
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, 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
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As a professional gardener, these are the 5 flowers I'm planting in pots this May for bold, exuberant and non-stop summer color
Jazz up your plot this year, whatever its size, with these vibrant blooms for pots
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Gardeners with Japanese maples urged to use this simple 2-ingredient solution that will stop pests fast if you act now
How to quickly clear honeydew and aphids from your Japanese maples
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Best dwarf sunflowers for pots and small spaces – transform even tiny yards this summer with these bold, colorful blooms
These container-friendly dwarf sunflowers are sure to put on a summer show in your garden, whatever the size
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Is it necessary to deadhead lilac flowers? Here's what I've learned after a decade working as a professional gardener
Deadheading spent lilac blooms can help to improve the appearance of your plants, but it won't encourage any more blooms
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Best climbers to attract hummingbirds – 5 nectar-rich vines with vibrant, colorful flowers to fill pots and borders
Hummingbirds, butterflies and bees will not be able to stay away from these easy-to-grow flowering climbers
By Thomas Rutter Published
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5 plants with thorns and spines to avoid in family gardens – plus the safer alternatives to grow instead
While these plants are good for intruder-proofing your yard, they might not be ideal in homes with young children or pets
By Thomas Rutter Published
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When and where to spot hummingbirds in May – these miniature birds are once again on the move across North America
From the Gulf Coast to the Great Lakes, here's when and where to expect hummingbirds in your region
By Thomas Rutter Published
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This common vegetable is the best natural defence against slugs and snails – and you probably already have one in your fridge
Here's how to pest-proof your flower beds and veg garden this year
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Native alternatives to invasive wisteria – 5 North American climbing plants with spectacular foliage and flowers to grow instead
These native vines will fill garden walls, fences and pergolas with greenery
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow passion flowers in pots – the ultimate flowering vine that will transform any garden, whatever the size
Learning how to grow passion flowers in pots is a great option for gardeners with compact yards
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to fertilize star jasmine – experts reveal the secrets for healthy climbing plants with masses of scented blooms
Feeding your vines at the right time can give them a boost during the growing season
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow wild geranium – for a hardy flowering perennial that will thrive in shady gardens
This tough perennial is a good option for adding color to darker borders
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Best native perennials to stop weeds – 5 resilient North American species to keep problem plants under control in your yard
Plant experts reveal the best native perennials to stop weeds from taking over your borders
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Climbing plants that thrive on neglect – 5 low-effort, vibrant vines for time-short gardeners
These low-maintenance climbing plants can grow just fine with minimal attention
By Thomas Rutter Published
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The greenhouse that is on this professional gardener's wishlist is currently on sale – it will supercharge your summer veg harvest
Greenhouses are a sensible investment for gardeners looking to grow their own tomatoes and chillies this year
By Thomas Rutter Published
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5 plants that are illegal to grow in California – how to control these invasive species in your yard, plus the native alternatives to use instead
These troublesome, invasive species will outcompete native plants and you could face a fine for growing them
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow lady's mantle – for a shade-tolerant ground cover plant that will thrive in challenging borders
With lush green foliage and luminous lime flowers, lady's mantle can add color and impact
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Best climbers to grow in pots – 5 easy-to-grow vines that will transform small spaces with vibrant color
Make the most of small terraces, patios and balconies by filling pots with colorful climbers
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow Virginia creeper – it may divide opinion, but this fast-growing, shade-tolerant vine will cover walls and fences in record time
If you are looking for spectacular fall color, Virginia creeper is the climbing plant to grow
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to grow tree peonies in pots – for a show-stopping shrub that will thrive in partially shaded yards
With large, saucer-like blooms, tree peonies are the ultimate flowering shrub
By Thomas Rutter Published
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This $20 pop-up greenhouse from ALDI is perfect for small yards – it will turbocharge your tomato harvests this summer
Easy to use and compact to store, pop-up greenhouses are ideal for patio or balcony gardeners
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to weed a garden quickly – professional gardeners reveal the five-minute weeding jobs to do now and get your yard summer-ready
Short on time? These time-efficient tasks will keep on top of problem plants
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Can you revive woody rosemary plants? Expert pruning advice from a professional gardener to save old, leggy herbs
With the right pruning approach, old and woody rosemary plants can be brought back to life
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Small yard but want to grow your own crops? This wooden cold frame is 40% off at Wayfair – and it's perfect for tiny patios and apartments
Cold frames are a sensible investment for any gardeners struggling for space on balconies, backyards or patios
By Thomas Rutter Published