Holly Crossley
The garden was always a big part of Holly's life growing up, as was the surrounding New Forest, UK, where she lived. Her appreciation for the great outdoors has only grown since then; over the years, she's been an allotment keeper, a professional gardener, and a botanical illustrator. Having worked for Gardeningetc.com for two years, Holly now writes about plants and outdoor living for Homes & Gardens.
In her spare time, Holly loves visiting local English gardens and is particularly fond of relaxed cottage-garden schemes. She also loves prairie-style planting – the tapestry effect of grasses mixed with drought-tolerant blooms never ceases to delight her. Always happiest around plants, when she isn't swooning over gardens, she's looking after her ever-growing collection of houseplants and arranging seasonal flowers in her apartment to paint.
Latest articles by Holly Crossley
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Patio planting mistakes – 6 errors to avoid for a gorgeous display in your outdoor living space
These are the mistakes to steer clear of when adding flowers and foliage to your patio – whether you're planting them in pots or in the ground
By Holly Crossley • Published
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Front yard privacy ideas – 10 stylish ways to screen your home from the street
Block prying eyes while upping curb appeal with these inspiring looks
By Holly Crossley • Published
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Wildlife garden mistakes – 5 errors to avoid when creating a backyard haven for birds, butterflies, and more
Keep visiting wildlife happy and healthy in your outdoor space
By Holly Crossley • Published
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Watering hydrangeas – expert tips on how and when to hydrate these backyard shrubs
Whether you're growing them in pots or borders, keep your hydrangeas flourishing with these expert tips
By Holly Crossley • Published
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How to grow dahlias in pots – expert tips on planting, watering, and more
Fill your patio with dahlias in containers – a beautiful way to brighten the space this summer
By Holly Crossley • Published
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Painted patio ideas – 11 colorful and creative ways to update your outdoor living space
From the paving to the walls, give your patio a makeover with these inspirational and budget-friendly looks
By Holly Crossley • Published
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Support your local wildlife with a bee watering station – they're quick and easy to make
This simple guide explains how to provide a safe water source for visiting bees
By Holly Crossley • Published
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Privacy trees to grow in pots – 8 pretty choices for screening your yard from view
These trees may be on the smaller side, but they can be an effective way to make your patio or deck feel more private – and they look beautiful, too
By Holly Crossley • Published
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Create more patio privacy with a planter box with trellis – it’s a quick, easy, and stylish solution
Grow a chic botanical screen in your outdoor living space by adding a trellis to your container display
By Holly Crossley • Published
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Flowers for pots in full sun – 10 cheerful choices that will stand up to the heat
Add a splash of color to your patio or deck with these beautiful blooms
By Holly Crossley • Published
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How to grow hostas in pots – container tips for these shade-loving foliage plants
With their luscious foliage, hostas are an easy-care choice for your patio pots
By Holly Crossley • Published
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Hot tub deck ideas – 10 stylish surroundings for your backyard spa
Create a relaxing space on your deck with these tips
By Holly Crossley • Published
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How to grow peonies in pots – top tips for beautiful container displays
Although they do best when planted in the ground, it's possible to grow these perennials as part of your container display
By Holly Crossley • Published
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Backyard wedding ideas – 19 ways to celebrate your big day alfresco
Curate a memorable, magical day in your own outdoor space with these expert tips
By Holly Crossley • Published
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Hummingbird perches – why they're important, and how you can offer them in your backyard
Give visiting hummingbirds a prime place to rest with this expert advice
By Holly Crossley • Published
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How to get rid of creeping Charlie – 6 tips for tackling ground ivy in your garden
Try these expert-approved methods for eradicating this weed
By Holly Crossley • Published
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How and when to divide hostas – tips for splitting up these pretty foliage plants
Give congested hostas a new lease of life in your yard with this expert guide
By Holly Crossley • Published
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What do hummingbirds eat? – their diet explained, plus tips on providing food in your yard
Give these feathered friends a helping hand by offering a variety of food sources
By Holly Crossley • Published
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Bamboo care and growing guide – expert tips for living screens, patio containers, and more
Bamboo is a beautiful garden addition, but there are some important factors to consider when planting it in your yard
By Holly Crossley • Published
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How to get rid of chickweed – quick tips for tackling this backyard interloper
Eradicate common chickweed from your borders with this advice
By Holly Crossley • Published
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Garden privacy mistakes – 5 errors to avoid when screening your yard from view
Get effective and stylish results in your outdoor living space with this advice
By Holly Crossley • Published
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Is there green mold growing on your seedling trays? A gardening expert explains what to do
Keep your seedlings mold-free with these tips
By Holly Crossley • Published
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How to get rid of dallisgrass – top tips for tackling this perennial weed
It's one of the more difficult lawn weeds to eradicate – but these steps will help
By Holly Crossley • Published
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5 backyard design mistakes that instantly outdate a space – according to experts
Create a stylish outdoor space that stands the test of time with these expert tips
By Holly Crossley • Published