Melanie Griffiths
Melanie has worked in homes and gardens media for two decades. Having previously served as Editor on Period Living magazine, and worked on Homes & Gardens, Gardening Etc, Real Homes, and Homebuilding & Renovating, she is now focusing on her passion for gardening as a Senior Editor at Gardening Know How.
In her spare time, Melanie loves to explore inspiring gardens and historic properties. Based in England, in a village just outside the Cotswolds, she is spoiled for choice as there are so many beautiful cottage gardens and Arts and Crafts schemes in the area.
As a keen home grower, Melanie has experimented with pretty much every type of vegetable at some point – with mixed results. Often it is the simplest things that elude you, which may explain why she just can't seem to master zucchinis.
Thankfully she has more luck with flowers, and has spent the last few years evolving her garden – adding beds and borders, and planting up too many containers.
Though she has more roses than anything else (at least 20 varieties), her favorite flowers are dahlias, and she adores the variety of colors and textures they bring to her garden.
In addition to her gardening expertise, Melanie has also studied interior design, and has a BA in English and IT.
Latest articles by Melanie Griffiths
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6 Flower Seeds I’m Gifting Everyone I Know This Christmas – To Inspire Their Garden In 2025
Give the most meaningful gift of growing this holiday season. Senior Editor Melanie shares her flower seed picks to delight both new and experienced gardeners.
By Melanie Griffiths
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How To Revive A Limp, Wilting Christmas Cactus – And Restore Its Blooming Vitality
A Christmas cactus wilting can be caused by a variety of factors. Diagnose the issue and learn the best cures to restore your holiday plant to full health.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Christmas Cactus Care Guide: Grow A Thriving Schlumbergera With Abundant Blooms
A flowering Christmas cactus is a sight to behold over the holiday season. Learn the plant's care requirements and it will reward you with a glorious display.
By Melanie Griffiths
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Reese Witherspoon’s Natural DIY Wreath Beams With Festive Joy – Here’s How She Made It
Be inspired to recreate Reese Witherspoon's beautiful holiday wreath using greenery from your garden with our step-by-step guide to getting the look.
By Melanie Griffiths
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Christmas Cactus Fertilizer Guide: How And When To Feed Plants For Better Blooms
Encouraging a Christmas cactus to flower is a lot easier if plants are fertilized properly. Learn the species' feeding needs and enjoy generous holiday blooms.
By Bonnie L. Grant
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8 Herb Gift Ideas That Will Inspire Foodies And Green Thumbs To Raise Their Culinary Game
Aromatic herbs are delightful to grow and infuse flavor into endless dishes, making for a wonderful gift theme for keen home cooks and passionate gardeners.
By Melanie Griffiths
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10 Christmas Cactus Problems Solved: Diagnose Common Issues For Healthy Flowering Plants
Is your Christmas cactus underperforming or in poor health? Diagnose and correct common problems affecting holiday cacti to keep them thriving and blooming.
By Melanie Griffiths
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How To Make A Christmas Cactus Bloom – And Then Bloom Again For Double The Flowers
The ever-popular Christmas cactus needs a little encouragement to produce stunning tropical blooms over the holiday season, especially if you want them twice.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Winter Composting Shortcuts: 5 Easy Ways To Fill Garden Beds And Pots In Time For Spring
Don't stop composting over winter. Supercharge your pile with these quick, clever techniques that will get beds and pots ready to plant come springtime.
By Melanie Griffiths
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8 Low-Maintenance Trees With Wow Factor: Plant These Easy-Care Landscape Heroes
Discover low-maintenance trees with maximum impact – these leafy beauties require only minimal care, but their rewards are plentiful.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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10 Eco-Friendly Gift Ideas That Will Inspire Gardeners To Be More Sustainable
Give more consciously this holiday season with our hand-picked selection of sustainable and eco-friendly gifts, from perfect plants to the latest gadgets.
By Melanie Griffiths
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Make Joanna Gaines’ Quick And Easy Holiday Table Centerpiece Using Garden Foliage
Create enchanting table centerpieces for all your holiday celebrations with this simple step-by-step project inspired by designer Joanna Gaines.
By Melanie Griffiths
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Christmas Cactus Soil Guide: Choose The Best Potting Mix To Help Your Schlumbergera Thrive
The perfect Christmas cactus soil mix will keep this festive favorite thriving. Learn how to create a well-draining, nutrient-rich potting medium.
By Tonya Barnett
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12 Most-Wanted Holiday Gifts: Gardening Know How's Staff Picks For 2024
Browse gift ideas recommended by the Gardening Know How team – from tried-and-tested gems to products we're coveting for our own wish lists.
By Melanie Griffiths
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How To Buy The Best Electric Composter: Read This Before Spending $100s On A Countertop Food Recycler
Electric composters and countertop food recyclers offer a super-fast solution to tackling food waste – and can help create nutrient-rich compost. Choose the best model for your needs with our expert guide.
By Melanie Griffiths
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Best Houseplant Gifts: 10 Joyful Ideas To Inspire Plant Lovers To Get Growing
Find the perfect holiday gifts for plant lovers! From stylish pots to unique houseplants, give presents that cultivate joy long after the season ends.
By Melanie Griffiths
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Should You Cut Back Roses In The Fall? – When To Prune Your Prized Shrubs For Winter
Discover whether to cut back roses before the onset of winter – or to leave plants alone until spring.
By Melanie Griffiths
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Electric Composter Guide: Are Countertop Food Recyclers The Future Of Sustainability?
Discover how electric composters work, their benefits and limitations – and whether they're worth the investment as a sustainable easy win.
By Melanie Griffiths