Articles by Thomas Rutter, Content Editor

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

When do hummingbirds return from migration? Wildlife experts reveal when to expect them and how you can help

As hummingbirds return to North America, gardeners can play a part in caring for these weary travellers

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Thomas Rutter

Latest articles by Thomas Rutter

When do hummingbirds return from migration? Wildlife experts reveal when to expect them and how you can help

All you need to know about keeping chickens – a comprehensive guide to caring for hens in your backyard

Best flowering ground cover plants – 5 expert-approved species to fill your borders with vibrant color

How to grow red hot poker – for low-maintenance and long-lasting flower spikes that pollinators adore

Best perennials to attract hummingbirds – 5 fantastic flowers to grow, as recommended by master gardeners

How to grow lantana in pots – and transform even tiny gardens with masses of kaleidoscopic flowers this year

How to grow marsh marigolds – the ultimate low-maintenance, moisture-loving plant that spring pollinators adore

Best trees for spring blossom – 5 beautiful options for a spectacular seasonal show in any sized yard

Low-maintenance dwarf evergreens for small spaces – 5 easy-to-grow compact plants for year-round greenery

How to grow lilac in pots – for a fragrant spring flowering shrub that will elevate even the smallest yards

How to plant begonia bulbs – and transform your yard with the ultimate summer-flowering plant

Shrubs to never hard prune – don’t risk the health of these 5 popular plants by cutting too much this year

How to grow mulberry trees in pots – to transform small spaces with this beautiful and delicious fruiting plant

Best dwarf trees for compact spaces – 5 unusual species to transform even the smallest yard

Is La Foce the greatest Italian garden? How this Tuscan estate became a timeless masterpiece – and how to get the look in your yard

Best native ground cover plants to stop weeds – 5 expert-approved species to keep weeds out of your borders

How to remove deadly nightshade – expert advice to safely eliminate this pretty but poisonous perennial from your yard

I tested the Bird Buddy 2.0 – this impressive smart feeder camera captured more just than hungry songbirds

Why you should never plant Bradford pear in your yard – how to control this invasive tree, plus the best native alternatives

How to grow sacred lotus – for an ancient pond plant that attracts good fortune and enhances garden Feng Shui

Best hydrangeas for small spaces – 5 floral shrubs that will transform compact yards

6 plants to prune in spring – cut back these shrubs and perennials at the right time in 2025 for brilliant borders this year

What to plant in March – 9 of the best flowers, fruits and vegetables to sow in early spring to kickstart your 2025 growing season

What not to prune in spring – avoid damaging these 10 plants by trimming too early, and when you should prune instead

Is burning bush invasive? Expert advice to control this vigorous shrub, plus native alternatives to grow instead