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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Now is the perfect time to take weigela cuttings – a step-by-step guide to propagation success
Learning how to take weigela cuttings is a free and fun way to grow your shrub collection
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow hedge apple trees – the native species with otherworldly fruits
Resilient and reliable, this native tree is an unusual species to grow at the back of the yard
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Why doesn't my holly tree have berries? Expert advice for this festive foliage plant
Discover the reasons for berryless holly trees in your yard
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Easiest evergreen trees to grow – 5 reliable species for year-round greenery
Whether used as hedge planting or as specimen trees, these species will maintain interest during every season
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Plants that complement daffodils – for pots and borders that will dazzle in winter and spring
We reveal five plants that complement daffodils with lush foliage and vibrant color
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to create a native landscape in 2025 – experts reveal eco-friendly gardening secrets to transform your plot
Creating a space that is in sync with the wider ecosystem is not as complicated as you might think
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Best evergreen ferns – 5 unusual options to grow for year-round greenery in your yard
Introduce one or more of these striking evergreen ferns for garden interest even during fall and winter
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow evergreen clematis – for year-round greenery and extraordinary spring blooms
Evergreen clematis will prove popular with local wildlife, with birds and bees attracted to the fragrant blooms
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow periwinkle – for a shade-tolerant and sprawling ground cover plant
Shade-loving periwinkle plants are perfect for filling troublesome spots under trees and shrubs
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Should you cut back blazing star in the winter or spring? Expert pruning advice for this popular native plant
Pruning perennials at the right time is essential for plant health
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to protect avocado trees in winter – expert advice to keep these fruiting trees safe from the cold
Winterizing avocado trees is crucial as they do not like frost, snow or cold
By Thomas Rutter Published
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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