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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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
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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 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
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5 Fast-Growing Intercrops To Max Out Your Vegetable Garden
Even the smallest gardens can have mighty growing potential. These delicious intercrops are quick and easy to grow and will make your veg plot more productive.
By Amy Grant
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9 Annual Flowers That Bloom All Summer Long
This curated pick of show-stopping annuals will fill out your garden beds, containers, and hanging baskets until the end of summer.
By Amy Grant
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Monkey Orchid Care: How To Grow This Fascinating Species
The monkey orchid (Dracula simia) bears a remarkable resemblance to its namesake and, with a little know-how, can be successfully grown as a houseplant.
By Bonnie L. Grant
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"My Worst Mistake" – Gardeners Share 10 Hard-Learned Lessons
Gardeners never stop learning, and sometimes our mistakes are the best teachers. But why not save time and heartache by learning from other gardeners' failures?
By Melanie Griffiths
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26 Different Types Of Orchids – With Pictures & Information
Discover stunning orchid types to grow in your home and garden – from easy beginner varieties to rare and exotic species that are the preserve of experts.
By Melanie Griffiths
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Ghost Orchid: How To Grow This Rare & Beautiful Flower
The native ghost orchid – or Dendrophylax lindenii – is the most coveted species among home growers, but it is not for the faint-hearted. Discover how to get started growing these rare, enchanting flowers.
By Melanie Griffiths