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A woman with dark brown hair and freckles smiles, wearing a gray blazer over a floral top, standing in a green, outdoor setting.

Gemma Johnstone

location-pin Courmayeur, Valle d'Aosta, Italy

School: Queen Margaret University

Expertise: landscaping and garden, pest control, cleaning and organization, decor and design, pets, outdoors and camping

Gemma Johnstone

  • Passionate about sustainable design.
  • Avid plant collector.
  • BA in Communication Studies.

Experience

Gemma Johnstone has been writing professionally about home and landscape design for more than five years. She’s interviewed countless subject matter experts and written hundreds of home and gardening how-to guides, cost outlines and listicles, regularly contributing to publications such as Forbes Home, Family Handyman, Reader’s Digest, Better Home and Gardens and The Spruce. In her spare time, you’ll find Gemma avidly tending her prized plant collection or researching the next big sustainable interior design trend.

Education

Queen Margaret University BA Communication and Media Studies

Family Handyman Editorial Policies

For more than seven decades, Family Handyman has been providing its audience with ideas, inspiration and step-by-step directions on how to maintain and enhance indoor and outdoor living spaces. In addition to having our own staff of experts, we hire individuals whose skills have been honed through years of experience in the building, plumbing and electrical trades, and as passionate homeowners who have translated DIY (do it yourself) skills into careers as respected creators.

Articles

What Is Hairy Bittercress And How Do I Get Rid Of It Gettyimages 637879442

Hairy Bittercress: How to Identify and Get Rid of It

Maintenance, mulching, and mowing are all expert-approved tools to help prevent fast-spreading hairy bittercress from taking over your lawn.
Lawn sprinkler

Here’s How Much Water Your Grass Really Needs

When the experts advise how much to water your lawn, the amount might not be as much as expected.
Carton of bleach pouring out in front of a blue background

Boil Water Advisory Says Add Bleach — Is It Really Safe? Experts Weigh In

Boiling is better than bleaching, but it will still do in a pinch—provided you follow the right precautions