Latest articles by Thomas Rutter
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5 small trees that thrive on neglect – expert picks of beautiful, small-space species you can blissfully ignoreThese easy-going trees are perfect for urban yards where space is at a premium
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It’s not too late to plant pumpkins in Illinois – garden experts reveal the June veg window for hardiness zones 5 and 6If you live in Illinois or anywhere in USDA zones 5 and 6, June is a great time to add pumpkins to your kitchen garden
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How to grow epimedium – for a pretty and low-maintenance flowering plant that thrives in shady yardsEpimediums can be used to illuminate dark, shady borders
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How to grow ixora in pots – for a low-maintenance flowering patio plant that can handle summer heatGrowing this tough shrub in pots is a great idea if you have a compact yard
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How to fertilize passion flowers – an expert grower reveals the secrets to caring for these hungry climbing plantsFeeding your passion flowers at the right time will give them a boost
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Best roses for small spaces – 5 brilliant blooms for pots or narrow borders that will transform compact gardensFrom balconies or patios, these best roses for small spaces will add color and perfume to any yard
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Is it necessary to deadhead crepe myrtle flowers? Expert advice for healthy flowering trees and shrubsWhile it won't result in repeat blooming, deadheading crepe myrtle flowers will keep your shrubs looking their best
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5 nasturtium varieties I’m growing right now as a professional gardener – you can still sow these fast-growing flowers in June for late-summer colorThese five nasturtium varieties are sure to add impact to your flower displays
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Where to grow catmint – experts reveal the best locations to maximize fragrant, colorful blooms in your yardCatmint is a spectacular perennial, but planting it in the wrong place can limit its floral display
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Evergreen shrubs that thrive on neglect – 5 expert plant picks that give year-round impact even when ignoredThese fuss-free evergreen shrubs will provide greenery in all seasons
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How to grow foamflower – for a resilient and pretty flowering perennial that will illuminate shady gardensFoamflowers can bring color to the dark corners of the yard
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How to grow periwinkle – for a shade-tolerant and sprawling ground cover plantShade-loving periwinkle plants are perfect for filling troublesome spots under trees and shrubs
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How to grow eastern redbuds – the cherished native tree with striking spring bloomsAdaptable and reliable, eastern redbuds are tough trees that will not disappoint
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When and where to spot hummingbirds in May – these miniature birds are once again on the move across North AmericaFrom the Gulf Coast to the Great Lakes, here's when and where to expect hummingbirds in your region
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Skyseed is a vigorous invasive weed that is becoming a problem in backyards – here's how to identify and control itGardeners in North America should keep an eye out for this vigorous perennial weed
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How to grow wisteria in pots – for an easy-to-grow climber that will produce masses of fragrant, colorful bloomsGrowing climbers in pots is a great option if you have a compact outside space
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Best ground cover plants for wet soil – experts recommend these 5 options for soggy, damp yardsCover challenging borders in your yard with these spectacular low-growing species
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How to grow swamp azalea – for an easy-going flowering shrub that thrives in shady and damp yardsThis North American shrub produces masses of fragrant blooms and will add impact to any yard
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Best fragrant privacy plants – 5 scented perennials and shrubs to transform your yard into a perfumed sanctuaryThese fragrant privacy plants will add scent and seclusion to any space
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Is it necessary to deadhead viburnum flowers? Here's everything I know after a decade working as a professional gardenerDeadheading faded flowers might improve the appearance of your shrubs but it won't encourage any more blooms
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How to grow buttonbush – for a fragrant North American native shrub with unusual, pincushion flowersGrowing buttonbush in your yard will elevate your borders for years to come
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Gardeners advise against planting hydrangeas this year – here's why, and what climate-resilient shrubs you should be planting insteadDuring hot and dry summers, many hydrangea varieties can struggle to survive
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How to grow butterfly bush in pots – for a fast-growing shrub that will fill containers with joyful color this summerGrowing butterfly bush in pots will fill your yard with bees and butterflies
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Plant these 5 climbers in May for a foliage-covered privacy fence in weeks – best fast-growing vine varieties from a professional gardener
Low-effort but high-impact, these fast-growing vines can be relied on to bring joyful color to any yard
