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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Get Savvy About Spider Breeds: 8 Green, Variegated And Curly Types Of Spider Plants
You may think you know what a spider plant looks like – but there’s a lot more variety than you think! We present some spectacular and striking types of spider plants
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Warm Up Your Winter With Indoor Reds! 8 Red Amaryllis Varieties For Sizzling Seasonal Interest
Well loved as a bold decorative holiday bloomer, the red amaryllis is a hot favorite for winter displays. These red amaryllis varieties are guaranteed to fire up the season
By Tonya Barnett
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How To Propagate A Christmas Cactus The Easy Way: Make More Plants & Share The Joy
Learn how to grow more Christmas cacti for free by planting root cuttings. These stunning flowering plants make excellent gifts over the holidays and beyond.
By Bonnie L. Grant
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How To Grow A Pineapple Top From Store-Bought Fruit – For A Tasty Tropical Houseplant
Did you know you can grow a pineapple plant in your very own home—no tropical travel required? Here's how to grow a pineapple top from a store-bought fruit.
By Teo Spengler
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Should You Fertilize Houseplants In Winter? Expert Says Light Levels Are Key
Wondering if your houseplants need feeding this winter? An expert horticulturist reveals why light levels make all the difference. Find out how to get it right.
By Melanie Griffiths
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Hardscaping Ideas To Make A Garden Look Old: 5 Ways To Make Your Yard Look Centuries Older
There are a few ways to make a garden look lived in, but some planting ideas can take time – here, we round up key hardscaping ideas to make a garden look old
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Common Christmas Cactus Pests: How To Identify And Eliminate Bugs Fast
Struggling with pests in your Christmas cactus? Learn how to quickly identify and eliminate the most common culprits to keep your plant healthy and flowering.
By Amy Grant
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Easy Vertical Gardening Hacks For Beginners: Why You Should Grow Up, And 3 Ways To Do It!
If you’re short on space or keen to make the most of every inch, vertical gardening is the way to grow. We explain how to plan & plant up with three easy building methods
By Teo Spengler
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Ready To Start Growing? Try Winter Sowing Seeds In Your Garden This Weekend
It may be cold outside, but you can get a head start on your garden by winter sowing seeds. Come spring, you'll reap the rewards with superb blooms and veggies.
By Amy Grant
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Attract More Pollinators: 8 Best Nectar-Producing Plants For Honey Bees And Other Pollinators
Want to know the core plants you can grow to add beauty while helping beneficial garden friends? Discover the best nectar-producing plants for honey bees and other pollinators
By Tonya Barnett
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What Plants Do Snakes Hate: Using Snake Repelling Plants For Gardens
By Bonnie L. Grant
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Indigo Dyeing Guide – How To Dye With Indigo Plants
By Bonnie L. Grant
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Peat Moss Alternatives: What To Use Instead Of Peat Moss
Peat is unsustainable. Fortunately, there are several suitable alternatives to peat moss. Read on to learn more about peat moss substitutes.
By Mary H. Dyer
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Shade Tolerant Wildflowers – Growing Wildflowers In Shade
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Starting Seeds Indoors Made Easy: Plant Now For More Flowers And Better Crops
Begin your gardening journey for the season ahead by starting flower and vegetable seeds indoors. Plant early for the longest possible growing window.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Poinsettia Pinks: 7 Pink Poinsettias To Grow For Neon Hot Tones And Cool Pretty Pastels
While the traditional red poinsettia is a staple of many homes over the holiday period, they are not your only option. For cheerful brights or pastels, why not grow pink poinsettias?
By Tonya Barnett
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Want Amaryllis But Not Red? Try These 8 White Amaryllis Varieties For The Ultimate Elegance
You’re probably familiar with the crisp red blooms of the traditional amaryllis – but if you feel like something more unusual and elegant, why not try white amaryllis?
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Growing Spinach In A Pot: How To Grow Spinach In Containers
For some uber-easy nutrition, learn how to grow spinach in pots. If you have limited garden space, start growing spinach in containers for fresh greens at your fingertips.
By Amy Grant