Latest news with #SouthernLiving
Scottish Sun
14 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- Scottish Sun
The English garden tradition making a comeback – it means you can ditch mowing the lawn and it encourages more wildlife
Once loved by royals, this fragrant lawn is making a big return NATURE TAKEOVER The English garden tradition making a comeback – it means you can ditch mowing the lawn and it encourages more wildlife Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A TRADITIONAL English garden trend is making a big comeback – and it could mean the end of mowing the lawn for good. The old-school chamomile lawn is back in fashion, and it's not just pretty to look at. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 A royal favourite, chamomile lawns are making a comeback as a fragrant, eco-friendly alternative to traditional grass Credit: Southern Living It's low-maintenance, eco-friendly, and brilliant for bees, butterflies and other garden wildlife – all while smelling sweet and feeling soft underfoot. Across the UK, more homeowners are choosing to replace conventional, high-maintenance lawns with soft, low-growing mats of chamomile. This centuries-old favourite — even found in the gardens of Buckingham Palace — is stepping back into the limelight as a fragrant, eco-friendly alternative to mown grass. A chamomile lawn offers a neat, evergreen carpet that thrives with minimal upkeep. It's ideal for spots with little foot traffic or awkward-to-mow corners of the garden. Unlike grass, chamomile releases a lovely sweet aroma when walked on. Why choose chamomile? Chamomile lawns are drought-tolerant. They stay green in dry weather and require less watering, saving both time and resources. Though the initial cost of plug plants is higher than grass seed, a chamomile lawn is cheaper to maintain in the long run, with no mowing and little weeding once established. They also provide a fantastic habitat for pollinators like bees and butterflies. The dense, aromatic foliage offers shelter to small insects and invertebrates, making it a far better option than a standard grass lawn if you're aiming to boost biodiversity. The four easy steps to get your tired lawn lush for summer & you don't need to worry about pigeons ruining it either And unlike a typical lawn, there's no need for regular mowing. Just an occasional tidy-up will keep it looking good, ideal for gardeners who want beauty without too much fuss. Wildlife garden benefits Chamomile lawns can boost biodiversity, attracting bees, butterflies and other vital pollinators. The thick, scented cover also gives shelter to insects and invertebrates that wouldn't thrive in a standard grass law. And unlike a typical lawn, there's no need for regular mowing. Just an occasional tidy-up will keep it looking good — ideal for gardeners who want beauty without too much fuss. How to grow a chamomile lawn – 10 quick tips Choose a sunny spot – partial shade is fine, but avoid deep shade. Chamomile likes light, well-draining soil – heavy clay won't work. Test a small area first to check growing conditions. Plant in spring when growth is at its strongest. Use Chamaemelum nobile 'Treneague' for a no-mow, non-flowering lawn. Want flowers? Try Chamaemelum nobile 'Dwarf', which is also hardy. 'Treneague' can't be grown from seed – use plug or grown plants. Space plants 5–6 inches apart and water well. Avoid walking on new lawns for 10–15 weeks while they establish. Great for pollinators, low maintenance, and no mowing needed.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Yahoo
Underrated vacation destination? This SWFL city gets the nod from Southern Living
Note to self: send thank you cards to the editors at Southern Living. Maybe include crate of mangos and a box of Norman Love chocolates. Why the generosity? Southern Living has picked Fort Myers and the surrounding area as one of its "underrated vacation destinations" for 2025. And even better, the article recognized the fact that after a tumultuous couple of years dealing with hurricanes, including historic Hurricane Ian in September 2022, Fort Myers has recaptured its appeal as a place to visit. "After sustaining heavy damage from Hurricane Ian in 2022, Fort Myers, and its surrounding communities, have recovered nicely and are more than ready to welcome visitors to experience the magic of the City of Palms," Southern Living said. Now that is some good news! Southern Living calls Fort Myers "a gateway" to Southwest Florida. The story states: Fort Myers's downtown has plenty to see, do, and eat—and did we mention it's also situated on the beautiful Caloosahatchee River? Seeking a beach vacation where you can enjoy some R&R in the company of sand, sun, and surf? Fort Myers Beach has all you need. And if you want to venture down a road slightly less traveled, nearby Sanibel Island and Captiva Island offer even more room to roam. Southern Living went on to list, in detail, 20 best things to do in Fort Myers, including: This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Southern Living's list of Florida's best underrate vacation places
Time of India
14-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Say goodbye to Crabgrass: Discover the secret to a weed-free lawn
Crabgrass is a type of weed that often grows in lawns and gardens without being planted. It spreads quickly, especially in hot or dry weather, and can take over healthy grass if not controlled. If someone has a lawn, they probably have crabgrass. It makes lots of seeds, and if not controlled on time, it tends to increase with the passage of time. Clint Waltz, PhD, turfgrass extension specialist at the University of Georgia, said, 'It's a prolific seed producer,' according to the online platform Southern Living. 'If you do nothing about it this year, expect a higher and denser population of crabgrass next year,' Waltz added. Waltz further stated that crabgrass initially appears in the spring, but new plants keep germinating throughout the summer. Crabgrass is killed off by the first frost. But it's too late by then, as there are probably thousands of seeds sitting there and waiting to germinate next year. The seeds can, in fact, possibly remain viable in the soil for years. Waltz said that there are many different types of crabgrass but to get rid of them, use the same approach. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Al Hilla: Unsold Furniture Liquidation 2024 (Prices May Surprise You) Unsold Furniture | Search Ads Learn More Undo The best way to stop crabgrass is by using a pre-emergence product in spring, which keeps weed seeds from growing. But if you missed spring, you can still remove crabgrass when it appears in your lawn during summer. How to kill Crabgrass in your lawn If you spot crabgrass in your lawn by mid- or late summer, it probably means you didn't use a pre-emergence herbicide in spring. But you can still control it by following these steps: Live Events 1. Pull out crabgrass plants by hand if there are only a few. 2. Find out what type of grass you have before using any herbicide, because the wrong one can damage your lawn. If you're unsure, ask your local university co-op extension for help. 3. Pick the right post-emergence herbicide for your grass type. These are usually sold at landscape or seed stores, not big-box shops. 4. Check the label for these ingredients and use them as directed: - Sethoxydim: for centipede grass and fescues - Fluazifop: for tall fescue and zoysia - Quinclorac: for Bermuda, tall fescue, zoysia, and Kentucky bluegrass Spray the crabgrass directly with the product. You'll usually see the crabgrass turn yellow or brown in 7 to 10 days. If some crabgrass still looks healthy after 21 days, spray again, according to Waltz. He also suggested that If crabgrass covers most of your lawn (about 50-70%), spray the whole lawn as per the label instructions. After spraying, wait a few days and then mow your lawn to help hide the discolored spots. Start spraying as soon as you see crabgrass, but if it's late summer and frost is near, don't bother—frost will kill crabgrass anyway. Don't rely on DIY remedies, and also don't use home remedies like boiling water or vinegar, as they can harm your good grass and don't kill the roots. To prevent crabgrass, keep your lawn thick and healthy by mowing at the right height and using the right fertilizer and water.
Wales Online
12-07-2025
- General
- Wales Online
Welsh shoppers buying bananas urged to do 1 strange task after taking them home
Welsh shoppers buying bananas urged to do 1 strange task after taking them home This little-known trick could help prevent a very common issue during the summer, so people are being urged to take note When you bring bananas home from the shop, you should do 1 thing before putting them in the fruit bowl (Image: TommL via Getty Images ) Enjoying a banana is an excellent way to increase your potassium intake, and they offer a steady release of carbohydrates, ideal for those hectic days. They're also fantastic for baking, which explains why they're a common item on many shopping lists. However, it appears there's something crucial we should all be doing with our bananas once we return from the supermarket. It might seem like an unnecessary chore, but washing your bananas is vital, particularly during the warmer months, as it can help deter unwanted pests. Why you should wash bananas According to the experts at Southern Living, this strange ritual is important for a number of different reasons. Of course you don't eat the banana skin, so it's not to do with your health, but instead it's about keeping pesky fruit flies away from your home. These pests are known to lay their eggs on the skins of bananas, so when we purchase them from Asda or Tesco, we're essentially welcoming fruit flies into our homes. Article continues below They're drawn to the aroma of maturing fruits, making it an ideal location for their larvae to thrive. Their breeding and development cycle is incredibly rapid, so once they've infiltrated your home, it's not always straightforward to eliminate them, reports the Express. Many of us will likely have a bunch of bananas at home (Image: Getty ) How to wash your bananas According to the experts, room-temperature tap water is best for cleaning bananas. After you've unpacked the weekly shop, rinse the bananas, making sure you get rid of any visible dirt or grime. Spend about 30 seconds doing this, then set them on a kitchen towel to air dry. Alternatively, you can use a towel to pat them dry before placing them in your fruit bowl. How to get rid of fruit flies If you encounter fruit flies, you can trap them using two common household items: vinegar and washing-up liquid. Article continues below Take an empty jar with a lid, punch some holes in the lid and fill it with a small quantity of apple cider vinegar and a few drops of dish soap. The flies will be lured by the scent and enter the jar, but they won't be able to escape, making it an effective and cheap trap.
Perth Now
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Matthew McConaughey implores fans to 'lend a helping hand' after catastrophic Texas floods
Matthew McConaughey has urged fans to "lend a helping hand" following the devastating floods in Texas. At least 78 people have died and dozens more are missing following flash floods in Kerr County on Friday (04.07.25) and the Dallas Buyers Club star reflected on the "shock" of the catastrophe in his home state. Matthew, 55, penned on social media site X: "At least 70 lives have been lost, many more are unaccounted for, and countless Texans are hurting - inside and out. "If you're able, please lend a helping hand where and how you can. It's gonna be a long road ahead, but right now the shock, the pain and the chaos need to steady hand of a neighbour." The Oscar-winning actor, who was born in the city of Uvalde, added: "Texans are some of the most resilient and generous people on the planet." McConaughey is one of a number of stars to have spoken out following the Texas floodings after actress Jennifer Garner wrote a message of support on her Instagram Story. The 53-year-old star - who was born in Houston - wrote: "Texas. God, be near." Meanwhile, pop star Shakira pledged to donate some of the proceeds from her concert in San Antonio on Saturday (05.07.25) to Catholic Charities in the city helping with the relief effort following the floods. She posted on X: "Dear San Antonio, Our hearts and prayers are with those affected by the flood in Central Texas. We are donating a portion of tonight's show proceeds to Catholic Charities of San Antonio, who are providing disaster relief to the families impacted. "If you would like to join me in donating, please click on the link below. Your help is important and appreciated." Matthew returned to live in Texas in 2014 with his wife Camila Alves and their three children - Levi, 17, Vida, 15, and Livingston, 12, - and previously spoke of his love for the routines and traditions they have established there. In a joint interview with Southern Living magazine last year, Camila said: "In Texas, we were going to the church that we like to attend every Sunday. Sports became a stronger tradition for the kids.." Her spouse interjected: "Ritual! Ritual came back, whether that was Sunday church, sports, dinner together as a family every night, or staying up after that telling stories in the kitchen, sitting at the island pouring drinks and nibbling while retelling them all in different ways than we told them before."
