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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How A Tricky, Overlooked Plot Was Transformed Into A Suburban Oasis
Surrounded by six neighbors on an awkwardly shaped flag lot, this California garden feels tranquil and private – thanks to a clever landscaping scheme of outdoor rooms that work in harmony with the newly built house.
By Liz Baessler
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Garden Makeover Dos and Don’ts – Expert Tips To Guide Your Redesign
Get the best out of your garden makeover with these essential tips that will help you to plan and create the perfect design.
By Melanie Griffiths
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6 Ways The Goth Gardening Trend Is Surprisingly Sophisticated And Sustainable
It's time to rethink your assumptions about goth gardens. This deliciously dark theme offers a wealth of design inspiration that all gardeners can learn from.
By Melanie Griffiths
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My DIY Houseplant Spray Fertilizes, Repels Pests, and Even Conditions Leaves – Here's My Recipe
Senior Editor Melanie Griffiths shares her recipe for an effective, natural foliar spray that will give houseplants a nutrient boost while protecting them from pests and disease.
By Melanie Griffiths
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7 Superfoods You Can Easily Grow In Your Home Or Garden
Don’t splash out on expensive superfoods at the grocery store – discover the most nutrient-dense vegetables that even beginner gardeners can grow with minimum fuss.
By Melanie Griffiths
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15 Thrifty Ideas To Grow A Garden For (Almost) Free – With Tips From Industry Experts
Gardening can be an expensive hobby, but it doesn’t have to be. These money-saving tips from industry insiders will dramatically cut the costs – from getting plants for free, to a touch of DIY.
By Melanie Griffiths
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12 Composting Mistakes That Will Ruin Your Stash – And How To Fix Them
Making good compost is a real art. It requires a careful materials balance, regular intervention, and a lot of patience. Discover the common pitfalls to avoid – and what to do if it all goes wrong.
By Melanie Griffiths
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5 Health-Boosting Gardening Habits You Need To Adopt
Make these simple changes to your gardening routine to improve your health, wellbeing, and overall quality of life.
By Melanie Griffiths
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Experts Reveal The Top 3 Reasons Seeds and Seedlings Fail – And Offer Solutions
When seeds and seedlings rot or fail to sprout, it's a crushing blow to your growing ambitions. Discover how to avoid the most common pitfalls.
By Melanie Griffiths
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7 Joyful Garden Projects To Banish Winter Blues
Don’t let the cold weather stop you from getting outdoors. The garden in winter is full of hidden delights, and even just a few minutes spent nurturing its potential will lift your spirits.
By Melanie Griffiths
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7 Therapeutic Houseplants That Will Enhance Your Health And Wellbeing
These super-plants are brimming with therapeutic powers. Add them to your interior and reap the benefits to your physical and mental health.
By Melanie Griffiths
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7 Things That Make A Garden Look "Cheap" – And How To Elevate Its Design
Are you bringing down your neighborhood with poor design choices? Experts reveal the key mistakes gardeners make with landscaping and planting schemes.
By Melanie Griffiths
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5 Tips To Get Birds Flocking To Your Yard – According To A Bird Feeding Expert
Attract more beautiful birds to your garden, and help to support wildlife, with these essential tips.
By Melanie Griffiths
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Garden Design Trends – Experts Predict These 10 Themes Will Inspire Your Designs In 2024
Discover beautiful and practical design trends destined to make it into your garden this year – from multi-tasking edibles to schemes that embrace your inner dark side.
By Melanie Griffiths
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10 DIY Seed Starter Pot Ideas – Repurpose, Reuse, and Recycle Household Items
Never buy seed starter pots again! Discover eco-friendly ways to make your own using old paper, packaging, and even fruit rinds and eggshells
By Melanie Griffiths
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Check Before You Sow! – 3 Easy Seed Viability Tests Used By Experts
Get your growing year off to the best possible start by making sure your seeds will germinate. These simple tests will work for flower and vegetable seeds
By Melanie Griffiths
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Plant Trends 2024 – Experts Reveal 12 Garden Plants You Need To Grow This Year
Discover the must-have plants set to make your garden more beautiful, sustainable, and a haven for wildlife.
By Melanie Griffiths
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Want To Start A Garden in 2024? Read Our 10 Golden Rules For Success First
The Gardening Know How team has combined decades of experience to bring you the most essential tips for beginner gardeners. Be inspired to fulfill your growing potential in the new year.
By Melanie Griffiths