Latest news with #ConnorTowning
Daily Mirror
10-07-2025
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
UK households told to place plants in two places to create maximum shade
Brits are now being told to put their plants in these specific two areas of their homes to create and maximise a shading area to combat the hot summer temperatures Millions of Brits are set be basking in more heatwave conditions with temperatures reaching the 35C mark in certain parts of the UK this week. As plants and flowers are exposed to high temperatures, gardeners are now told to keep them in two places for shade. As homes can overheat due to hot air accumulated throughout the day in an enclosed space, it's important to take early precautions. Not only would it be affecting our overall well-being, but also any living things that we might own, such as plants or flowers. With the Met Office warning Brits to stay away or try to avoid the sun during the hours of 11am and 3pm, recommends putting two plants in specific areas of your home to create maximum shade. This will benefit plants, as well as humans, to survive the extreme heat. Despite plants and flowers thriving best exposed to the sun to complete their photosynthesis, an excessive amount can cause damage and affect them long-term, and their growth. Long hours can cause plants to reduce flowering and wilt. Therefore, your plants and flowers must receive enough nutrients without it becoming too overwhelming. Houseplants can brighten up any room, so it's crucial to look after them. They explained: "Growing plants outside can provide shade, which may be particularly helpful in front of south-facing windows, while plants inside may help cool the air." Similarly, Connor Towning from Beards & Daisies has urged people to move the plants' direction to avoid direct sunlight when the light is at its strongest, which is usually in the early afternoon. He said: "Treat plants like people - you wouldn't sit in full sun midday, so shift them into direct light or shade zones to prevent scorching." To ensure the well-being and overall look of your garden, it's a must for plants to have space for fresh air. By doing so, it will give them the extra boost needed to bloom beautifully. Nonetheless, gardeners must still water their houseplants regularly, and now more than ever during the heatwave. This also includes feeding them with liquid fertiliser, as well as wiping the leaves from any dust that they might collect throughout the day. By completing these two simple tasks, gardeners can ensure that their homes are well-equipped for the hot summer months and upcoming heatwaves. When it comes to gardening, it isn't everything about expertise, but also having some time and patience, and plants require a lot of it.
Daily Mirror
05-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
UK households with a fan issued warning over house plants
It can be hard to find ways to stay cool in the summer heat - but if you have your fan on full blast, an expert warns to take extra care to protect your plants Many Brits have had fans whirring on full speed over the past few weeks in a bid to keep themselves cool – but it could be hurting your house plants. House plants are a popular choice as they brighten up your home and can add a touch of colour and class to otherwise plain rooms. Plus, it also comes with other benefits, as many plants will help freshen your air. Unfortunately, there are some devices, like fans, which can be negatively impacting them. The reason for this is because as fans circulate, they cause the air to dry out. This reduces moisture levels in the air, which can cause plants to become dehydrated. This spells particularly bad news for plants that thrive in humidity and which need plenty of water to stay healthy. These include peace lilies, snake plants and orchids. Fortunately, there are several easy solutions you can take to help keep your plants healthy in the heat. Even better, they won't break the bank. Clustering and how it can release moisture into the air Connor Towning, lead horticultural expert at Beards & Daisies, recommends: 'Group humidity-loving plants together, use pebble trays, or lightly mist them in the morning. It protects against crisp leaf edges.' Clustering your humidity-loving plants together is beneficial as it allows them to create a little micro-climate. This is because when plants transpire, they release moisture in the air, creating a more humid environment. As a plus, this also allows you to have fun creating a pleasing arrangement with your plants. Grouping them together also makes them easier to take care of. Likewise, pebble trays are shallow trays filled with pebbles and stones, which then have moisture added to the tray. As water evaporates from the tray, it creates a humid environment around the plants. Another benefit of this method is that the pebbles also elevate the plant's roots, keeping them from getting soaked in the water – as this can potentially lead to root rot. A third easy tip is to lightly mist your plants every morning. Simply pour water into a spray bottle and spritz around your plants to increase the air's moisture content. Aside from increasing humidity, you should also take care to keep plants from sources of dry heat. This includes radiators and vents, which can dehydrate plants. Equally, make sure to monitor the moisture level of the soil in your plant pots. Connor advises: 'If the compost feels dry an inch down, give it a good soak until water drains from the pot base."
Wales Online
20-06-2025
- Climate
- Wales Online
Expert issues urgent warning over houseplants in heatwave
Expert issues urgent warning over houseplants in heatwave There are six simple things you can do to protect your houseplants at this time For lots of us, our house plants are our pride and joy - but there are a few key things to do if you want them to thrive during the warmer months (Image: Getty ) For lots of us, our house plants are our pride and joy, but we can often end up killing them with kindness by overwatering, or forgetting to look out for them during certain periods. And with parts of the UK facing temperatures soaring up to 30°C, paired with intense storms and sticky humidity, it's not just people who are feeling the heat - houseplants are under serious stress too. A yellow heat-health alert is in place across several regions including London, the South East, and East of England, as forecasters warn of rising temperatures and an unusually hot summer ahead. Beards & Daisies , one of the UK's leading houseplant companies, has offered essential advice for keeping your indoor jungle alive and thriving. Love dreamy Welsh homes? Sign up to our newsletter here The company's lead horticultural expert, Connor Towning, shared his best practical strategies to help your houseplants cope with extreme heat and unpredictable conditions. Six simple things you need to do to keep houseplants happy 1. Provide shade & avoid sun scorch: Move plants off direct afternoon sun, especially near south/west-facing windows. Use light blinds or sheer curtains. Connor said: 'Treat plants like people - you wouldn't sit in full sun midday, so shift them into indirect light or shade zones to prevent scorching.' Article continues below 2. Monitor soil moisture: Check the top 5 cm of soil daily. Water deeply when dry, better than frequent shallow sprinkles. 'If the compost feels dry an inch down, give it a good soak until water drains from the pot base' Connor recommends. 3. Increase humidity: Heat plus dry air from fans or AC stresses many houseplants. Connor suggests: 'Group humidity-loving plants together, use pebble trays, or lightly mist them in the morning. It protects against crisp leaf edges.' 4. Move plants away from radiators and vents: Avoid dry heat sources, keep a comfortable distance from radiators, hot air registers, or warm walls. 5. Adjust feeding schedule: Warm weather boosts growth, but feeding in the hottest part of the day can burn roots. Connor says: 'Feed in the early morning or evening with a diluted houseplant fertiliser, let plants absorb nutrients before heat kicks in.' 6. Rotate pots: Rotation helps even sun exposure. Connor adds: 'Turn round larger plants weekly, this encourages balanced growth and prevents one side from burning or wilting.' Advanced tips Consider potting in lighter mixes (e.g. peat‑free blends) and repot if soil is compacted to create better airflow and drainage. Good airflow also reduces heat stress. Another key tip is to watch out for pests, as heat-stressed plants are vulnerable to mealybugs or spider mites, meaning you should inspect them regularly and treat them early. Long term preparation Matching plants to their spots can be a huge help, as succulents can handle sun; whereas ferns and Calatheas prefer much more cooled, humid rooms like bathrooms. Having humidity aids at the ready could also be a lifesaver. Grab a mister, pebble tray, or small humidifier before temperatures spike. Article continues below Another key thing to do according to Beards & Daisies is to monitor forecasts, as this can make all the difference in terms of how to prepare and how to act quickly.
Scottish Sun
29-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Scottish Sun
The 48p Shein buy that's key to making your tiny garden look bigger & five other ways to give the illusion of more space
A gardening expert has shared some nifty hacks to try out if your green space is on the smaller side HANG ABOUT The 48p Shein buy that's key to making your tiny garden look bigger & five other ways to give the illusion of more space YOU can spend hundreds, if not thousands, of pounds trying to make a small garden look bigger. But a plant expert has insisted you don't need to shell out to give the illusion of more space, as you can get the same results with a 48p buy. Advertisement 4 If you've got a small garden, there are some clever ways you can give the illusion of more space Credit: Getty 4 A hanging planter is one such trick, and this gorgeous macrame one is 48p on Shein Credit: Shein 4 Use a well-placed mirror to reflect the light in your green space too Credit: Getty The bargain in question is from Shein - a macrame plant hanger. "Hanging planters are a brilliant way to add layers to a small garden without cluttering the ground,' Beards & Daisies' lead horticulturalist Connor Towning explained. "Use them for trailing plants like English ivy, boston fern, or even strawberries if you want to grow fruit." They also work well on a balcony, as hanging planters make them "feel like little hideaway - kind of like having your own mini garden retreat in the middle of the city," the company's founder Jo Lambell added. Advertisement Another way to maximise a garden with limited ground space is with a vertical planting wall. "Think herbs, trailing plants, or colourful bedding in planters attached to trellises or wooden pallets," Jo suggested. "It's a high-impact look that also smells incredible when you include rosemary, mint or thyme." You can even try making one yourself, just by mounting an old metal shoe rack to a wall. Advertisement Tilt it, and make sure it's properly secured so that you can sit small potted plants on it at an angle - creating an "eye-catching, space-saving solution that turns clutter into a garden feature". It's also worth looking at furniture with a dual purpose - such as a planter that doubles as a storage bench - to "maximise functionality while keeping your garden clutter-free". I gave my garden a small patio corner using black and white paint from B&Q and people say it's 'gorgeous' Make the most of the corners in your garden too. You can turn one into a mini wildflower garden, using seeds such as a mix of cornflowers, poppies and cosmos. Advertisement "Sowing a small patch of wildflower seeds in a deep planter can support bees and butterflies," Connor added. "It's one of the most rewarding things you can do for wildlife, and it adds a beautiful texture." Another option is to create a corner seating area - which you can do for less with reclaimed wooden pallets. Add some weatherproof cushions to make a "snug lounge area that's both budget-friendly and space-efficient". Advertisement How To Make Your Small Garden Look Bigger Garden design expert Fiona Jenkins from has created a guide on how to make your small garden look larger. Add shelves - for additional storage and place to hold more plants. Use foldaway furniture - to take up less space when not in use. Add privacy - with fencing, trellis, brick walls or hedging. Add a water feature - to make your garden seem like a natural retreat. Go bright - when choosing plants, opt for bold colours to make the space pop. Use large planters - to get more plants in less space. Plant vertically - add plants upwards to make your garden seem fuller, and therefore, bigger. Use blue flowers at the edges - blue flowers and plants recede into the distance and make the garden appear bigger. Grow tall plants - it's better to think big when it comes to a small garden. Keep clutter a minimum - as it can give the illusion of less space than there actually is. Lastly, there are some other illusions you can create with light and space, such as placing a mirror on a wall or fence to "visually double" the space. Consider planting pale coloured flowers and plants such as white petunias, pale pink geraniums, or daisies to reflect light and make the space look bigger.
The Sun
29-05-2025
- General
- The Sun
The 48p Shein buy that's key to making your tiny garden look bigger & five other ways to give the illusion of more space
YOU can spend hundreds, if not thousands, of pounds trying to make a small garden look bigger. But a plant expert has insisted you don't need to shell out to give the illusion of more space, as you can get the same results with a 48p buy. 4 4 4 The bargain in question is from Shein - a macrame plant hanger. "Hanging planters are a brilliant way to add layers to a small garden without cluttering the ground,' Beards & Daisies ' lead horticulturalist Connor Towning explained. "Use them for trailing plants like English ivy, boston fern, or even strawberries if you want to grow fruit." They also work well on a balcony, as hanging planters make them "feel like little hideaway - kind of like having your own mini garden retreat in the middle of the city," the company's founder Jo Lambell added. Another way to maximise a garden with limited ground space is with a vertical planting wall. "Think herbs, trailing plants, or colourful bedding in planters attached to trellises or wooden pallets," Jo suggested. "It's a high-impact look that also smells incredible when you include rosemary, mint or thyme." You can even try making one yourself, just by mounting an old metal shoe rack to a wall. Tilt it, and make sure it's properly secured so that you can sit small potted plants on it at an angle - creating an "eye-catching, space-saving solution that turns clutter into a garden feature". It's also worth looking at furniture with a dual purpose - such as a planter that doubles as a storage bench - to "maximise functionality while keeping your garden clutter-free". I gave my garden a small patio corner using black and white paint from B&Q and people say it's 'gorgeous' Make the most of the corners in your garden too. You can turn one into a mini wildflower garden, using seeds such as a mix of cornflowers, poppies and cosmos. "Sowing a small patch of wildflower seeds in a deep planter can support bees and butterflies," Connor added. "It's one of the most rewarding things you can do for wildlife, and it adds a beautiful texture." Another option is to create a corner seating area - which you can do for less with reclaimed wooden pallets. Add some weatherproof cushions to make a "snug lounge area that's both budget-friendly and space-efficient". How To Make Your Small Garden Look Bigger Garden design expert Fiona Jenkins from has created a guide on how to make your small garden look larger. Add shelves - for additional storage and place to hold more plants. Use foldaway furniture - to take up less space when not in use. Add privacy - with fencing, trellis, brick walls or hedging. Add a water feature - to make your garden seem like a natural retreat. Go bright - when choosing plants, opt for bold colours to make the space pop. Use large planters - to get more plants in less space. Plant vertically - add plants upwards to make your garden seem fuller, and therefore, bigger. Use blue flowers at the edge s - blue flowers and plants recede into the distance and make the garden appear bigger. Grow tall plants - it's better to think big when it comes to a small garden. Keep clutter a minimum - as it can give the illusion of less space than there actually is. Lastly, there are some other illusions you can create with light and space, such as placing a mirror on a wall or fence to "visually double" the space. Consider planting pale coloured flowers and plants such as white petunias, pale pink geraniums, or daisies to reflect light and make the space look bigger. 4
