Latest news with #greenfingers
The Sun
07-07-2025
- General
- The Sun
I bought a tiny lavender but now it's ballooned – the bees dictate when I prune it & there's a golden rule I never break
NOTHING quite matches the relaxing scent of lavender during a warm spring and summer evening. Although it is a quintessential product of Provence, the sturdy shrub has been a gardeners' favourite all over the world and has been cultivated since Ancient Rome. 2 2 This beautiful yet low-maintenance shrub is often available in a range of stores where you can snap it up for a bargain price. But how to look after it to ensure your lavender is the biggest on the street? And is it possible to make it thrive even when you have dry soil? According to one green-fingered Brit, it is - and there's one golden rule all gardeners should follow when planting the lilac shrub. Offering a helping hand to fellow gardeners, Angela Wynn took to Facebook to share some of her top tips which have helped her lavender balloon from a teeny plant to a mega shrub. She told the members of the Gardening On A Budget Official page: ''Every year we have posts asking how to look after lavender, so I'd like to introduce you to mine. ''I planted them more years ago than I care to remember, as tiny little plants in to very poor, dry soil.'' While many may assume the more hydration, the better the results will be, the green-fingered Brit revealed that it's the total opposite - and you should, in fact, keep the watering to a minimum. She said: ''I rarely water them in summer, never water them any other time. ''I prune them after the bees stop visiting, no specific date, no specified month, just the weekend of the first week no bees visit,'' she went on. Pruning is also another essential when it comes to maintaining your garden - but there's also a specific method the avid gardener follows. 'It's spacious enough for two adults' - The Range release double garden rocking chair less than €120 ''Pruning consists of roughly skimming over the plant with my hedge cutter!'' Angela - who is one of the 453k members of the popular page - also has a golden rule she swears by. ''My only 'rule', don't cut into the woody bit, and there you go!'' she wrote in the post. ''Each year I'm rewarded with this beautiful display,'' she said, sharing a snap of her adorable dog for ''scale''. 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! 'Same! Mine thrive on neglect' Since being shared online, the post has clearly impressed many, amassing over 200 likes and dozens of comments. One person said: ''Brilliant post, I do despair of all the posts that say this has to be done by this time and only prune this much, I do the same, I leave flowers for the insects and cut right back to last molecule of green.'' Someone else chimed in: ''Beautiful. My neighbour has the most beautiful hedge of lavender between his driveway and and his neighbours. ''It's absolutely teeming with pollinators and its looked lovely for over 15 years and he does absolutely nothing to it. ''He doesn't even trim it back. And yet I look after mine, dead head it, trim it back and mines now dead. ''I don't seem to be able to grow and look after Lavender at all.'' A third shared their go-to approach, writing: ''Mine is huge this year. I was worried as I had hardly any bees but they've arrived this week. ''Like you I give it a haircut when the bees have gone.
The Sun
28-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Savvy gardeners hit Amazon for grass seed that'll get your lawn ‘lush and green' – even in the middle of a heatwave
THERE'S nothing more unsightly than enjoying time in the garden on a glorious day, only to be faced with ugly brown patches on your grass. But luckily, green-fingered Brits can say goodbye to that and hello to a lush green lawn - and it's sure to make your neighbours envious. 2 2 Those whose lawns could do with some TLC this season should hit Amazon, where they can bag a bargain product for less than £15. The Pronto Seed Food Super Speedy Grass Seed promises swift results - even in the middle of a heatwave. Easy to use and going for a wallet-friendly price, it is praised amongst shoppers for "delivering swift results" with some users claiming visible regrowth in as little as just seven days. Eager beavers can grab a box with next day delivery for Amazon Prime members - and prices start from £14.49 for a 1.4kg box. The rapid-growth grass seed is perfect for quick lawn repairs or new turf. The premium blend grows into a dense, hard-wearing lawn that stands up to foot traffic, pets and unpredictable weather. Specially formulated for avid British gardeners, this seed can be sown from March all the way through to the month of October. This seed mix is also shade-tolerant and performs well even in low-nutrient conditions. According to the description online, the 1.4kg pack of Pronto seeds can cover up to 84m² when used for overseeding or 42m² when creating a new lawn from prepared soil. Suitable for use in various weather conditions, the affordable seed is can function in both shaded and sunlit locations. I transformed my garden patio into summer haven for less than £100 with cheap B&M buys including gadget to keep bugs out Designed for rapid germination, the bargain find claims to be able to provide coverage in just two weeks - ideal if you're hosting a BBQ party in July. Cash-savvy Amazon customers who have already purchased the Pronto Super Speedy Lawn Seed have given it an impressive 4.2 out of 5-star rating across 21,000 reviews. One shopper said: "I recently purchased Pronto Seed Grass Seed to rejuvenate my lawn, and I am thrilled with the results! ''After carefully preparing my garden and ensuring the right conditions for growth, I can confidently say that this product has exceeded my expectations in delivering a lush, green lawn." A second added: "Speedy is an undertstatement! Wow! Planted the Tuesday evening during the heatwave as I knew we would be getting some thundershowers in the next few days. ''Cannot believe the growth in one week! I have just filled in the patches, due to me spreading by hand, and can't wait to see the end result." Another buyer shared their experience: "It really did start growing in under 14 days. ''I was sceptical, and nothing really happened before day 10, but it's now day 13 and there's a lot of grass coming up." Some buyers were not so impressed. One left a measly three-star review that said: "The results were just okay, nothing special, and I didn't notice that it grew faster than the normal grass seeds." Overall, gardeners appeared to be impressed by the product. #
The Sun
12-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Giant olive tree slashed to less than half price adds a Mediterranean flair to your garden & adds privacy too
GREEN-FINGERED enthusiasts can now add style and privacy to their outdoor space for cheaper than ever. A giant Mediterranean plant is currently available for less than half price. 2 You can elevate the look of your garden as well as its privacy with this classy buy. And you can also make significant savings on this stylish garden addition. The Giant Tuscan Olive Tree has been reduced from £399.99 to just £149.99. The deal, available from Gardening Express, helps to save shoppers a whopping £250. And this tree is the perfect addition to a sun-drenched garden or patio. Place this olive tree in a large planter or directly in the ground to create your own Tuscan terrace at home. This plant is said to thrive in any well-drained bright spot of your garden. The grey-green leaves will remain all year as well as the tiny creamy-white flowers that eventually develop into the green fruit. It will give your garden Mediterranean-style finish, making you feel like you're on holidays without leaving your home. This plant flowers during the summer, with the olives ripening in autumn. However, be sure to shield these plants from harsher winter winds by planting in sheltered corners of your garden or moving pots into a conservatory during cold weather. These trees have long life spans, with some even growing to be hundreds of years old. And since olive trees can reach heights of 20 to 30 feet, this makes the perfect natural privacy barrier for your garden, but it may take some time. Shoppers raved about the plant in the review section of Gardening Express. They rated the olive tree a perfect five stars. "All first class. The tree was well wrapped and in very good condition," wrote one buyer. "I have been buying plants from Gardeningexpress for two years now, and I can say they are simply the best." "Wonderful tree! The size is incredible and seem to be much more expensive elsewhere," agreed another customer. "The quality of the tree and condition is also fantastic." "Really big trees delivered in great condition. Exactly as advertised. I'm a regular customer and they never let me down," said a third person.
The Sun
10-05-2025
- General
- The Sun
Four cash-saving tips to sort out your garden by getting involved in your local community
PUT down roots in your local community and sort out your garden at the same time. Turn to green-fingered neighbours and local groups to find seeds, cuttings and unwanted plants to fill your own pots and beds. Not only will your garden flourish, but your links with others may too. CUTTINGS: Buying new plants can be pricey, while taking cuttings from friends and neighbours is free. Cut around 15cm of a healthy plant stem just below a node — where a leaf is attached. Cut off all lower leaves. Plant it deep into a pot of compost, adding a few cuttings per pot. Put in a light, warm position such as a well-lit windowsill and keep damp. When you see new growth, lift the cutting out and plant it in its own pot and wait until it is well established before planting out. SEED OF AN IDEA: Seed swaps are popping up across the country, as a way for people to share excess vegetable and flower seeds and seedlings, and get some different ones in return. They are also a great place to share knowledge, with novice gardeners picking up tips from more experienced growers. Find a local event by searching online for 'seed swap near me'. I made a DIY fence for £68 with pallets from Facebook Marketplace - it gives more privacy & people say it's 'fantastic' If you can't find one, consider setting up your own. Members often share seeds, cuttings or surplus plants, as well as creating great spaces for local people to enjoy. You can find your local group at SHARING IS CARING: You can also share excess seedlings and cuttings on local groups, such as the Nextdoor app. Plus you may find people offering free seeds, cuttings and even plants on another app, Olio. Also ask at your local library or gardening groups. Get in quickly and you may be able to get hold of some summer vegetable plants. All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability. Deal of the day GO dotty for the Eddie flatweave tub chair from Dunelm, down from £179 to £89.50. Cheap treat 7 MAKE space in your freezer for the Angel Delight strawberry and vanilla ice cream twists, £2.75 for a pack of four at Morrisons, or buy two packs for £4. Top swap PUT the grey Bronx kettle on the boil. It's £45 at Next. Or make a cuppa using the Oslo kettle from The Range, £22.39. Shop & save FOR a good night's sleep, save on DryNites pyjama pants, down from £5.55 to £3.50 at Boots. Hot right now SUMMER camping trip coming up? Aldi has ultralight sleeping bags for £12.99 to snuggle up in. PLAY NOW TO WIN £200 7 JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle. Every month we're giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers - whether you're saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered. Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket. The more codes you enter, the more tickets you'll earn and the more chance you will have of winning!
