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
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Is it necessary to fertilize wisteria? Feeding these resilient and vigorous climbers can often do more harm than good
Knowing when, and when not, to fertilize wisteria is a crucial part of caring for this fragrant climber
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Looking for long-flowering, low-maintenance container shrubs? Weigela are spectacular pot plants to grow this year
Experts share top tips for growing weigela in pots, an ideal and impactful shrub for smaller spaces
By Thomas Rutter Published
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3 ways to transform your patio for summer – to relax and entertain in style
Give your outside space a fresh new look this summer, by selecting smart and functional patio accessories
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to combat scale bugs in your yard – expert advice to manage these sap-sucking pests
These garden pests can cause significant damage to crops and flowers, but there are effective ways to combat scale bugs
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Is it necessary to fertilize hollyhocks? Experts reveal how best to care for these colorful blooms
Hollyhocks are famed for their flowers, and feeding can give them a boost
By Thomas Rutter Published
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5 best annuals to sow in July – there is still time to sow flower seeds for blooms this summer
These expert-approved annuals will bring an abundance of late-season color
By Thomas Rutter Published
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These are the secrets to rose success in summer – garden experts reveal how to care for your rose plants this season
Keep your roses blooming for longer by following these 3 expert-approved summer rose care tips
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to propagate camellias – professional advice for successful plant cuttings
Summer is the perfect time create more camellias and grow your shrub collection for free
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Hummingbird feeder cameras are this year's must-have wildlife gadget – to help you capture professional shots of these miniature birds
With hummingbird feeder cameras in your yard, you can take high-quality photographs of these colorful, native birds
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Best plants to stop weeds – 6 expert-approved evergreens and perennials to keep weeds out of your borders
Weed-suppressing plants will help to reduce the amount of time you spend digging up unwanted plant visitors
By Thomas Rutter Published
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When and how to fertilize weigela – timing is critical when feeding this colorful shrub
Learning how to fertilize weigela correctly is an important part of caring for these vibrant plants
By Thomas Rutter Published
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'One of the most significant public gardens of the 21st century' – what the High Line can teach us about resilient gardening
The NYC gardens have proved that diverse, resilient and naturalistic plants can thrive in urban areas, even when grown on a disused railroad
By Thomas Rutter Published
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This tough and resilient hydrangea will thrive even during scorching summer months, and as a gardener I highly recommend it
The oakleaf hydrangea is a shrub for all seasons, blooming in sweltering summers and showcasing brilliant fall color
By Thomas Rutter Published
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This native flower is a favorite of florists and for good reason – learn how to grow lisianthus and enjoy spectacular summertime blooms
Lisianthus blooms are just as impressive in a vase as they are in the garden border
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Best ground cover plants to stop weeds – expert-approved options to keep uninvited plants out of your yard
These ground cover planting options will form a dense carpet to prevent weeds from taking over
By Thomas Rutter Published
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These are the secrets to jasmine success – experts reveal 3 tips for your fragrant climbers
Keep your jasmine plants happy by following these expert-approved steps
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Is it necessary to fertilize crepe myrtle? Experts reveal how best to care for this colorful shrub
Overfeeding these plants can often do more harm than good
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow nicotiana – 3 expert tips for showstopping flowering tobacco plants
Professional gardeners share top growing tips for the popular flowering tobacco plant
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Best part-shade annuals – professional gardeners recommend fast-growing flowers and foliage for shady borders
Even in darker yards, annual plants will add color and interest up until the first frost
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow ground cover roses – expert advice for abundant low-growing flowers
Ground cover roses are an unusual but easy way to add greenery to the yard
By Thomas Rutter Published
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7 plants to fertilize in July – expert advice for healthy plants and bountiful blooms throughout summer
Feeding your shrubs and perennials this month will keep your borders in fine form
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Can roses grow in the shade? Experts discuss whether this classic flowering plant can tolerate shady situations
While roses prefer sunny spots, some varieties can tolerate a small amount of shade
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow catmint – expert advice for this fragrant perennial
Catmint is a great option for gardeners seeking low-maintenance perennial plants
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Weeding was slow and tough until I started using a hori hori knife – now I'm a convert to this versatile Japanese tool that makes light work of garden chores
Using the right tool for the job can drastically speed up your weeding and planting jobs
By Thomas Rutter Published