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The Irish Sun
08-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Irish Sun
Make your small garden look bigger & more stylish with B&M's £1 must-have item that's reduced in huge summer sale
YOU can make your garden look bigger and more stylish with a £1 must-have buy from B&M and it's reduced in their summer sale. Brits are set to bask in Advertisement 1 You can make your garden look bigger and more stylish with a £1 must-have buy from B&M and it's reduced in their summer sale Credit: The weather turnaround comes And with many planning to host garden parties and BBQs to make the most of the sun. You might be tempted to give your garden a bit of a Mirror Hack If you're worried about your Advertisement Laura Carter from online retailer has revealed a simple trick to expand your space, Laura revealed that to make your outdoor space look bigger, you can hang a "If your patio or balcony is lacking some visual interest, consider using mirrors which you can position against a wall or fence", she said. "Much like they do indoors, Advertisement Most read in Fabulous "Mirrors are also great if your garden does not receive a large amount of sunlight, as the reflections will help brighten up the space." B&M Garden Sale B&M's has been slashed from £2 to £1, a saving of 50%. 'I was quoted £10,000 for a garden renovation but did it MYSELF for £1,000 using ChatGPT to show my kids what single mums can do' It comes in two chic colours, grey or white that will instantly B&M describes the 25cm mirror as: "A great way to add style, dimension and shape to your garden or outdoor space." Advertisement The mirror is also available in a round pattern, and can be picked up from your local B&M store. There is also the 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! But if you want something larger, then the But you need to hurry because there is very low stock available. Advertisement More Garden Ideas You can add a "chic" touch to your outdoor area with this budget The item has been described as a "stylish and eco-friendly" fixture which "combines warm white LED lighting with a chic planter". And another Home Bargains solar light levels up your garden for just £2.99. And Aldi's £44 middle aisle buy is Lidl version. Advertisement And another for just £19 this summer . A 79p item that's already in your cupboard can also Read more on the Irish Sun Also another You can also Advertisement
Scottish Sun
04-07-2025
- General
- Scottish Sun
Aldi's £1.25 kitchen staple will eliminate English ivy from your garden & stop it creeping over neighbour's walls
Scroll down to find out the top gardening trends of 2025 NO OF-FENCE Aldi's £1.25 kitchen staple will eliminate English ivy from your garden & stop it creeping over neighbour's walls Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AN expert has revealed a £1.50 hack to stop English ivy from overtaking your garden. English ivy is a charming-looking plant, which can make your outdoor space look like a serene haven. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Ivy can end up taking over your garden Credit: Getty 2 Bin bags can be use to dehydrate ivy Credit: Aldi However, it grows rapidly, and can end up overtaking your garden, and creeping over your neighbour's wall. Ivy can grow up to a whopping 30m tall, and produces aerial shoots that allow it to easily cling to walls, trees and fences. Tara Besore, who has a gardening blog called Hammer & Headband revealed how she successfully managed to prevent ivy from taking over her garden. She said: "Stopping it [ivy] seemed impossible, but eventually I got rid of every last ivy root and vine in my yard. "Here's what you need to know to remove English ivy for good." The gardening whizz tried cutting and pulling up the ivy and spraying herbicides on it, but found that neither of these methods worked properly. However, she revealed that solarisation worked a treat on even the densest patches of ivy. "It doesn't strain your back, and it doesn't require chemicals", she said. "All it takes is patience." To try out this hack, she explained that all you need is a black plastic sheet, such as a bin bag. Expert Gardening Hacks for a Pet-Friendly Summer Garden "After spending a summer getting nowhere with brute force, I turned to the solarisation method," Tara said. "This involves letting the sun scorch the ivy under plastic." Wrap your ivy in bin bags, and then secure it firmly with bricks or stakes. Tara explained that this method deprives the plants of water. Top gardening trends of 2025 Gardening experts at Barnsdale Gardens has shared the top gardening trends of 2025. 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! "It cooks in the heat, permanently killing the ivy, the roots, and even the seeds so it can't grow back", she said. Once the ivy has turned brown and brittle, you can easily pull it up out of the ground and clear it away. Bin bags are super cheap, and you likely have them in your kitchen cupboard. If not, you can pick them up from Aldi for £1.25.
The Irish Sun
04-07-2025
- General
- The Irish Sun
Aldi's £1.25 kitchen staple will eliminate English ivy from your garden & stop it creeping over neighbour's walls
AN expert has revealed a £1.50 hack to stop English ivy from overtaking your garden. English ivy is a charming-looking plant, which can make your outdoor space look like a serene haven. 2 Ivy can end up taking over your garden Credit: Getty 2 Bin bags can be use to dehydrate ivy Credit: Aldi However, it grows rapidly, and can end up overtaking your garden, and creeping over your neighbour's wall. Ivy can grow up to a whopping 30m tall, and produces aerial shoots that allow it to easily cling to walls, trees and fences. Tara Besore, who has a gardening blog called Hammer & Headband revealed how she successfully managed to prevent ivy from taking over her garden. She said: "Stopping it [ivy] seemed impossible, but eventually I got rid of every last ivy root and vine in my yard. Read more garden stories "Here's what you need to know to remove English ivy for good." The gardening whizz tried cutting and pulling up the ivy and spraying herbicides on it, but found that neither of these methods worked properly. However, she revealed that solarisation worked a treat on even the densest patches of ivy. "It doesn't strain your back, and it doesn't require chemicals", she said. Most read in Fabulous "All it takes is patience." To try out this hack, she explained that all you need is a black plastic sheet, such as a bin bag. Expert Gardening Hacks for a Pet-Friendly Summer Garden "After spending a summer getting nowhere with brute force, I turned to the solarisation method," Tara said. "This involves letting the sun scorch the ivy under plastic." Wrap your ivy in bin bags, and then secure it firmly with bricks or stakes. Tara explained that this method deprives the plants of water. 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! "It cooks in the heat, permanently killing the ivy, the roots, and even the seeds so it can't grow back", she said. Once the ivy has turned brown and brittle, you can easily pull it up out of the ground and clear it away. Bin bags are super cheap, and you likely have them in your kitchen cupboard. If not, you can pick them up from Aldi for £1.25.
The Irish Sun
19-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Irish Sun
Home Bargains fans rejoice as new £3.99 version of viral must-have hits shelves & it lights up gardens in an instant
SAVVY shoppers are going wild as Home Bargains drops yet another new version of their viral hot air balloon solar lights. Not only is the new purse-friendly buy 'so pretty', but it's sure to look amazing in your garden at night. 4 Home Bargains shoppers are racing to their nearest store for another new version of the much-loved viral garden must-have Credit: Getty 4 So if your garden could do with brightening up, you won't want to miss this Credit: Facebook/BARGAIN LOVERS Poundland, Home Bargains, B&M, Primark, The Range & More 4 These new hot air balloon spiral solar lights are only £3.99 each Credit: Facebook/BARGAIN LOVERS Poundland, Home Bargains, B&M, Primark, The Range & More 4 They automatically glow at dusk and feature a whimsical spiral design Credit: Home Bargains So if your outside space could do with lighting up this spring, you'll need to move fast to nab this must-have. Recently we've seen Home Bargains fans race to their nearest stores, desperate to get their hands on But now, the high-street store has capitalised on the success of the Shoppers can now nab the new Read more shopping stories This One Overjoyed with her find, Colette Smith took to social media to share her find with others, leaving many very impressed. Posting on Most read in Fabulous These brand new enchanting lights automatically glow at dusk and feature a whimsical spiral design. The stunning LED flame effect provides effortless outdoor charm and is sure to Shoppers race to nab 'beautiful' water feature to turn gardens into a tranquil haven, as price is slashed from £44 to £5 Not only are these The spiral hot air balloon design adds a fun, decorative touch to any outdoor setting, making these lights perfect for 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! Bargain hunters beam But you'll need to move fast if you want to get your hands on this new One person said: 'Absolutely stunning!!' Oh dear I promised myself I wasn't buying anymore solar lights because I've got loads. Looks like I'll be buying more now Facebook user Another added: 'So pretty!' A third commented: 'I need some!' Not only this, but someone else beamed: 'Oh dear I promised myself I wasn't buying anymore solar lights because I've got loads. Looks like I'll be buying more now.' 5 things you didn't know about Home Bargains Home Bargains was founded by Tom Morris It's official name is TJ Morris Ltd but trades as Home Bargains The first store was opened in Liverpool in 1976 Around 30% of the stores range comprises clearance lines There are 575 stores nationwide At the same time, many shoppers who have already managed to stock up on the One Whilst another chimed in: 'I've got these, they are lovely.' Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club
The Irish Sun
13-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Irish Sun
Roses will bloom and stay healthy this spring thanks to £2 Victorian-era hack – it prevents unsightly yellow spots too
WHILE many of us will be enjoying spending time in our gardens thanks to the warm weather, it's very important that in between your sunbathing sessions you take care of your plants, particularly your roses. With the weather heating up and summer around the corner, gardeners must monitor their Advertisement 4 If you've got roses in your garden and want to ensure they look fabulous this spring, you've come to the right place Credit: Getty 4 Thanks to a Victorian-era hack, you can wave goodbye to yellow spots on your plants in no time at all Credit: Alamy 4 For this trick, all you'll need is a £2.79 buy from Amazon Credit: Alamy 4 Neem oil is a naturally occurring fungicide and pesticide Credit: Amazon 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 Advertisement Read more gardening stories 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. Advertisement Most read in Fabulous Exclusive The 'If it is allowed in your area, burning the How to make sure you lawn looks green and lush all summer long 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. Advertisement 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.' Advertisement 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 Advertisement 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. Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club
