds to golden yellows, here's what determines the color of Japanese maples
