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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When To Start Seeds Indoors For Bigger Harvests & More Beautiful Blooms
Boost your garden's productivity by learning the best times to start seeds indoors – including a month-by-month guide for crops and flowers.
By Bonnie L. Grant
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Composting Paper: A Complete Guide To Transforming Different Types Into Garden Gold
Reduce waste and learn the secrets of composting paper at home with our guide to demystifying which types can enrich your garden – and which to avoid.
By Amy Grant
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Post-Holiday Plant Clinic: Solve These Common Issues To Keep Seasonal Favorites Thriving For Years
Don't toss your holiday plants! Learn expert tips to fix common issues, from shedding poinsettias to leaning amaryllis, and keep plants going year after year.
By Melanie Griffiths
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9 Expert Gardening Techniques You Should Master in 2025 To Raise Your Growing Game
Make a New Year resolution to grow your best-ever plants and master next-level gardening techniques that will turn you into an expert in no time.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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8 Flower Seeds To Start In January For The Most Glorious Garden This Year
Spending some time with a few seed packets now will bring joy to dreary winter days and ensure your most vibrant garden in spring and summer.
By Melanie Griffiths
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What The First Bird You See On January 1st Means For Your Year Ahead
According to birding lore, whether you spot a vibrant cardinal or an ominous crow on New Year's Day impacts your life for the next 12 months.
By Melanie Griffiths
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Post-Holiday Pick-Me-Ups: Treat Yourself To These 10 Gardening Must-Haves
If you didn't get what you wanted for Christmas, then indulge your gardening passion with plants and products that will inspire you in the new year.
By Melanie Griffiths
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6 Key Garden Trends That Will Inspire Your Landscape Design In 2025
Discover the design trends destined to make it into your garden this year – from joy-sparking plant palettes to sustainable solutions built into the landscape.
By Melanie Griffiths
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6 Last-Minute Holiday Decorations You Can Make Using Garden Greenery
Create a beautifully festive interior with these foraged foliage decor ideas that will add holiday magic with just a few minutes' work.
By Melanie Griffiths
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Christmas Cactus Buds Falling Off: 8 Reasons For Bud Drop And How To Fix It
Nothing frustrates growers more than bud drop. But a few simple changes will have you on your way to a fully blooming Christmas cactus in time for the holidays.
By Tonya Barnett
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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