Latest articles by Thomas Rutter
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Low-maintenance dwarf evergreens for small spaces – 5 easy-to-grow compact plants for year-round greenery
These easy evergreens will inject structure and impact to a small yard
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How to grow lilac in pots – for a fragrant spring flowering shrub that will elevate even the smallest yards
Growing lilacs in pots is a great way to add a spring pop of color to patios and terraces
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How to plant begonia bulbs – and transform your yard with the ultimate summer-flowering plant
From hanging baskets to patio pots, begonias are sure to elevate your summer displays
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Shrubs to never hard prune – don’t risk the health of these 5 popular plants by cutting too much this year
Sometimes little is more when pruning, and these shrubs prefer a light touch
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How to grow mulberry trees in pots – to transform small spaces with this beautiful and delicious fruiting plant
Growing fruiting trees in pots is a great way to boost your harvests in compact yards
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Best dwarf trees for compact spaces – 5 unusual species to transform even the smallest yard
These dwarf trees will inject foliage and flowers into any sized space
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Is La Foce the greatest Italian garden? How this Tuscan estate became a timeless masterpiece – and how to get the look in your yard
Italian gardens have long been the envy of the world and on visiting La Foce, it's easy to see why
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Best native ground cover plants to stop weeds – 5 expert-approved species to keep weeds out of your borders
These low-growing North American plants will stop weeds from dominating your yard
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How to remove deadly nightshade – expert advice to safely eliminate this pretty but poisonous perennial from your yard
Discover how to safely remove deadly nightshade from your borders
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I tested the Bird Buddy 2.0 – this impressive smart feeder camera captured more just than hungry songbirds
With high-quality close-up shots sent directly to your phone, we predict this wildlife gadget will be popular with birders
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Why you should never plant Bradford pear in your yard – how to control this invasive tree, plus the best native alternatives
Discover how to control Bradford pear trees with our expert guide
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How to grow sacred lotus – for an ancient pond plant that attracts good fortune and enhances garden Feng Shui
The sacred lotus plant has been adored for thousands of years as a symbol of purity and prosperity
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Best hydrangeas for small spaces – 5 floral shrubs that will transform compact yards
A garden expert reveals the best hydrangeas for small spaces to grow this year
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6 plants to prune in spring – cut back these shrubs and perennials at the right time in 2025 for brilliant borders this year
As spring arrives, it is time to dust off the pruning shears and head outside
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What to plant in March – 9 of the best flowers, fruits and vegetables to sow in early spring to kickstart your 2025 growing season
With the arrival of spring, you will be spoilt for choice when deciding what to plant in March
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What not to prune in spring – avoid damaging these 10 plants by trimming too early, and when you should prune instead
Pruning at the wrong time of the year can harm your plants and reduce flowering
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Is burning bush invasive? Expert advice to control this vigorous shrub, plus native alternatives to grow instead
Discover how to control burning bush with our expert guide
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When is it too late to cut hedges to protect nesting birds? Expert advice on legal regulations and keeping songbirds safe in your yard
Hedge-cutting at the right time is important to safeguard breeding birds
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How to grow mandevilla – expert advice for cultivating this tropical flowering vine, a gem of the Brazilian rainforest
With lush evergreen foliage and colorful blooms, mandevilla can transform a patio and elevate your pot displays
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How to grow flowering cherry trees in pots – expert advice for masses of blossom that will transform even the smallest spaces
Follow our expert-approved guide so that your pot-grown flowering cherry tree thrives this year
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Best plants for early spring pollinators – 5 nectar-rich species to support bees and butterflies, plus expert advice on how to grow them
Adding one or more of the best plants for early spring pollinators is a must for any budding wildlife gardeners
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Are weeds really the enemy? Why so-called problem plants deserve a rebrand and maybe even a place in your yard
From wildflowers to soil fixers, is it time we looked at weeds in a new light?
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Beware these common but toxic tree species – how to identify 5 poisonous trees that might be growing in your yard, and what to plant instead
Arborists reveal the pretty but perilous tree species to watch out for
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How to grow ginger indoors – and enjoy a fresh, year-round harvest of this nutritious root
Growing this root vegetable indoors is sure to elevate your culinary creations
