Latest news with #Barry'sTea
Wales Online
6 days ago
- General
- Wales Online
Expert says household plant will thrive because it loves a brew as much as you do
Expert says household plant will thrive because it loves a brew as much as you do Orchids 'bloom brilliantly' when watered with one kitchen ingredient every month A popular indoor plant that can be helped by a popular indoor ingredient (Image: Getty Images) Plants and flowers can always instantly uplift a home, bringing scent, a visually attractive structure and foliage to a space, linking the inside to the outside too. Indoor plants have always been popular and are currently a very popular interior design trend. For someone who wants a plant that is more exotic than most, Orchids are cherished indoor plants due to their striking appearance, but they can be quite temperamental and even more challenging if planted in a garden rather than a more controlled environment inside. It can also be challenging to coax them into flowering during their blooming period, so it's vital to meet an orchid's basic needs, but the main reason orchids fail to bloom is inadequate watering or a lack of proper nutrients - one you can put a reminder on your phone to do the other way to help an orchid be its best is not so obvious as it involes an important aspect of everyday life in Wales. READ MORE: Householders given alert over hanging fairy lights on fences YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Amazon's best-selling window cleaner 'pays for itself after one use' Mark Curran, a horticulturist and founder of Heavenly Orchids, has disclosed that you don't need to spend a fortune on pricey plant food for orchids as they can be revitalised using breakfast leftovers. He said: "Some of the best natural fertilisers for orchids are available on your kitchen shelves." It may seem odd, but one of the top natural scraps to feed your orchids during summer is a cup of tea. This is because it will help hydrate your orchid while providing essential nutrients. For more home and garden content sent to your inbox twice a week sign up to the property newsletter here. Mark clarified: "Black tea has tannins, similar to the tannins that orchids would receive in nature from tree bark, leaves, and moss. Black tea soaks are beneficial for rehydrating and revitalising dehydrated orchids." Simply brew a tea bag in cool and filtered water for 10 minutes, then soak the orchid roots in the tea mixture. When watering orchids, it's recommended to purify the water by filling a container with water and leaving it to stand for at least 24 hours to allow the chlorine in tap water to evaporate. Orchids can be more challenging than other house plants but are worth the effort (Image: Getty Images) Mark said: "Doing this on a daily basis for orchids that have become dehydrated has excellent results. My all-time favourite tea is Barry's Tea from Ireland. When it comes to black tea there is no other tea that compares in flavour and taste. This tea is so strong that you could make an orchid tea solution with the leftover tea bag." Giving orchids a black tea fertiliser will help boost their leaf and root development as it contains nitrogen and potassium, which are essential nutrients for plant growth. Orchids also prefer slightly acidic soil to thrive in, which will help reduce plant stress, but be careful to only give orchids black tea once a month during their growing season, as too much acidity will harm the houseplant. Banana peels are also amongst the best kitchen scraps for orchids, as they contain potassium and phosphorus, which support flower development. For more property, garden, and interior design stories join our Amazing Welsh Homes Facebook group here. Mark said: "Banana peels contain potassium, phosphorus, and calcium and are a good organic fertiliser. Make banana peel tea by steeping fresh banana skins in water for 48 hours, then dilute with four parts water to one." If you're making a brew, make one for your orchid too (Image: Getty Images) Article continues below Eggshells can also help supply orchids with the nutrients they require, as they contain a considerable amount of calcium, which is needed to keep plants healthy and grow stronger. However, make sure you thoroughly clean eggshells of yolk, as any eggy remnants will attract pests and crush up the eggshells as it makes it easier for the orchids to absorb nutrients. Mark explained: "Eggshells contain calcium and you can either make a tea from eggshells that have been cleaned and dried, or you can use a mortar and pestle to grind up the shells and sprinkle into your potting medium where it will act as a slow release fertilizer. "To make an eggshell tea, place cleaned, ground eggshells in a large water bottle or container, let sit for one week before use."
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Orchids 'bloom brilliantly' when watered with one kitchen ingredient every month
Orchids are beautiful, but they can be difficult to keep alive. If you're struggling with your plants, there's a simple hack to help them stay hydrated and bloom again Orchids are treasured houseplants thanks to their stunning appearance, but it can be tricky to encourage them to flower during their blooming period. It's crucial to ensure an orchid's fundamental requirements are satisfied, but the primary reason orchids fail to blossom is insufficient watering or a lack of proper nutrients. Mark Curran, a horticulturist and creator of Heavenly Orchids, has revealed that you don't need to splash out on expensive plant food for orchids as they can be rejuvenated using morning meal leftovers. He explained: "Some of the best natural fertilisers for orchids are available on your kitchen shelves." It comes after Brits are told to never put one banned item in their garden bins, as you could face punishment. It might sound peculiar, but one of the finest natural scraps to nourish your orchids during summer is a cup of tea. This is because it will assist in hydrating your orchid while providing essential nutrients, reports the Express. How to create a natural plant food for orchids using tea Mark explained: "Black tea has tannins, similar to the tannins that orchids would receive in nature from tree bark, leaves, and moss. Black tea soaks are beneficial for rehydrating and revitalising dehydrated orchids." Simply steep a tea bag in cool and filtered water for 10 minutes, then immerse the orchid roots in the tea mixture. When watering orchids, it's advisable to purify the water by filling a vessel with water and allowing it to stand for at least 24 hours to permit the chlorine in tap water to dissipate. Mark said: "Doing this on a daily basis for orchids that have become dehydrated has excellent results. My all-time favourite tea is Barry's Tea from Ireland. "When it comes to black tea there is no other tea that compares in flavour and taste. This tea is so strong that you could make an orchid tea solution with the leftover tea bag." Providing orchids with a black tea fertiliser will help enhance their leaf and root development as it contains nitrogen and potassium, which are vital nutrients for plant growth. Orchids also favour slightly acidic soil to flourish in, which will help minimise plant stress, but be cautious to only give orchids black tea once a month during their growing season, as excessive acidity will damage the houseplant. What else can you give orchids? Banana skins are also among the finest kitchen scraps for orchids, as they contain potassium and phosphorus, which support flower development. Mark said: "Banana peels contain potassium, phosphorus, and calcium and are a good organic fertiliser. Make banana peel tea by steeping fresh banana skins in water for 48 hours, then dilute with four parts water to one." Eggshells can also help provide orchids with the nutrients they require, as they contain a substantial amount of calcium, which is needed to keep plants healthy and grow stronger. However, ensure you thoroughly clean eggshells of yolk, as any eggy remnants will attract pests and crush up the eggshells as it makes it easier for the orchids to absorb nutrients. Mark explained: "Eggshells contain calcium and you can either make a tea from eggshells that have been cleaned and dried, or you can use a mortar and pestle to grind up the shells and sprinkle into your potting medium where it will act as a slow release fertilizer. "To make an eggshell tea, place cleaned, ground eggshells in a large water bottle or container, let sit for one week before use."
What's On
29-06-2025
- What's On
Team What's On share where they'll be travelling this summer
Having just moved to Dubai, I'll be spending the summer settling in and getting to know the city better. I'm looking forward to discovering its hidden gems – and its air-conditioned ones, too. I will be making quick trips to visit family in Doha and Bahrain. – Liam Joyce, Editor Destination: Ireland I'm heading back home to Ireland this summer and I'm excited for endless green fields, and realistically, a lot of rain. It's time to catch up with family, drink some Barry's Tea and put on about 17 more layers of clothing. I can't wait. – Madie Murphy, Deputy Editor Destination: Taipei, Taiwan This summer, I'm heading off on a family trip to Taipei. I can't wait to explore the bustling night markets like Shilin Night Market and enjoy delicious local flavours like beef noodle soup and authentic bubble tea. I want to tick off the cultural highlights and the best bits of the local area too, so we plan to visit Taipei 101 and do day trips to places like Jiufen Old Street, Beitou for hot springs, Yangmingshan Flower Clock, Shifen Sky Lantern and the Golden Waterfall. – Sheila Deocareza, Art Director Destination: Baku, Azerbaijan This year I am packing my bags and jetting to Baku, Azerbaijan in September. I can't wait to tick another Formula 1 race off my bucket list. But between the zooms out on the circuit, you will find me roaming Baku Old City, gazing at the iconic Flame Towers, scoping out the museums and enjoying a lunch at the Four Seasons Hotel Baku (yes, it's already booked in). Find me kitted out in a Ferrari top and a Red Bull cap. – Aarti Saundalkar, Arts and Culture Features Editor Destination: Manali, India This summer, I'm exchanging Dubai's heat for the slow tranquility of the mountains with a trip to Manali. This Indian hill station in the Himalayas has those picture-perfect, postcard-worthy views, with ivory, snow-capped mountains, rolling greenery, flowing streams and quaint cottages. Escape, disconnect and rejuvenate – that's my plan. – Manaal Fatimah, Reporter Destination: Brazil Whenever I imagine the perfect trip, my mind goes somewhere far, quiet, and off the usual tourist trail – like Brazil. I've been before to Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Curitiba, but I'd love to go back and explore its slower, quieter side: islands like Fernando de Noronha, Ilha Grande, and Boipeba. Places with no crowds, no cars – just lush tropical greenery, crystal-clear water, soft white sand, and that wild, untouched beauty that runs through Brazil's spirit. – Lana Du, Reporter Destination: Cape Town, South Africa Back to the motherland we go! It's time for a long-overdue family reunion filled with hugs, happy tears, and all the good vibes in South Africa. My fiancé and I are touching down to celebrate two big milestones: my brother-in-law's 'I do' moment and my official debut as Auntie Sammi. Let the memory-making begin! – Sammi Barnard, Junior Reporter Images: Unsplash > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
Irish Daily Mirror
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Louis Walsh's mother is now in a 'happier place', funeral mass hears
Louis Walsh's mother Maureen is in a "happier place" after enduring 12 years of "pain and hardship" battling Alzheimer's Disease, her funeral mass heard. Maureen Walsh passed away on Monday at the age of 94 at St Attracta's Nursing Home in Charlestown, Co Mayo. She had battled with Alzheimer's for 12 years. Huge crowds gathered at the Church of the Holy Family in Kiltimagh to say goodbye to the Mayo native, including her famous son, Louis, who looked grief-stricken as he arrived at the church behind his mother's coffin. Louis' brother Frank and sister Sarah addressed mourners on behalf of their family, to remember their mother. Frank said: "The last 12 years were tough on her, tough, tough, tough, tough for the family, but very tough on her. "And I have to say, it wasn't my happiest days going out to see her. I wasn't as good as some of the other people in the family, particularly Evelyn and Sarah, they were constant visitors. "But I did not like going out to see her in that state. And I don't think she would have liked to have seen it either. It's a merciful release after that 12 years of pain and endurance and hardship, and she would not have liked to end it up the way she did. "So I think Maureen, you're in a happier place now. You're in a happier place." Frank thanked the crowds that came to the house on Thursday night, joking his former X Factor judge brother Louis "must've been charging admittance". Paying tribute to his mother, Frank said: "She was famous for her tea, Barry's Tea. She brought Barry's Tea with her everywhere. "When she went off on the Midwest tours, she brought the sausages, the rashers and the Barry's tea. "And apparently, you could smell the rashers and the sausages on the floor that she was on in the hotel. I've gone with her on some of those trips, and they were great craic. All she wanted to see was her family around her. That was the most important thing. She loved it. And if we showed up, as we did sometimes, without letting her know, she would be shocked. But very, very happy with it, very happy with it." He said she believed deeply in "family". "Maureen lived for her family. She was the heart. She was the rock. We all loved her, respected her and feared her, but she always wanted us to be together. "She was a hard worker. She had great faith and she found joy in simple things. But if you overstepped the line, she'd give you a look, and you know you were going no further or a pinch. She was a great believer in education and self improvement, and she pushed us and pushed us and hopefully she didn't do a bad job. "She probably was easier on her grandchildren than she was on her children. I think that's quite normal," he said. His sister Sarah recalled how Mrs Walsh's spirit was still around on Thursday night when the family were saying prayers. "We know she loved Michael English. She loved Mike Denver, Brendan Shine, Bridie Gallagher and the Wolfe Tones. We used to go on these trips with the local radio station Midwest, and mammy had it on 24/7. "Just a strange thing happened yesterday afternoon, we were saying the prayers, and we could hear music, and someone said, 'Turn off the radio.' "But there was no the radio in the house. Somebody's phone had started playing Midwest radio. We think Maureen was pulling a quick one on us again. "As I said, it was on constantly. It was never turned off, even yesterday she put it back on. She said she used to go to bed with Michael Commins (Mid-west radio host) twice a week. Go figure." Among the mourners included Westlife's members Nicky Byrne, Shane Filan, who was with his wife Gillian, and Kian Egan who was with his wife Jodie. Mrs Walsh was brought to the Kiltimagh chapel in a wicker coffin. A photograph of the 94-year-old was placed on the coffin as well as a spray of white flowers. Symbols to the altar included rosary beads, a picture of Padre Pio because of her "strong faith", a Mayo flag, her radio "that was always tuned to Mid-West", her rolling pin, "because Granny was famous for her scones and tarts", as well as a family photo, a pack of cards and Ireland's Own because "she loved a game of 25". Father Michael Quinn told mourners Mrs Walsh had a "great impact" on many people "throughout her life". He said: "We give thanks for the great gift of our life, 94 years of life. It's a great gift of life itself. And we give thanks for the great impact she's had on so many people throughout her life, as well, evidenced again, by so many here gathering at the church, so many who called to our home yesterday evening as well, and many who have contacted by line two to the family, all evidence of the impact, the great impact that Maureen has had on so many lives throughout her own life as well. "We know she'd had difficulty the last years (with her health), and we pray she's now free of all of that and the loving kindness of God, and be reunited again with her husband, Frank, her daughter, Catherine, her parents, Mark and Delia, her son Sean and her son-in-law, Pat, who have all predeceased her." Father Quinn said she was a "treasured neighbour" as well as being a brilliant mother. He said: "Others remember her as a true friend over many years. For more, they recall a great work colleague who brought dedication and enjoyment into their place of work here in town. Maureen was a treasured neighbour. "Her door was always open to drop in to enjoy her hospitality, have a chat and a laugh, she was always there to be the best support she could be. "Perhaps what stands out above all is Maureen as a mother. Maureen came into the world at the beginnings of the 1930s… in what were particularly difficult times. The Great Depression had begun in 1929 and the social and economic situation, both in Ireland and the world, was very challenging, and for the end of Maureen's first decade of life, World War II would begin in 1939 and last until 1945 bringing further hardship to our already very difficult times." But he said "one of the most difficult things" was when she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease more than 10 years ago. "And all the more challenging to accept when a person is outgoing and verbatious and sociable, very interested in people, and for these reasons, the past number of years have been very difficult for you." He said she faced the highs and lows of her life "with courage". "She faced them with courage. She found strength above all in her faith," he added. Mrs Walsh was buried afterwards in Kilkinure Cemetery, Kiltimagh.
The Irish Sun
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘Can't beat Barry's Tea' – Mack Hansen stuns fans with retro Cork GAA outfit as rugby ace swaps sports
MACK Hansen's always comes across as a free spirit - so it was no surprise to see him adopt the Rebel County when it comes to GAA. Of course the Aussie-born winger does have legitimate grounds to be a Cork fan since Advertisement 3 The Connacht Rugby star was in attendance at a sold-out Pairc Ui Chaoimh over the weekend Credit: @mackh______ 3 Outside the revamped stadium which now bears the name of sponsors SuperValu Credit: @mackh______ 3 Sadly Connacht look set to miss out on the URC play-offs as they're six points outside the top eight with only two rounds of fixtures to go But nonetheless it was still a bit of a jarring sight seeing the rugby international in GAA gear - from the 1990s no less. Donning the jersey most associated with the generation of Colin Corkery, Brian Corcoran and Larry Tompkins, he enjoyed pints with friends prior to Recapping the trip to Leeside as a whole, the 27-year-old alluded to the county's quintessentially Irish sponsor at the time. He captioned a few photos: "Can't beat Barry's Tea." Advertisement Read More On Irish Sport It didn't take long for the official Barry's Tea Instagram account to respond to the random shout-out. Their reply stated simply: "Love the jersey!" Plenty of his Cork followers also lapped up seeing him in red as a move to Tim Lynch hailed: "Welcome home kid." Meanwhile Luke Herlihy pondered: Hon the Rebels, any chance of coming to Munster?" Advertisement Most read in Rugby Union The Munster Hurling Championship contest didn't end up living up to its pre-match billing though. That was largely down to the Premier being reduced to 14 men within seconds of throw-in after teen Darragh McCarthy was sent off for striking out at Sean O'Donoghue. Tipperary GAA legend reveals surprising difference between 'pressure' of playing for club vs county The final scoreline of 4-27 to 0-24 possibly didn't even fully reflect the extent of the home side's dominance since Pat Ryan's charges seemed to be on autopilot for much of the second half as they'd amassed a huge lead by half-time. Afterwards Ryan emphasized: 'I think in the Munster Championship it doesn't matter how you win, as long as you win — that's the key. Advertisement "Everyone wants you to play champagne hurling and wants you to score goals and all of that. 'Getting over the line and winning matches, we couldn't do it above in Ennis the last day, we did it a bit better today. 'I often say about us, we can only go at one speed and that's flat out. "We can't be in third or fourth gear, it's not the way we play. We have to be in fifth gear. Advertisement 'We took our eye off the ball in certain aspects and didn't move the ball in quickly enough and gave them too many easy short puckouts, which didn't help us in any way. 'Getting the two points was all we came down here to do and we're delighted we got them.' MISSION IMPOSSIBLE Nine points ahead in their Ryan continued: 'As I've said all along, you can't win games in Munster with only 14 fellas on the field. It's just impossible, teams are too good, so we should have been winning that game. Advertisement 'We were disappointed with a couple of fallow periods in the second half again. That's something we'll look at with our analysis team, why did that happen?' In their analysis, Tipp will lament their failure to avail of several first-half goal opportunities. Craig Morgan and Sam O'Farrell forced saves from Patrick Collins. Forde also saw a 20-metre free kept out by Eoin Downey.
