Latest news with #Calendula
The Irish Sun
7 days ago
- General
- The Irish Sun
5 beautiful flowers I always plant in August as a professional gardener – they're easy to grow & great for small spaces
IF you've avoided your flower beds all summer, it's not too late to take action. In fact, there are five easy blooms you can add to your garden right now that will brighten your space next spring. 6 A gardening pro revealed the five best flowers to plant during the month of August (stock image) Credit: Getty While September may be in sight, most of August is still ahead of us and it can be prime time to sow certain flowers. Easy to grow, attractive to pollinators, and are suitable for even the smallest spaces, these plants are the perfect addition to any garden. Writing for Netmums, a professional gardener revealed the best flowers to add to your garden right now. Cornflowers 6 Cornflowers are easy to grow and will add a pop of colour to your flower beds next spring (stock image) Credit: Getty Cornflower are easy to grow from seed and add a pop of colour to everything from window boxes to flower beds. This flower blooms best in direct sunlight and prefers well-drained soil. You will want to spread the seeds far apart, lightly watering the soil after. They are also brilliant for attracting bees and butterflies to your outdoor space. This will help your garden to flourish even further with increased pollination. Sowing cornflowers in August will give your bright beautiful flowers next spring or early summer. Pot Marigold (Calendula) 6 Calendula or pot marigold are easy to manage and ideal for planting with your little ones (stock image) Credit: Getty According to the gardening pro, pot marigolds are "sunshine in flower form". They are bright, easy to manage, and are perfect for a day of gardening with your little ones thanks to the large seeds. These can be sown directly into planters and tend to germinate quickly. You should plant these at least eight weeks before the first autumn frost for the best results. Pot marigolds are known to grow quickly and are not fussy about the soil. They also have the potential to flower until autumn if the weather stays mild. These flowers also attract pollinators and they even have petals that are edible. Forget-Me-Nots 6 Forget-me-not flourish in most settings, making them perfect for less involved gardeners (stock image) Credit: Getty These "small but mighty" flowers are a must for your August flower beds. Forget-me-nots prefer partial shade, something to remember when planting for next year. Sowing these around autumn time can lead to earlier blooms in spring. Keep the soil consistently wet while sowing and make sure to deadhead once these flowers do pop up. Sowing them now will give you a blanket of beautiful blue daisies next spring. Forget-me-nots can flourish in bordered flower beds, pots, and even window boxes. California Poppies 6 The California poppy is said to thrive even when it is neglected (stock image) Credit: Getty California poppies are often described as a "bold, bright, and easy" addition to your garden. Offering orange and yellow blooms, these flowers love the sun and don't mind poor soil. Make sure to place these plants exactly where you want them when sowing as they do not transplant well. Give them a light watering after sowing and then allow the soil to dry out. In fact, they even thrive on a bit of neglect and can be directly sown into bare patches, making them ideal for less dedicated gardeners. And like the other flowers on this list, they will add some joy to your outdoor space come spring. Wild Carrot 6 Wild carrot flowers can help boost the bee population in your area when in bloom (stock image) Credit: Getty Referred to by gardening enthusiasts as a "hidden gem", the wild carrot plant adds an interesting look to your space with "lacey white flower heads". These tiny umbrella-like flowers are also really good for bee populations. Also known as Queen Anne's lace, these flowers need moist soil during germination but tend to be quite drought-tolerant once established. They add a soft and gentle feel to your garden and help wildlife to flourish. So why not take five minutes and sprinkle some of the above seeds in your garden this August? You'll be glad you did when your flower beds begin blooming after the long winter. More on gardening One homeowner turned their garden into a Bridgerton paradise with a charity shop find. B&M has also slashed the price of its viral rattan sofa in a huge garden sale. Plus, the £1 Tesco buy that can protect your plants in the rainy weather. And a £3 B&M ornament adds splash of colour to eyesore walls and makes your garden look bigger. A B&M garden buy slashed in summer sale, it will brighten the outside of your home and enhance curb appeal.
Scottish Sun
7 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Scottish Sun
5 beautiful flowers I always plant in August as a professional gardener – they're easy to grow & great for small spaces
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) IF you've avoided your flower beds all summer, it's not too late to take action. In fact, there are five easy blooms you can add to your garden right now that will brighten your space next spring. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 A gardening pro revealed the five best flowers to plant during the month of August (stock image) Credit: Getty While September may be in sight, most of August is still ahead of us and it can be prime time to sow certain flowers. Easy to grow, attractive to pollinators, and are suitable for even the smallest spaces, these plants are the perfect addition to any garden. Writing for Netmums, a professional gardener revealed the best flowers to add to your garden right now. Cornflowers 6 Cornflowers are easy to grow and will add a pop of colour to your flower beds next spring (stock image) Credit: Getty Cornflower are easy to grow from seed and add a pop of colour to everything from window boxes to flower beds. Read More On Gardening WINTER WIN Aldi buy keeps lawns healthy in winter - it's £65 less than Bosch gadget This flower blooms best in direct sunlight and prefers well-drained soil. You will want to spread the seeds far apart, lightly watering the soil after. They are also brilliant for attracting bees and butterflies to your outdoor space. This will help your garden to flourish even further with increased pollination. Sowing cornflowers in August will give your bright beautiful flowers next spring or early summer. Pot Marigold (Calendula) 6 Calendula or pot marigold are easy to manage and ideal for planting with your little ones (stock image) Credit: Getty According to the gardening pro, pot marigolds are "sunshine in flower form". They are bright, easy to manage, and are perfect for a day of gardening with your little ones thanks to the large seeds. These can be sown directly into planters and tend to germinate quickly. You should plant these at least eight weeks before the first autumn frost for the best results. Pot marigolds are known to grow quickly and are not fussy about the soil. They also have the potential to flower until autumn if the weather stays mild. These flowers also attract pollinators and they even have petals that are edible. Forget-Me-Nots 6 Forget-me-not flourish in most settings, making them perfect for less involved gardeners (stock image) Credit: Getty These "small but mighty" flowers are a must for your August flower beds. Forget-me-nots prefer partial shade, something to remember when planting for next year. Sowing these around autumn time can lead to earlier blooms in spring. Keep the soil consistently wet while sowing and make sure to deadhead once these flowers do pop up. Sowing them now will give you a blanket of beautiful blue daisies next spring. Forget-me-nots can flourish in bordered flower beds, pots, and even window boxes. California Poppies 6 The California poppy is said to thrive even when it is neglected (stock image) Credit: Getty California poppies are often described as a "bold, bright, and easy" addition to your garden. Offering orange and yellow blooms, these flowers love the sun and don't mind poor soil. Make sure to place these plants exactly where you want them when sowing as they do not transplant well. Give them a light watering after sowing and then allow the soil to dry out. In fact, they even thrive on a bit of neglect and can be directly sown into bare patches, making them ideal for less dedicated gardeners. And like the other flowers on this list, they will add some joy to your outdoor space come spring. Wild Carrot 6 Wild carrot flowers can help boost the bee population in your area when in bloom (stock image) Credit: Getty Referred to by gardening enthusiasts as a "hidden gem", the wild carrot plant adds an interesting look to your space with "lacey white flower heads". These tiny umbrella-like flowers are also really good for bee populations. Also known as Queen Anne's lace, these flowers need moist soil during germination but tend to be quite drought-tolerant once established. They add a soft and gentle feel to your garden and help wildlife to flourish. So why not take five minutes and sprinkle some of the above seeds in your garden this August? You'll be glad you did when your flower beds begin blooming after the long winter. More on gardening One homeowner turned their garden into a Bridgerton paradise with a charity shop find. B&M has also slashed the price of its viral rattan sofa in a huge garden sale. Plus, the £1 Tesco buy that can protect your plants in the rainy weather. And a £3 B&M ornament adds splash of colour to eyesore walls and makes your garden look bigger. A B&M garden buy slashed in summer sale, it will brighten the outside of your home and enhance curb appeal.
The Sun
7 days ago
- General
- The Sun
5 beautiful flowers I always plant in August as a professional gardener – they're easy to grow & great for small spaces
IF you've avoided your flower beds all summer, it's not too late to take action. In fact, there are five easy blooms you can add to your garden right now that will brighten your space next spring. 6 While September may be in sight, most of August is still ahead of us and it can be prime time to sow certain flowers. Easy to grow, attractive to pollinators, and are suitable for even the smallest spaces, these plants are the perfect addition to any garden. Writing for Netmums, a professional gardener revealed the best flowers to add to your garden right now. Cornflowers 6 Cornflower are easy to grow from seed and add a pop of colour to everything from window boxes to flower beds. This flower blooms best in direct sunlight and prefers well-drained soil. You will want to spread the seeds far apart, lightly watering the soil after. They are also brilliant for attracting bees and butterflies to your outdoor space. This will help your garden to flourish even further with increased pollination. Sowing cornflowers in August will give your bright beautiful flowers next spring or early summer. Pot Marigold (Calendula) 6 According to the gardening pro, pot marigolds are "sunshine in flower form". They are bright, easy to manage, and are perfect for a day of gardening with your little ones thanks to the large seeds. These can be sown directly into planters and tend to germinate quickly. You should plant these at least eight weeks before the first autumn frost for the best results. Pot marigolds are known to grow quickly and are not fussy about the soil. They also have the potential to flower until autumn if the weather stays mild. These flowers also attract pollinators and they even have petals that are edible. Forget-Me-Nots 6 These "small but mighty" flowers are a must for your August flower beds. Forget-me-nots prefer partial shade, something to remember when planting for next year. Sowing these around autumn time can lead to earlier blooms in spring. Keep the soil consistently wet while sowing and make sure to deadhead once these flowers do pop up. Sowing them now will give you a blanket of beautiful blue daisies next spring. Forget-me-nots can flourish in bordered flower beds, pots, and even window boxes. California Poppies 6 California poppies are often described as a "bold, bright, and easy" addition to your garden. Offering orange and yellow blooms, these flowers love the sun and don't mind poor soil. Make sure to place these plants exactly where you want them when sowing as they do not transplant well. Give them a light watering after sowing and then allow the soil to dry out. In fact, they even thrive on a bit of neglect and can be directly sown into bare patches, making them ideal for less dedicated gardeners. And like the other flowers on this list, they will add some joy to your outdoor space come spring. Wild Carrot 6 Referred to by gardening enthusiasts as a "hidden gem", the wild carrot plant adds an interesting look to your space with "lacey white flower heads". These tiny umbrella-like flowers are also really good for bee populations. Also known as Queen Anne's lace, these flowers need moist soil during germination but tend to be quite drought-tolerant once established. They add a soft and gentle feel to your garden and help wildlife to flourish. So why not take five minutes and sprinkle some of the above seeds in your garden this August? You'll be glad you did when your flower beds begin blooming after the long winter. More on gardening One homeowner turned their garden into a Bridgerton paradise with a charity shop find. B&M has also slashed the price of its viral rattan sofa in a huge garden sale. Plus, the £1 Tesco buy that can protect your plants in the rainy weather.
Time of India
17-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Using marigold extract for skin, wound healing, and more
Marigold extract, also known as Calendula, comes from the bright yellow and orange flowers of the Calendula plant. It is commonly used in temples for worship, and in traditional medicine for hundreds of years because of its natural healing powers. Marigold is known for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties, which help protect and heal the body. It is often used to treat skin problems like cuts, rashes, and dryness. Many people also use it to help wounds heal faster. This flower is not just beautiful but also helpful for your health. Whether used as a tea, oil, or cream, marigold can support your overall well-being in many simple ways. What is marigold extract? Marigold extract is a natural substance extracted from the flowers of the Calendula officinalis plant. It is rich in triterpenoid saponins, flavonoids, and carotenoids, which are responsible for its medicinal properties. Calendula extract has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat a variety of health issues, including skin problems, wounds, and digestive issues Health benefits of marigold extract Skin health: Marigold extract is known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, making it an effective natural remedy for soothing skin irritations, such as eczema, acne, and dermatitis. It can also help to promote wound healing by stimulating collagen production and improving tissue strength. Wound healing: Calendula extract has been shown to accelerate wound healing by promoting collagen synthesis, improving tissue strength, and reducing inflammation. It can also help to prevent infection and promote tissue repair. Antibacterial and antifungal properties: Marigold extract has been shown to exhibit antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it effective against a wide range of microorganisms. It can help to prevent infection and promote healing in wounds, cuts, and scrapes. Anti-inflammatory properties: Calendula extract has potent anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms associated with conditions such as arthritis, gout, and other inflammatory diseases. Antioxidant properties: Marigold extract is rich in antioxidants, which can help to protect the body against free radicals and oxidative stress. This can help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and neurodegenerative disorders. Uses of marigold extract Topical appliance: Marigold extract can be applied topically to the skin to soothe skin irritations, promote wound healing, and reduce inflammation Skincare products: Marigold extract is often used in skincare products due to its anti-ageing and skin protecting properties. It can also help reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Wound care: Marigold extract can be used to promote wound healing and prevent infection in wounds, cuts, and scrapes. Digestive health: Marigold extract can be used to soothe digestive issues such as ulcers, diarrhea, and gastritis. Precautions to consider before using marigold extract Allergic reactions: Some people may be allergic to marigold extract, so it's essential to do a patch test before Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is limited research on the use of marigold extract during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so it's essential to consult a healthcare provider before using it. Also read | Red raspberries for improving your skin: Benefits and tips to use
The Guardian
04-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Guardian
In my poor growing season, edible flowers are a small, tasty win
My partner and I have a ritual that makes an appearance at this time of year. When we sit down for dinner, we count up how many crops from the garden we've managed to incorporate into our meal. As I've said in previous columns, I'm not having the best growing season despite the abundance of sunshine, so I'm relying on small, edible wins this summer. (Edible flowers have become more of a feature than ever in our kitchen.) There aren't many plants that I grow solely for their blooms – edible or not – but fortunately, there are a fair few crops that just happen to produce flowers you can eat, meaning it's likely you, too, might be growing some edible flowers already. For the first few springs in my veg patch, I sowed the seeds of calendula, violas and nasturtiums as beneficial companion plants to encourage pollinators. Six growing seasons later and these stalwarts reappear reliably when the soil is warm enough. Calendula produce bright flowers whose petals can be scattered on a salad, but my preference is nasturtiums, which have a punchy, peppery flavour. The smiley-faced violas taste subtly sweet and are ideal for decorating cakes. Many of the annual and perennial herbs in our vegetable gardens not only produce flavoursome leaves but beautiful and delicious flowers, too. Chives develop bright purple pom-poms that taste like the oniony leaves but are milder. Dill is another plant that I adore but, given it often bolts before I've harvested all the leaves I'd hoped for, I'm grateful that their flowers are also edible. Rosemary, thyme and, of course, lavender flowers are all edible and make a pretty garnish on a summer dish or cake. Sign up to Inside Saturday The only way to get a look behind the scenes of the Saturday magazine. Sign up to get the inside story from our top writers as well as all the must-read articles and columns, delivered to your inbox every weekend. after newsletter promotion There are a number of vegetables whose flowers are worth tasting. Courgette flowers – both pollen-bearing and fruit-bearing – are delicious, especially when prepared the Italian way – stuffed with a mild cheese and herbs, lightly battered and fried. The cute little flowers of peas and beans taste like a sweet, floral iteration of the fruit counterpart. (Be careful not to mistakenly harvest ornamental sweetpea flowers as these are toxic.) It's worth bearing in mind that harvesting the flowers of fruiting plants will have an impact on your yield. Not a problem if you're picking more courgettes than you can comfortably offload, but an issue if you've only got a few beanstalks and were hoping to fill your freezer. When harvesting, be mindful not to crush petals as you gently shake off any creatures that might be hiding inside. Petals don't take kindly to being vigorously washed but you can dip them in water and leave on a tea towel to dry. While not all these flowers offer up palette-igniting flavours, our dinners have never been prettier.
