
I'm a gardening expert – here's the post-heatwave flowers you need to plant now to inject vibrant, seasonal colour
The turn in conditions give us a perfect opportunity to revive outdoor spaces that have been left looking dull, brown and lifeless by the dry conditions.
Advertisement
2
Rudbeckias bring warm, golden yellow blooms
2
Emma gave her top tips
And it's the perfect time for gardens to come alive with colour.
The experts say with just a few standout plants, even the smallest yards can feel refreshed and full of life.
Emma Fell, Head of Horticulture at
Whether you're working with a small patio or a full garden bed, these low-effort selections are ideal for bringing gardens back to life.
Advertisement
READ MORE IN FABULOUS
Dahlia
These pretty flowers are celebrated for their impressive, sculptural blooms that come in an extensive palette of colours and forms.
Emma said: "From delicate pastels to fiery reds and oranges, their versatility makes them an excellent choice for creating impact. They thrive best in full sun with well-drained, fertile soil.
"Regular watering and deadheading will encourage continuous flowering, often lasting from midsummer right through to the first frost. Their striking presence makes them ideal for borders or large containers.'
Garvinea
These blooms bring the same joyful daisy-like blooms and vivid colours as traditional gerbera, but with the added benefit of improved hardiness, the experts say.
Advertisement
Most read in Fabulous
Wake up to a weed-free lawn for months thanks to Aldi's £10 gadget that pulls them out without bending or kneeling down
Emma explains: "Unlike typical gerbera, which are often treated as tender bedding or indoor plants, Garvinea are bred to be more robust – able to withstand cooler UK temperatures and even light frosts.
"Available in vibrant shades of
pink
, red, orange and yellow, they flower prolifically from spring through to autumn.
"Ideal for borders, containers or cut flower displays, they thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, with regular feeding and watering to keep the blooms coming.'
Impatiens
Also known as Busy Lizzies, they are a top choice for shaded areas where many flowering plants struggle.
Advertisement
The expert says: "Their abundant blooms in shades of pink, red, white and purple provide much-needed vibrancy to darker corners of your garden.
"These plants prefer partial shade and moist, well-drained soil (in full shade they will be reduced in flowering).
"Because of their shade tolerance and ease of care, they're perfect for brightening patios, balconies and shaded garden beds.'
Advertisement
Geraniums
Bedding geraniums are a staple for summer colour due to their robust nature and prolific blooming.
Emma says: "Offering bright, cheerful flowers in reds, pinks, whites and purples, these plants are drought-tolerant once established and perform well in full sun to partial shade.
"Their versatility makes them ideal for edging beds, containers or hanging baskets, providing reliable colour throughout the warmer months."
Rudbeckia
These flowers bring warm, golden yellow blooms with dark centres that add a striking contrast to any planting scheme. And they flower from midsummer into autumn.
Advertisement
The garden guru added: "They are excellent for attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
"Rudbeckias prefer full sun and well-drained soil, making them low maintenance yet highly effective plants for summer colour."

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Irish Sun
10 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
I'm a millionaire model living the cheap life – I rent my two homes and drive a Porsche but still shop at Aldi
A MODEL worth millions has revealed why she still shops like she's skint. Lana Madison pockets a seven-figure salary and could afford to buy luxury items all the time. 4 Lana doesn't like spending lots of money just because she can. 4 She prefers to shop in budget supermarkets. 4 The model rents instead of buying homes. 4 She believes her modest upbringing shaped her beliefs. But other than owning her beloved Porsche, she prefers to get her groceries at budget supermarkets like Aldi and snap up pre-loved clothes . The trans OnlyFans star , 29, said: "I'm pretty modest with my spending. 'I shop at Aldi and Goodwill – and I absolutely love a good sale. 'I don't wear designer clothes either, I'll just buy basic jeans and shirts from the mall. 'I was brought up in a humble home . 'My mum was always shopping through bins at Goodwill and my family never cared about 'status'." Lana, who has 76,000 followers on Instagram ( neighbours . 'This approach to money is rooted in who I am to my core. Most read in Fabulous 'The more cash I started earning, the more I felt that I didn't want fake, artificial joy or a mountain of things I don't need or won't use – just because people expect rich people to have it.' The adult star grew up in a Catholic household in a small Texas town. Moment sacked OnlyFans teacher insists 'I never thought they'd catch me' in GMB interview But she now splits her time between New York and Miami and has ditched her costly townhouse after realising that she had no need for excessive space , a private pool or outdoor kitchen. She now rents two homes and prefers to save money for her future . Lana said: 'A lot of girls in this industry want the biggest house on the block. 'But I honestly don't care about that. 'I'd rather live somewhere small and calm than have rooms I never use. "Just because I make good money doesn't mean I need a mansion or a staff. 'I still do my own washing and take the bins out. "Some people want the influencer lifestyle – the glam squad, the penthouse, the parties, but that's never been me. 'I'm a millionaire but I want a simple life. "I like nice things, but I don't need 10 versions of them. "I still get excited over a thrift find – that hasn't changed. Read more on the Irish Sun "I grew up upper middle class, but I don't take anything for granted. "At the end of the day, I just want a quiet, normal life – even if it looks different on the outside.'


The Irish Sun
11 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Essential B&M garden buy slashed in summer sale – it will brighten the outside of your home & enhance curb appeal
B&M shoppers can elevate the look of their home for cheaper than ever as the retailer launches a summer sale. The prices of garden decor buys have been slashed, including an item that can brighten your outdoor space and enhance curb appeal. Advertisement 3 The Assorted Decorative Window Baskets from B&M are now available for just £4 Credit: B&M From outdoor lights to planters, B&M is offering huge savings on their outdoor decor range. And this is good news for anyone looking to transform the exterior of their home without breaking the bank. According to "Whether you live in a cosy cottage or a modern townhouse, adding a few window boxes can make your home look more inviting and charming," the pros explained. Advertisement Read More On Garden Buys Product details And now B&M shoppers can pick up Designed to "beautifully frame your windows", the baskets are available in four designs. The window baskets contain coco liner and can be wall mounted for secure display. According to experts, using hanging and mounted flower baskets can also help to Advertisement Most read in Fabulous More B&M garden buys And the window baskets aren't the only garden buys you can pick up from the B&M discount section to enhance your curb appeal. Experts have revealed that outdoor lighting can also be used to elevate the look of your home. Wake up to a weed-free lawn for months thanks to Aldi's £10 gadget that pulls them out without bending or kneeling down And B&M is currently offering the Shoppers can now pick up the "stylish" light for £1.50 instead of £3. Advertisement Alternatively, you can opt for garden decor buys to transform your outdoor space. The bargain retailer is also supplying garden wall art for cheaper than ever. Shoppers can "bring a calming vibe" to their outdoor space with a Don't miss out... Visit The Sun's shopping home and garden hub for more news, deals and tips. For more discounts and recommendations from the Sun Shopping team, sign up to our newsletter and join the The decor item has been reduced from £3 to £2 as part of the summer sale. Advertisement More on gardening One homeowner turned their garden into a B&M has also slashed the price of its viral rattan sofa in a huge garden sale. Plus, the £1 Tesco buy that can And a £3 Advertisement 3 The Soho Stainless Steel Modern Solar Wall Light has been reduced to just £1.50 at B&M stores Credit: B&M 3 B&M shoppers can pick up a Buddha Wall Plaque for just £2 Credit: BM


The Irish Sun
a day ago
- The Irish Sun
Aldi's ‘phenomenal' £5 hair oil dupe is returning – it's £30 less than posh version & leaves locks super soft & shiny
ALDI is bringing back a sell-out hair oil that beauty fans say smells 'insane' and works wonders on frizz for just £4.99. Bargain hunters, get your baskets ready, the 2 Aldi is selling the Lacura Hair Oil for £4.99 Credit: Aldi 2 Tiktoker, Lysha Lou, previously said the oil 'smells insane' Credit: Tiktok/ @Lysha_lou It's said to be a budget dupe for the luxury £35 The bargain beauty buy first Make-up lover and hair guru Lysha Lou, who posts under Lysha shared her honest thoughts after giving the oil a whirl following a holiday. Read more on hair She said the product "smells insane". Lysha added: 'It gets rid of any flyaways. It's infused with honey extract and wow, that is phenomenal. That's really, really nice.' And she's not alone. Fans online have flooded the comments desperate to get their hands on a bottle. One wrote: 'Love a good excuse to go down the Specialbuys aisle.' Most read in Fabulous Another chimed in: 'Looks great.' The oil is designed to suit all hair types, whether you've got thick curls, fine strands, or All upcoming 'Aldi Finds' in the middle aisle next week – including portable chargers, power toothbrushes & dryer balls According to Aldi, the nourishing formula smooths, softens and adds shine and the honey infusion promises to leave your locks smelling lush too. While the Gisou version will set you back £35, Aldi's Lacura alternative costs just £4.99, meaning you'll save a jaw-dropping £30.01 without scrimping on results. But be warned, this is in-store only and part of Aldi's cult-favourite Specialbuys range, so once it's gone, it's gone. You'll have to head down to Given the hype last year, beauty fans are already predicting a sell-out, so set your alarms and clear some space on your shelf. That's not the only bargain beauty buy hitting shelves this week. The sell-out The mask features seven different light settings and helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, redness and inflammation and is the perfect tool to deliver a spa-worthy facial at home, for less. What's more, they also have a handy LED indicator, this easy-to-use beauty hack is the secret to a lifted, bright-eyed look. The LED Mirror with Make-Up Brush Set (£5.99) is another one you won't want to miss, it includes two large kabuki brushes, three precise brushes and a rotatable touch sensor mirror. And or those looking to elevate their everyday hairstyle, the sell-out Dual Hair Styler is back for just £16.99. Shoppers have the choice of a variety of stylers to create the perfect look, whether it's sleek and straight, bouncy curls, or holiday-ready What are the best Aldi beauty dupes? ALDI has become well-known for its affordable beauty dupes that often rival high-end brands in terms of quality and effectiveness. Here are some of the best Aldi beauty dupes that have garnered rave reviews: Lacura Healthy Glow Exfoliating Tonic Dupe for: Pixi Glow Tonic Price: £3.99 (compared to Pixi's £18) Description: This exfoliating tonic contains glycolic acid and works to gently exfoliate and brighten the skin. It's a fantastic, budget-friendly alternative to the popular Pixi Glow Tonic. Lacura Q10 Renew Anti-Wrinkle Day Cream Dupe for: Nivea Q10 Plus Anti-Wrinkle Day Cream Price: £1.45 (compared to Nivea's £10) Lacura Caviar Illumination Day Cream Dupe for: La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Cream Price: £6.99 (compared to La Prairie's £292) Lacura Hot Cloth Cleanser Dupe for: Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser Price: £3.99 (compared to Liz Earle's £17.50) Lacura Snapshot Ready Foundation Primer Dupe for: Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer Price: £5.99 (compared to Smashbox's £26) Lacura Miracle Cream Dupe for: Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Price: £3.99 (compared to Elizabeth Arden's £28) Lacura Ebony Rose Face Mask Dupe for: Fresh Rose Face Mask Price: £6.99 (compared to Fresh's £52) Lacura Charcoal Clearing Mudmask Dupe for: GlamGlow Supermud Clearing Treatment Price: £5.99 (compared to GlamGlow's £42) Lacura Velvet Touch Foundation Dupe for: Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation Price: £5.99 (compared to Estée Lauder's £34) Lacura Tinted Lip Oils Dupe for: Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Tinted Oil Price: £3.99 (compared to Rare Beauty's £20)