
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 Editor in Chief 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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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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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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3 Trailblazing Garden Brands To Support On Small Business Saturday And Beyond
Discover some of the most exciting independent garden brands that deserve to be championed not just on Small Business Saturday – but every day of the year.
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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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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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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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
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Best Gifts For Gardeners: 25 Thoughtful Ideas To Delight Green Thumbs For Christmas 2024
Treat that special gardener in your life to a gift they'll cherish over the holiday season and for many years to come, with our expertly curated selection.
By Melanie Griffiths
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8 Best Fruit Trees To Plant As Bare Roots In Fall – For The Fastest, Sweetest Harvest
Get a head start on home harvests by planting bare-root fruit trees this fall. Find the best varieties and learn tips for planting and caring for new trees.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Christmas Cactus Vs Thanksgiving Cactus: The Different Types Of Holiday Cactus Explained
Learn how to identify Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter cactus plants, and understand their slightly different care needs.
By Melanie Griffiths
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Preparing Your Garden For Winter: 9 Vital Tasks For Stronger Plants And An Easy Start In Spring
These essential fall tasks will help your garden endure winter’s challenges, and enable you to get a headstart on the next growing season.
By Melanie Griffiths
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8 Flower Seeds To Sow In Fall That Are Butterfly Magnets: Plant A Beautiful Pollinator Oasis
Create a vibrant butterfly sanctuary by planting fall seeds that attract and support precious pollinators.
By Melanie Griffiths

