Latest news with #garden
Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
LIZ JONES: With this As Ever launch, Meghan's finally found a money-spinner that will work... because she's realised one key thing
'No more sleeps!' That was the over-excited, slightly infantile proclamation on the Duchess of Sussex 's Instagram account this morning. There was even a ticking clock counting down the seconds before the summer drop of new products landed on her As Ever website. 'Here we go!' shouted the next post, along with a photo of Meghan in a garden swing, hair flowing, sleeves puffy. My excitement could barely be contained. I was on tenterhooks!
The Sun
6 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
B&Q shoppers are racing to snap up £10 buy that elevates your garden and instantly adds privacy
B&Q is selling the perfect budget friendly product to elevate your garden and add instant privacy to your outdoors space. With summer now upon us, and the Met Office predicting a heatwave is "likely" this weekend, many of us are likely planning to spend lots of time relaxing in the garden. 2 2 However, there's nothing worse than sitting outside with a glass of wine and a good book, only to realise that your nosy neighbour is peeking at you over the fence. Putting up a large fence around your garden may seem like the obvious choice to keep away prying eyes, but this can be expensive - and can sometimes lead to disagreements with neighbours. Paul CEO of plants and perennials specialists J. Parker's revealed that one stylish way of creating privacy in your garden is by planting ornamental grasses. He said: 'Grasses can be used easily to create internal screens or hedges that flower beautifully, move in the slightest breeze, and need little care during the summer months. "I recommend silvergrass or pampas grass to not only conceal your garden, but to introduce interesting textures. "Their fast growth rate makes ornamental grasses ideal for privacy hedges because new plants can rapidly fill in any gaps.' B&Q's Stipa Pony Tails Ornamental Grass is currently priced at £10.49, making it a perfect solution for penny pinchers. The height of the plant when you purchase it will be 30-45cm, but ornamental grass can grow up to three metres tall. The plant is low maintenance, so won't cause you any stress, plus its feathery plumes will elevate the look of your garden into a stylish haven. The expert revealed that another handy tip to add privacy to your garden is to cover up fences with evergreen climbers. I hate my new build garden being overlooked so found a 5 METRE privacy fence to block out nosy neighbours for under £30 He said: 'If you want to disguise fences, balcony railings or rooftop spaces, evergreen climbers are a fantastic solution. "Star Jasmine would be my top choice, it's a hardy, vigorous grower with glossy evergreen foliage, so it's the perfect all-year-round cover. "In summer, it bursts into fragrant, star-shaped flowers that fill your garden with an enticing scent. "If you don't have a surface to grow against, create a living fence by planting shrubs or small trees close together to make a natural wall of privacy. How to create privacy in your garden CREATING privacy in your garden can be achieved in a number of ways depending on your budget, and the size of your space. Here are some effective ways to enhance privacy in your garden: 1. Fencing Install a tall, solid wooden or vinyl fence. This is one of the most straightforward ways to gain immediate privacy. Or use lattice panels, trellis, or slatted fencing to add a decorative touch while still offering privacy. 2. Hedges and Plants Fast-growing evergreen shrubs or trees like Leylandii, Thuja, or Bamboo along the boundary of your garden can help with privacy. Grow a dense hedge using plants like Boxwood, Privet, or Laurel. It may take time to grow, but it provides a natural and green privacy screen. Use climbers like Ivy, Clematis, or Wisteria on fences or trellises to create a lush, green privacy barrier. 3. Outdoor Curtains Hang outdoor curtains around pergolas, gazebos, or patios for an easy-to-adjust privacy solution. 4. Sound Barriers A water fountain or small waterfall can help drown out noise, adding to the sense of privacy. Or install fencing designed to reduce noise if privacy from sound is also a concern. "Varieties like golden privet hedging or, for a shorter screen, Salix (like Flamingo Willow) are trendy options that work well to cordon off designated areas in your garden.' Salix, or flamingo trees grow tall and quickly, meaning that they are a popular choice for hiding gardens from prying eyes. The trees are native to the UK and are popular due to their bright pink foliage, which is a similar shade to the flamboyant birds they are named after. This makes them perfect for adding a splash of colour to your garden, whilst also ensuring your outdoor space is shrouded from prying eyes. Shoppers have recently spotted flamingo trees for sale for £13 at Asda.
The Independent
11 hours ago
- General
- The Independent
Of course my water stopped working during a heatwave
WATER Showerless, I tried to sweat less. Water was there When I left the house, sitting in pipes, Cooling beneath the floorboards, supplying flushes and cleaning teeth. But two hours later the kitchen tap opened to gasps of air Because there was nothing there. Mains fed it was a dry throat, While other basins filled from the pool in the loft As it drained to its silt like a beach As the tide recedes. Three men puzzled over the leakless lack of evidence And a garden stopcock that answered no questions. One dug a hole big enough to uncover no problems And bury a large dog quite deep. Stickily, as my hair crisped, another day passed. A neighbour mentioned his stopcock left his water on. He'd oiled and cleaned and twisted it, wondering at its uselessness Until its head almost snapped off, not seeing that it wasn't his. He'd blindly severed the artery that crossed the street to me. When I showed him the garden pit, mortified He looked as if he'd like to throw himself into it.
The Sun
13 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
Cheapest shop to buy garden furniture this weekend with prices starting from £14
SUMMER is here and many will be thinking about spending more time in the garden now the weather is warmer. But the cost of sprucing up your outside space can be pricey, especially if you are not savvy. 1 Luckily, a number of retailers have rolled out summer sales giving customers the chance to save. Below we list the best summer offers to help jazz up your garden. Wilko Living and Home Black Linear Wicker Hanging Egg Chair - £86 Egg chairs have become one of the most sought after garden pieces in recent years and loved by the likes of Stacey Solomon and Mrs Hinch. But, the pod shaped seats are not cheap, with prices easily topping £400 depending where you shop. Wilko is currently selling a Black Liner Wicker Hanging Egg Chair for £86, making it one of the cheapests on the market. They stylish swinging chair comes with black padded cushions for added support and relations. It is only available to shop online, but customers get free delivery with this order so can dodge any fees. If that doesn't tickle your fancy, The Range is selling a Marisa Hanging Chair with Cushion for £99. The Range Arosa Steel Gazebo - £89.99 Gazebos are an easy way to add the wow factor to your garden, but can be expensive when bought at full price. The Range has knocked £30 off its Arosa Steel Gazebo with the product now scanning for just under £90. Customers have raved about the stylish feature and praised it for how easy it was to set up. One shopper said: "It looks really nice and perfect size for a table and 4 chairs. My husband at 75 put this up on his own and didn't have any problems.". It is available to buy online and for click and collect across The Range stores. B&M is also selling a Steel Framed Gazebo for £100 down from £125. B&M four piece sofa set - £150 Garden sofa's are chic and arguably much more comfortable than sitting on a sun lounger. But the dapper outdoor piece often comes at a price. B&M has slashed the price of Sorrento Sofa Set to £150 down from £200, making it one of the cheapest on the market. It comes with one table, a two-seater sofa and two arm chairs, all in a stylish grey finish If you are not a fan of the colour, the bargain store is also selling the same product in sand for £150. Those who are keen to get their hands on the product will need to head to one of B&M's 700 plus across the UK. You can find your nearest store by visiting, Dunelm Rattan Bistro Chair - £14 Rattan garden furniture can add a timeless feel to any garden and are highly sought after by many shoppers. If you are on the hunt for one of the woven wood pieces look no further than Dunelm. The homeware giant has slashed the price of its Rattan Bistro Chair to £14, down from £20. If you picked up two it would come to £28, which is £33 cheaper than what Tesco is charging for a set. The supermarket's Living and home PE Rattan Stacking Garden Chairs-Set of 2 cost £61 in stores. How to update your garden on the cheap IF you want your garden to impress this summer, you've come to the right place... Plan and Prioritise Assess Your Space: Take a walk around your garden and note areas that need improvement. Set a Budget: Determine how much you can afford to spend. Prioritise Projects: Focus on high-impact areas first, like pathways, seating, or focal points. DIY Projects Build Your Own Planters: Use reclaimed wood, pallets, or other materials to create custom planters. Create Garden Art: Use old items like tires, bottles, or cans to make unique garden decorations. Pathways: Lay down gravel or mulch to create affordable and attractive garden paths. Plant Smart Buy Seeds, Not Plants: Seeds are cheaper than mature plants and offer a wider variety. Share and Swap: Exchange plants and seeds with friends or join a local gardening club. Grow Perennials: Invest in plants that come back year after year to save money in the long run. Use Free Resources Compost: Make your own compost from kitchen scraps and yard waste to enrich your soil. Rainwater Collection: Set up a rain barrel to collect water for your garden. Mulch: Use leaves, grass clippings, or wood chips as free mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Repurpose and Upcycle Old Furniture: Turn an old chair into a plant stand or a dresser drawer into a planter. Containers: Use buckets, tins, or even old shoes as quirky plant containers. Pallets: Create vertical gardens or compost bins from discarded pallets. Shop Smart Sales and Discounts: Look for end-of-season sales or discounts at garden centers. Second-Hand Stores: Find pots, tools, and decorations at thrift stores or garage sales. Online Marketplaces: Check sites like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace for free or cheap garden supplies. Maintenance Weed Regularly: Stay on top of weeding to keep your garden looking tidy. Prune and Deadhead: Regularly prune plants and deadhead flowers to encourage growth and blooms. Tool Care: Maintain your tools by cleaning and sharpening them to prolong their life and effectiveness. By using these tips, you can give your garden a fresh, updated look without spending a lot of money. Happy gardening!
The Sun
a day ago
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
Home Bargains' £2 buy will bathe your garden in a colourful glow this summer
A BUDGET buy can help to instantly brighten up your garden this summer. Home Bargains shoppers will be able to bathe their garden in a colourful glow with this handy item. 2 With this affordable item, your summer get-together can seamlessly go from day to night. So whether you're hosting a summer barbecue or simply enjoying the warm weather, this buy can elevate your experience. The Firefly Solar Colour Lantern is available for just £1.99 from Home Bargains. "This eco-friendly, sun-powered lantern brings a colourful glow to outdoor spaces, ideal for summer or any event," the product description read. As well as instantly brightening up your garden, the lantern is said to add a "fun vibrant touch to your outdoor space". It also proves to be a cost-effective option as it is completely powered by solar energy. The warm white LED light "creates a cosy inviting atmosphere" in your garden for the long summer nights. Measuring 24 centimetres tall, this lantern is described as "a charming and decorative addition to your garden". And Home Bargains shoppers can even match the lantern to their personal aesthetic, with an assortment of colours to choose from. According to decor experts, adding lights to your outdoor space helps to enhance its aesthetic appeal. My garden was looking so old and the patio was broken - now it's a lush oasis and people can't believe how little I spent They also ensure safety and security as well as extending your garden's usability after dark. You can strategically place your outdoor lanterns to highlight various features in your garden. And there are a wide variety of other affordable decor buys currently on offer. Home Bargains shoppers can also pick up a . And another Home Bargains buy will brighten up your space while making it look like something out of Bridgerton. Meanwhile, Amazon has a £14 privacy buy that is described as "perfect" for summer. Another privacy fence is also available from Amazon, for just £5. B&Q has an affordable privacy fence currently on sale, and you can put it up yourself. And a £10 B&M product adds inches to your fence, elevating your garden's privacy. You can also add a stylish touch to your privacy fence with another B&M buy. 2
