Latest news with #Chrysanthemum
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
NBRI spray to keep bouquet flowers fresh for longer span
Lucknow: How about the cut flowers we decorate in vases at our home, or the bouquets we give to loved ones stay fresh for days? FloriGuard, a special spray developed by CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, has the potential of increasing the shelf life depending on the variety. For example, the spray will double the shelf life of Chrysanthemum while tripling the life and freshness of Gerbera cut flowers. The technology of the spray has been transferred to a Pune-based private firm for its production, and it was launched for the public on Friday. "NBRI-FloriGuard is a herbal spray that acts as a natural/herbal preservative solution that effectively extends the lifespan of cut flowers through multiple mechanisms. The formulation works by suppressing ethylene-producing genes, which significantly reduces the overall ethylene production in flowers. This reduction ranges between 33-56%, thereby slowing down the natural ageing process of cut flowers," said NBRI principal scientist BN Singh, who is credited with developing the product. He said that the spray contains active compounds that strengthen the flower's natural defence system against harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS). by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo By enhancing the flowers' inherent antioxidant mechanisms, it protects against cellular damage and deterioration. The formulation is particularly effective in preventing common problems associated with cut flowers. It reduces premature falling of petals, maintains moisture balance, and prevents unsightly brown spots on petals and leaves. The spray ensures that flowers retain their natural shape and structure for a longer duration, he added. NBRI director Ajit Kumar Shahsany said, "NBRI in its mission encompasses scientific research, knowledge dissemination, and societal benefit by giving best herbal products to society along with our consistent initiatives like pollution remediation, climate adaptation, and plant improvement to benefit common man." The technology of another product, a herbal floor disinfectant and cleaner (floormop), and a herbal nano serum was also transferred to a Gurugram-based firm on the occasion. "We have developed a water-soluble plant-based floor disinfectant," said Singh.
The Irish Sun
13-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Irish Sun
Roses will bloom and stay healthy this spring thanks to £2 Victorian-era hack – it prevents unsightly yellow spots too
WHILE many of us will be enjoying spending time in our gardens thanks to the warm weather, it's very important that in between your sunbathing sessions you take care of your plants, particularly your roses. With the weather heating up and summer around the corner, gardeners must monitor their Advertisement 4 If you've got roses in your garden and want to ensure they look fabulous this spring, you've come to the right place Credit: Getty 4 Thanks to a Victorian-era hack, you can wave goodbye to yellow spots on your plants in no time at all Credit: Alamy 4 For this trick, all you'll need is a £2.79 buy from Amazon Credit: Alamy 4 Neem oil is a naturally occurring fungicide and pesticide Credit: Amazon Rust - a fungal infection - is a very common disease found amongst roses that spreads when water sits on the leaves for a long time. Rust will reduce a rose's ability to So if you want to avoid a stunted rose bush that cannot produce any But Advertisement Read more gardening stories In May, rust is usually just beginning to spread, so make sure to regularly inspect your roses and note that it is commonly found on the lower leaves. It can look like orange or yellow spots on leaves that will eventually begin to move up the plant if left untouched. And luckily for you, gardening experts have sworn by a Victorian-era trick that will work a treat at banishing rust and ensuring your roses bloom this month. So for those eager to ensure their roses stay healthy and vibrant this spring, this purse-friendly hack which will cost you just £2.79, is one you won't want to miss. Advertisement Most read in Fabulous Exclusive The 'If it is allowed in your area, burning the How to make sure you lawn looks green and lush all summer long Rust can sit on leaves and the spores will begin to release in spring, so make sure you do not leave any infected foliage in your Once you have cut back the infection, you will need to apply a fungicide every seven to 10 days, as this is the life cycle of rust spores. Advertisement Top gardening trends of 2025 Gardening experts at Matrix planting It seems that a top planting trend for this year is going to be Matrix Planting. In essence, planting in groups or blocks to give an effect of being wild whilst actually being carefully managed. Selection of the plants is essential, to give year-round interest either with flowers, seed heads or frosted/snowy spent flower heads. Some recommend using plants that seed around, but this could make managing your matrix planting harder to keep under control. Chrysanthemum comeback I hope that the humble Chrysanthemum makes as much of a comeback this year as Dahlias have over recent years, because the simple single flowered types, such as 'Innocence' and 'Cottage Apricot' would be spectacular within a matrix scheme. The hardy varieties are so easy to grow in a sunny spot and give such a valuable burst of late summer and autumn colour that would lift any dull- looking border. Blended borders For some time now we have been promoting the growing of veg within ornamental borders and I think this could really take off this year. The choice of ornamental-looking varieties available in seed catalogues is phenomenal and, if managed correctly, visitors to your garden will not even realise that you have veg growing! Must-have tool My secret is out. I discovered the Hori Hori a couple of years ago and now it seems so is everyone else. It is such a well-made, adaptable tool that can be used as a trowel or weeding tool in the garden that and everyone I speak to who have used it absolutely would not now be without it. Enough said! You can buy treatments at many The experts explained: 'Many home gardeners turn to neem oil as a treatment for infestations of mites, fungus and other plant diseases. Used for hundreds of years as a treatment for agricultural issues, neem oil tends to have a sulfurous and garlicky smell Experts at Jackson and Perkins 'Neem oil is distilled from the seeds of the neem tree and is a naturally occurring fungicide and pesticide. 'Used for hundreds of years as a treatment for agricultural issues, neem oil tends to have a sulfurous and garlicky smell.' Advertisement Neem oil is most effective during the early stages of rose rust and can also be used as a fungal suppressant to prevent the disease from reaching the plant. 6 Spring Gardening Jobs You Can Do in 60 mins A gardening pro, or just starting your planting journey? Nigel Lawton, a gardening expert at Dobbies Garden Centres has shared the six jobs you can do to transform your garden in under an hour. 1. Tidy up Remove dead leaves, neaten beds and borders, remove any seeds and apply a good layer of mulch over the surface with organic peat-free compost. TIME: 60 mins 2. Design beds and borders Trim back winter flowering plants where blooms have started to fade. Start by removing any dead, diseased or damaged branches, and get rid of any branches that cross over, Nigel says. Then prune summer flowering shrubs like Buddleia, Lavatera and hardy Fuschias to allow room for new growth. As well as encouraging new growth in the plant by removing dead material, pruning will also allow you to control the height and shape of your plants. TIME: 50 mins 3. Create a cosy patio If you have a patio, transform it into a cosy socialising spot. Start by giving that a good clean with a jet wash to quickly complete the job in under an hour. You can further liven up the area by adding some garden furniture paired with some cushions, some throws, and an outdoor rug. TIME: 30 mins 4. Refresh pots To enjoy instant colour in your garden this spring, Nigel recommends refreshing your pots, hanging baskets, and window boxes with early season flowers for a country garden effect. Plant in threes or fives to create a impactful display with small, medium, and large plants of different heights beside your door. TIME: 15 mins 5. Lawncare Another beginner-friendly task you can do to spruce up your garden is taking care of the lawn by cultivating the soil and making sure the area is level and firm. Rake out any moss or dead grass, and apply lawn treatement in late spring. TIME: 15-30 mins 6. Welcome wildlife Spring is the perfect time to welcome wildlife into your garden as small animals come out of hibernation and new birds hatch into life. To ensure your garden is a safe space for wildlife, Nigel suggests dedicating a small section of your garden to creating a wildlife-friendly habitat with pollinating plants and places for small animals and insects to shelter. You can create a safe space for them by stacking branches in a shaded spot to help protect them from the elements. All of this can be done in under an hour. TIME: 40 mins Not only this, but it's also a natural way to treat roses without using chemicals that could harm animals. However, you must be careful using it on hot, dry days - that reach 25C or above - as it can cause leaves to burn if used improperly. If you fancy giving this Advertisement But for those strapped for cash, you'll be pleased to know that you can order it on Amazon for as cheap as £2.79, making this trick great for those looking to cut costs. Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club
The Irish Sun
03-05-2025
- General
- The Irish Sun
Gardeners growing tomato plants can make them much sweeter with 65p Asda buy everyone has in their cupboards
A GARDENING hack has been revealed to make tomatoes sweeter with just one cheap household staple. The Advertisement 1 Add one item to reduce acidity in tomato crops to make them tastier Credit: Getty And gardeners have one simple trick that can be done to make tomatoes you grow even tastier and jucier. It is using one simple item that is probably already in your Not only are tomatoes used in a variety of different So as the summer arrives, you may be looking to add some juicy tomatoes to your salads, pastas, or stews. Advertisement This can be done without having to splurge specialised fertilisers or work hard around creating optimal conditions for the plants. All you need is a sprinkle of baking soda, which can be added to the soil. Baking soda is understood to r educe soil acidity, which thereby makes it easier for tomatoes to absorb nutrients. On top of that, adding baking soda can also have the potential to control fungal diseases and weeds that grow around the plants. Advertisement Most read in Fabulous It can prevent common fungal infections like powdered mildew. Experts advise to sprinkle just a pinch of baking soda around each tomato plant once it beings to appear from the soil. This should be repeated once more when they are half grown. Grow your groceries - how to grow tomatoes from tomatoes! Adding too much, though, could inadvertently poison the tomato plant, so it is important to control the amount. Advertisement And this hack will not cost you more than £1 from a grocery store. Asda is selling their 200g pack of Any leftovers can be used to do some Top gardening trends of 2025 Gardening experts at Matrix planting It seems that a top planting trend for this year is going to be Matrix Planting. In essence, planting in groups or blocks to give an effect of being wild whilst actually being carefully managed. Selection of the plants is essential, to give year-round interest either with flowers, seed heads or frosted/snowy spent flower heads. Some recommend using plants that seed around, but this could make managing your matrix planting harder to keep under control. Chrysanthemum comeback I hope that the humble Chrysanthemum makes as much of a comeback this year as Dahlias have over recent years, because the simple single flowered types, such as 'Innocence' and 'Cottage Apricot' would be spectacular within a matrix scheme. The hardy varieties are so easy to grow in a sunny spot and give such a valuable burst of late summer and autumn colour that would lift any dull- looking border. Blended borders For some time now we have been promoting the growing of veg within ornamental borders and I think this could really take off this year. The choice of ornamental-looking varieties available in seed catalogues is phenomenal and, if managed correctly, visitors to your garden will not even realise that you have veg growing! Must-have tool My secret is out. I discovered the Hori Hori a couple of years ago and now it seems so is everyone else. It is such a well-made, adaptable tool that can be used as a trowel or weeding tool in the garden that and everyone I speak to who have used it absolutely would not now be without it. Enough said!
The Sun
03-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
Home Bargains is selling a gardening item that makes tending to your flowerbeds easier – it's £17 cheaper than B&Q
IF you enjoy tending to your flowerbeds but find it hard on your knees, this buy may be for you. Green-fingered enthusiasts can tackle this problem with a budget gardening buy from Home Bargains. Crouching or kneeling as you work on your plants can be tough-going for long periods of time. However, with this handy item you can now spend hours on end carrying out your gardening tasks without discomfort. The Whitefurze Garden Kneeler is currently available for £7.99 from Home Bargains. Manufacturers detailed the various uses of this compact garden gadget. "This lightweight, padded kneeler doubles as a comfy seat and features a handy storage compartment, making it perfect for all your planting sessions," they said. The hinged storage department under the seat can store all your hand-held gardening tools. According to the product description, this item is "great for all gardeners for tasks such as long planting sessions, carrying your much need equipment within your seat". A similar item is also available from B&Q, for a significantly higher price. The Home Garden Folding Multi Use Garden Kneeler and Bench is listed for £24.99. Described as "cleverly-designed", this kneeler is said to be "a sturdy, multi-use gardening aid". The exact date Aldi's sell out wooden garden day bed returns to stores While this item doesn't feature a storage compartment, it can be folded, making it more compact. The legs of the bench can act as handles to assist you in getting up and down, for improved stability. To avoid knee pain while gardening, experts recommend changing positions frequently, relieving stress. They also suggest taking regular breaks to give your knees some relief while tending to your flowerbeds. Home Bargains is selling a budget buy guaranteed to brighten up your space. Top gardening trends of 2025 Gardening experts at Barnsdale Gardens has shared the top gardening trends of 2025. Matrix planting It seems that a top planting trend for this year is going to be Matrix Planting. In essence, planting in groups or blocks to give an effect of being wild whilst actually being carefully managed. Selection of the plants is essential, to give year-round interest either with flowers, seed heads or frosted/snowy spent flower heads. Some recommend using plants that seed around, but this could make managing your matrix planting harder to keep under control. Chrysanthemum comeback I hope that the humble Chrysanthemum makes as much of a comeback this year as Dahlias have over recent years, because the simple single flowered types, such as 'Innocence' and 'Cottage Apricot' would be spectacular within a matrix scheme. The hardy varieties are so easy to grow in a sunny spot and give such a valuable burst of late summer and autumn colour that would lift any dull- looking border. Blended borders For some time now we have been promoting the growing of veg within ornamental borders and I think this could really take off this year. The choice of ornamental-looking varieties available in seed catalogues is phenomenal and, if managed correctly, visitors to your garden will not even realise that you have veg growing! Must-have tool My secret is out. I discovered the Hori Hori a couple of years ago and now it seems so is everyone else. It is such a well-made, adaptable tool that can be used as a trowel or weeding tool in the garden that and everyone I speak to who have used it absolutely would not now be without it. Enough said! Another garden light from the store is described as having a "cute" twist. And shoppers can also pick up a £9.99 novelty decor buy that adds character to flowerbeds. A £7 gardening gadget is also available from Home Bargains and is guaranteed to transform your lawn. Home Bargains shoppers can choose from a variety of 20 plants available for as little as £2.99.
The Sun
01-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
Asda is selling a £3 gadget that makes gardening quicker and easier – it's half the price of The Range version
Roisin Chapman, Lifestyle Reporter Published: Invalid Date, GREEN-FINGERED enthusiasts can now pick up a budget buy that makes tending to flowerbeds even easier. Asda shoppers can nab the gadget for half the price of a version from The Range. 3 If you're planning on making the most of the good weather to prep your garden for summer, this handy buy might be worth picking up. Instead of wasting time digging holes in your soil with a trowel, this item will help you plant bulbs in seconds. Asda is currently selling a Bulb Planter for just £3, both online and in-store. The gadget features a spring loaded handle to "make it easy to plant your flower bulbs". Simply hold the device over your flowerbed, pressing it against the soil. Then pull the handle and place your bulb in the perfectly uniform hole created. You don't even need to push the device down as the spring mechanism does all the work. A similar item is available from The Range, but at a higher price point. The Wilkinson Sword Stainless Steel Bulb Planter is currently listed for £5.99. Created with stainless steel, the item has a weatherproof wooden handle as well as a leather hanging strap for easy storage. Alan Titchmarsh's 'easiest' tip will fix bald patches on your lawn in two minutes flat this spring & no it's not seeding "This planter offers high quality and performance with an ergonomically designed weatherproofed wooden handle," said manufacturers. "It helps plant uniform holes for flower bulbs in your soil." According to the experts at BBC Gardener's World Magazine, saving time isn't the only benefit to these buys. "Bulb planters save you disturbing any more soil than you need to, so they're great when planting amongst other plants or in turf," they said. "Plus, they take the guesswork out of getting the depth right and help make the job much quicker." Top gardening trends of 2025 Gardening experts at Barnsdale Gardens has shared the top gardening trends of 2025. Matrix planting It seems that a top planting trend for this year is going to be Matrix Planting. In essence, planting in groups or blocks to give an effect of being wild whilst actually being carefully managed. Selection of the plants is essential, to give year-round interest either with flowers, seed heads or frosted/snowy spent flower heads. Some recommend using plants that seed around, but this could make managing your matrix planting harder to keep under control. Chrysanthemum comeback I hope that the humble Chrysanthemum makes as much of a comeback this year as Dahlias have over recent years, because the simple single flowered types, such as 'Innocence' and 'Cottage Apricot' would be spectacular within a matrix scheme. The hardy varieties are so easy to grow in a sunny spot and give such a valuable burst of late summer and autumn colour that would lift any dull- looking border. Blended borders For some time now we have been promoting the growing of veg within ornamental borders and I think this could really take off this year. The choice of ornamental-looking varieties available in seed catalogues is phenomenal and, if managed correctly, visitors to your garden will not even realise that you have veg growing! Must-have tool My secret is out. I discovered the Hori Hori a couple of years ago and now it seems so is everyone else. It is such a well-made, adaptable tool that can be used as a trowel or weeding tool in the garden that and everyone I speak to who have used it absolutely would not now be without it. Enough said! Home Bargains is selling a budget buy guaranteed to brighten up your space. Another garden light from the store is described as having a "cute" twist. And shoppers can also pick up a £9.99 novelty decor buy that adds character to flowerbeds. A £7 gardening gadget is also available from Home Bargains and is guaranteed to transform your lawn. Home Bargains shoppers can choose from a variety of 20 plants available for as little as £2.99. 3
