Thomas Rutter
Thomas is a Gardens Writer and Author and formerly part of the Homes and Gardens team. He has been working as a gardener and garden writer for several years. Whilst completing his Horticultural Traineeship at the Garden Museum in London, 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 variety of publications, including The English Garden, Gardens Illustrated, Hortus and Bloom. He co-authored a Lonely Planet travel book, The Tree Atlas, published in 2024. His latest book, The Garden Through Time, was published in May 2026.
Latest articles by Thomas Rutter
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7 flowers to plant in August to fuel the hummingbird migration – it's not too late to grow a nectar-rich floral buffetThese late-summer blooms will help hummingbirds on their journey south
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Can I cut the roots of my neighbor's tree in my yard? Attorneys and landscape professionals advise – and reveal when you might be breaking the lawTree roots trespassing in your yard? Sometimes, a friendly conversation is the best course of action
By Thomas Rutter Published
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7 fruit trees to prune in August for a bigger, better harvest – my late-summer essential checklist as a professional gardenerTrimming your mulberry, apple and pear trees in late summer is an important task never to forget
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to fertilize daylilies – my essential tips as a professional gardener for lush, long-lasting flowers this summerDiscover when to fertilize daylilies and the best products to use
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Why is my agapanthus not flowering? What I've learned after years of growing these blooms as a professional gardenerIf your agapanthus is lacking flowers this year, it is likely due to one of these reasons
By Thomas Rutter Published
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7 must-have bulbs to order in August – my go-to showstopping spring flowers as a professional gardener (get them before it is too late)While it might feel too soon, ordering spring bulbs earlier in the year (before they sell out) is a good idea
By Thomas Rutter Published
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I thought I'd need an expensive arborist, but this $39 cordless mini chainsaw is the smart way to handle tough tree pruning jobs this fallI doubt this Saker mini chainsaw will stay in stock for long
By Thomas Rutter Published
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7 plants I always prune in August as a professional gardener – trim these flowers and shrubs now before it's too lateLate summer pruning can make all the difference to the look and vitality of your plants
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Take cuttings of these plants in August before it is too late – 7 flowers and shrubs to propagate now before the summer window endsAugust is the ideal time to take cuttings of many popular plants
By Thomas Rutter Published
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This is the one plant to grow if you want to help endangered monarch butterflies – and it's not too late to add one to your yard this summerAs the host plant for monarch butterflies, milkweed is the one species you can grow to support this remarkable migratory species
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Garden Diaries: An English flower garden of one's own – how Pom Shillingford grew more than just dahlias and sweet peas in the grounds of her Connecticut homeFrom her grandmother's greenhouse in Hampshire, England, to an exquisite flower garden in rural Connecticut, Pom Shillingford's story is one of memory, beauty and growing something deeply personal
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Why are my Japanese maple leaves turning brown? A professional gardener reveals 5 common causes (plus how to rescue your tree)Here's what to do if your Japanese maple has brown foliage
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Now is the time to take sage cuttings – this is the easiest way to grow more herbs for free, just like a pro gardenerSummer is the perfect time to take semi-ripe sage cuttings
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Should you deadhead agapanthus? Here's what I always do as a professional gardener, for minimum fuss and maximum flowersLearning how to deadhead agapanthus will keep your blooms in tip-top shape
By Thomas Rutter Published
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This $8 ‘Bucket of Doom’ trick stops mosquitoes breeding during summer – it's so simple, plus it won't harm other wildlife in the yardKill mosquito larvae before they hatch with this simple (and cost-effective) trick
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Now’s the time to boost summer pots – this easy-to-use fertilizer shaker is the one product your garden needs for more flowers through fallIf your pots are looking a little tired, this fertilizer from Organic Plant Magic is fast and fool proof
By Thomas Rutter Published
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These 5 popular garden plants are (surprisingly) invasive – a professional gardener issues a stark warning, and reveals what you should grow insteadAvoid planting these aggressive and vigorous species
By Thomas Rutter Published
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5 tick-repellent ground covers – a natural solution that’s fragrant and pretty for you, but repulsive to harmful pestsPlant these low-maintenance ground covers to help deter ticks naturally
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Can you change the color of Japanese maples? Here's what actually affects their vibrant foliage, and what you can do to helpFrom fiery reds to golden yellows, here's what determines the color of Japanese maples
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to take lantana cuttings – July is the ideal time to propagate this pretty flower, and grow more plants for freeEasily double your flower collection at zero cost this summer
By Thomas Rutter Published
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I gardened in the sun-drenched hills of Tuscany – these are the 5 heat-resistant ground covers I swear by for cruel summersFrom silver foliage shrubs to drought-proof herbs, these ground covers can withstand punishing heat
By Thomas Rutter Published
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I'm a professional gardener, and I have a growing trick to triple your cosmos flowers this summer – for bumper blooms without buying any more plantsThis simple growing trick is guaranteed to give you more cosmos flowers
By Thomas Rutter Published
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I'm a professional gardener, here to help you snap up discounts on all things outdoor at Amazon – don't miss out on the perfect summer with our favorite outdoor dealsFrom must-have pruning tools to chic outdoor furniture and accessories, I'm tracking the best Amazon outdoor deals so you don't have to
By Thomas Rutter Last updated
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How to fertilize sweet peas – expert advice from a professional gardener for long-lasting, fragrant flowers this summerFeeding your sweet peas will help to extend the floral show
By Thomas Rutter Published
