Latest articles by Thomas Rutter
-
I gardened professionally for a decade, and if I were starting my garden from scratch, these are the 7 game-changing plants I'd begin with
As a professional gardener, these are my go-to plants to start a garden
-
These invasive ground covers became a planting nightmare – 5 species I’ll never grow again, and what I'd choose instead as a professional gardener
After several years as a gardener, these are the thuggish ground covers I’ll never plant again
-
You don’t need to ditch your old, blunt pruners – this $16 sharpening stone will transform them in seconds (and it’s what pro gardeners use)
From zinnia deadheading to rose trimming, blunt blades make pruning harder than it needs to be
-
Best viburnum companion plants – 5 perfect plants to pair with your favorite flowering shrubs this year
Show off your viburnum shrubs with these impactful companion plants
-
How to grow Japanese forest grass – for an elegant problem-solver plant that thrives in shady borders
With arching green blades, Japanese forest grass brings texture and movement to challenging dark corners
-
I’ve dealt with invasive and ugly shrubs as a professional gardener – these are the 5 shrubs I'll never grow again, and what I'd choose instead
In my opinion, these vigorous and unsightly shrubs are best avoided
-
Plant these 7 fast-growing annuals now for copious blooms in late summer and throughout fall, as recommended by a professional gardener
Low-effort but high-impact, these flowers will bring plenty of joy and color to your yard
-
When is the best time to prune roses? Follow these simple timing rules for the best blooms from your garden stalwarts
Timing is crucial when pruning roses, and doing so at the right moment will produce a healthy plant and a profusion of blooms
-
Best evergreens to stop weeds – 5 expert-approved shrubs to keep problem plants out of your yard
These evergreen ground covers and shrubs will help reduce the amount of time you spend weeding
-
Scents that mosquitoes hate – 9 expert recommendations for fragrant mosquito-repellent plants to grow in your yard
Adding one or two plants with scents that deter mosquitoes to your patio is a must this summer
-
If you're done weeding with a sore back or bad knees, this 5-star tool is a genius way to tackle weeds this summer (no bending or kneeling required)
At just $40, this long-handled weeder is a bargain that can ease your knee and back trouble when toiling in the yard
-
How to grow salvia in pots – for a low-fuss patio perennial that flowers non-stop all summer long
Salvia plants are some of the easiest perennials to grow in pots
-
I'm a professional gardener, and this 1 natural ingredient is essential to help Japanese maples thrive in summer – and will give you vibrant fall color, too
Mulching Japanese maples in summer might seem like a small deal, but it will make a big difference to plant health
-
How to grow clove trees in pots – for a mosquito-repelling evergreen plant that your patio needs
Clove trees are a natural way to deter pests from outside spaces
-
Patio plants that thrive on neglect – these 5 easy-going flowers for pots love to be ignored, say gardening pros
These fuss-free plants are sure to elevate your patio and entertaining space
-
Best pittosporum companion plants – 5 expert recommendations for impactful borders alongside these tough, reliable evergreens
Fill your yard with colorful perennials and shrubs alongside these hardy trees
-
How to grow coral honeysuckle – for a fuss-free flowering vine that hummingbirds can’t resist
Growing coral honeysuckle is an easy way to fill walls and fences with colorful blooms
-
5 small trees that thrive on neglect – expert picks of beautiful, small-space species you can blissfully ignore
These easy-going trees are perfect for urban yards where space is at a premium
-
It’s not too late to plant pumpkins in Illinois – garden experts reveal the June veg window for hardiness zones 5 and 6
If you live in Illinois or anywhere in USDA zones 5 and 6, June is a great time to add pumpkins to your kitchen garden
-
How to grow epimedium – for a pretty and low-maintenance flowering plant that thrives in shady yards
Epimediums can be used to illuminate dark, shady borders
-
How to grow ixora in pots – for a low-maintenance flowering patio plant that can handle summer heat
Growing this tough shrub in pots is a great idea if you have a compact yard
-
How to fertilize passion flowers – an expert grower reveals the secrets to caring for these hungry climbing plants
Feeding your passion flowers at the right time will give them a boost
-
Best roses for small spaces – 5 brilliant blooms for pots or narrow borders that will transform compact gardens
From balconies or patios, these best roses for small spaces will add color and perfume to any yard
-
Is it necessary to deadhead crepe myrtle flowers? Expert advice for healthy flowering trees and shrubs
While it won't result in repeat blooming, deadheading crepe myrtle flowers will keep your shrubs looking their best
