Roses will bloom and stay healthy this spring thanks to £2 Victorian-era hack – it prevents unsightly yellow spots too
With the weather heating up and summer around the corner, gardeners must monitor their
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If you've got roses in your garden and want to ensure they look fabulous this spring, you've come to the right place
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Thanks to a Victorian-era hack, you can wave goodbye to yellow spots on your plants in no time at all
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For this trick, all you'll need is a £2.79 buy from Amazon
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Neem oil is a naturally occurring fungicide and pesticide
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Rust - a fungal infection - is a very common disease found amongst roses that spreads when water sits on the leaves for a long time.
Rust will reduce a rose's ability to
So if you want to avoid a stunted rose bush that cannot produce any
But
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In May, rust is usually just beginning to spread, so make sure to regularly inspect your roses and note that it is commonly found on the lower leaves.
It can look like orange or yellow spots on leaves that will eventually begin to move up the plant if left untouched.
And luckily for you, gardening experts have sworn by a Victorian-era trick that will work a treat at banishing rust and ensuring your roses bloom this month.
So for those eager to ensure their roses stay healthy and vibrant this spring, this purse-friendly hack which will cost you just £2.79, is one you won't want to miss.
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Rust can sit on leaves and the spores will begin to release in spring, so make sure you do not leave any infected foliage in your
Once you have cut back the infection, you will need to apply a fungicide every seven to 10 days, as this is the life cycle of rust spores.
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Top gardening trends of 2025
Gardening experts at
Matrix planting
It seems that a top planting trend for this year is going to be Matrix Planting.
In essence, planting in groups or blocks to give an effect of being wild whilst actually being carefully managed.
Selection of the plants is essential, to give year-round interest either with flowers, seed heads or frosted/snowy spent flower heads. Some recommend using plants that seed around, but this could make managing your matrix planting harder to keep under control.
Chrysanthemum comeback
I hope that the humble Chrysanthemum makes as much of a comeback this year as Dahlias have over recent years, because the simple single flowered types, such as 'Innocence' and 'Cottage Apricot' would be spectacular within a matrix scheme.
The hardy varieties are so easy to grow in a sunny spot and give such a valuable burst of late summer and autumn colour that would lift any dull- looking border.
Blended borders
For some time now we have been promoting the growing of veg within ornamental borders and I think this could really take off this year.
The choice of ornamental-looking varieties available in seed catalogues is phenomenal and, if managed correctly, visitors to your garden will not even realise that you have veg growing!
Must-have tool
My secret is out. I discovered the Hori Hori a couple of years ago and now it seems so is everyone else.
It is such a well-made, adaptable tool that can be used as a trowel or weeding tool in the garden that and everyone I speak to who have used it absolutely would not now be without it. Enough said!
You can buy treatments at many
The experts explained: 'Many home gardeners turn to neem oil as a treatment for infestations of mites, fungus and other plant diseases.
Used for hundreds of years as a treatment for agricultural issues, neem oil tends to have a sulfurous and garlicky smell
Experts at Jackson and Perkins
'Neem oil is distilled from the seeds of the neem tree and is a naturally occurring fungicide and pesticide.
'Used for hundreds of years as a treatment for agricultural issues, neem oil tends to have a sulfurous and garlicky smell.'
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Neem oil is most effective during the early stages of rose rust and can also be used as a fungal suppressant to prevent the disease from reaching the plant.
6 Spring Gardening Jobs You Can Do in 60 mins
A gardening pro, or just starting your planting journey? Nigel Lawton, a gardening expert at Dobbies Garden Centres has shared the six jobs you can do to transform your garden in under an hour.
1. Tidy up
Remove dead leaves, neaten beds and borders, remove any seeds and apply a good layer of mulch over the surface with organic peat-free compost. TIME: 60 mins
2. Design beds and borders
Trim back winter flowering plants where blooms have started to fade. Start by removing any dead, diseased or damaged branches, and get rid of any branches that cross over, Nigel says.
Then prune summer flowering shrubs like Buddleia, Lavatera and hardy Fuschias to allow room for new growth. As well as encouraging new growth in the plant by removing dead material, pruning will also allow you to control the height and shape of your plants. TIME: 50 mins
3. Create a cosy patio
If you have a patio, transform it into a cosy socialising spot.
Start by giving that a good clean with a jet wash to quickly complete the job in under an hour. You can further liven up the area by adding some garden furniture paired with some cushions, some throws, and an outdoor rug. TIME: 30 mins
4. Refresh pots
To enjoy instant colour in your garden this spring, Nigel recommends refreshing your pots, hanging baskets, and window boxes with early season flowers for a country garden effect.
Plant in threes or fives to create a impactful display with small, medium, and large plants of different heights beside your door. TIME: 15 mins
5. Lawncare
Another beginner-friendly task you can do to spruce up your garden is taking care of the lawn by cultivating the soil and making sure the area is level and firm.
Rake out any moss or dead grass, and apply lawn treatement in late spring. TIME: 15-30 mins
6. Welcome wildlife
Spring is the perfect time to welcome wildlife into your garden as small animals come out of hibernation and new birds hatch into life.
To ensure your garden is a safe space for wildlife, Nigel suggests dedicating a small section of your garden to creating a wildlife-friendly habitat with pollinating plants and places for small animals and insects to shelter.
You can create a safe space for them by stacking branches in a shaded spot to help protect them from the elements. All of this can be done in under an hour. TIME: 40 mins
Not only this, but it's also a natural way to treat roses without using chemicals that could harm animals.
However, you must be careful using it on hot, dry days - that reach 25C or above - as it can cause leaves to burn if used improperly.
If you fancy giving this
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But for those strapped for cash, you'll be pleased to know that you can order it on Amazon for as cheap as £2.79, making this trick great for those looking to cut costs.
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The Irish Sun
3 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
How to get Ellie Goulding's arms: The 3, 20-minute workouts that will tone flab fast for strappy top weather
IT was all eyes on centre-court at Wimbledon last week. But one of the most distracting of celebs in attendance this year was Ellie Goulding. Namely, the singer's bronzed, svelte arms that left us thinking - how can we get arms like that? 19 Singer Ellie Goulding at the Royal Box, Wimbledon, on July 10 Credit: Getty 19 Ellie shows that muscle can be elegant and feminine - but as a personal trainer, I see women scared to pick up heavy weights Credit: Getty 19 Ellie has always loved fitness - but her arms were looking leaner than ever recently (pictured in 2018) Credit: Paul Edwards - The Sun They weren't bulky, but perfectly sculpted – a testament to dedication and smart training. It's no secret that 38-year-old Ellie has The mum-of-one's love of boxing also goes way back and she often shares videos online of herself sparring - as recently as last week. But this summer, it's clear Ellie has been focusing even more on defining her upper body, as her arms look better than ever than years goneby. As a personal trainer, I often get asked by women how they can get 'toned' arms without getting 'big'. Firstly, women's hormonal structure is different to men which means we simply won't get 'big' without trying extremely hard to. It takes a lot of weight lifting, a lot of food and many years of a consistent routine to get there. Though resistance-based training is the key to get Ellie's look, it easier to achieve than you might think and you can see results within a few weeks. Most read in Health Secondly, being 'toned' essentially means you have lean muscle - this means building muscle and losing the fat that lies on top, so that the muscle is visible. So using a pair of super light dumbbells (e.g. 2kg) won't do much. Dublin locals gobsmacked as they spot huge British singer outside a budget corner shop - would you have noticed her- 19 Pictured in 2020, Ellie's figure is a testament to her hard work in the gym - she loves boxing Credit: ©Karwai Tang 19 Ellie's arms look more sculpted than years goneby (pictured at 2016 Wimbledon) Credit: Jamie McPhilimey - The Sun 19 Ellie boxing - she's often sharing posts of her sparring Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk I always say, 'if the last couple of reps in a set are easy, then the weight is too light'. Your muscles aren't going to grow if your muscles aren't challenged, either by a heavier weight or perhaps a higher rep count. So, what does it actually take to shape your arms so they're muscular, lean and feminine? Here are three 20-minute workouts that I recommend you do each week - they are short and sweet so you can either add them to another workout, or just do it alone. Two involve weights while the third is a high intensity interval training ( As the weeks progress and you become stronger, either increase the weights you use, slightly increase the rep count and/or slow the exercises down to keep your muscles under tension for longer. For the weighted workouts, you only need dumbbells, however you might need a small selection of dumbbells as it's likely you'll be able to go heavier on some moves than others. Don't forget, carrying heavy shopping, picking up the kids, doing housework and even wearing wrist weights when you're out walking, are all easy ways to keep your arms working hard too, alongside your workouts. Biceps and triceps: The front and back muscles on your upper arm The biceps (bulging muscle at the front of the upper arm) and triceps (the opposite of the biceps) are the most recognisable arm muscles. When there is lean muscle, it helps tighten the arm up. Working on the triceps, for example, can help with what some call 'bingo wings'. Do three sets of each of the exercises below. Rest for 30 to 45 seconds between sets and exercises. Bicep curls 10 - 12 reps Stand with a dumbbell in each hand, arms down by your side. Palms should face away from you. Bend at the elbows and curl the dumbbell up to shoulder height, then slowly lower down. 19 Bicep curls - have your palms facing away from you before bringing the dumbell up Credit: Lucy Gornall Hammer curls 10-12 reps The same exercise as above, but this time, your palms will face in towards each other. 19 Hammer curls - have the palms facing into each other Credit: Lucy Gornall Tricep extension 10 - 12 reps Hold one dumbbell up overhead with both hands. Keep your upper arms close to your ears as you bend at the elbows and lower the dumbbells behind you. Then lift it back up to the start. 19 Tricep extension starting position Credit: Lucy Gornall 19 Bend your elbows so and bring the weight behind your head, keeping your elbows close to your ears Credit: Lucy Gornall Tricep kickbacks 10 - 12 reps each arms Bend forward a dumbbell in your hand. Tuck your elbow in and lock your upper arm to the side of your body, straighten your arm back, then bend at the elbow and lower it down. 19 Tricep extension starting position Credit: Lucy Gornall 19 Straighten your arm back, squeezing the backs of the arms as you do Credit: Lucy Gornall Shoulders and arms: For the defined edges at the top of the arm The defined muscles that run from the top of she shoulder to the first indent is mostly shoulder muscle. And Ellie's were poppin' at Wimbledon. These exercises will burn the tops of your upper arms and help grow that muscle. Seated shoulder press 10 -12 reps Sit on a bench or on the floor and press the dumbbells up overhead. Then slowly lower them to shoulder height. 19 Seated shoulder press (you can also do this sitting on a bench/chair) Credit: Lucy Gornall Front to lateral raises 8-10 reps Hold a dumbbell in each hand, palms facing you. Lead with your elbows and lift both arms up straight so they're at shoulder height in front of you (front raise). Keep them straight as you move your arms out to the side (lateral raise). Then lower your arms back to the start. 19 Lift the weights in front of you then bring them to the side - moving from front to lateral raise Credit: Lucy Gornall Bent over flyes 10 - 12 reps Hinge at the hips, lower your torso slightly towards the floor and hang your arms down towards the ground, a dumbbell in each hand. Palms should face eachother. Lift your arms out wide, keeping your arms relatively straight, pause, then lower back down. 19 Bent over flyes - bring the weights up to shoulder height Credit: Lucy Gornall Upper body HIIT workout This time, you're going to work your arms while increasing your heart rate and getting a sweat on. Do each exercise for 30 seconds, then rest for 30 before going onto the next. Do this circuit five times. Press ups Start in a high plank, hands under your shoulders. Bend your elbows and lower your chest to the ground. Then push up through your palms to return to plank. Drop to your knees if needed. 19 Press ups - do them off your knees if easier than your feet Credit: Lucy Gornall Tricep dips Sit on the edge of a chair, hands being your butt. Slide off the chair, bend your elbows and lower your body towards the ground. Keep your elbows pointing behind you. Push up through your palms to return to start. 19 Use a bench or chair to dip your bottom to the floor and raise again, using just your arms (triceps) to come back up Credit: Lucy Gornall Shoulder taps In your high plank position, tap your right shoulder with your left hand. Then tap your left shoulder with your right hand. Keep alternating. 19 Tap your shoulders in a plank position Credit: Lucy Gornall Mountain climbers Staying in the high plank position, drive your left knee up to your chest, then step back and repeat with the right knee. Repeat this, moving quicker and bouncing between your two feet. 19 Mountain climbers Credit: Lucy Gornall Eat your way to Ellie Goulding-esque arms Working out is one thing, but your diet will also help you to get lean arms like Ellie. Protein is king Alongside your upper body workouts, you need to be focusing on a primarily whole-foods diet, with plenty of protein, which helps muscles repair and rebuild after exercise. Protein is also filling, so making sure you have plenty of protein at each meal, can stop you reaching for unhealthy snacks. If you can, eat some protein within an hour of your upper body to support your muscle recovery. This could be your next meal, depending on the time, or a snack of a slice of toast with cottage cheese or a bowl of protein-rich Greek yoghurt with berries, for example. Cut back on ultraprocessed foods Consistently eating sugary, processed foods won't help you hit your lean-arms goals. In fact, research in the Keep these foods to a minimum or just allow yourself one small 'treat' a day, so you don't feel deprived of the foods you like. Read more on the Irish Sun As well as this, try not to rely on processed protein-rich foods such as protein bars and protein powders. While they can be useful, they often pack in a lot of additives and sweeteners which can sometimes make you crave more sweet foods. Science backed ways to lose weight Calorie deficit To lose weight, it's essential to consume fewer calories than you burn. This can be achieved through a combination of diet and exercise. Prioritise protein Protein-rich foods can help increase satiety, promote muscle growth, and support weight loss. Increase fibre intake Fibre-rich foods can aid in weight loss by promoting feelings of fullness and helping regulate blood sugar levels. Limit processed foods and added sugars Reducing the intake of these foods can significantly impact calorie intake and contribute to weight loss. Engage in regular exercise Aerobic exercises (like walking, running, or cycling) and strength training (like lifting weights) are both beneficial for weight loss. Prioritise sleep Adequate sleep is important for hormone regulation, appetite control, and overall weight management. Manage stress Stress can lead to unhealthy eating habits and contribute to weight gain. Finding healthy ways to manage stress is crucial.
The Irish Sun
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The Irish Sun
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- The Irish Sun
World's most liveable cities revealed with the top spot just 100 minutes away… but it's bad news for the UK
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