
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, 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 ariety of publications, including The English Garden, Gardens Illustrated, Hortus 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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Invasive hedge plants to avoid – 5 vigorous species to keep our of your yard and what you should grow instead
Invasive hedge plants can quickly get out of control and cause damage to your home
By Thomas Rutter Published
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This hummingbird magnet will transform any garden in a single season – how to grow the vibrant trumpet vine
Growing trumpet vine is an easy way to fill your outside space with colorful blooms
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Best dwarf evergreens for small spaces – 5 compact shrubs for year-round greenery
These dwarf evergreens will maintain impact and interest in every season
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Should I take my bird feeder down during the avian flu outbreak? Experts reveal how to keep garden birds safe
Protect backyard birds by stopping the spread of avian influenza
By Thomas Rutter Published
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'If you only grow one flower this year, make it love-lies-bleeding' – how to grow this striking plant with cascades of crimson blooms
Add bold color and dramatic texture to your garden with this show-stopping plant
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Easiest bonsai trees for beginners – 5 fool-proof plants to help you master the art of gardening in miniature
These are the trees and plants to grow if you are new to the world of bonsai
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Do I have an infected bird feeder in the yard? Here's how to spot the warning signs and prevent deadly contamination
With avian flu on the rise, recognizing the signs of an infected bird feeder is important
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Evergreen trees never to grow – 5 troublesome species to avoid and what to plant instead
Many evergreen trees can cause harm to your yard by growing too large and draining the soil of moisture
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Tired of looking at bare soil under trees? These 5 shade-tolerant shrubs will maximize greenery in problem areas
Established trees can create a challenging environment for other plants, so opting to grow resilient shrubs underneath them is your best bet
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Suffering from waterlogged soil in your yard? These 5 moisture-absorbing trees can solve drainage nightmares naturally and fast
These trees will prove useful during heavy rain and stormy weather
By Thomas Rutter Published
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The essential pawpaw tree winter pruning guide – for healthy, shapely fruiting trees this year
Timing is crucial when learning how to prune pawpaw trees
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow climbing asters – for a native vining plant with lilac daisy blooms
Cover walls and fences with greenery and colorful flowers this year
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to create a maximalist border in 2025 – for an uplifting, dramatic and inspiring garden
Color and contrast will elevate your flowerbeds to the max this year
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to revive frost-damaged plants – expert advice to bring your garden back to life after a cold snap
By following our expert-approved techniques, your plants will soon bounce back after snow and frost
By Thomas Rutter Published
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These ingenious and budget-friendly ideas will protect plants from frost and snow fast, without breaking the bank
You can reuse and repurpose old items in the garden shed for fast and efficient frost protection this winter
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow marsh mallow plants – for a hardy perennial that will thrive in damp yards
This tall perennial is a good option for adding height to flower beds
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Invasive perennials to keep out of your garden – 5 species to avoid and what to grow instead
These problem perennials might display remarkable growth, but they can quickly get out of control
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to prune rowan trees – for healthy, shapely trees that are full of berries
Timing is everything when learning how to prune rowan trees
By Thomas Rutter Published
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6 impractical garden trends that won’t last in 2025 – ideas to avoid for a user-friendly plot this year
From expansive lawns to high-maintenance designs, these impractical garden trends are best left in the past
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Easiest climbers to grow – 5 fool-proof vines to quickly and effectively cover bare walls this year
In no time at all, these climbers will fill your fences, walls and garden structures with foliage and flowers
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow goldenrod – for a native prairie plant with nectar-rich flower spikes
Goldenrods are North American natives that will add height and color to any planting schemes
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow bottlebrush trees in pots – for a bounty of crimson blooms this summer
Our expert-approved guide will ensure that your pot-grown bottlebrush trees thrive
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow rowan trees – for an ancient species with a touch of festive magic
Rowan trees have a rich folkloric history, thought to offer protection and bring good fortune
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Best witch hazel varieties – with unusual spider-like blooms to transform your winter garden
Witch hazel shrubs add color and scent to pots and borders when it is most needed during winter
By Thomas Rutter Published