Latest news with #AlanTitchmarsh
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
Alan Titchmarsh shares top five drought-resistant plants every UK garden needs
As the British summer becomes increasingly hotter and drier each year, some green-fingered enthusiasts are considering transitioning to gardens that can withstand the changing climate. Following a third blistering heatwave in Britain, with forecasts of yet another spell of intense heat on the horizon, it's becoming clear that scorching summers are here to stay, prompting gardeners to prepare for drier conditions. With hosepipe bans looming in Yorkshire until winter, and other UK regions likely to follow, now is the time to contemplate creating a drought-tolerant garden. Gardening guru Alan Titchmarsh, known for his work on Gardeners' World and Ground Force, has taken to his YouTube channel to recommend several plants that can flourish despite stringent hosepipe restrictions: "I'm always looking for drought-resistant plants that can cope with less water," he remarks. The Sun Rose The delicate blooms of Cistus Pulverulentus Sunset, which Alan describes as looking like "they've been made from tissue paper," belie its hardy nature. "Cystus is a shrub which is semi evergreen," Alan says, "It's fairly low. It tends to make low mounds and in that respect, it's really useful, particularly in small gardens." Those delicate flowers come along in late spring and early summer, and while each one will only last a short time, it will soon be followed by another one. The Rock Rose Helianthemum "scrambles over rocks in a rock garden," Alan says, or it can provide an excellent decorative edge to borders. It's another low-growing plant, he adds: "It never grows much more than about nine inches to a foot high. And it can be studded with flowers of either white, yellow, pink or orange." The variation Alan picked, which is called "The Bride," features flowers that are white with a yellow centre, like miniature fried eggs. The Rock Rose thrives in really dry, arid, rocky conditions: "You don't need to grow it in a rock garden," Alan says "Just make sure that with all these plants, as well as enjoying sunshine, the soil is well drained." Stonecrop Sedum is a hardy long-lived perennial that, with a little care, will flower reliably for many summers to come. Alan picked out the Sedum Sunsparkler Plum Dazzled as his personal favourite. Despite thriving in warm, dry conditions, Sedum is known as "the ice plant," and Alan explains the remarkable reason why. "When you feel the leaves, even on a warm day, they're cold to the touch," he says, adding that they're a great asset in a sensory garden for children. They're also a good choice for late summer interest, Alan adds: "If you've got a garden that is always at its best in June and then it sort of fizzles out come the end of summer. The sedums are fab, flowering right the way through July, August, September on towards the frost." Sea Holly Alan says that Eryngium are really effective plants for a warm, hot, dry, sunny border. "They have really thick roots," he says, "and those thick roots are capable of drilling down and finding moisture where they need them." Unlike the previous entries in Alan's list, they can grow quite tall, meaning that Eryngium can be placed towards the back of a display. They're also an excellent choice, dried, to provide an indoor floral display during the winter. Lily of the Nile Agapanthus takes the number one spot in Alan's list. It's a much more forgiving plant than it used to be, he says: "They used to be quite tender. Hardier ones have been bred now. And the label on this plant claims it will go down to minus 12° C, provided that drainage at the roots is good." While you can find white varieties, Alan prefers the classic vivid blue of Ever Sapphire, which he says is set off particularly well when placed in a classic terracotta pot. It will thrive in well-drained soil that receives full sun, and as an additional bonus, Agapanthus is quite resistant to most garden pests.
Scottish Sun
6 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Scottish Sun
Add a tropical touch to your garden with half-price tree that has masses of candy-pink flowers & lives for decades
These long-living trees arrive ready to plant in bloom FLOWER POWER Add a tropical touch to your garden with half-price tree that has masses of candy-pink flowers & lives for decades Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) GARDENERS can add a tropical touch to their garden this summer with a stunning pair of 'Candy Pink' Hibiscus Trees – now half price, and set to last for decades. The pair of trees has been slashed from £59.99 to just £29.99. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Each tree has been specially grafted to produce strong, healthy growth and an abundance of flowers year after year Credit: Getty The offer is available online at Gardening Express, which delivers across the UK, including London, Manchester, Birmingham, and beyond. These eye-catching trees boast masses of vibrant candy-pink blooms and arrive at around 3–4ft tall in containers, ready to be planted into beds, borders or stylish planters. Perfect patio pairing Whether placed on patios, decking or either side of a doorway, they promise to transform your outdoor space with a Mediterranean flair. Perfect for adding a pop of colour and a touch of exotic charm, these hibiscus trees are ideal for creating a garden that feels like a sunny getaway – without ever leaving home. Delivered already well-established, they're easy to care for and thrive in British gardens. If you order during the flowering season, there's a good chance they'll be bursting into bloom by the time they arrive at your door. Built to last Each tree has been specially grafted to produce strong, healthy growth and an abundance of flowers year after year. Unlike more delicate varieties, these are designed to survive the UK climate and grow happily in both full sun and partial shade. Position them in matching pots on either side of your front door for maximum impact, or use them as striking centrepieces in beds or borders. If you're on the hunt for more blooming bargains, several high-street favourites are also offering cracking garden deals. Alan Titchmarsh's top 7 plants that 'transform ugly fences with gorgeous flowers & fragrance' & they grow for years More blooming bargains B&M shoppers have spotted tropical plants like hibiscus and hydrangeas for as little as 50p, while Lidl's middle aisle is packed with budget-friendly blooms including mini roses and Oriental lilies starting from £1.99. Over at B&Q, you can pick up drought-tolerant favourites such as lavender and rosemary from just £2.99, with some outdoor plants also reduced by 20 per cent. Wilko is currently offering Verbena Festival Colours for just £3.99. These hardy little bloomers survive heatwaves and hosepipe bans, flourishing in hot, dry conditions, and will blossom in purple, red, and white all the way until October. They're also wildlife‑friendly, attracting butterflies and bees to your garden. Tesco is stocking Venus Fly Traps for £6.99. These carnivorous plants trap flies in their clam‑shaped leaves and are a natural, chemical‑free way to keep your garden insect‑free – plus, they make brilliant conversation starters
The Irish Sun
6 days ago
- Lifestyle
- The Irish Sun
Add a tropical touch to your garden with half-price tree that has masses of candy-pink flowers & lives for decades
GARDENERS can add a tropical touch to their garden this summer with a stunning pair of 'Candy Pink' Hibiscus Trees – now half price, and set to last for decades. The pair of Advertisement 2 Each tree has been specially grafted to produce strong, healthy growth and an abundance of flowers year after year Credit: Getty The offer is available online at Gardening Express, which delivers across the UK, including London, Manchester, Birmingham, and beyond. These eye-catching trees boast masses of vibrant candy-pink blooms and arrive at around 3–4ft tall in containers, ready to be planted into beds, borders or stylish planters. Perfect patio pairing Whether placed on patios, decking or either side of a doorway, they promise to transform your outdoor space with a Perfect for adding a pop of colour and a touch of exotic charm, these hibiscus trees are ideal for creating a garden that feels like a sunny getaway – without ever leaving home. Advertisement Read more on Fabulous Delivered already well-established, they're easy to care for and thrive in British gardens. If you order during the flowering season, there's a good chance they'll be bursting into bloom by the time they arrive at your door. Built to last Each tree has been specially grafted to produce strong, healthy growth and an abundance of flowers year after year. Unlike more delicate varieties, these are designed to survive the UK climate and grow happily in both full sun and partial shade. Advertisement Most read in Fabulous Position them in matching pots on either side of your front door for maximum impact, or use them as striking centrepieces in beds or borders. If you're on the hunt for more blooming bargains, several high-street favourites are also offering cracking garden deals. Alan Titchmarsh's top 7 plants that 'transform ugly fences with gorgeous flowers & fragrance' & they grow for years More blooming bargains B&M shoppers have spotted Over at B&Q, you can pick up drought-tolerant favourites such as lavender and rosemary from just £2.99, with some outdoor plants also reduced by 20 per cent. Advertisement Wilko is currently offering These hardy little bloomers survive heatwaves and hosepipe bans, flourishing in hot, dry conditions, and will blossom in purple, red, and white all the way until October. They're also wildlife‑friendly, attracting butterflies and bees to your garden . Tesco is stocking Advertisement These carnivorous plants trap flies in their clam‑shaped leaves and are a natural, chemical‑free way to keep your garden insect‑free – plus, they make brilliant conversation starters Gardening tips and hacks How to transform your garden on a cheap budget How to preserve your favourite flowers at home - Which plants should I be When is the When should I start planting daffodil bulbs? How What colour of Will my 2 The pair of trees has been slashed from £59.99 to just £29.99 at Gardening Express
Scottish Sun
13-07-2025
- General
- Scottish Sun
Wake up to a weed-free lawn for months thanks to Aldi's £10 gadget that pulls them out without bending or kneeling down
Plus the garden features that add the most value to your house WEED IT OUT Wake up to a weed-free lawn for months thanks to Aldi's £10 gadget that pulls them out without bending or kneeling down Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WEEDING is the great chore of gardening - and they can grow faster during the hot summer weather, and can be tricky to manage. But scrabbling about on your hands and knees to remove them from flower beds or patios can be back-breaking labour. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Aldi's £10 gadget removes weeds in seconds & stops them growing back Credit: Aldi But, it's a necessary task if you want to keep your garden looking fresh and bright this summer. Aldi's weed puller However, with Aldi's new weed puller, your garden will be weed free in not time. The nifty gadget costs just £9.99 and is available in stores from Sunday the 13th July. It's easy to use and comes with an integrated foot pedal to help keep your garden free from weeds. It also has an ergonomic handle so that it's comfortable to use which makes the job less harsh on your body. Measuring 100x23x5cm it is only on sale in stores for those aged over 18 years old. Other weed hacks A frustrated Brit has revealed how a 55p kitchen cupboard staple blitzed the stubborn weeds taking over their patio – and they haven't grown back since, And The Range has the perfect budget tool to help blitz pesky garden weeds this summer. Plus, if you're in need of a weeding hack that is sure to stop pesky plants popping up all over your garden - fear not, you've come to the right place. Alan Titchmarsh has revealed his go-to gadget that instantly destroys weeds. Another gardening expert has also revealed how to drastically reduce the time spent trying to get rid of weeds. Pollyanna Wilkinson shared her must-try tips for thriving borders without hours of work. And Martin Stewart, Ryobi's National Trainer, spoke exclusively to Fabulous about the best ways to get rid of weeds and why using bleach is the worst thing you could do. Finally, another expert has revealed a 49p hack for killing pesky patio weeds - and it can get rid of slugs and snails too. Garden features that add the most value to a house A well-kept garden can add anywhere between 5-20% to the value of a property. carried out a study and consulted 36 estate agents, garden designers and property professionals from across the UK. And the experts revealed the garden feature which adds the most value to a property is a shed. Shed - 82% Patio or paving - 76% Secure fencing, walls or gates - 72% Outdoor lighting - 66% Sturdy decking - 62% Water features eg. fountain or pond - 58% Modern garden furniture - 54% Artificial lawn/grass - 40% Garden styling hacks You can add a "chic" touch to your outdoor area with this budget Home Bargains decor buy. The item has been described as a "stylish and eco-friendly" fixture which "combines warm white LED lighting with a chic planter". And another Home Bargains solar light levels up your garden for just £2.99. And Aldi's £44 middle aisle buy is perfect for garden parties this summer – and it's cheaper than the Lidl version. And another Aldi buy will give your garden privacy for just £19 this summer. Plus a 79p item that's already in your cupboard can also help elevate your outdoor space.
The Irish Sun
13-07-2025
- General
- The Irish Sun
Wake up to a weed-free lawn for months thanks to Aldi's £10 gadget that pulls them out without bending or kneeling down
WEEDING is the great chore of gardening - and they can grow faster during the hot summer weather, and can be tricky to manage. But scrabbling about on your hands and knees to remove them from flower beds or patios 1 Aldi's £10 gadget removes weeds in seconds & stops them growing back Credit: Aldi But, it's a necessary task if you want to keep your Aldi's weed puller However, with Aldi's new weed puller, your garden will be The nifty gadget costs just £9.99 and is available in stores from Sunday the 13th July. It's easy to use and comes with an integrated foot pedal to help keep Garden Hacks It also has an ergonomic handle so that it's comfortable to use which makes the job less harsh on your body. Measuring 100x23x5cm it is only on sale in stores for those aged over 18 years old. Other weed hacks A frustrated Brit has revealed how a 55p kitchen cupboard staple blitzed the stubborn weeds taking over their patio – And summer . Most read in Fabulous Plus, if you're in need of a weeding hack that is sure to stop pesky plants popping up all over your garden - Alan Titchmarsh has revealed his go-to gadget that instantly destroys weeds. Another gardening expert has also revealed Pollyanna Wilkinson shared her must-try tips for thriving borders without hours of work. And Martin Stewart, 's National Trainer, spoke exclusively to Fabulous about the Finally, another expert has revealed a Garden features that add the most value to a house A well-kept garden can add anywhere between 5-20% to the value of a property. And the experts revealed the garden feature which adds the most value to a property is a shed. Shed - 82% Patio or paving - 76% Secure fencing, walls or gates - 72% Outdoor lighting - 66% Sturdy decking - 62% Water features eg. fountain or pond - 58% Modern garden furniture - 54% Artificial lawn/grass - 40% Garden styling hacks You can add a "chic" touch to your outdoor area with this budget The item has been described as a "stylish and eco-friendly" fixture which "combines warm white LED lighting with a chic planter". And another Home Bargains solar light levels up your garden for just £2.99. And Aldi's £44 middle aisle buy is And another Plus a 79p item that's already in your cupboard can also
