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 grow Japanese maple bonsai trees – for miniature gardens with spectacular fall color
Patience is needed when practicing the art of bonsai, yet this slow and mindful approach to gardening can be transformative
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to divide hummingbird mint – expert propagation advice for this native perennial
While many people divide perennials in the fall, this is not the ideal time to divide hummingbird mint
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow creeping juniper – for a native evergreen ground cover
Everything you need to know to ensure this low-growing pine thrives in your borders
By Thomas Rutter Published
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What to do with hibiscus in the fall – expert advice to prepare for the winter months
How to care for these flowering shrubs to prepare them for the coldest time of year
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How and when to prune monkey grass – expert advice for this part-shade perennial
Trimming this shade-tolerant perennial at the right time will keep your plants in good health and your yard tidy
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow Texas sage – for a native evergreen shrub with pretty pink blooms
With silver foliage and masses of flowers, this unusual native shrub will add something different to your borders
By Thomas Rutter Published
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What to do with viburnums in the fall – expert tips for healthy shrubs
Whether you have a snowball bush or a nannyberry shrub in your yard, our fall care guide has all the information you need
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Bottlebrush tree problems – 3 expert-approved solutions to common garden woes
Yellow leaves? Damaged stems? Our guide will help you to keep your bottlebrush tree in good health
By Thomas Rutter Published
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What to do with wisteria in the fall – to ensure your climbers bloom better than ever next year
Everything you need to know about caring for wisteria plants in the fall to prepare for the colder months
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow firebush plants – for a native shrub that hummingbirds adore
By learning how to grow the firebush shrub you can easily attract spring pollinators to your yard
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Native alternatives to Japanese maples – 5 North American trees for a spectacular fall display
These native species are sure to add seasonal joy to any yard, and they will prove a hit with wildlife too
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow blue fescue grass – for an unusual plant with striking blue blades
This tough ornamental grass is the perfect plant to grow for a cool and calm planting scheme
By Thomas Rutter Published
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What to do with bougainvillea in the fall – expert tips to prepare your flowering climbers for the colder months
Our seasonal guide has all the information you need to know to best care for these tropical climbing plants in October and November
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow ixora – for a flowering shrub that will dazzle
For those seeking a tropical addition to the backyard, make a bold statement with colorful ixora blooms
By Thomas Rutter Last updated
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How to take mulberry tree cuttings – expert tips for successful plant propagation
Learning how to take mulberry tree cuttings is a cost-effective way to grow your tree collection
By Thomas Rutter Published
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I have planted thousands of perennials and shrubs as a professional gardener – and biochar is the secret ingredient I always recommend
Biochar is a helpful and long-lasting soil additive, with impressive results
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow a hummingbird tree – an unusual tree with striking, colorful blooms
This flowering tree is ideal if you are looking for a unique statement that will attract pollinators
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow wild ginger – for a shady ground cover plant native to North America
With lush green foliage, wild ginger is a useful plant that will thrive in darker borders
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Best evergreens for small front yards – 5 expert recommendations for year-round greenery
Utilizing evergreens is a clever way to maintain interest whatever the season, and these 5 options will not disappoint
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Best fall-flowering perennials – 7 expert-approved blooms for late-season color
Fill your yard with vibrant seasonal color by growing some of the best fall-flowering perennials
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to divide daylilies – expert propagation advice for these vigorous, colorful blooms
Plant division is a fun and free way to fill your borders with flowers
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Best ground cover plants to hide tree roots – expert-approved options to mask unsightly areas with greenery
These tough ground cover plants will hide buttress roots with striking foliage and flowers
By Thomas Rutter Published
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What to do with rhododendrons and azaleas in the fall – expert tips to prepare your shrubs for the colder months
Everything you need to know about how to care for these spectacular flowering shrubs in the fall
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Hummingbird feeder wind chimes are a beautiful way to attract native birds to your yard – and I've just found the best deals on Amazon
By placing hummingbird feeder wind chimes in trees and shrubs you can boost wildlife in your borders
By Thomas Rutter Published