Latest news with #Lavandula
Daily Mirror
04-07-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Gardener's lavender hack to ensure 'bushier and healthier' plant next year
Pruning lavender is important to prevent the plant from becoming woody and less productive - but when is the best time to prune lavender and how exactly do you do it? Lavenders, with their delightful scent and ability to brighten any garden, are relatively straightforward to care for, provided you prune them at the right time. Pruning lavender is crucial to stop it from turning woody and less productive; a good trim encourages the plant to focus its energy on blooming more vigorously. Wondering when to give your lavender plants a haircut? He explained: "The best time to give your English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and lavenderin (Lavandula x intermedia) types a decent pruning is late summer to early autumn." For those cultivating French lavender (Lavandula dentata), the approach differs due to their sensitivity to harsh winter weather and overall delicacy, reports the Express. He advised: "Therefore, as soon as you notice new growth beginning in the early spring, give them a small trim. This light trimming encourages your lavender to grow bushy and gets rid of any winter die-back." Yet, for English lavender to thrive and become bushier, larger, and more robust in the next growing season, it's essential to prune at least six weeks before the first frost hits. David remarked: "By removing spent flower stalks, you're preparing for a blooming season next year. And don't forget about shape-pruning now keeps your lavender clean and compact, avoiding the scraggly, woody aspect that may make your garden appear unkempt." How do you prune lavender? Gardening expert David has shared his top tips for pruning lavender, emphasising the importance of a gentle touch, particularly with younger plants. He advises taking your time and using clean, sharp secateurs to carefully prune away any dead or woody stems without harming the plant. David explained: "You want to cut back about a third of the plant, focusing on the green, leafy parts, leaving the woody bit alone." He also suggests trimming the outer edges slightly shorter than the middle for a pleasing rounded shape, adding: "For a nice rounded look, give the outside a slightly shorter trim than the middle. Don't go overboard. "A little naturalness is always charming. And remember, lavender is tough, so don't be shy about giving it a good clip. It'll bounce back." Pruning lavender in late summer is ideal, as it allows the plant ample time to prepare for winter, ensuring it remains vigorous and healthy. David remarked: "A good prune now will pay off big time next year. You'll notice a huge difference. Your lavender will look fuller, bushier, and healthier." He reassures gardeners that although the lavender may appear bare initially, it will regenerate stronger, saying: "Plus, you can expect more of those lovely purple flowers. It might look a bit bare for a while, but trust me, it'll grow back stronger than ever."
The Irish Sun
09-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Irish Sun
Aldi's £3 buy keep pesky flies out of your home all summer – and it smells amazing too
ALDI is selling a £3 product that will keep flies out of your home all summer long, and make your house smell amazing. Summer is finally here, and according to the 2 Flies can be a real nuisance 2 Aldi is launching a lavender plant for £3.79 However, although there are so many positives to summer, from warm weather to longer days, it also has its downsides, such as the emergence of irritating pests. House flies can be an incredible annoyance at this time of year, as they sneak in through open doors and windows. Chasing them around with rolled-up newspapers and makeshift fly swatters can seem an endless task, and can ruin your summer's evening. However, according to experts, a quick and easy way to get rid of them is to plant pest-repelling herbs in the garden. Read more garden pest stories Although lavender is one of the most beloved scents for humans, flies can't stand the scent of it. Therefore, if you plant the fragrant flower near the entrance to your home or on the windowsill, it will act as a barrier against flies. Plus, lavender also attracts bees, which will give your garden a wildlife boost. Anyone wanting to try out this simple hack won't have to fork out much, as Aldi is launching a Most read in Fabulous The bargain bloom will be available at stores across the UK from June 12, so flower fans had better set their alarms to be in with the chance of snagging the product. Another plant that flies hate the scent of is cooking staple basil. Tips and Tricks to Keep Your Garden Pest-Free Purchasing a pot and placing it on the windowsill will keep the insects at bay. Plus, you can pull of a leaf or two and add it to pastas, pizzas or salads to enhance their flavour. Mint is another plant that flies can't stand due to its sharp refreshing scent. Plus, it works great as an addition to summer cocktails such as mojitos. Keep pests out all summer IF you want to ensure that your home is pest free this summer, here's what you need to know. 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 mozzies inside and out. Try eucalyptus, lavender and lemongrass. How to Care for Lavender To get the most out of your lavender, plant it in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Once it's settled in, it won't need much watering – in fact, it prefers to stay on the dry side. French lavender typically flowers from late spring into early autumn, with a peak bloom period between May and September. Some varieties, like Lavandula stoechas "Papillon" and "Tiara", are known for their continuous flowering from late spring to early autumn. After French lavender flowers, you should trim the spent flower stalks to encourage more blooms and keep the plant compact. You can also prune the plant back in late summer or early spring to rejuvenate it and prevent it from becoming woody.
