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
-
Do you need to fertilize fuchsias? An expert gardener reveals the best way to care for these vibrant plants
Knowing how to fertilize fuchsias and the best products to use will keep your plants healthy
By Thomas Rutter Published
-
How to grow hummingbird mint – the ultimate native plant to attract birds, bees and butterflies
This aromatic perennial will fill your summer borders with scent and color
By Thomas Rutter Published
-
How to grow fuchsias in pots – for vibrant and long-lasting container plants
By following a few simple rules, your pot-grown fuchsias will thrive
By Thomas Rutter Published
-
How to harvest California poppy seeds – our comprehensive guide to saving and storing seeds
Learning how to harvest California poppy seeds is an easy and free way to grow more of these colorful plants
By Thomas Rutter Published
-
Is it necessary to deadhead snapdragons? A flower expert reveals the secrets to snapdragon success
Deadheading spent flowers will keep your plot looking good and extend the floral show
By Thomas Rutter Published
-
How to take fuchsia cuttings – simple tips for successful propagation
Learning how to take fuchsia cuttings is an quick and free way to expand your collection of flowering shrubs
By Thomas Rutter Published
-
Pruning jasmine in late summer will ensure your plants bloom better than ever next year
Timing is critical when pruning summer-flowering climbers
By Thomas Rutter Published
-
Bougainvillea in miniature – with a little patience, anyone can grow these vibrant plants in bonsai form
Growing bougainvillea bonsai trees can add impact to even the smallest of spaces
By Thomas Rutter Published
-
How to grow eastern redbuds – the cherished native tree with striking spring blooms
Adaptable and reliable, eastern redbuds are tough trees that will not disappoint
By Thomas Rutter Published
-
The 4,000-mile migration of native hummingbirds is about to begin – here's how you can help these winged wonders
From Alaska to Mexico, many hummingbirds travel astonishing distances during late summer
By Thomas Rutter Published
-
How to harvest hibiscus seeds – expert tips to save and store seeds to grow more of your favorite plants next year
Learn how to harvest hibiscus seeds with our comprehensive guide, including tips on timing and storage
By Thomas Rutter Published
-
How to grow pale leather flowers – for a striking native clematis with unusual and extraordinary blooms
Pale leather flowers are a hit with wildlife, proving popular with butterflies and hummingbirds who are drawn to its striking blooms
By Thomas Rutter Published
-
How to grow Japanese maples in pots – the perfect statement trees for any outdoor space
By following our expert-approved advice, your pot-grown Japanese maples will thrive
By Thomas Rutter Published
-
Fertilizing lilies is a vital summer task – to guarantee even more blooms next year
Discover how to fertilize lilies for healthy plants with prolific blooms
By Thomas Rutter Published
-
How to take verbena cuttings – professional advice for successful plant propagation
Taking cuttings will bolster your collection of flowering perennials for years to come
By Thomas Rutter Published
-
The 3,000-mile migration of the monarch butterfly is about to begin – here's how you can help this native species
The monarch butterfly migration is one of the great wonders of the natural world, and gardeners have a part to play
By Thomas Rutter Published
-
6 plants that will grow almost anywhere – even in nutrient-poor soil
These tough and resilient plants will thrive no matter where you plant them
By Thomas Rutter Published
-
Do I need to fertilize my Japanese maple? An expert gardener reveals how best to care for these impressive trees
Knowing when, and when not, to fertilize Japanese maples will prevent you from loving your trees to death
By Thomas Rutter Published
-
Is it necessary to deadhead lilies? Expert advice from a professional gardener
Deadheading faded lily blooms can improve the health and appearance of your plants
By Thomas Rutter Published
-
These are the secrets to cosmos success – discover three key ways to ensure flowers bloom until the first frost
Keep cosmos flowering for as long as possible with our expert-approved tricks of the trade
By Thomas Rutter Published
-
How to grow bougainvillea in pots and add bold color to your container displays
Expert advice for growing bougainvillea in pots, to add color to garden walls and fences
By Thomas Rutter Published
-
How to grow passion flowers – for a spectacular and other-worldly flowering climber
Learn how to grow passion flowers this year and enjoy dazzling blooms every summer
By Thomas Rutter Published
-
Can potting soil catch fire? As temperatures rise, there are fire risks to consider
While spontaneous combustion might seem farfetched, potting soil can go up in flames during hot and dry weather
By Thomas Rutter Published
-
Floribunda roses are a gardener's best friend – 3 expert tips to grow these robust and resilient roses
Learn how to grow floribunda roses this year, for a bounty of colorful and long-flowering plants
By Thomas Rutter Published