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 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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7 Best Fruit Trees For Front Yards – The Delicious Way To Boost Curb Appeal
Discover the best front yard fruit trees to provide a perfect focal point, beautiful seasonal flowers, and something delicious for your table.
By Melanie Griffiths
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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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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
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10 Beautiful Window Box Ideas For Flowers And Edibles
Plant a window box to boost growing space and curb appeal. From romantic, abundant flowers to a mini kitchen garden, these designs will bring your home's exterior to life.
By Melanie Griffiths
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How Often Do Orchids Bloom? And How To Encourage More Frequent Flowers
If you're impatiently waiting for your orchid to rebloom, it pays to understand its natural flowering cycle. Discover common bloom times, and how to increase frequency.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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How to Grow Bigger Strawberries: 5 Tips For A Luscious Crop
Grow the biggest, juiciest strawberries imaginable with this expert advice for maximizing your home harvest.
By Bonnie L. Grant
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How To Grow Strawberries: The Definitive Guide
Get started growing strawberries with all the expert advice you need for a delicious crop – from plant care basics to troubleshooting common problems.
By Melanie Griffiths
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How Often To Water Orchids – The Definitive Guide
Orchids are too often victims of under and over-watering. Discover how often popular species need to be watered and the key signs to look for.
By Amy Grant