Latest news with #gardening
The Sun
44 minutes ago
- General
- The Sun
The 49p plant that keeps wasps away – it flowers until September & fills your garden with gorgeous fragrance
THERE'S nothing better than lying out in your garden and soaking up the sun. And don't worry if your space seems prone to wasps because a handy hack can help to repel them. And since the current heatwave likely means more barbecues and garden get togethers, wasp season is officially here. If you want to enjoy your summer drinks and al fresco dining without worrying about these buzzing pests, you can swap out a chemical spray for a natural deterrent. With wasp populations increasing even further in July, now is the time to act. Thankfully, one of summer's most popular plants can double as a natural wasp repellent. But you'll want to get it in the ground now as once wasps beging building nests they become a lot more difficult to remove. That's when things get really costly, with professional removal fees reaching up to £241. Liam Cleary, who works as an outdoor plants expert at Old Railway Line Garden Centre, revealed that planting lavender is a simple and affordable solution to your wasp problem. 'Wasps are highly sensitive to strong scents, and lavender is one they really don't like," he explained. "Planting it near seating areas, doorways, or patios can help mask the smells that attract them, like food, sugary drinks, or perfumes.' Lavender contains essential oils like linalool and camphor, which give it that distinctive floral smell. I tried the best ways to stop mosquitoes on your summer hols - from sprays, patches & bracelets, one was a dud and stank And while this scent is pleasant to humans it can be overwhelming to wasps, which rely heavily on scent to detect food. But don't worry, pollinator insects will still be drawn to this garden plant. And since lavender is drought-tolerant, you don't have to worry about it in the summer heat. You can pick up a pot of lavender for £6 from Ikea, or lavender seeds for as little as 49p can be found at The Range. 'It's low maintenance, smells incredible, and keeps your garden feeling calm, all while helping you enjoy a wasp-free zone," the expert added. Keep pests out all summer Hornets and wasps - hate the smell of peppermint oil so spraying this liberally around your patio or balcony can help to keep them at bay. Moths - acidic household white vinegar is effective for deterring moths. Soak some kitchen roll in vinegar and leave it in your wardrobe as a deterrent. Flying ants - herbs and spices, such as cinnamon, mint, chilli pepper, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cloves, or garlic act as deterrents. Mosquitoes - plants, herbs and essential oil fragrances can help deter mossies inside and out. Try eucalyptus, lavender and lemongrass. If you're planning to add lavender to your outdoor space, choose a sunny spot. Lavender loves full sun and well-drained soil, so avoid shaded or damp areas. Be careful not to overwater as this can cause lavender to wilt or rot. And if you're particularly prone to wasp visits, try planting lavender alongside mint, thyme, or lemongrass for an extra layer of protection. Wasps are known become more aggressive from late June into August as their colonies grow and natural food sources decline. This makes them more likely to pester humans for sugary snacks and drinks so you may want to cover your food and drinks when enjoying time in the sun. 2 You should also avoid wearing bright clothing and strong perfumes if you want to steer clear of these stinging pests. Finally, keep these insects away from your home by sealing your bins and compost this summer. A 22p item from your kitchen cupboard can also help to repel wasps from your garden. Another 10p hack can also keep the pests from your garden all summer long. And you can also keep these insects from your home this summer with another handy trick. Or you can use a natural ingredient to repel wasps from your garden on a budget. An affordable bait method can also work in your favour when repelling pests.
Telegraph
2 hours ago
- General
- Telegraph
Ask the head gardener: How can I get my clematis under control?
Dear Tom, I planted a Clematis 'Mayleen' by my fence about three years ago. It has grown rapidly, and this year had an abundance of beautiful pink flowers. Now the plant is growing on and on and looks a mess – and my neighbour doesn't like it growing over the fence. Also I have rose bushes planted near the clematis and the new shoots stick to the roses. I would love to have some advice on how to prune it, or what to do with it. – Eva Dear Eva, It makes a pleasant change to receive a question about a plant that is growing too well, but on this occasion, that doesn't mean that there are not a number of issues. Clematis enjoy growing in a sunny position (such as next to the fence that you provided for your 'Mayleen'), and like their roots to be in more cool and moist soil conditions. The spot that you have provided in your garden is perfect, which is why this vigorous climber is looking quite at home. Clematis montana (of which 'Mayleen' is a cultivar) sits in a collection of clematis known as Group 1. This group is characterised by its early flowering and quite often has a number of very vigorous species within it. As these clematis grow rapidly year on year, they soon outgrow most domestic situations such as fence panels. They should be pruned immediately after flowering, enabling them to put on fresh growth that will then produce flowers the year after. The way that I see it, you have a couple of options. The first is to rejuvenate the plant by cutting it down close to the base. A healthy Clematis montana often responds well to this treatment. This will trigger lots of fresh growth from the base that can then be trained to cover the fence with more growth towards the bottom of the plant. Immediately after flowering next year, shear off the stems so that they are tight against the fence, which will encourage fresh growth and keep the plant more compact. In all honesty, this clematis might be too big for that spot, but this pruning style is a way in which you might be able to keep the plant growing in that part of your garden for a number of years to come. There is potential to shear off the growth that has flowered in a less severe manner, but that will not be as conclusive as the rejuvenation technique. Looking at the other end of the extreme, an acceptance that this Clematis montana is too big for your fence will result in the opportunity to plant a brand new clematis that perhaps is more compact and suitable for that spot. Group 3 clematis flower later in the year on growth that is produced that spring and summer. Clematis viticella types can be very decorative and I find the easiest to prune because they simply get taken down to the ground each spring. Clematis tangutica, with its yellow flowers and gorgeous seed heads that persist into the winter, is another option that you could look at, being better-behaved than your monstrous montana. If you're looking to replace your clematis, then incorporate a couple of wheelbarrows of well-rotted compost or manure to reinvigorate the soil and encourage lots of strong growth from your new plant, and make sure to water it well for the first summer.
The Independent
3 hours ago
- Climate
- The Independent
What you should be doing to your garden during this heatwave
The UK is currently experiencing a heatwave. But how do you look after your outside space in the heat? And how how can gardeners minimise the damage caused by high temperatures? 'It's about risk management,' says Nick Turrell, RHS horticultural advisor. 'No-one's going to suddenly change all their plants, getting plants with silver leaves etc. 'Some plants are more susceptible than others, and I would say the top five are hydrangea, which likes slightly cooler temperatures and plenty of water, Japanese maples, which have thin leaves and lose moisture, fuchsia, astilbes and roses, which are hungry and thirsty. They catch gardeners out.' Plants likely to cope better include lavender, rosemary, sedum and other succulents, he says. But what else can we do? 1. Water wisely 'Water in the morning because that's when the plants are going to be needing it during the day,' Turrell advises. 'Don't spray the leaves or water on the top of the leaves, get it underneath to the roots and use a watering can, not a hose, because if you've a hose, you're more likely to liberally spray it around, which means you get a sprinkling on the surface which just evaporates. Get the nozzle of the watering can right in at the roots.' Melissa Quinney at Cabin Master, advises: 'During hosepipe bans or dry spells, greywater (from baths or washing up, provided it's free from harsh chemicals) can be reused to water ornamental plants.' 'It's best to water less frequently but more thoroughly, soaking the rootball properly,' suggests Charles Carr, head of wholesale nurseries at Hillier Nurseries and Garden Centres. Water plants in the area where the roots are, suggests Nick Hamilton, son of the late Gardeners' World icon Geoff Hamilton and owner of Barnsdale Gardens in Rutland. 'Some plants will require more than others, so when considering whether a plant needs water then my view is that if you're not sure, don't water. Don't worry if a plant begins to wilt from under-watering, because if you then apply water, within an hour or so you would never know it was wilting.' Give watering priority to anything which has been planted within the last 12 months, and particularly newly planted trees, Turrell adds. 2. Mulch the surface 'To lock in moisture and protect plants during a hot spell, cover the top of container plants with a mulch such as gravel, bark or a good quality compost. You should also mulch garden beds to help bedding plants retain moisture and give them a nutrient boost,' suggests Dobbies ' plant buyer, Nigel Lawton. 'Add organic mulch such as wood chippings, garden compost or leaf mould to beds to save water and improve moisture retention. A thick layer of mulch will block sunlight, insulating the soil and reducing the amount of water evaporating from the garden,' Carr adds. 'I think a good shredder is a very worthwhile investment as old flower stems, twigs and vegetable material, such as brassica stems, can be shredded down, composted and used as an excellent mulch,' suggests Hamilton. 3. Don't buy new plants If the hot weather is forecast for a few weeks, there's no point planting new plants because you'll just be putting stress on them and on the watering system, Turrell advises. 'Anything that has been established for more than two years should be OK because it already has its roots down deep enough to cope with unusual circumstances. 'But the plants will tell you if they need a drink, when they start wilting or the leaves start to curl up around the edges,' he explains. 4. Take hanging baskets down The compost in hanging baskets can evaporate so quickly that it's best to take them down during a heatwave and put them in the shade where they won't lose water so rapidly, says Turrell. 5. Pick vegetables which are likely to bolt Lettuces are prone to running to seed in hot weather, so pick them young and keep them in the fridge, or shade them with netting to keep the heat of the sun at bay, says Turrell. 6. Find shade 'For those especially vulnerable during extreme heat, temporary shade structures using old bedsheets, garden furniture, or shade cloths can make all the difference,' says Quinney. 7. Huddle patio pots Put patio pots in the shade together to create a microclimate and reduce evaporation, says Turrell. 8. Look after wildlife Make sure birdbaths are topped up because they will need it for drinking and bathing, and put some pebbles in water-filled pot saucers to allow insects to land and drink as well. 9. Leave your grass The grass may look like a mass of straw but it will recover when the autumn rain comes, so if you can stand it looking brown, just leave it, says Turrell. However, if it has been newly laid and hasn't yet been through a winter, you'll need to water it. 'In hot spells, it's best to hold off on applying weedkillers or fertilisers. These can be too harsh when the lawn is already under stress and may cause more harm than good,' says Peter Chaloner, managing director of garden machinery specialists Cobra. 'When grass turns yellow and brittle, it's a sign it's conserving energy due to lack of water. At this point, try to keep foot traffic to a minimum and clear away furniture or toys so the lawn has the best chance to recover undisturbed.' 10. Plant drought-tolerant species If you have spaces you feel you must fill, plug the gap with drought-tolerant species such as lavender, rosemary, salvia and sedum – but remember they will also need watering until they become established. 'Generally, succulents and silver foliage plants like lavender are the best at adapting to warmer conditions, so these are fine to be left as they are, but you should make a point to check up on your other plants throughout the summer months and adjust watering as needed,' says Lawton. 11. Improve your soil 'An excellent way to improve a light soil and increase its moisture retention capabilities is to add organic matter, which could be your own garden compost, green composts or well-rotted farmyard manure. Any one of these can be lightly forked into the surface and then added to the surface as a thickish layer to act as a mulch,' Hamilton advises. 'If you look after your soil, pretty much everything else falls into place,' says Turrell. 'If every year you mulch that soil with as much organic matter as you can, you are helping to prepare for any eventuality.' 12. Use a water butt This is another vital investment, says Hamilton, and can be fitted to trap and hold much needed rainwater – when it does finally come – from all your downpipes. 'I would also consider using the low-pressure leaking pipe that will work from a water butt. When buried just under the soil surface and laid out around the plants that require a bit more moisture, water will just gradually leak out and because it is under the soil, evaporation will be minimal.'
The Sun
3 hours ago
- General
- The Sun
Gardeners told to use 22p kitchen staples for ‘vampire trick' which can banish slugs from your garden for good
A GARDENING expert has revealed a 22p hack to banish slugs from gardens using a very common kitchen staple. Now that summer is finally here, many Brits will be looking for ways to spruce up their outdoor spaces - including getting rid of any nasty critters. 1 Slugs and snails are notorious for wreaking havoc on gardens, in particular during rainy patches when they come out in their swathes to feast on crops and plants. Over the years, experts have come out with a whole host of - often ineffective - methods to combat these garden pests. From splashing beer and sprinkling eggshells on crops to surrounding veg patches with copper tape. But one savvy expert believes they have found a cheap, store cupboard hack that could rid gardens of these pests once and for all. Gardeners have been urged to introduce garlic to their gardens as a means of deterring the slugs. And at just 22p a bulb, this could be the cheapest hack yet. Garlic wash involves boiling two whole bulbs of garlic in two litres of water until they soften, then pulping them to make a juice. After removing the garlic skins, the concentrated liquid should be diluted with water and put into a spray can which can be used over plants. The liquid should then be sprayed on plants across the summer right into October. A gardening expert wrote: "We use garlic wash as a slug deterrent on the nursery. 6 ways to get rid of slugs and snails "Please find below the recipe that we use and find very effective. The quantities aren't exact and you can always alter them as you wish." If the smell of garlic is too pungent Homes & Garden writer, Thomas Rutter, suggests using cucumber instead. Stopping slugs and snails using the cucumber hack is surprisingly simple. While it may not eradicate these pests, it can help gardeners control their numbers. Rutter said: "First, raid your fridge drawer and retrieve a cucumber, before slicing it thinly. "Don't worry about the quality of the cucumber here, in fact, it is best to use those that are past their best." Rutter then advises to place the slices near your more vulnerable plants in the evening. Slugs and snails will be lured to the scent and moisture of the cucumber. Then, after a few hours or the following morning, you can collect the pests and dispose of them. It's not too dissimilar from companion planting or trap plants for pest control. But what's better is that it's a chemical-free approach, safe for pets and requires almost no effort.
BBC News
6 hours ago
- Automotive
- BBC News
Wentworth traders' 'traffic chaos' fears over RHS Flower Show
Owners of businesses in a village where a major national flower show is to be held next month have spoken of their fears over possible "traffic chaos".The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Flower Show will take place at Wentworth Woodhouse, a stately home near Rotherham, between 16-20 Sales, who runs an independent shopping complex opposite the estate, said while people in Wentworth village were "keen" for the event, she asked: "But at what cost? We need to be able to function. The parking situation is a worry: 12,000 a day is a lot of people."An RHS spokesperson said a traffic management plan would be in place to reduce the impact on "local highways, residents and road users". It was announced in April 2024 that the much-loved RHS Flower Show would be coming to South Yorkshire this year, with other locations around the country also to be used in RHS explained that the aim of holding the event in new places was to "promote gardening to as many people as possible". Ms Sales, who has run The Emporium on Cortworth Lane in Wentworth for 25 years, said the RHS gardening charity had "underestimated" the impact the event could have on the village and surrounding area."I don't think they realise how busy this road can get. An accident on the M1 and things get very interesting. It'll be traffic chaos," she warned."With the best traffic management in the world, you can't control the through traffic and the people that aren't supposed to be here."Ms Sales said her "biggest fear is the gridlock"."We had a little taster of this recently with a car show at the house, and it was backed up in both directions," she said. Meanwhile, Dave Smith, whose antique furniture store has been a fixture in Wentworth village for many decades, said he was also said he was worried about the area's infrastructure being able to cope with an influx of traffic, with particular fears over the "narrow country roads"."People will be arriving from all over the North, but they won't understand there's four to five entrances to the site," he explained."There's enough land in there for parking, but it needs to flow and I can foresee problems."Other business owners who spoke to the BBC, but who did not wish to be named, said they might shut up shop entirely for the five days of the Dan Wilde, who has run the Village Shop for just over a year, said he would be opening as usual after receiving "assurances" from RHS Flower Show organisers."Fingers crossed it'll go well, but I do worry about the parking," he said."If you see an empty space in the village, you're going to take it."It might not be positive for the week they're here, but until it's definitely a negative, we have to see it as a positive," he said. In a statement responding to traders' concerns, an RHS spokesperson said the organisation was "incredibly mindful of the experiences of both the local community and our visitors".The RHS consulted "local partners, such as the local council, emergency services, Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust, and nearby landowners to ensure we plan each event meticulously and prioritise the safety of all", the spokesperson traffic control measures would be in place for the event, they said, including "20mph speed restrictions, temporary no waiting or parking orders, temporary traffic signals, traffic officers directing traffic, and multiple access points into and from the site".The spokesperson added that everyone involved was "incredibly excited" to bring an RHS Flower Show to Rotherham, "and to work with local communities, businesses and organisations to deliver an amazing show full of unique gardens, talks and tips, children's activities, floral installations and refreshments to enjoy". Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North
