Holly Reaney
Holly is one of Ideal Home’s content editors. She started my career in 2018 as a feature writer and sub-editor for Ideal Home’s sister brand Period Living magazine, and writes a wide range of interiors and renovation content ranging from features about designing the perfect kitchen to choosing the right windows for a period home.
Expanding her role, Holly also regularly contribute to Country Homes & Interiors magazine – interviewing leading designers and researching the latest home and garden updates – in addition to pieces on the Ideal Home website. She'a also written features for websites including Homes & Gardens, Real Homes and Gardeningetc.
A keen gardener, Holly has been faced with the challenges of gardening in a rental property leading to a vast array of potted plants – ranging from fruit trees to pretty annuals – and an ever-growing collection of houseplants.
IDEAL HOME TRUTHS
Where’s your happy place?
I’m at my happiest when I’m in nature. I love hiking – especially in the Lake District – there’s something so peaceful about the scenery and I love spotting all the wildlife. I have also recently taken up paddleboarding which is the perfect way to decompress after a busy day.
What’s your home addiction?
Houseplants! I’m running out of surfaces but that doesn’t seem to stop me from buying them. I love to hunt the clearance shelves and rescue unloved plants – there’s something so satisfying about nursing them back to health and watching them thrive.
What is your next home project?
Our current home is a rental so we’re limited in terms of home projects, however, this hasn’t stopped me from putting my stamp on it. I’ve recently been trying my hand at upcycling furniture – I’ve found some beautiful pieces on Ebay and have loved sanding them back and painting them to suit our scheme.
Latest articles by Holly Reaney
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Designer Penelope Chilvers' farmhouse kitchen retains every inch of its original authentic charmIt's filled with hidden design gems
By Holly Reaney
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Is your neighbour’s fire pit too close to your fence? Experts explain when you can complainIf smoke is drifting into your garden or you’re worried about the risk of fire, there are steps you can take
By Holly Reaney
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What to do with agapanthus in October – 4 jobs to do now for beautiful flowers next yearFrom deadheading to frost protection, these are the essential jobs to tackle this month
By Holly Reaney
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What to do with a snake plant in September to ensure your plant survives the coldest months and is set up for success in springMake sure your unkillable plant isn't just surviving but thriving
By Holly Reaney
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Can I prune a tree on council land? This is what you can and can't do if a nearby tree is encroaching on your gardenYes, you can, but only in this one case
By Holly Reaney
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The best time to prune hebes is coming up – experts reveal how to get more blooms without damaging the plantWhen to prune and the mistake to avoid
By Holly Reaney
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Can I cut my neighbour's plants if they grow over into my garden?Know your rights when cutting your neighbour's plants in your garden
By Holly Reaney
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3 things to do to your lawn before it rains to help it bounce back after the heatwaveHelp the rain restore your lawn to its former glory
By Holly Reaney
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What to do with strawberry plants after fruiting to ensure a strong harvest next yearEnsure a great 2027 harvest
By Holly Reaney
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7 reasons your agapanthus isn't flowering and what you can do about itHow to ensure it blooms next year
By Holly Reaney
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7 reasons why your gladioli is not flowering – what you can do to ensure beautiful, vibrant blooms every yearSave yourself from disappointment
By Holly Reaney
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22 container garden ideas that transform an outdoor space into a lush oasisRegardless of its size!
By Holly Reaney
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Why are my sunflowers not flowering? 7 reasons your plants aren't blooming as they should and what to do about itTips to guarantee beautiful blooms
By Holly Reaney
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You're probably watering your roses wrong in hot weather – 5 expert tips to help them thriveAnd why less is sometimes more...
By Holly Reaney
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What to do with lavender in July to help it thrive in the heatwave with beautiful blooms and long-lasting fragranceHelp it through the hottest months of the year
By Holly Reaney
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4 ways to reuse grass clippings in your garden – they are a powerhouse of nutrientsGrass clippings are so much more than just garden waste
By Holly Reaney
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What to do with clematis in June for beautiful, abundant blooms and strong growthKeep your climber flourishing all summer long
By Holly Reaney
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The best ways to keep a hydrangea blue all summer long – experts' tricks to preserve the vibrant colourIt's easier than you think
By Holly Reaney
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I protected my new build garden from waterlogging with this smart soil improver tactic – two years on, it's been a lifesaverTwo years on, it's been a lifesaver
By Holly Reaney
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The heatwave frazzled my seedlings – this is what I'm doing this week to help revive and recover them in time for summerAll is not lost for my frazzled seedlings
By Holly Reaney
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5 reasons why your peonies aren’t blooming – and the simple fixes pro gardeners swear byFrom planting depth to sunlight and pruning errors
By Holly Reaney
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8 gorgeous plants that will have butterflies flocking to your gardenThe small shrubs, statement trees and flowers they adore
By Holly Reaney
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This petite kitchen has been given a bright and uplifting refresh with plenty of vintage charm and characterA masterclass in overcoming wonky walls, a sloping floor and the small footprint of a 17th-century maisonette
By Holly Reaney
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6 easy-care perennials you can plant once and ignore – reliable plants that will flourish with next to no effortThese low-effort plants will reward your neglect year after year
By Holly Reaney
