Latest news with #DavidDenyer
Daily Mirror
05-08-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Keep sunflowers fresh indoors with three-second trick
Sunflowers are a vibrant addition to any home - and they're a symbol of resilience and peace for Ukrainians. You can easily find freshly cut sunflower bouquets in most supermarkets at the moment Sunflowers, indigenous to the Americas, are a lively addition to any home and can bring a spark of happiness to even the gloomiest corners. They also carry a unique significance as emblems of resilience and peace for Ukrainians. Currently, you can easily locate fresh sunflower bouquets in most supermarkets. However, these radiant blossoms need particular care once cut to stop them from wilting and losing their shine. Luckily, specialists at The Secret Farm have divulged their top advice on how to maintain these bubbly flowers fresh for an extended period after they've been cut or bought as a bouquet. Typically, cut sunflowers can endure anywhere from six to 12 days. By adhering to these expert tips, you can ensure your flowers remain fresh and vibrant for the longest time possible. How to keep sunflowers fresh? The experts have disclosed a quick and straightforward three-second task that needs to be performed every couple of days which can help extend the freshness of cut sunflowers and prevent early wilting. They suggest re-cutting the stems of your sunflowers and placing them in a fresh holding solution every two days. It's also recommended to cut the stems underwater to prevent air bubbles from entering the stem's vascular system. It's crucial to keep the stems submerged while you empty your vase, clean it, and refill it with fresh holding solution. Afterwards, the flowers can be returned to the vase and topped up with fresh holding solution as and when required. Another top tip to keep your sunflowers looking gorgeous is to steer clear of placing them in direct sunlight or near draughts, as both can dehydrate the blooms and make them wilt rapidly. If you don't have holding solution to hand, don't panic - your flowers can still flourish in fresh water alone. A clever expert trick for green-fingered folk is to create your own holding solution using three simple steps. You'll need a floral preservative containing sucrose for nourishment, an acidifying agent to balance pH levels and enhance hydration, plus an antimicrobial component to ward off bacterial growth that might block the stems. Just follow the manufacturer's instructions when preparing the mixture. Worth noting: using too little won't significantly prolong vase life, whilst using excessive amounts could damage your blooms. Eflorist's flower specialist, David Denyer, has also shared his wisdom for maintaining cut sunflowers' vibrancy for longer periods. David explains: "Sunflowers are thirsty flowers, so make sure the vase is filled with fresh water. Keep the water level high enough to cover the stems, but avoid submerging the flower heads themselves. Change the water every day or every other day to prevent bacterial growth, which can shorten the life of your flowers." For those seeking the ideal location for your sunny blooms, placement is crucial for maximum longevity. Whilst it may seem appealing to place your sunflower on the windowsill to soak up direct sunlight, this can cause the flowers to overheat quickly. According to David, sunflowers flourish best in a cool corner of your home. He suggests: "To maximise the lifespan of your cut sunflowers, keep them in a cool spot, away from direct heat sources such as radiators or sunny windowsills. Extreme heat can make them wilt faster; instead, choose a cool, well-ventilated area to keep them happy for longer." Alex Biggart from 123 Flowers has also shared vital guidance for maintaining sunflowers' vibrancy in vases throughout the summer. Stressing the significance of proper care for sunflowers to prolong their beauty and lifespan, Alex reveals: "Sunflowers are one of the most iconic family favourites and many of us choose them to add colour to our homes and gardens." He continued: "And with a few simple tips, you can really make the most out of this beautiful species as a cut flower and keep them in top shape. The number one tip is to keep the water in the vase extremely fresh and change it every day as murky water makes sunflowers rot." Alex further advises, "When you take your sunflowers home, the first thing to do is cut the stems at an angle with sharp pruners to ensure they take in plenty of fresh water and avoid sitting on stagnant water. Put them in a clean vase with tepid water as cold water can take longer to absorb, and use a floral preservative regularly to give them a boost."
Daily Mirror
18-07-2025
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
'Drought-proof your garden now' as millions of Brits hit with hosepipe bans
If you're being hit with a hosepipe ban this summer, no need to worry. An expert shares several great and easy ways you can keep your garden as drought-proof as possible With the UK's new hosepipe bans already in full force, an expert has urged Brits to make their garden as drought-proof as possible with several easy steps. The first hosepipe ban came into effect in Yorkshire on July 11, which means that garden-owners are banned from using their hoses for activities like watering plants in your garden, cleaning private vehicles or boats and cleaning paths and patios. Meanwhile, there are bans coming in for Kent and Sussex in South East England and Swindon, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Wiltshire in the coming days, as reported by Sky News. A hosepipe ban by South East Water begins on July 18 and Thames Water's hose restrictions starts on July 22. READ MORE: Never plant 'silent killer' flower in garden despite its beautiful colours To make matters worse, the UK has just emerged from its third heatwave, which saw temperatures reach over 30 degrees. This was bad news for many plants which are used to cooler conditions. The sudden onslaught of hot, dry conditions can be a struggle for your poor garden, especially if your plants are acclimated to cooler conditions and can even lead to heat stress. Common symptoms of heat stress in plants include browning leaves, stunted growth and wilting. You may also notice the soil appearing cracked and dry. Equally, dehydrated plants may produce less flowers as usual. It can also weaken their immune systems, making them much more vulnerable to certain pests and diseases. Fortunately, the UK's hot weather doesn't spell the end for your garden. Even with hosepipe restrictions in place, there are plenty of ways in which you can drought-proof your garden. David Denyer is a flower and garden expert from Eflorist with over 35 years' experience. He says: 'We're seeing hotter, drier summers, and hosepipe bans may soon become the norm for gardeners across the UK. 'By using water carefully, recycling wherever possible, and choosing resilient plants, you can keep your garden looking good, even when the weather is working against you.' He continues: 'A few clever changes now will make your garden greener, healthier, and easier to manage in the years ahead.' Many plants are adapted to hotter temperatures and have drought resistant features, such as thicker leaves, waxy surfaces and extensive root systems, which allow them to source water and minerals deep underground. This means succulent plants like cacti are good choices for a hot garden. Equally herbs like lavender, fennel and coriander are also relatively drought resistant.
The Sun
05-06-2025
- General
- The Sun
Four ways you can use your kitchen scraps to help your plants grow
DON'T bin you kitchen scraps – use them to get your garden blooming. From tea leaves to egg shells, your waste items can give your plants a boost. Here's how . . . BANANA PEEL: Skin from bananas can be give plants a natural potassium boost which helps when flowers are forming, according to David Denyer, from He said: 'Bake your banana peels at a low temperature for a few hours, then either blend or grind them into a fine powder. 'Mix the powder into your soil to provide a slow, steady release of nutrients that can really make a difference to plants such as dahlias, calendula or cosmos.' EGGSHELLS: You can support repeat bloomers such as petunias and geraniums with old eggshells. Grind them into a fine powder and soak in vinegar for 24 hours, says David. Once the solution has cooled, you can pour it around the base of your flowering plants. RINSE WATER: When washing dried pulses such as lentils and chickpeas, save the water rather than pouring it down the drain. Then use it to tip on plants to give soil a gentle drink. David says: 'It contains natural starches and minerals from the legumes, which feed the helpful microbes in your soil. "These help unlock nutrients like phosphorus and potassium that plants need to stay healthy and flower well.' TEA LEAVES: Acid-loving plants such as roses, hydrangeas and azaleas will appreciate used tea leaves for a health boost. They contain small amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which lightly lower the soil pH. This makes it easier for certain plants to absorb nutrients that help deepen petal colour. David adds: 'Sprinkle the damp tea leaves directly on to the soil around your plants and gently water them in. "Just make sure there's no milk or sugar, as that can attract pests or lead to mould in your soil.' 7 Aldi is selling a cheap $2.19 item in the 'finds aisle' that will transform your garden into a colorful summer paradise All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability Deal of the day KEEP it cool when temp-eratures rise with the 29in Neo tower fan, down from £89.99 to £23.43 at Debenhams. Cheap treat GIVE your pout some shine with this lip gloss duo, £4.99, from H&M. Top swap COMFORT is all in the sole with these Birkenstock clogs, £130, from Office. Or trot to Primark and pick up a similar style for £10. Shop & save 7 KICK back with help from this mushroom footstool, down from £49.99 to £29.99 at Wilko. Hot right now BAG three for two on Co-Op's newly launched picnic range which includes pork pies, salads and more. PLAY NOW TO WIN £200 7 JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle. Every month we're giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers - whether you're saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered. Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket.
Scottish Sun
05-06-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Four ways you can use your kitchen scraps to help your plants grow
Plus scroll down to find out how you can save on a fan for the summer SUN SAVERS Four ways you can use your kitchen scraps to help your plants grow DON'T bin you kitchen scraps – use them to get your garden blooming. From tea leaves to egg shells, your waste items can give your plants a boost. Here's how . . . BANANA PEEL: Skin from bananas can be give plants a natural potassium boost which helps when flowers are forming, according to David Denyer, from He said: 'Bake your banana peels at a low temperature for a few hours, then either blend or grind them into a fine powder. 'Mix the powder into your soil to provide a slow, steady release of nutrients that can really make a difference to plants such as dahlias, calendula or cosmos.' EGGSHELLS: You can support repeat bloomers such as petunias and geraniums with old eggshells. Grind them into a fine powder and soak in vinegar for 24 hours, says David. Once the solution has cooled, you can pour it around the base of your flowering plants. RINSE WATER: When washing dried pulses such as lentils and chickpeas, save the water rather than pouring it down the drain. Then use it to tip on plants to give soil a gentle drink. David says: 'It contains natural starches and minerals from the legumes, which feed the helpful microbes in your soil. "These help unlock nutrients like phosphorus and potassium that plants need to stay healthy and flower well.' TEA LEAVES: Acid-loving plants such as roses, hydrangeas and azaleas will appreciate used tea leaves for a health boost. They contain small amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which lightly lower the soil pH. This makes it easier for certain plants to absorb nutrients that help deepen petal colour. David adds: 'Sprinkle the damp tea leaves directly on to the soil around your plants and gently water them in. "Just make sure there's no milk or sugar, as that can attract pests or lead to mould in your soil.' 7 We have four ways you can use your kitchen scraps to help your plants grow Credit: Getty Aldi is selling a cheap $2.19 item in the 'finds aisle' that will transform your garden into a colorful summer paradise All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability Deal of the day 7 This 29in Neo tower fan is now £23.43 at Debenhams Credit: Debenhams KEEP it cool when temp-eratures rise with the 29in Neo tower fan, down from £89.99 to £23.43 at Debenhams. SAVE: £66.56 Cheap treat 7 This lip gloss duo is £4.99 from H&M Credit: H&M GIVE your pout some shine with this lip gloss duo, £4.99, from H&M. What's new? AHEAD of Father's Day, Morrisons cafes have brought back the Big Daddy Breakfast. The 23-piece meal is £10 and available until June 15. Top swap 7 These Birkenstock clogs are £130 from Office Credit: Office 7 This similar style is just £10 from Primark Credit: Primark COMFORT is all in the sole with these Birkenstock clogs, £130, from Office. Or trot to Primark and pick up a similar style for £10. SAVE: £120 Little helper PACK for a trip away with this bargain-priced four-wheel suitcase, £29.99, in Lidl stores this week. Shop & save 7 This mushroom footstool is down to £29.99 at Wilko Credit: Wilko KICK back with help from this mushroom footstool, down from £49.99 to £29.99 at Wilko. SAVE: £20 Hot right now BAG three for two on Co-Op's newly launched picnic range which includes pork pies, salads and more. PLAY NOW TO WIN £200 7 Join thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle. Every month we're giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers - whether you're saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered. Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket. The more codes you enter, the more tickets you'll earn and the more chance you will have of winning!
Daily Mirror
13-05-2025
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
Households urged to stop making huge mistake with peonies in summer
You might be looking forward to seeing your pretty pink peonies bloom in time for summer, but experts caution gardeners to avoid making this mistake when growing these flowers As temperatures across the UK soar, gardeners have been warned to look out for their peonies as these delicate flowers don't love the heat. Luckily, there is one effective way to cool them down that many gardeners aren't aware of. Most of us are gearing up for a warm summer. The UK saw the hottest start to May on record this year, with millions of Brits enjoying the blast of sun. It also means more of us are spending time in our gardens, from hosting barbecues to cultivating plants. Unfortunately, there are some flowers, like peonies, that aren't enjoying the heat. Peonies are popular garden plants that typically flower between April and June. They are known for their delicate petals which range from a soft blush to a deep pink colour. They're also famous for being able to withstand the cool British climate. In fact, peonies actually prefer cold temperatures and require a chilling period while dormant to flower properly. Therefore, the increased temperature means that conditions may not be as optimal for them to grow. If peonies are in an environment that is too humid or warm, they may not blossom reliably. So, how do you create a chilling period for peonies in warmer weather? Fortunately, according to flower expert David Denyer from Eflorist, all you need is ice. David says: 'This method applies specifically to garden-grown, non-cut peonies — the kind planted in borders or beds. Peonies require winter chill to reset and set buds for the following year.' Ice can be a quick and reliable way to cool plants down. He continues: 'In areas of the UK where winter temperatures no longer reliably drop low enough, placing ice around the base of the plant during dormancy can help trigger that necessary cold response.' Ice should be applied during the plant's dormant phase, which typically between late November and February. David says: 'Place a few ice cubes directly onto the soil above the roots, avoiding the crown and stems." He adds that this should be repeated every few days for several weeks during mild winters. Although, he warns: 'Ensure your planting area has excellent drainage to avoid waterlogging from meltwater, which can cause rot.' Other tips for keeping your peonies lush and healthy include planting them in spots where they will receive morning sun and afternoon shade. This will help keep them cool. Equally, using compost or natural mulch will help the plants retain moisture during hotter periods. In event of dry spells, you should also water the base of the plant deeply. Another option is to buy heat-tolerant peonies, like Bowl of Beauty or Coral Charm. These are much better adapted to withstand fluctuating temperatures.
