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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8 Longest-Flowering Perennials – For Blooms In Spring, Summer And Fall
Plants with a long flowering season provide continuous color and interest throughout the growing seasons. Discover beautiful perennials known for their extended bloom times.
By Melanie Griffiths
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How To Revive An Orchid: 5 Ways To Bring It Back To Life
Don't give up on your ailing orchid – follow these expert tips to get it thriving and blooming once again.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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7 Low-Maintenance Plants For Front Yards – Boost Curb Appeal with Minimal Effort
Good landscaping is essential for creating curb appeal, but it doesn’t have to require a professional. These plants provide great visuals with little maintenance.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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7 Garden Watering Mistakes That Harm Plants And Waste Water
Watering the garden is essential to keep plants thriving – especially during dry periods. Avoid these common watering errors to ensure healthy, happy plants.
By Bonnie L. Grant
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8 Butterfly Host Plants That Are Beautiful And Low-Maintenance
Discover the most attractive butterfly host plants to include in your garden and nurture local wildlife. As an added benefit, they are also easy to look after.
By Melanie Griffiths
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8 Fast-Growing Ground Cover Plants – Hide Bare Soil And Curb Weeds
Ground cover plants are the ideal solution to green up bare patches of soil. These fast-growing varieties will add a professional look to your landscaping design in no time.
By Bonnie L. Grant
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How To Make Tomato Plants Grow Faster: 7 Tips For An Early Bounty
Accelerate the growth rate of your tomatoes – without sacrificing flavor – and start enjoying a delicious crop in as little as four weeks from planting.
By Bonnie L. Grant
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6 Rose Deadheading Mistakes To Avoid If You Want Blooms All Summer Long
Deadheading roses is key to maximizing their flowering period. However, these common errors will nip plants' blooming potential in the bud.
By Bonnie L. Grant
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8 Ways To Speed Up Composting: Easy Solutions For An Organic Garden
Homemade compost is a mainstay of organic gardening, but it can take a year or more to develop. Learn how to accelerate composting, without sacrificing quality.
By Bonnie L. Grant
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How To Make A Tomato Hanging Basket – Perfect For Porches & Patios
Growing tomatoes in hanging baskets is ideal for small spaces and offers an accessible harvest. Discover how to plant a basket – and the best varieties to grow.
By Bonnie L. Grant
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Homemade Tomato Fertilizer: Powerful Natural Recipes For A Sublime Crop
Discover organic tomato fertilizing solutions that are quick, easy, and almost free to make – yet contain all the essential nutrients your plants need.
By Melanie Griffiths
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How To Keep Peonies From Falling Over: 5 Fixes For Floppy Flowers
Peonies are cottage garden favorites, but they can be prone to flopping. Support peonies with these practical ideas that can double as attractive features.
By Melanie Griffiths
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7 Best Trailing Plants For Hanging Baskets – Create A Delightful Summer Display
Hanging baskets are a staple of the summer patio. Use these plants to create trailing masterpieces that add beauty and elegance to your outdoor space.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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7 Sustainable Trends All Gardeners Should Take From The UK's Chelsea Flower Show
The RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024 is championing sustainability, with a focus on water conservation and creating resilient landscaping schemes in the face of climate change. Discover the key ideas to take away for your own garden.
By Melanie Griffiths
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How Long Do Orchids Live? And How To Extend Their Lifespan
When well cared for, orchids can prove a long-term investment. Discover the lifespan of popular species, and how to prolong your enjoyment of your plant.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Bee Cups For Gardens: How To Add A Pollinator Water Station
Support bees and butterflies by adding a water station to your garden. Choose from DIY solutions to stylish designs that will add to the charm of the space.
By Melanie Griffiths
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Easiest Tomatoes to Grow: 7 Foolproof Varieties
Feel daunted at the prospect of growing your own tomatoes? Start with one of these beginner-friendly – and exceedingly delicious – varieties.
By Amy Grant
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Orchid Leaves Turning Yellow: Common Causes And Remedies
Yellow orchid leaves are a frequent cause of concern for indoor gardeners. Discover how to diagnose the issue, and restore your plant to full health.
By Melanie Griffiths