Latest news with #DiarmuidGavin
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- General
- Daily Mirror
Gardeners urged to plant one common flower slugs absolutely hate
There are few plants that slugs enjoy nibbling more than the hosta, but instead of dousing yours in chemical insect repellants, try Diarmuid Gavin's more natural solution After hosting winter displays and spring bulbs, now's the time for summer colour in my pots. That's been my job this week and I like using terracotta pots because they complement most types of planting. They can dry out quickly so require a commitment to keeping them well watered throughout the warmer months. I've emptied the old compost around the garden beds and I am using a good-quality multi-purpose compost that will support my choice of plants. This, combined with fortnightly liquid feeding and deadheading, should ensure lots of flowers to enjoy over the next few months. As we are well past any fear of frost, there's plenty of plants that will thrive now. Tender bedding plants can be used and you may have been growing your own from seed which might be pot ready now. It is easy to be seduced by the trays of brightly coloured flowers for sale but in general it's a good idea to buy plants that have plenty of buds yet to blossom. I've chosen a mix of perennial and annuals, some old favourites and some new ones to try out. READ MORE: Homes with hanging baskets urged to repeat crucial 60 second task daily Bulbine 'Avera Sunset Orange' is a newbie. A perennial, it's also known as the burnt jelly plant as its succulent leaves have skin-healing properties, a bit like aloe vera. It has fleshy linear leaves and exotic-looking orange and yellow flowers. Hailing from South Africa, it can only manage outdoors here in the summer unless you are in the Scilly Isles or somewhere similar. It's a good plant for a balcony and then can be taken indoors over winter. Erigeron karvinskianus is an old reliable and one that I think looks great with its relaxed habit, the daisy flowers tumbling down the side of pots. Although it comes from Mexico, it's remarkably happy in our climate. It's great as an edging plant, tucked into cracks in paving or walls or simply as part of a mixed border and will grow in sun or partial shade in well-drained soil. Cerinthe purpurascens is a very easy-to-grow annual. Also known as honeywort, its pretty purple bell-shaped flowers are a magnet for bees and butterflies. These contrast beautifully with the silvery green oval leaves too. Cosmos is also a superb half hardy annual – I love the daisy-like flowers that usually come in white or pink but are also available in warmer yellows and oranges. I've a slightly complex relationship with hostas. Any plant that causes gardeners anxiety due to a creature nibbling on them, using chemical pesticides to kill them off, possibly isn't right for that gardener's plot. The slugs that feed on them make delicious food for our garden birds. And why do we want to poison any creature in our gardens? It's not really part of our nurturing nature is it? But there are some hostas that have a reputation for being slug resistant. I'm using a variety called 'Blue Umbrellas', which is one of the largest of the species and has giant blue-green heart shaped leaves. It should be the crowning glory of the new potted garden. Jobs to do in the garden this week Watch out for scarlet lily beetle and remove – they're crafty and will hop off the stem as you approach, so try and cup one hand below to catch them. Keep an eye out for slugs and snails who may tuck into your flowers and leafy vegetables. A shallow saucer of beer nightly beside your flowers is a good way of controlling them. Cut back lupins before they go to seed and you may get a second smaller flush. Cut back hardy geraniums that have finished flowering to ensure new growth. Keep roses well watered in warm weather and regularly check pots for watering. Peat-based compost can dry out, so it may need a complete dunking in a bucket of water until all the air bubbles are gone from soil. Warm weather can lead to an increase in algae and duckweed in your pond, so fish it out with a small fishing net or twirl it around a cane. Barley straw in the pond can help keep the problem at bay or if you can't get hold of any there are liquid products available that contain an extract of it which will do the same job. Keep your bird bath topped up for the birds. Divide irises after flowering – you only need do this process every few years but it will help to put new life into old stock. Why your roses aren't growing well in pots A reader wrote in to ask why his roses aren't doing well in pots. They're the right size and he followed the label instructions. I don't blame him for being baffled. Roses can grow very well in pots provided the conditions are right. In warm and windy weather pots can dry out fast so consistent watering is essential. However, they don't like being waterlogged as the roots can rot, so good drainage is important – pots must have drainage holes. Roses are hungry feeders and will benefit from a high potassium feed every two weeks in the growing season. Pot compost can become exhausted so top with fresh compost every year. With consistent moisture, good drainage, and feeding, your roses should bounce back. Plant of the week: Delphinium 'Faust' It's hard to compete with the glamour of delphiniums in full bloom, their stately stems covered in flowers. 'Faust' is a fine cultivar with an RHS Award of Garden Merit. It has rich blue double flowers with a dark eye and can grow to a height of 5-6ft. For best results, grow in well-drained soil and full sunshine. Give them adequate space as they don't like to be crowded and a sheltered spot is best. They make gorgeous cut flowers and provide vertical interest in the borders, flowering through the summer. Cut back faded spikes and you may get a second flush of flowers. For super blooms, thin shoots when young to leave just two or three spikes.
Irish Examiner
7 days ago
- Health
- Irish Examiner
Donal Hickey: Plant passport check — don't bring plants and seeds home from abroad
Think of rhododendron, Japanese knotweed, and giant hogweed… just three of the many non-native plants brought into Ireland and which are now an environmental nuisance, to say the very least. All three, along with many others, are targets of ongoing eradication programmes which, in some cases, are battling against the odds. Like many invasive species, they grow prolifically and damage many of our native plants and the environment in general. Giant hogweed cordoned off ahead of treatment Such imported plants, as well as invasive, non-native animals, are described by the National Biodiversity Data Centre as the greatest threat to biodiversity worldwide after habitat destruction. Rhododendron at the Vee, County Tipperary. Picture: Dan Linehan Rhododendron, for example, takes over native woodland such as oak, and prevents the growth of young saplings, with severe impacts in places like Killarney National Park. Japanese knotweed can grow through concrete and damage buildings. Hogweed can cause burns and skin damage, and destabilise riverbanks. A plant passport is a document containsing vital information required for the trade of seeds, cuttings, plants, and trees between businesses in the EU And, with people travelling abroad more often and to far-flung, destinations, the risks of exotic, though unwelcome, plants being brought here grows. Ireland continues to participate in the #PlantHealth4Life campaign — a European project to raise awareness of the critical role plant health plays in protecting food, biodiversity, and the environment. It's all about encouraging people to become active plant health ambassadors. The 2025 campaign is supported by our Department of Agriculture, and celebrity garden designer, Diarmuid Gavin, is the plant goodwill ambassador for Ireland. The #PlantHealth4Life campaign urges travellers not to bring back any plants, flowers, seeds, fruits, or vegetables from outside the EU, as these items may harbour plant pests or diseases detrimental to native flora. Additionally, consumers are advised to buy plants and seeds online only if accompanied by a valid phytosanitary or plant health certificate. Picture: Maxwells Louise Byrne, our chief plant health officer, says everyone can contribute to protecting plant health. People should travel wisely and avoid bringing plants and seeds home from abroad. 'Practice responsible sourcing of plants with plant passports from reputable operators. Monitor plants in your garden and in the wider environment for pests and diseases. Empower the next generation by teaching children about the importance of plant health,' she adds. Travellers are asked not to bring back any plants, flowers, seeds, fruits, or vegetables from outside the EU, which may harbour plant pests or diseases detrimental to native flora. Additionally, consumers are advised to buy plants and seeds online only if accompanied by a valid plant health certificate. Good plant hygiene practices in home gardens and outdoors spaces also prevent the spread to neighbouring plants and natural habitats. Diarmuid Gavin says our gardens are frontline defences: 'Every seed we sow responsibly and every pest we spot early is a step toward protecting Ireland's natural environment. This campaign reminds us that plant health begins at home, and we all have a role to play.' Perhaps the greatest example of destruction which can be wrought by an imported plant is the blight that caused the Famine. The blight is believed to have been brought to Europe on potato shipments from the Americas. Read More Responsible gardening for peak plant health
BBC News
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Garden Rescue returns to BBC One and iPlayer with brand new additions to its presenting line up
Recommissioned for series 11, BBC Daytime's popular weekday gardening programme Garden Rescue is to have a fresh new look, with the addition of some of the country's best-known gardeners. Joining the team are Diarmuid Gavin, Frances Tophill, Joe Swift, and Sue Kent - four top designers bringing their vision, creativity, and unique garden flair. Together, they'll add a fun new dimension to the show, along with their unique design perspectives and a healthy dose of Garden Rescue friendly competition. They'll be joining fan favourites Charlie Dimmock, Lee Burkhill, Chris Hull, and Flo Headlam, who've been inspiring audiences and transforming outdoor spaces across the country. Each episode will see one designer go head-to-head with one of the new recruits, each pitching their vision to homeowners who are desperate for a dream outdoor space but don't know where to begin. As always, there's only one design that gets chosen and brought to life. From family-friendly gardens to serene, low-maintenance retreats, the team will bring their trademark transformations to gardens across the country bringing imaginative solutions, and plenty of banter, gardening tips and surprises along the way. Caroline O'Neill, Assistant Commissioning Editor for BBC Daytime comments, 'It's great to have such well-loved and hugely respected gardeners joining the team. Each bringing their green fingers and creative flair to their unique designs, making for the best competitions yet! Audiences will also get to enjoy revisiting the spaces to see how the people are using their newly transformed gardens, with lots of helpful tips and tricks to be mastered at home too.' Executive Producer Sarah Trigg for Spun Gold TV comments: 'We're absolutely thrilled to be making another brand-new series of Garden Rescue. It's a joy to see our brilliant existing designers joining forces with a fantastic line up of garden designers. We can't wait to see the amazing transformations they'll create together and to share them with all of you at home.' Garden Rescue is commissioned for BBC One and iPlayer by Head of BBC Daytime and Early Peak Commissioning, Rob Unsworth. The Commissioning Editor for BBC Daytime is Caroline O'Neill, Sarah Trigg is the Executive Producer for Spun Gold TV . You can watch series 10 of Garden Rescue on BBC One at 3.45pm and on iPlayer now. Series 11 will be confirmed later this year. Watch Garden Rescue on BBC iPlayer and add to your Watchlist HD3 Follow for more
The Sun
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Huge Garden Rescue twist as major stars go head-to-head in ‘summer spruce' up for popular daytime show
THE wholesome world of horticulture has always made for gentle TV viewing – until now, as I can reveal that the BBC has given Garden Rescue a competitive edge. Fan favourites Charlie Dimmock, Lee Burkhill, Chris Hull and Flo Headlam all return for series 11, later this year. 8 8 But in a new twist, they will go head-to-head with a string of fresh presenters in the ultimate backyard battle. Joining them for series 11 of the BBC One show are Diarmuid Gavin, Frances Tophill, Joe Swift and Sue Kent. In each episode, one of the original designers will pitch their vision to a homeowner who is desperate for a garden glow-up. Then one of the newcomers will offer a rival opinion, and just one idea will be taken forward. A source said: 'Garden Rescue is one of BBC Daytime's most popular slots so it deserved a summer spruce. 'The new twist means as well as the usual imaginative solutions, gardening hacks and advice, Garden Rescue will be brimming with friendly competitive banter. 'Plus the new experts bring with them new ideas, creativity and flair which all helps keep the show fresh as it heads into series 11.' The Garden Rescue cameras will also be revisiting past projects to see how homeowners have been using the their improved spaces. Caroline O'Neill of BBC Daytime said: 'It's great to have such well-loved and hugely respected gardeners joining the team. 'Each bring their creative flair to their unique designs, making for the best competitions yet.' For now, viewers can enjoy series 10 which is airing weekdays on BBC One at 3.45pm. Bend it like Kumar I'M no football expert, but I'd venture this clutch of comedians are proving that quick wit doesn't necessarily mean you're fast on your feet. Here's an exclusive first look at Comedians Taking Penalties, the new series from Graham Norton 's So Television that's inspired by Soccer AM's star-spangled goal segment. 8 8 8 Nish Kumar flexed his pecs as he took to the pitch in north London last week alongside host Chloe Petts. Fresh from Taskmaster, Mathew Baynton moves look to be more Karate Kid than colossal kick, just like The Outlaws' Rhys James. Elsewhere Last One Laughing's Harriet Kemsley and Olga Koch kept it cool. I'm not sure Nicola and Rosie Dempsey are playing quite the same sport, though. It looks to be a load of laughs though - and football could certainly do with some of those. 8 8 8 TELLY prankster Oobah Butler will return to Channel 4 with a two documentaries. How I Made A Million In 90 Days sees Oobah follow a band of 'business gurus', and How To Trick Your Way Onto The Property Ladder sees the presenter getting two young first-time buyers on the property ladder. DIY SOS is back, and Nick Knowles and his team are looking for families who need help to get back on track. He said: 'We will be travelling the country and showcasing the caring builders and suppliers everywhere.' To apply, visit the BBC website's Take Part tab or text @PHEBYcasting.
Daily Mirror
21-06-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Gardeners issued 'act now' warning over common pests
There's one thing you need to do this week to prevent problems continuing in your patch for many years, says gardening expert Diarmuid Gavin Your garden may have some uninvited guests, commonly known as weeds. And one of my jobs to do this week is get weeds out of the ground before they set seed and propagate another generation of weeds. As the saying goes, one year's seeding is seven years' weeding. Some weeds, like bindweed and ground elder, are particularly invasive and can quickly strangle your cultivated perennials if unchecked. We now know that chemical herbicides can have serious environmental and health impacts. But of the most effective and environmentally friendly methods for dealing with weeds is manual removal. Hoes are particularly useful for dealing with young seedlings, slicing them just below the soil surface and disturbing their delicate roots. Specialised hand tools like sharp weeding knives are invaluable. These tools allow you to carefully pry out weeds with minimal disturbance to surrounding plants. In driveways, patios, and between paving stones, mechanical methods such as a weed burner offer a chemical-free solution. Directing a flame at the weed damages its cells and causes it to die back. Alternatively, pouring boiling water over weeds can be surprisingly effective. Jobs to do this week Hanging baskets and containers may need twice daily watering in these high temperatures. Similarly fruit and veg will need your attention. If it's moist or there's a chance of rain, give lawns a summer feed. Hedges that are looking a bit hairy can be trimmed back. Cut back hardy geraniums that have finished flowering to encourage a second flush. Summer prune wisteria – this just means cutting back long whippy shoots to about six leaves. Do this when the wisteria is finished flowering to encourage it to form more flower buds for next year. Give dahlias a liquid feed and stake them to support them. Pinch out side shoots of cordon tomatoes. Water tomatoes daily to prevent split fruit and feed weekly. Remove rose flowers as they start to go over or it will use its energy to produce rosehips. Now's the time to start refreshing parts of my garden, and this week my project was to plant ground cover beneath a canopy of tree ferns. I began with plenty of soil preparation, removing weeds and stones before covering the area with a thick layer of compost — a good six inches or more of dark, crumbly, nutrient-rich compost that smells of the woodland floor. It's the perfect host for my new plants. Ferns are a natural choice for such an area. They complement the existing tree ferns, and the shady conditions mimic their natural woodland habitats. I've planted a mixture of varieties, arranging each in groups of five. Dryopteris erythrosora, sometimes known as the Autumn Fern, is one of my favourites. It's a resilient, beautiful, clump-forming, semi-evergreen perennial, with young copper-tinted foliage that matures to a vivid green. In contrast, Athyrium 'Burgundy Lace' is a striking deciduous fern, with arching fronds that emerge purple and age to a silvery green, while retaining a bold purple mid-rib. This pairs well with the architectural foliage of Dryopteris wallichiana, or Wood Fern, known for its upright, shuttlecock shape and dark green leaves with a central black rib — a real statement plant. With a view to adding spring colour, I've included a few old favourites. Brunnera 'Jack Frost' is a reliable choice, flowering in April and May with tiny, bright blue flowers resembling forget-me-nots, beautifully offset by its silvery, heart-shaped leaves. Pulmonaria 'Blue Ensign' serves a similar role, with broad, fuzzy, dark green leaves and bright, bell-shaped flowers in early spring, providing much-needed nectar for pollinators. Both are perennials that die back in winter. Hardy geraniums are truly wonderful garden plants, with a variety for every situation. In this shady spot, Geranium phaeum is among the best options. Also known as the dusky cranesbill or mourning widow, it has distinctive flowers with curved-back petals and prominent stamens. I'm also planting 'Springtime', a cultivar with dark purple flowers and foliage attractively splotched with purple at the base. Dotted throughout the bed are several Helleborus orientalis, which will thrive in shade and flower for several months in spring. As these are unnamed varieties, their flower colours will be a surprise — I could find myself greeted by pink, white, purple, or even green blooms next year. My final star plant is Osmunda regalis, the royal fern. Aptly named, it produces elegant, regal fronds that unfurl a fresh green in spring, turn bronze in autumn, and then die back. It's a plant that demands space, capable of reaching six feet in height when it's happy — which means it needs plenty of water. As they're all new plantings, I'll be keeping them well watered through summer, and the combination of moisture and warmth should help them settle in beautifully. I'm looking forward to watching this cool, calm, shady corner develop. With the right plants, a sheltered spot like this can become one of the loveliest parts of any garden. Plant of the week: Antirrhinum 'Appleblossom' Better known as snapdragons, these delightful summer flowers are easy to grow and come in a range of cheerful colours. 'Appleblossom' has pretty pastel pink blossoms and makes a good cutting flower as it responds by producing more flowers. Grow in full sunshine in fertile well-drained soil.
