
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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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
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How and when to prune climbing hydrangeas – for healthy flowering vines that will bloom better than ever next year
Knowing the right time to prune climbing hydrangeas will keep your plants looking their best
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Invasive trees never to grow – 5 species to avoid and which trees you should plant instead
Many invasive trees can cause harm to your yard by crowding out native species
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Time is running out for planting tulip and daffodil bulbs, but this tool will speed the process up before winter arrives
Planting plenty of bulbs in the fall will produce a vibrant spring display
By Thomas Rutter Last updated
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Best ground cover plants to prevent soil erosion – expert-approved species to stabilize sloping areas
These 5 ground cover planting options will help to bind the soil and control erosion
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow Solomon's seal – for a graceful part-shade perennial with bell-like blooms
Discover how to grow Solomon's seal to enjoy delicate, pendulous spring flowers
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How and when to fertilize winter jasmine – avoid harming your plants by feeding at the wrong time
Fertilizing during the wrong season can reduce winter jasmine blooms
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to protect mulberry trees in winter – gardening advice to keep your fruiting plants safe from the cold
Young mulberry trees or plants grown in pots need winterizing to help keep them protected from frost and snow
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Invasive bulbs to never plant – 5 flowering bulbs to keep out of your garden and what you should grow instead
While the list of invasive bulbs is small, there are some troublesome species to avoid planting
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to protect Japanese maple trees in winter – with expert advice to keep your plants safe from frost and snow
The approach to winterizing Japanese maple trees will depend on whether they are grown in the ground or in a pot
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Plants never to use in winter pots or window boxes – and the resilient options you should be growing instead
Stick to tough and hardy plants for your winter pot displays
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Can you plant bulbs too deep? Avoid this common mistake to guarantee brilliant spring flowers
Ensure you plant at the right depth for healthy tulip and daffodil blooms in your yard next year
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to care for hummingbirds in winter – and support migrating or resident birds during the cold months ahead
By following three simple steps, you can help these winged wonders during the winter months
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow bearberry shrubs – for a North American evergreen ground cover
This low-growing native plant can survive cold, frosty weather in northerly regions
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow spindle trees – for a vibrant, colorful fruit display in the fall
Spindle trees are famed for producing masses of impactful orange and pink fruits, and provide an alternative to invasive burning bush
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Plant snake's head fritillaries now to transform your spring garden – for unusual, checkerboard flowers next year
Easily learn how to grow snake's head fritillaries with our expert guide
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to create a winter sensory garden – for a calming, seasonal escape
Maintain interest in your yard by using aromatic evergreens and tranquil sounds
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Be inspired to transform your garden this fall and winter – with seasonal planting ideas from New York City's High Line
The resilient planting of the world-famous High Line garden is spectacular at all times of the year
By Thomas Rutter Published
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It's not too late to plant these delicate winter-flowering bulbs, but you need to get them in the ground now
There is still time to plant snowdrop bulbs, according to a pro gardener
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to care for woodpeckers in winter – expert advice to help these birds survive the colder months of the year
Discover how to care for woodpeckers in winter by providing food, water and shelter
By Thomas Rutter Published
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I have planted thousands of tulips and daffodils as a professional gardener – and these are the bulb planting trends that will dominate in 2025
Stay ahead of the curve by incorporating some of these bulb planting trends in your yard
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow lingonberry shrubs – for an evergreen ground cover native to North America
With shiny green foliage and attractive berries, lingonberries are useful ground cover plants that will thrive in part-shade
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to plant imperial fritillaries in November – expert bulb planting advice for brilliant blooms next year
Taking the time to plant your fritillary bulbs correctly in the fall will pay dividends next spring
By Thomas Rutter Published