Multi-pack of 'magnificent' Japanese maples that brighten up gardens plummets to half price
Green-thumbed shoppers can currently save a massive £40 on this four-piece collection of Japanese Maples, which are set to add a vibrant display of colour, whether planted in gardens, as part of a border, or in an ornate pot on the patio.
Stocked with four fantastic varieties of these highly sought Japanese Maples, each plant arrives in approximately 2-3 Litre containers. They've already grown to a lovely bushy plant up to 60cm tall, depending on variety and time of year. And they're ready to be planted as soon as they arrive, meaning you don't have to wait or spend hours preparing your plant before getting to enjoy its exotic array of colour.
Up for grabs with 50% off at Gardening Express, this collection has been specially selected to give a variety of foliage, colours, shapes, and textures. Which plants you get in this lucky-dip bundle will be selected from the wide range of varieties grown in Gardening Express' nursery.
The set may include the Acer palmatum Beni Kawa, which is touted as a magnificent variety of coral bark maple. This cultivar is popular due to its flaming, coral-red bark and its blend of soft green-gold leaves, which are a sharp contrast to the brilliant bark. In winter, the shining stems stand out against snow-covered lawns or dead plants.
Elsewhere in the collection could be the Acer palmatum dissectum Firecracker, which is described as a Firecracker by name and nature. This spectacular, recently introduced variety is highly sought after, thanks to its key attraction being its finely cut deep purple foliage carried on crimson-coloured stems. This foliage turns a fabulous fiery red in autumn. This dense-growing, mound-forming variety has an upright but spreading habit, making it ideal for planting near ponds and other garden features.
Another plant included in this bundle is the Acer palmatum Orange Dream, aJapanese maple cultivar rare to the nursery trade and of unique form and colour. Featuring a narrowly upright growth habit and slow rate, 'Orange Dream' is a large shrub that produces striking orange-yellow foliage over bright green bark, resulting in a truly different look. This beautiful Japanese maple is set to enhance any garden and looks wonderful in a pot or tub on the patio or balcony.
A fourth specimen could be included in this Acer palmatum Shin-Deshojo, a variety boasting stunning red foliage. It is one of Gardening Express' customers' favourites and probably the best-value Japanese acers. The Acer 'Shin-Deshojo' has spring colour like no other, as it turns from a burning scarlet to fire red. This is combined with a semi-dwarf growth habit, which means the tree lends itself well to growing in a large tub or patio planter, all adding to the high demand for this easy-to-grow variety. The new growth throughout the summer retains the bright colouration, and it takes on all the fiery shades of autumn like other Acers, too.
Normally retailing for £79.95, this four-piece collection is up for grabs from Gardening Express for £39.95 while this sale lasts.
If you don't mind only grabbing three varieties instead of four, you can find this 3 x Acer Mix Assorted Japanese Maple Trees at B&Q or from Gardener's Dream for £23.99. Or head over to You Garden to find this Japanese Maple Acer Collection at £29.97.
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Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Daily Mirror
Two men who never met changed WW2 with genius cracking of Japanese 'super-code'
Joseph Rochfort, a maverick US naval officer with a talent for crosswords, and John Tiltman, a British Army Brigadier, never met - yet their genius minds helped unravel a deadly mystery To the ordinary eye they were simply random numbers, groups of figures with little pattern or form. But they held secret information on which the outcome of World War II depended. Now, ahead of the 80th anniversary of VJ Day next month, the remarkable story of how codebreakers cracked the 'impossible' Japanese 'super code' - and the British officer who paved the way for the breakthrough - has been revealed. 'The Japanese were totally confident in the security of the JN-25 code; confident that it couldn't be broken,' explains Robert Hanyok, a retired US Defence Department historian, who has taken part in a new Sky History documentary Cracking The Code - The Japanese Super Code. But the Japanese military had reckoned without Joseph Rochfort, a maverick US naval officer with a talent for crosswords, and John Tiltman, a British Army Brigadier whose 'teddy bear' demeanour masked a razor-sharp mind. Although the pair apparently never met, their skills - and those of the American codebreaking team assembled by Rochfort - changed the course of the war. The pivotal moment came in December 1941 with the Japanese assault on Pearl Harbor. Around 2,400 US troops died. Four days later, America entered the war. 'It was absolutely devastating and completely changed the American mindset on the war,' says historian and author Clare Mulley, who has also contributed to the documentary. The man behind the surprise attack was Japan's formidable Admiral Yamamoto. His aim was to destroy the US Navy so Japan could access the rich resources of the South Pacific. As a keen poker player, he also knew the value of keeping his cards close to his chest. All military communications were therefore heavily encoded. This system, known as JN-25, carried details of Japanese naval planning and movements. For the Allies it was a goldmine of information, but deciphering it was proving impossible. Enter Joseph Rochfort. 'Rochfort had been recommended for the code section early in his career because of his ability to solve puzzles. He was such a whizz he could almost see them intuitively,' explains US naval historian Craig L. Symonds in the programme. He was also a gifted linguist, had a passion for Japan and little regard for the protocols around chains of command. After hand-picking a codebreaking team, they set to work in a dusty, windowless basement at the Pearl Harbor naval base - the nerve centre for the US Navy's signals monitoring and cryptographic intelligence unit called Station Hypo. 'The cryptologists who worked in those basement rooms were driven,' says Craig. 'They knew that if they had done so prior to December 7, it might have been possible for them to give warning of the Japanese attack. 'They were literally around the clock trying to find pieces of information that would allow them to warn their bosses of the next Japanese initiative.' And they already had a head start. Allied intelligence had been intercepting JN-25 messages for some time, but it was Brigadier John Tiltman who had realised that the codes contained a second layer of encryption. Working at Bletchley Park, the Allied code-breaking centre, he was convinced each five-digit number stood for a different word with no message ever containing the same sequence of numbers twice. That meant the cypher had been scrambled a second time with groups of extra numbers inserted to confuse codebreaking attempts. Harold Liberty is the author of a book about John Tiltman called The Forgotten Giant of Bletchley Park. The former teacher argues the man known to his colleagues as 'The Brig' should stand alongside Alan Turing in terms of reputation given his work on JN-25 and contribution towards breaking both the Nazi Enigma and Lorenz coding systems. 'His mind had an amazing ability to see patterns far faster than anyone else; his understanding of JN-25 was crucial,' says Harold of the man famed for mixing and matching his Army uniform with tartan 'trews'. 'He had fought and been decorated in the First World so didn't suffer fools gladly but he had something of a soft centre; a 'cuddly teddy bear'. 'Why isn't he better known or recognised? Because he never talked about what he'd done; I think that's why his role has been downplayed. 'But he was an extraordinary man with extraordinary abilities.' It was those abilities which opened the door for Joseph Rochfort. But the clock was ticking. Hong Kong and the American-controlled Philippines had been invaded and Singapore had fallen. With Japanese encrypted messages pouring into Hypo, sometimes at the rate of 1,000 a day, there was a real fear a new attack was imminent. By early 1942 Rochfort's team knew how JN-25 worked but without the Japanese Navy cypher book to unlock the super code, all they had were strings of numbers. A breakthrough came when they employed sorting machines which began to spot sequences of numbers appearing time and again. It was an indicator for the potential start of the column of numbers in the cypher book used at the second encryption level. But without a codebook to convert numbers into words, the team could only guess at the content. However, Rochfort also knew the Japanese had a formal and respectful approach to everything - even war. That meant the same words and phrases might be being used time and again. If context could be established then the content could be guessed. Using a mixture of information and instinct, the team partially decoded a message indicating a Japanese carrier group had been dispatched to the South Pacific with a possible target of Port Moresby, an Allied-controlled base north of Australia. In May 1942, Yamamoto ordered the start of the operation to take Port Moresby but, thanks to the codebreakers, US troops were lying in wait. Neither side could claim victory in what became known as The Battle of the Coral Sea. 'But this is the first moment that the Japanese were prevented from doing something that they wanted to do,' explains Craig. Buoyed by success, the team pressed on and soon uncovered coded messages suggesting a major offensive was in the offing with Rochfort convinced the next target would be Midway Atoll - two tiny but strategically important islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Senior US military figures were unconvinced, arguing the information - a combination of decrypts, ship movements and Rochfort's hunch - was were also unimpressed by the team leader's maverick approach - he'd frequently bypass his immediate boss and go straight to the top of US Naval Command. More decrypted messages revealed Admiral Yamamoto had an even bigger plan - the destruction of the US fleet by enticing troops to send carriers to Midway where they would be ambushed. Working 12 hours a day, the codebreakers knew that all the inroads they had made could be wiped out if the enemy introduced a new codebook; they would have to start the decryption process all over again. In the end their fears were unfounded - the Japanese military machine was too stretched to do it - and thanks to the decoding skills of the Hypo team US troops remained one step ahead of the enemy. Rochfort's intelligence allowed the US forces to be at Midway before the planned Japanese attack. By midday on June 4, 1942, three of the four Japanese carriers were on fire and sinking; it was a disaster for the Imperial Navy and a turning point for the war in the Pacific. 'Midway is without a doubt one of the most significant naval engagements in the history of modern warfare and probably the single most important naval battle of the Second World War,' says Sky History contributor Sascha Auerbach, historian at the University of Nottingham. In a terrible twist, Admiral Yamamoto himself fell victim to the codebreakers' skill. Still convinced JN-25 was impenetrable, in April1943 he boarded a flight only to be shot down by the Allies, the encoded details of his travel itinerary having been cracked. After the war Rochfort was honoured with the Legion of Merit for his work on JN-25. Decades later a film starring Charlton Heston and Henry Fonda and detailing the Battle of Medway was made. Rochefort died a month after the movie premiered in 1976. John Tiltman continued to serve his country long after the war ended, finally retiring in 1980. He died two years later. Two men separated by thousands of miles but whose love of problem-solving changed the course of World War II. The 80th anniversary of VJ Day will be marked on Sky HISTORY with a day of dedicated programming on August 15. Also available to watch now on Sky HISTORY catch up and VOD services.
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Major garden retailer slashes cost of gorgeous blue hydrangeas that ‘bloom 30 flowers in first season' from £40 to £20
Scroll down to find out how to get your hydrangeas to bloom until October FLOWER POWER Major garden retailer slashes cost of gorgeous blue hydrangeas that 'bloom 30 flowers in first season' from £40 to £20 Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A HUGE garden retailer has slashed the price of stunning blue hydrangeas by half. Hydrangeas make a gorgeous edition to any garden, and are loved by gardeners thanks to their huge, luscious blooms. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 These gorgeous hydrangeas have been slashed in price Credit: Gardening Express 2 The huge flowers can bloom until October Credit: Gardening Express Their vibrant colours and large size mean they instantly elevate any garden, and the monstrous plants can grow up to 30 flower heads during their first flowering season. If you're looking to transform your garden into a haven this summer, and make your outdoor space the envy of your neighbours, hydrangeas are undoubtedly a great choice. And if you're a garden lover on a budget, Gardening Express is currently selling huge blooms for just £19.99, down from £40. The plants come in 10-litre pots, and are perfect for beds, borders or planters. The XXXL Mophead plant has giant blue blooms, which can grow to the size of footballs when fully grown. The flowers will last for the entire summer, before fading to a purple colour during autumn. If your garden soil is heavy in alkaline, the blooms turn from blue to pink, and can even turn a lavender colours, depending on the soil's PH. Each winter, you should cut the plant near ground level, and watch new stems pop up in the new year. Gardening Express said: "Wow! These plants are monsters, and can be expected to throw out up to 30 strong flower heads during their first flowering season in your garden. "A wonderful Hydrangea variety with huge flowers, often found in high class florist bouquets, it has really massive blooms." I'm a gardening pro – my simple tip will revive 'dead' hydrangeas in seconds How to get hydrangeas to bloom until October A TikTok flower expert has revealed her top three tips for gardeners to know to keep their hydrangeas blooming through to October. By doing these things, it will help stop the flowers turning "brown and crispy", as temperatures heat up. One sister from the popular TikTok duo, Miller Flowers, shared the advice online which attracted a number of comments, likes and shares from garden enthusiasts. The first tip is around watering, as "hydrangeas are plants that love water". The 5 best flowers to help bees to thrive Nature experts at Faith In Nature have shared the 5 best flowers Brits can plant in their gardens to help bees thrive. Rebecca Miller, Fabulous' Associate Editor and keen gardener explains why "bees are brilliant". "They are vital. They pollinate our food and play a crucial role in our ecosystem. But climate change, the increasing use of pesticides and loss of habitat means bees are endangered. No matter how big your garden or outside space is, you can plant a flower or two to help bees." Lavender Lavender can thrive in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. It's fragrant and flowers all-summer-long meaning it's a big hit with bees - especially bumble bees. Sunflowers This cheery flower giant are bee-magnets. And if you look closely at a sunflower head, the big 'flowers' are actually a cluster of small flowers, called an inflorescence which attract pollinators. Ideally, grow sunflowers in groups to provide nectar and pollen for as many bees as possible. At the end of summer, collect the dried seeds from the sunflower heads to feed the birds or plant next year. Heather These abundant, bell-shaped blooms are brimming with nectar and pollen – which is good news for bees. Cornflowers A vivid blue wildflower, cornflowers are often planted alongside other meadow blooms, like ox-eye daisies and poppies. They grow on tall stems and are packed with nectar, making them particularly attractive to bees. Cornflowers bloom for a long time and are simple to grow, so they're perfect for first-time gardeners and experienced alike. Crocuses (and snowdrops) Later this summer, when you're starting to plan for your Spring displays, consider crocuses and snowdrops. They provide bees, such as the queen buff-tailed bumblebee and male hairy-footed flower bees, with vital early pollen as they emerge from their winter hibernation. It is recommended to water them three times a week, for ten minutes. Where the hydrangeas are positioned in the garden is also a valuable component to consider for their optimal flowering. Hydrangeas need both sun and shade. A little fertilisation can be particularly useful for hydrangeas in climates where it is continually warm. It can encourage more blooms, and help them deal with heat. However, it is not always necessary, also depending on the soil used, and time of the year.
The Sun
2 days ago
- The Sun
Major garden retailer slashes cost of gorgeous blue hydrangeas that ‘bloom 30 flowers in first season' from £40 to £20
A HUGE garden retailer has slashed the price of stunning blue hydrangeas by half. Hydrangeas make a gorgeous edition to any garden, and are loved by gardeners thanks to their huge, luscious blooms. 2 Their vibrant colours and large size mean they instantly elevate any garden, and the monstrous plants can grow up to 30 flower heads during their first flowering season. If you're looking to transform your garden into a haven this summer, and make your outdoor space the envy of your neighbours, hydrangeas are undoubtedly a great choice. And if you're a garden lover on a budget, Gardening Express is currently selling huge blooms for just £19.99, down from £40. The plants come in 10-litre pots, and are perfect for beds, borders or planters. The XXXL Mophead plant has giant blue blooms, which can grow to the size of footballs when fully grown. The flowers will last for the entire summer, before fading to a purple colour during autumn. If your garden soil is heavy in alkaline, the blooms turn from blue to pink, and can even turn a lavender colours, depending on the soil's PH. Each winter, you should cut the plant near ground level, and watch new stems pop up in the new year. Gardening Express said: "Wow! These plants are monsters, and can be expected to throw out up to 30 strong flower heads during their first flowering season in your garden. "A wonderful Hydrangea variety with huge flowers, often found in high class florist bouquets, it has really massive blooms." I'm a gardening pro – my simple tip will revive 'dead' hydrangeas in seconds How to get hydrangeas to bloom until October A TikTok flower expert has revealed her top three tips for gardeners to know to keep their hydrangeas blooming through to October. By doing these things, it will help stop the flowers turning " brown and crispy", as temperatures heat up. One sister from the popular TikTok duo, Miller Flowers, shared the advice online which attracted a number of comments, likes and shares from garden enthusiasts. The first tip is around watering, as "hydrangeas are plants that love water". The 5 best flowers to help bees to thrive Nature experts at Faith In Nature have shared the 5 best flowers Brits can plant in their gardens to help bees thrive. Rebecca Miller, Fabulous' Associate Editor and keen gardener explains why "bees are brilliant". "They are vital. They pollinate our food and play a crucial role in our ecosystem. But climate change, the increasing use of pesticides and loss of habitat means bees are endangered. No matter how big your garden or outside space is, you can plant a flower or two to help bees." Lavender Lavender can thrive in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. It's fragrant and flowers all-summer-long meaning it's a big hit with bees - especially bumble bees. Sunflowers This cheery flower giant are bee-magnets. And if you look closely at a sunflower head, the big 'flowers' are actually a cluster of small flowers, called an inflorescence which attract pollinators. Ideally, grow sunflowers in groups to provide nectar and pollen for as many bees as possible. At the end of summer, collect the dried seeds from the sunflower heads to feed the birds or plant next year. Heather These abundant, bell-shaped blooms are brimming with nectar and pollen – which is good news for bees. Cornflowers A vivid blue wildflower, cornflowers are often planted alongside other meadow blooms, like ox-eye daisies and poppies. They grow on tall stems and are packed with nectar, making them particularly attractive to bees. Cornflowers bloom for a long time and are simple to grow, so they're perfect for first-time gardeners and experienced alike. Crocuses (and snowdrops) Later this summer, when you're starting to plan for your Spring displays, consider crocuses and snowdrops. They provide bees, such as the queen buff-tailed bumblebee and male hairy-footed flower bees, with vital early pollen as they emerge from their winter hibernation. It is recommended to water them three times a week, for ten minutes. Where the hydrangeas are positioned in the garden is also a valuable component to consider for their optimal flowering. Hydrangeas need both sun and shade. A little fertilisation can be particularly useful for hydrangeas in climates where it is continually warm. It can encourage more blooms, and help them deal with heat. However, it is not always necessary, also depending on the soil used, and time of the year.
