B&Q's selling a gorgeous summer plant that needs no watering – it blooms all summer & stops cats pooing in your garden
Plus the laws around deterring cats from entering your garden
FLORAL FELINE FIX B&Q's selling a gorgeous summer plant that needs no watering – it blooms all summer & stops cats pooing in your garden
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
IN the UK, cats are free to roam, and they are said to travel several miles a day when out and about.
Whether it be strolling the streets or visiting your garden to do their business, and if it's the latter you're struggling with then there's a plant or two that can help.
Sign up for Scottish Sun
newsletter
Sign up
1
The Melissa Officinalis Lemon Balm pictured is sold at B&Q
Credit: B&Q
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) and lemon thyme (Thymus citriodorus) are known to ward off felines.
Lemon balm is a relatively easy herb to grow, thriving in various conditions.
With antiviral and antibacterial properties, the leaves of this bushy, perennial herb release a strong lemon fragrance when they are bruised.
It prefers full sun or partial shade with well-drained, moist soil, and can grow quickly, dominating free space.
It's a perennial which means it returns every year with its deliciously lemon-scented leaves, and produces creamy-white or pale purple flowers in summer which honey bees love.
It can also be used around the house and in cooking - the leaves give a lemony kick to salads, sauces and fish dishes, make a refreshing herb tea, and can be added to summer drinks like Pimms.
The crushed leaves are also said to help keep mosquitoes at bay when they are rubbed onto the skin.
As for deterring cats, the citrus scent and texture of lemon balm are off-putting to cats.
You can plant it in pots around the perimeter of your garden or in areas where cats are likely to visit.
Everyone can see flowers but you have high IQ if you spot the cat in 12 secs
B&Q sells Lemon Balm in a 9cm pot for £13.99.
Lemon thyme is a hardy plant that thrives in a range of conditions, so it is a practical choice for gardeners who are looking for natural ways to keep cats out of their gardens and want a plant that will last for years.
It produces small, tubular flowers in shades of pink or pale lilac, typically appearing in whorls at the stem tips in early to mid-summer.
These flowers are known to be attractive to bees and butterflies.
Similarly to the lemon balm, lemon thyme gives off a citrus scent which cats dislike.
Other fragrant plants to deter cats:
Lavender
Rosemary
Rue
Catnip
Pennyroyal
Oregano
Curry plant
Laws around deterring cats
The RSPCA says: "Cats are protected by law and are free to roam meaning they might go into other people's gardens or allotments. It is understood that some may wish to deter other people's cats from those areas.
"But attempting to prevent cats from entering a garden or an allotment, it is important to make sure that any deterrent methods used are non-harmful and don't cause pain, suffering, injury or distress."
June gardening jobs
The Sun's Gardening Editor, Veronica Lorraine, has shared the tasks you should take this month.
Stake out leggy perennials
With all the dramatic weather we've been having, it's definitely time to stake out your leggy perennials (the ones that come back every year). Heavy rain and growth spurts, can make them collapse and flop.
Picking out the slugs and snails
Hopefully as we move into summer they will do less damage as the plants get bigger. The best way is still to go out at night with a head torch to find them.
Pick elderflower heads
You can use them to make your own cordial, or add to cakes, champagne or even fry them in batter.
Get on top of weeds
It's around now that weeds really ramp up in the garden, so keep on top of them with hoe-ing - or just the traditional 'on your knees with a hand fork'. Try and avoid chemicals - remember weeds are just plants in the wrong place.
Up the mowing
You'll need to mow your lawn weekly now - if you've got time, weed it beforehand as once you mow you chop off the leaves and its harder to see them.
Check on your tomatoes
Your tomato plants will need attention - water, feed and regularly and pinch out the sideshoots.
Chelsea Chop
There's still time for the Chelsea Chop - plants like Rudbeckia's, Asters, Penstemons, Sedums and other perennials can be cut back by a third to help them get a bit more bushy, and prolong the flowering period.
Sort out your tulips
If you can be bothered and have space - lift and story your tulip bulbs to ensure colour next Spring.
Deadheading your roses
Take them down to the first set of healthy leaves - which will ensure more flowers for longer.
Enjoy your space
Take some time to sit and enjoy your garden or outside space - it's great for your mental health. Even just a few minutes a day can make a big difference.
Homeowners are warned that causing unnecessary suffering to a cat is an offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 (AWA).
It may also be an offence to put down snares, poison or an unlicensed deterrent.
The AWA also prohibits poisoning protected animals.
The maximum penalty for anyone found guilty of an offence under the AWA is up to six months imprisonment and/or a £20,000 fine.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
Families on Universal Credit have days left to apply for free £300 vouchers this month – check if you're eligible
Scroll down to see if you are eligible HELPING HAND Families on Universal Credit have days left to apply for free £300 vouchers this month – check if you're eligible Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THOUSANDS of families on Universal Credit can claim up to £300 this month. This leg-up comes from the government's Household Support Fund (HSF) - a huge £742 million fund going straight to councils across England. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Families with three or more children can claim £300 from City of Doncaster Council Credit: Alamy The HSF is a government-backed scheme designed to help vulnerable households with essentials like food, energy bills and other living costs. Each local council is given the freedom to decide how to distribute the money, making sure it directly helps the people who need it most in their area. City of Doncaster Council is distributing a one‑off cash payment through HSF. Those typically eligible for this support are already receiving one of the following: Housing benefit Local Council Tax Reduction Universal Credit which includes the housing element Means-tested free school meals Households on Universal Credit can receive food vouchers worth £100 if they have one dependent child. Those with two children will pick up £200, while households with three or more children will be given £300 to help cover food costs. City of Doncaster Council defines a dependent child as one for whom you receive Child Benefit. Besides families with children, other eligible households - including those without children - can receive £100 to help cover energy bills. The council is also allocating £150,000 towards local food banks and its hygiene bank. Families can get FREE washing machines, fridges and kids' beds or £200 payments this summer – and you can apply now An additional £100,000 will boost community hubs, helping vulnerable households right in the community. Meanwhile, a huge £400,000 is now earmarked for the updated Local Assistance Scheme. How can people get the payment? Those who have received help from the Household Support Fund in the past - and still meet the criteria - will not need to apply. Instead, the payment will automatically hit their bank accounts. But they will need to contact the council if their bank details have changed. Those previously paid by cheque will receive the payment by cheque - unless they provide the council with their bank details. Others will need to apply between now and July. Click here to claim a Household Support Fund payment. Can those who live outside Doncaster claim support? Yes, councils throughout the country are actively assisting families through the Household Support Fund scheme. Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council is giving thousands of families a helping hand - offering free washing machines, fridges and kids' beds or £200 towards the cost of energy. Households in Redcar & Cleveland can get support worth up to £230. Those in Leeds can get payments of up to £150. By using the government's council locator tool, it's easy to find out which local authorities are offering support and the eligibility criteria. Household Support Fund explained Sun Savers Editor Lana Clements explains what you need to know about the Household Support Fund. If you're battling to afford energy and water bills, food or other essential items and services, the Household Support Fund can act as a vital lifeline. The financial support is a little-known way for struggling families to get extra help with the cost of living. Every council in England has been given a share of £742million cash by the government to distribute to local low income households. Each local authority chooses how to pass on the support. Some offer vouchers whereas others give direct cash payments. In many instances, the value of support is worth hundreds of pounds to individual families. Just as the support varies between councils, so does the criteria for qualifying. Many councils offer the help to households on selected benefits or they may base help on the level of household income. The key is to get in touch with your local authority to see exactly what support is on offer. The last round ran until the end of March 2025, but was extended. The most current round is running between April 2025 and March 2026.
Scottish Sun
5 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
At least eight killed in horror hot air balloon crash in Brazil ‘after aircraft caught fire and plummeted to the ground'
CRASH HORROR At least eight killed in horror hot air balloon crash in Brazil 'after aircraft caught fire and plummeted to the ground' Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AT least least eight people died after a hot-air balloon crashed in Brazil's southern region of Santa Catarina. The balloon is believed to have had an estimated 22 people onboard. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 At least least eight people died after a hot-air balloon crashed 2 The balloon is believed to have had an estimated 22 people onboard Local governor Jorginho Mello said on X: "We are all shocked by the accident involving a balloon in Praia Grande, this Saturday morning. "Our rescue team is already on site. "So far, we have confirmed eight deaths and two survivors." Shocking footage uploaded to social media shows the hot air balloon erupt into flames in the sky before deflating and falling to the ground. More to follow... For the latest news on this story, keep checking back at The U.S. Sun, your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, sports news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures, and must-see videos. Like us on Facebook at TheSunUS and follow us on X at @TheUSSun
Scottish Sun
11 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Why you should be turning your fans around this weekend to survive the soaring temperatures – never point them at you
You could be adding £50 to your electric bill for no reason COOL IDEA Why you should be turning your fans around this weekend to survive the soaring temperatures – never point them at you Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WITH temperatures soaring across the UK this weekend, many of us will be reaching for our fans for some relief from the hot weather. However, according to some experts many of us have been using our cooling devices all wrong causing them to become less efficient and cost us more. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Directing your fan at you is the worst way to cool down according to experts Credit: Getty Here, energy-efficiency experts Green Improve reveal a simple heatwave hack that will save people money this summer. Electric fans may make rooms feel warmer when used incorrectly. Rather than positioning them inwards where they circulate hot air within rooms, fans should be directed towards windows to blow hot air outside during a heatwave. Daniel McCowan, Director of Green Improve Ltd, also says that Brits should be 'strategic' when it comes to opening windows. 'UK homes are designed to retain heat,' says Daniel. 'By opening windows during a heatwave, people trap hot air inside the home and worsen the situation.' By strategically opening windows during cooler periods, Brits can avoid overheating and save money on their electricity bills this week. Daniel says windows and curtains should remain closed during the hottest hours, which are usually between 10 am and 4 pm. They can then be opened during cooler evening periods to allow heat to escape and fresh air to circulate. If someone opens their windows and allows excess heat into the home, they're more likely to rely on expensive electric fans to cool down. My dream pool was £40,000 so I DIYd my own 18ft version in February all for this summer heatwave - it's saved me £37,000 "Electric fans are an unnecessary expense during a heatwave,' McCowan adds. 'For example, running a 200W fan for 8 hours every night from May through August could add around £53.21 to electricity bills in the UK.'
