Anna K. Cottrell
Anna currently writes about real estate, interior design, and gardening for a wide range of publications. Her work has appeared in Homes & Gardens, Livingetc, Real Homes, and many other publications. Anna was previously a content editor on Real Homes, before pursuing a writing career. She is an experienced outdoor and indoor gardener and has a passion for growing roses and Japanese maples in her outside space.
Latest articles by Anna K. Cottrell
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Fire marshal warns against mulch fires caused by spontaneous combustion
Gardens Plus, top tips for preventing a mulch fire in your backyard
By Anna Cottrell Published
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Spotify has launched plant playlists – but does music really help plants grow?
Plants Will Spotify's new plant playlist encourage your houseplants to grow faster? We explore the science behind the claims that music helps plants grow
By Anna Cottrell Published
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Growing garlic from cloves? You need this tip from Gardener Scott for success
Grow Your Own Wondering how easy growing garlic from cloves actually is? Gardener Scott has this tip for guaranteed success growing this crop
By Anna Cottrell Published
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Use this failsafe method for propagating lucky bamboo – you'll be amazed how many plants you can get
Plants Grow your own jungle indoors with minimum effort – this plant is really easy to multiply, as demonstrated by Shirley Bovshow
By Anna Cottrell Published
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Wisteria not flowering? Here are the top reasons why
Plants If your wisteria is not producing any flowers, it's important to identify the reason. Here are the most common causes of bloomless wisteria, from climate conditions to gardener mistakes
By Anna Cottrell Published
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The top mistake you're making when growing English cucumbers
Grow Your Own The common mistake gardeners make when growing English cucumbers is easy to fix
By Anna Cottrell Published
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Should you use BBQ ash in garden soil? We separate fact from myth
Gardens Does BBQ ash make a good soil fertilizer? Here's what you need to know
By Anna Cottrell Published
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Treat your garden to a Mediterranean space with these expert tips for growing bougainvillea in colder climates
Plants Experts explain how to grow bougainvillea in warm or cold places – it can handle more than you'd think
By Anna Cottrell Published
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Shirley Bovshow gives her top azalea growing tips – for gorgeous blooms every year
plants Landscape designer and TV host Shirley Bovshow gives top tips on growing azalea bushes successfully
By Anna Cottrell Published
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Wondering why to put hay on grass? What you need to know about mulching your lawn with cut grasses
landscaping Should you really be mulching your lawn with hay? And will straw work better? Your lawn care question answered
By Anna Cottrell Published
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Top 3 reasons your petunias are wilting – bring your blooms back to life
plants Want to know why your petunia plants are wilting? These are the most likely causes – and fixes
By Anna Cottrell Published
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How long does it take for a lemon tree to grow? What you need to know about lemon trees reaching maturity
plants If you can't tell whether your lemon tree is fully grown or not, follow these easy tips
By Anna Cottrell Published
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Gardening presenter Poppy Okotcha says you shouldn't remove dead trees from your garden – here's why
Plants Before you decide to remove that dead tree in your garden, consider its benefits, says gardening presenter Poppy Okotcha
By Anna Cottrell Published
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The pros and cons of growing romaine lettuce from scraps – is it worth regrowing your lettuce stumps?
Grow Your Own Should you be growing romaine lettuce from scraps? Gardening experts weigh in with their views
By Anna Cottrell Published
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Channel 5 to launch Kew Gardens series
gardens Brand new TV series will give viewers unprecedented access to Kew Gardens and Kew Wakehurst
By Anna Cottrell Published
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Why do orchid leaves turn yellow? These are the 3 most common reasons
Plants Yellowing leaves on an orchid are a sign of distress, but it's usually not too late to save your plant
By Anna Cottrell Published
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The Blenheim Palace Flower Show is to go ahead this summer, despite the pandemic
Gardens The Blenheim Palace Flower Show is returning – bigger and better than ever, showcasing more than 300 exhibitors
By Anna Cottrell Published
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3 profitable plants to grow in your garden – extra cash with minimum effort
Grow Your Own Can you make money gardening? Yes, but choose what you grow wisely – these 3 plants can turn you a nice little profit, even if you don't have acres of land
By Anna Cottrell Published
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Not testing soil is a lawn care mistake – here's why you need to know your soil pH
How To Having trouble growing grass from seed? You need to test your soil – here's why
By Anna Cottrell Published
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Growing bonsai trees is good for our mental health – time to embrace bonsai therapy?
Plants The ancient art of bonsai is finding its way into the gardening therapy trends, and with good reason, as research shows
By Anna Cottrell Published
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Laura LeBoutillier gives her top tips for pinching out sweet peas – for more flowers in the summer
plants Why you need to pinch out your sweet peas before you plant them out, according to gardening expert Laura Le Boutillier
By Anna Cottrell Published
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3 top reasons your lavender plant is not flowering
plants A lavender plant that won't flower is most likely experiencing one of these common problems; fix them and enjoy plenty of fragrant blooms this summer
By Anna Cottrell Published
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This is the easiest way of growing mango trees, according to a gardening expert
Grow Your Own Forget about growing mango trees in plastic bags as there's a much easier way. Plus, a trick to guarantee your tree produces tasty mango fruit
By Anna Cottrell Published
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Taste success growing raspberries with these top tips from gardening expert Carol Klein
Grow Your Own Gardener and TV presenter Carol Klein gives her failsafe tips on growing raspberries in your garden
By Anna Cottrell Published
Grow Your Own