Kayleigh Dray
Kayleigh Dray joined the Ideal Home team in May 2023, and it feels like a role for which she’s been preparing her entire life. After all, her first ever job was working at a busy local garden centre, before she became a property writer for Fine & Country Estate Agents – a job which helped fund her degree in English Literature & Creative Writing at Royal Holloway, University of London.
She kicked off her career in magazines with an eye-opening internship at Cosmopolitan – and was able to impress her editor so much that she kept her on as a news writer. Kayleigh then went on to become part of the digital editorial team at Closer, before a successful seven-year stint at Stylist, where she took command as the site’s editor (and editor-at-large).
Nowadays, she can be found freelancing for a myriad titles about film and TV, but it’s her part time role at Ideal Home that allows her the chance to wax lyrical about her true love: gardening. She has just set to work on giving her own scrubby backyard a woodland-inspired makeover – and there’s been whispers of a vegetable plot, too!
Ideal Home Truths
Where’s your happy place?
My happy place is my tiny kitchen, as it’s the first room we put our own stamp on when we moved in. I love the clean white walls and turquoise tiles, and I’m obviously a big fan of the windowsill filled with herb pots and flowering fruit plants, too. There’s still work to be done, but I can’t help but feel proud of how pretty and functional this dinky little room has become.
What’s your home addiction?
I'm obsessed with buying plants – it’s actually been said I have a serious plant problem by more than one person. Whether it’s the time I “accidentally” signed up to a monthly plant subscription service and filled my home with leafy beauties, or the time I woke up frighteningly early to make sure I got my mitts on a coveted climbing hydrangea at our local community plant sale (hey, it’s for charity!), there’s a reason my husband now insists on a One In, One Out policy.
What is your next home project?
This house was bought at auction as a definite fixer-upper, and has been a work in progress ever since. Downstairs is almost sorted (almost), so next it’s the turn of upstairs, and particularly the so-called nursery, as the baby is still camping out in our bedroom…
Latest articles by Kayleigh Dray
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How to make a bug hotel and transform your garden into a thriving minibeast haven
From ladybirds to bumble bees, here's how to make a bug hotel like a pro
By Kayleigh Dray
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How to grow hostas and transform your shady garden into a lush green oasis
These shade-loving plants are always the stars of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show – but how do you grow hostas in your own garden?
By Kayleigh Dray
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The 5 best climbing plants to cover an ugly fence, add privacy, and beautify your garden
Transform your boring garden fence into a vibrant display with one of these stunning climbing plants
By Kayleigh Dray
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Are pleached trees worth it? Here's what you need to know about David Beckham's garden must-have
Pleached trees are having a moment, thanks to David Beckham's now-viral Instagram post – but are they really worth the money?
By Kayleigh Dray
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How to get rid of nettles and banish the stinging plants from your garden forever
Not sure how to get rid of nettles? Our expert guide has all the answers...
By Kayleigh Dray
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What is chaos gardening? Say hello to the RHS Chelsea trend you need in your life
Chaos gardening is the hot new trend at RHS Chelsea, but what is it? And does it really work in a normal garden?
By Kayleigh Dray
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Can you lay turf on top of grass? Experts reveal the secret to a healthy, luscious lawn
Look this way if you're considering a lazier approach to laying turf...
By Kayleigh Dray
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How to get rid of Japanese knotweed – without risking a hefty fine
You may be liable for up to £200,000 in damages and costs if you don't remove it
By Kayleigh Dray
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These are the weeding mistakes to avoid if you want to keep your garden looking gorgeous
The experts have spoken
By Kayleigh Dray
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Gardeners warned to leave super slug alone - it protects plants (and kills off other slugs)
Say hello to the one slug you'll actually want slithering around your garden
By Kayleigh Dray
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How to get rid of giant hogweed safely – experts reveal the best way to remove this invasive plant from your garden
Should you remove hogweed from your garden? Yes, so long as you follow these tried-and-tested tips
By Kayleigh Dray
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How to get rid of weeds naturally – 6 ways to banish weeds from your garden without resorting to chemicals
That's right: weeds can be controlled without resorting to weedkillers or chemicals (which is great news for your garden)
By Kayleigh Dray
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How to make an outdoor kitchen look more expensive – 7 ways to get the luxury look without the price tag
Fancy dazzling your guests this summer? Here's how to make your outdoor kitchen look more expensive (for less)
By Kayleigh Dray
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Should you fertilise roses? Everything you need to know about boosting blooms
Our expert guide to fertilising roses teaches you exactly when and how to feed your flowers for the best possible results
By Kayleigh Dray
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The Chelsea chop is the clever gardening hack that'll give you more flowers than ever
Monty Don's tried-and-tested gardening hack is the secret to longer-lasting blooms...
By Kayleigh Dray
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Can you grow a lawn in shade? Yes, so long as you follow these expert tips...
That's right: a north-facing garden doesn't mean your dreams of a green lawn are over!
By Kayleigh Dray
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What to plant in May – the flowers, fruit and vegetables experts recommend sowing this month
Your May planting guide
By Kayleigh Dray
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How to grow a chamomile lawn for a sweet-smelling (and beautiful) alternative to traditional grass
Fancy a stunning lawn with a wildflower twist? It's time to give chamomile a go
By Kayleigh Dray
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Why you shouldn’t mow your lawn this May (no matter what)
Fight the urge to get the lawn mower out – you won’t regret it
By Kayleigh Dray
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The 7 best fast-growing hedges to ramp up your garden's privacy
Hoping to grow a privacy hedge as quickly as possible? Look this way...
By Kayleigh Dray
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How to get rid of glasshouse whitefly – the major greenhouse pest to watch out for
They're coming for your homegrown fruits and vegetables, so here's how to get rid of glasshouse whitefly...
By Kayleigh Dray
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How to prune azaleas – experts explain how to make sure you don't cut off next year's blooms by mistake
Not sure how to prune azaleas? It's incredibly easy if you follow our expert tips...
By Kayleigh Dray
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I tried Swedish death cleaning – while it brought me to tears, I loved it
It might sound morbid, but Swedish death cleaning is the MVP when it comes to decluttering
By Kayleigh Dray
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How to grow mint from seed – expert tips for super easy (and tasty) herbs on tap
Amateur gardeners, assemble! Here's how to grow mint from seed like a pro...
By Kayleigh Dray