Latest news with #Antirrhinum
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Plants can hear tiny wing flaps of pollinators
Our planet runs on pollinators. Without bees, moths, weevils, and more zooming around and spreading plants' reproductive cells, plants and important crops would not grow. Without plants we would not breathe or eat. When these crucial pollinating species visit flowers and other plants, they produce a number of characteristic sounds, such as wing flapping when hovering, landing, and taking off. Depending on the size of the pollinator, these sounds are extremely small, especially compared to the other vibrations and acoustics of insect life. In new research presented today at the 188th Meeting of the Acoustical Society of America and 25th International Congress on Acoustics, it appears that plants can respond to the tiny wingbeats of insects. 'Plant-pollinator coevolution has been studied primarily by assessing the production and perception of visual and olfactory cues, even though there is growing evidence that both insects and plants can sense and produce, or transmit, vibroacoustic signals,' said Francesca Barbero, a professor of zoology at the University of Turin in Italy. A team of entomologists, sound engineers, and plant physiologists played recordings of the buzzing sounds made by the tiny Rhodanthidium sticticum bee near some growing flowers called snapdragons (from the genus Antirrhinum). The bees in this genus are known to be efficient snapdragon pollinators. The team then monitored the flowers' reactions. The sound of the bees appears to trigger the snapdragons to increase their sugar and nectar volume. The noise can even change how the genes that control both sugar transport and nectar production behave. According to the team, this response could be a survival and co-evolution strategy, especially if the snapdragons can influence the time that pollinators spend on their flowers. 'The ability to discriminate approaching pollinators based on their distinctive vibroacoustic signals could be an adaptive strategy for plants,' said Barbero. What is less clear is whether the plant acoustics can influence the insect's behavior. For example, can sounds made by plants draw in a suitable pollinator. [ Related: ] 'If this response from insects is confirmed, sounds could be used to treat economically relevant plants and crops, and increase their pollinators' attraction,' said Barbero. The team is currently analyzing snapdragon response to other pollinators to try and learn more. 'The multitude of ways plants can perceive both biotic factors — such as beneficial and harmful insects, other neighboring plants — and abiotic cues, like temperature, drought, and wind in their surroundings, is truly astonishing,' Barbero said. The data in this research has not been peer reviewed yet or published in any scientific journal. The project, 'Good Vibes: How do plants recognise and respond to pollinator vibroacoustic signals?' is funded by the Human Frontier Science Program and is a collaborative effort between the University of Turin, I²SysBio in Valencia, and the Centre for Audio, Acoustics and Vibration at the University of Technology Sydney.
Scottish Sun
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Garden lovers raving as Home Bargains slashes price of ‘absolutely adorable' ornament that's perfect patio decoration
Shoppers rush to grab bargain pandas perfect for patios, lawns and gardens Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) GARDEN lovers are going wild as Home Bargains slashes the price of an 'absolutely adorable' ornament perfect for patios, lawns, and flowerbeds. The retailer is now selling a panda garden decoration that's melting hearts across the UK, and it's a bargain, with the larger version priced at just £24.99, saving shoppers £35 off the usual price. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 The panda ornament frenzy follows a string of bargain garden deals at Home Bargains this spring Credit: instagram/@homebargains 4 Alongside the larger panda, shoppers can also pick up a smaller version for just £9.99, a saving of £20 off the regular price Credit: instagram/@homebargains 4 Fans quickly flooded the comments section, raving about the new addition Credit: instagram/@homebargains The panda ornament, which comes complete with a sweet little cub, has caused a frenzy online after being showcased on Home Bargains' Facebook and Instagram pages. Alongside the larger panda, shoppers can also pick up a smaller version for just £9.99, a saving of £20 off the regular price. Home Bargains teased: 'You need this panda in your garden," and cheekily warned, "Warning — this panda will judge your garden gnomes." Fans quickly flooded the comments section, raving about the new addition. One excited shopper wrote: "I need a panda," while another said: "Omg, I love these pandas." A third added: "Probably the cutest garden gnome I've ever seen!" Others shared their excitement after getting their hands on the bargain. One happy customer said: "Got mine today — beautiful and a really good size for the money." Several fans tagged their friends, encouraging them to join in the panda craze. One wrote: "That's your birthday pressie sorted," while another said: "They need to be re-homed in your garden." The panda ornament frenzy follows a string of bargain garden deals at Home Bargains this spring. Recently, shoppers were thrilled to pick up packs of 20 Antirrhinum plants — better known as snapdragons — for just £2.99. These cheerful, self-seeding plants were hailed by gardening fans as a "fabulous" find and perfect for brightening up flowerbeds from June to October. Home Bargains also delighted green-fingered customers by launching the Jardin Perfect Garden Watering Globes, a genius gadget available at just 99p for a pack of two. The watering globes promise to keep plants healthy and hydrated for up to 10 days, ideal for those jetting off on holiday or juggling busy schedules. Meanwhile, shoppers wanting to add some fun to their outdoor space have been snapping up the Firefly Frog Solar Light for £9.99. The novelty frog, with animated LED eyes, brightens up gardens at night and offers a fun twist to traditional garden lighting, at half the price of similar designs.
The Sun
05-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Garden lovers raving as Home Bargains slashes price of ‘absolutely adorable' ornament that's perfect patio decoration
GARDEN lovers are going wild as Home Bargains slashes the price of an 'absolutely adorable' ornament perfect for patios, lawns, and flowerbeds. The retailer is now selling a panda garden decoration that's melting hearts across the UK, and it's a bargain, with the larger version priced at just £24.99, saving shoppers £35 off the usual price. 4 4 4 The panda ornament, which comes complete with a sweet little cub, has caused a frenzy online after being showcased on Home Bargains' Facebook and Instagram pages. Alongside the larger panda, shoppers can also pick up a smaller version for just £9.99, a saving of £20 off the regular price. Home Bargains teased: 'You need this panda in your garden," and cheekily warned, "Warning — this panda will judge your garden gnomes." Fans quickly flooded the comments section, raving about the new addition. One excited shopper wrote: "I need a panda," while another said: "Omg, I love these pandas." A third added: "Probably the cutest garden gnome I've ever seen!" Others shared their excitement after getting their hands on the bargain. One happy customer said: "Got mine today — beautiful and a really good size for the money." Several fans tagged their friends, encouraging them to join in the panda craze. One wrote: "That's your birthday pressie sorted," while another said: "They need to be re-homed in your garden." The panda ornament frenzy follows a string of bargain garden deals at Home Bargains this spring. Recently, shoppers were thrilled to pick up packs of 20 Antirrhinum plants — better known as snapdragons — for just £2.99. These cheerful, self-seeding plants were hailed by gardening fans as a "fabulous" find and perfect for brightening up flowerbeds from June to October. Home Bargains also delighted green-fingered customers by launching the Jardin Perfect Garden Watering Globes, a genius gadget available at just 99p for a pack of two. The watering globes promise to keep plants healthy and hydrated for up to 10 days, ideal for those jetting off on holiday or juggling busy schedules. Meanwhile, shoppers wanting to add some fun to their outdoor space have been snapping up the Firefly Frog Solar Light for £9.99. The novelty frog, with animated LED eyes, brightens up gardens at night and offers a fun twist to traditional garden lighting, at half the price of similar designs.
Scottish Sun
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
‘Really good size for the money' cry Home Bargains shoppers as they spot ‘cute' garden decor with £20 off
SHOPPERS are going wild for a new garden ornament in Home Bargains that's the "cutest thing they've seen" - and it's only £9.99. So if garden gnomes aren't your thing but you still want a playful addition for your outdoor space, you've come to the right place. 2 Shoppers are loving the 'cute' new panda garden ornaments in Home Bargains Credit: Home Bargains 2 The adorable figures come in two sizes Credit: Home Bargains While gardening fans dubbed the discount chain's new frog and snail ornaments as "creepy", they can't get enough of the adorable panda figures. Showcasing the garden animals on social media, the Home Bargains team wrote: "You need this panda in your garden." The caption then jokingly added: "Warning this panda will judge your garden gnomes." The panda ornament comes in two sizes to suit any garden or space, with a smaller £9.99 'Pen the Panda' option or XXL 'Mei Mei the Panda' for £24.99 that even comes with a cute panda cub included. And Home Bargains bosses say the Star Buys offer serious discounts for shoppers too. The £9.99 ornament is better than half price, as it's listed with £20 off the RRP. Meanwhile, bargain hunters can save £35 on the £24.99 ornament compared to the RRP. And customers are already smitten with the "adorable" garden decor, with the Home Bargains clip racking up 500,000 views. "Aww they are absolutely adorable", one person gushed. A second insisted: "Got mine today beautiful and a really good size for the money." Home Bargains is selling a 'fantastic aquarium' and rainbow sprinkler for cheap - it's great for the warmer weather A third wrote: "Daughter got them for me and they're adorable next to my acer." A fourth revealed: "Got one yesterday, for the inside of my house though. I'm panda obsessed." "Probably the cutest garden gnome I've ever seen", cried a fifth. Meanwhile, a sixth pleaded: "Let's fill the garden with them cuties." The panda ornaments aren't currently available on the website, so you'll need to leg it to your nearest store to pick one up. If you're looking for some flowers to sit alongside your new panda, we've got you covered too. We recently shared how fans are racing to Home Bargains to snap up a "fabulous" plant that will give their flowerbed a colour boost - and it's only £2.99. And the cheap plant is even renowned for reseeding each year, meaning you're getting great value for your money. Posting on the BARGAIN LOVERS Poundland, Home Bargains, B&M, Primark, The Range & More, one bargain hunter shared a snap of her garden buy. Julia said alongside the snap: "Fabulous snapdragons, Antirrhinum, 20 in a pack for £2.99 at Home Bargains." How to find gardening bargains Doing up your garden to enjoy on warm and sunny days needn't cost the earth. Sun Savers Editor Lana Clements explains how to get a top deal on items for the garden… You can bag big savings on plants, shrubs and flowers, as well as gardening tools and furniture. Many retailers have flash sales across entire seasonal ranges – often these promotions tie into payday at the end of the month or Bank Holiday weekends, so keep a lookout. Sign up to mailing lists of your favourite brands and you'll be first to know of special offers. It can be worth following retailers on social media too. Use a price comparison site to search out the best value items. And keep a close eye on the specialbuys at Aldi and middle of Lidl drops which drop a couple of times a week and usually mean great value seasonal items for your outdoor areas. If you are not in a hurry to buy an item, try adding it to the shopping cart online and leaving it for a couple of days. Sometimes big brands will try to tempt you into the sale by offering you a discount. And always check if you can get cashback before paying. It's especially worth using sites such as Topcashback, Quidco and app Jamdoughnut when buying bigger ticket items such as garden furniture as you'll get a nice kickback. This works out at just 15p per plant. Unsurprisingly, Julia was so impressed with her find that she picked up two packs. Antirrhinums are cheerful annual plants, guaranteed to brighten up flower borders and containers. Commonly known as snapdragons, they are hailed by garden experts as easy-to-grow, old-fashioned cottage garden plants, beloved by children and bees. They come in a variety of colours and heights, and therefore can be grown in a variety of situations.
The Sun
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
‘Really good size for the money' cry Home Bargains shoppers as they spot ‘cute' garden decor with £20 off
SHOPPERS are going wild for a new garden ornament in Home Bargains that's the "cutest thing they've seen" - and it's only £9.99. So if garden gnomes aren't your thing but you still want a playful addition for your outdoor space, you've come to the right place. 2 2 While gardening fans dubbed the discount chain's new frog and snail ornaments as "creepy", they can't get enough of the adorable panda figures. Showcasing the garden animals on social media, the Home Bargains team wrote: "You need this panda in your garden." The caption then jokingly added: "Warning this panda will judge your garden gnomes." The panda ornament comes in two sizes to suit any garden or space, with a smaller £9.99 'Pen the Panda' option or XXL 'Mei Mei the Panda' for £24.99 that even comes with a cute panda cub included. And Home Bargains bosses say the Star Buys offer serious discounts for shoppers too. The £9.99 ornament is better than half price, as it's listed with £20 off the RRP. Meanwhile, bargain hunters can save £35 on the £24.99 ornament compared to the RRP. And customers are already smitten with the "adorable" garden decor, with the Home Bargains clip racking up 500,000 views. "Aww they are absolutely adorable", one person gushed. A second insisted: "Got mine today beautiful and a really good size for the money." Home Bargains is selling a 'fantastic aquarium' and rainbow sprinkler for cheap - it's great for the warmer weather A third wrote: "Daughter got them for me and they're adorable next to my acer." A fourth revealed: "Got one yesterday, for the inside of my house though. I'm panda obsessed." "Probably the cutest garden gnome I've ever seen", cried a fifth. Meanwhile, a sixth pleaded: "Let's fill the garden with them cuties." The panda ornaments aren't currently available on the website, so you'll need to leg it to your nearest store to pick one up. If you're looking for some flowers to sit alongside your new panda, we've got you covered too. We recently shared how fans are racing to Home Bargains to snap up a "fabulous" plant that will give their flowerbed a colour boost - and it's only £2.99. And the cheap plant is even renowned for reseeding each year, meaning you're getting great value for your money. Posting on the BARGAIN LOVERS Poundland, Home Bargains, B&M, Primark, The Range & More, one bargain hunter shared a snap of her garden buy. Julia said alongside the snap: "Fabulous snapdragons, Antirrhinum, 20 in a pack for £2.99 at Home Bargains." How to find gardening bargains Doing up your garden to enjoy on warm and sunny days needn't cost the earth. Sun Savers Editor Lana Clements explains how to get a top deal on items for the garden… You can bag big savings on plants, shrubs and flowers, as well as gardening tools and furniture. Many retailers have flash sales across entire seasonal ranges – often these promotions tie into payday at the end of the month or Bank Holiday weekends, so keep a lookout. Sign up to mailing lists of your favourite brands and you'll be first to know of special offers. It can be worth following retailers on social media too. Use a price comparison site to search out the best value items. And keep a close eye on the specialbuys at Aldi and middle of Lidl drops which drop a couple of times a week and usually mean great value seasonal items for your outdoor areas. If you are not in a hurry to buy an item, try adding it to the shopping cart online and leaving it for a couple of days. Sometimes big brands will try to tempt you into the sale by offering you a discount. And always check if you can get cashback before paying. It's especially worth using sites such as Topcashback, Quidco and app Jamdoughnut when buying bigger ticket items such as garden furniture as you'll get a nice kickback. This works out at just 15p per plant. Unsurprisingly, Julia was so impressed with her find that she picked up two packs. Antirrhinums are cheerful annual plants, guaranteed to brighten up flower borders and containers. Commonly known as snapdragons, they are hailed by garden experts as easy-to-grow, old-fashioned cottage garden plants, beloved by children and bees. They come in a variety of colours and heights, and therefore can be grown in a variety of situations.
