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, providing food and flowers to be enjoyed on a daily basis. Encouraging others to grow, even on a very small scale, is important to him.
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.
Latest articles by Thomas Rutter
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How to grow tradescantia – the indoor plant with vivid and unusual foliage
This easy-to-grow indoor plant ticks all the boxes, showcasing a range of vivid foliage colors, textures and patterns
By Thomas Rutter Published
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California native planting – 7 ideas for drought-tolerant flora
Discover the most resilient planting native to the drought-prone and desert regions of The Golden State
By Thomas Rutter Last updated
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How to grow moss – the greenest groundcover for shade gardens
Easy to grow and environmentally friendly - is moss the shade-tolerant plant that gardeners need to rethink?
By Thomas Rutter Published
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What is kudzu vine? And how to identify this invasive plant
Learn how to spot this troublesome invasive species and what steps you can take to remove it
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Winter climber ideas – discover the best plants to add interest in your yard
Many climbing and vining plants can add impact and color to garden walls and structures at this darker time of the year
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow verbena – the flowering plant that is popular with pollinators
If you are looking for a plant that will perform in your yard all summer long, look no further than verbena
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to prune star jasmine – and keep this vigorous climber under control
Discover when and how to prune star jasmine by following our simple pruning guide
By Thomas Rutter Published
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What is a rain garden? This bright idea might just be the best solution for a waterlogged yard
Wet weather can result in waterlogged yards, but this design idea uses excess water in a practical and clever way
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow hellebores in containers – planting ideas for winter displays
During the cold and dark months of the year, a floral container display can brighten up any outdoor space
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Best bare-root roses to grow this year – our top five picks
Experts share their favorite rose varieties that are available to grow as bare-root stock, and these showstopper blooms will not disappoint
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow hardy hibiscus in pots – expert advice on container growing
Growing hardy hibiscus in containers is an ideal way to include tropical flowers in smaller spaces
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow forsythia – the hardy shrub that will reward you with a bounty of golden blooms
This cold-hardy shrub is one of the earliest to blossom in late winter and early spring, filling our backyards with golden-yellow stars
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow monkey grass – the perfect part-shade perennial
This low-maintenance herbaceous perennial is an attractive and tough groundcover option for partially shady areas
By Thomas Rutter Published
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French drain mistakes – and how to avoid making them
Here are the common problems and mistakes to avoid when installing this popular drainage solution
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to plant bare-root roses – and fill your backyard with fragrant blooms this summer
Discover how to plant bare-root roses and enjoy beautiful, romantic flowers this year
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow sweetheart succulents – and add a romantic accent to your houseplant collection
The heart-shaped hoya succulent is a green twist on traditional Valentine's Day gifts
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow a persimmon tree in a container
Using a container to grow this unusual fruiting tree is a smart way to enhance a smaller outdoor space
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow celosia – the flowering plant that is unapologetically over-the-top
This decorative and ornamental annual will add something different to your floral displays this year
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to prune and maintain mimosa – to keep these fast-growing trees in check
Whilst the attractive yellow blooms are a sure sign of spring, mimosa are vigorous trees that require annual pruning
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to use a French drain in your backyard – an effective drainage solution that can help with waterlogged areas
This innovative landscaping idea can rapidly improve drainage in your backyard
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow hyacinth bulbs in containers for a spectacular spring show
Experts explain how to create colorful spring displays by growing these fragrant flowers in pots and containers
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow and care for lantana – and enjoy a rainbow of blooms all summer long
Known for flamboyant floral displays, lantanas are a low-maintenance and easy-to-grow plant that will brighten up any yard
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow and care for hibiscus – and add a touch of tropical to your backyard
Make a bold statement this year with a bounty of colorful hibiscus blooms
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Where to plant hellebores – expert advice for a dramatic winter display
Not all hellebore varieties require shade to thrive
By Thomas Rutter Last updated