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Daily Record
3 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Daily Record
Gardening expert's key advice for making sure your lawn is green and lush all summer
A thick, lush lawn can sometimes seem out of reach, but there are ways to make your grass look greener than ever - and it will work not only this summer but for seasons to come Achieving a lush, green lawn can be quite the challenge, but it's not impossible, especially with some expert guidance. Figuring out what your grass requires to thrive can be complex, and sometimes hopes for a thick and beautiful lawn seem just a dream. However, gardening expert Fiona Jenkins from has shared her insights on how to get your grass looking more vibrant than ever before. She assures that with the right approach, you can enjoy a greener lawn not only this summer but in future seasons as well. Fiona advises: "A lush green lawn is something that all gardeners aspire to, particularly during the summer months when we will likely be spending more time outside. There is no quick shortcut to achieving this, but with a little time and effort your grass can become thicker and greener than ever." She shared her essential tips for cultivating that perfect lawn with Devon Live. Here's what she recommends: Feed your lawn Selecting a high-quality fertiliser is crucial for maintaining a healthy, green lawn throughout the year. Fiona cautions that you should only feed your lawn during its growth periods, which means applying fertiliser once in spring and again in autumn. She explains: "A quality spring fertiliser, if applied correctly, should encourage grass to grow thicker and greener. These specialised fertilisers are high in nitrate, which is key in stimulating the chlorophyll needed for photosynthesis. "Autumn fertilisers are designed to encourage the growth of grass roots and boost the overall health and resistance of your lawn. They may not show the same noticeable results as spring fertilisers in terms of growth and colour but are important for helping your grass to stay strong against cold and frosty conditions." Keep on top of mowing Fiona suggests regular lawn maintenance, saying: "We are currently in the midst of 'No Mow May', an initiative that encourages people to refrain from mowing their lawns during May to support pollinators such as bees and butterflies. On the whole, however, regular mowing is an important step in making your grass greener and thicker." She further explains the benefits of consistent mowing saying: "Regular mowing encourages grass to grow through a process known as the 'stimulation effect'. The principle works much the same as how we are advised to get our hair trimmed regularly to enable it to grow faster! "When you mow your lawn consistently to a good height you are removing the top portion of the grass blades, which prompts it to produce new shoots and leaves to compensate, resulting in a denser turf. It also has the additional benefit of removing any weeds which may be stealing sunlight, nutrients, and water from your grass." Don't mow too short The advice also includes a caution not to trim the grass too short. While regular mowing is crucial, it's just as vital not to cut our lawns too short. Fiona explains, "If you cut too much off your grass, you are putting excessive stress on the plants and inhibiting their ability to photosynthesise effectively by reducing the surface area of the leaves, making them weaker and more vulnerable. "Grass that has been cut too short also lacks the energy reserves necessary for developing a robust root system and will become thinner and less able to compete with weeds. For these reasons, in order to maintain lawn health and vitality, you should avoid cutting any more than one-third of the grass blade length with each mow." Sharpen mower blades Fiona points out the link between the condition of your mower blades and your lawn's health. She explains: "Dull blades can affect lawn quality by tearing the grass rather than making clean cuts. This leads to jagged, uneven edges on the leaves, which stresses them and leaves them looking brown and struggling to grow as they try desperately to repair the damage." To ensure your grass remains in top condition, Fiona advises, "If you want to keep your grass looking lush you should aim to sharpen the blades on your lawn mower at least once per growing season. Using a dedicated blade sharpening tool is highly recommended as this will offer the most effective results with the least amount of effort, as well as coming with all of the necessary safety features." Overseed sparser areas If your lawn is looking a little worse for wear with thinner patches or bald spots cropping up, you might need to consider overseeding these areas with quality grass seeds. Fiona advises: "Adding new seeds to your lawn's current grass will provide more coverage and give it a thicker, denser appearance." Lawn aeration Fiona says regular lawn care is essential, stating: "To achieve thicker, greener, and healthier grass you should be aiming to aerate your lawn every autumn. The process of aeration involves poking lots of small holes into the soil beneath your lawn. "This can be done with a manual aerator or garden fork or, if you have a larger garden, you may wish to invest in an electric aerator which can cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time. Over time your lawn's soil will become compacted due to factors such as foot traffic, heavy machinery, and natural settling, which will in turn restrict root growth and impede the penetration of water, air, and nutrients. Aerating your lawn relieves soil compaction, thus enhancing root development and allowing the grass to access nutrients more effectively." Tackle weeds and moss Additionally, it is important to combat common weeds and moss head-on. These unwelcome guests, including dandelions, daisies, and buttercups, along with moss, are commonplace on British lawns. They detract not only from the hue but also compete with your grass, hobbling its growth and sapping essential sustenance. The expert advises: " Whilst it may be a time-consuming process, pulling out weeds by hand is usually the safest method to avoid damaging your grass – just make sure that you pull them out from the root to prevent regrowth. Many autumn lawn feeds come with a built-in moss killer, and moss can then be raked away gently around 2 weeks after application." Maintain vigilance against thatch Fiona explains that thatch is a layer of dead grass clippings, roots, and organic matter that, over time, will build up between the soil surface and the actively growing grass. She said: "The more this builds up, the more it starts to act like a barrier, preventing water, air, and nutrients from getting to the soil. This restricts the grass's access to these essential resources, resulting in a thinner and weaker turf with a duller green colour. "Thankfully, dethatching is a very simple process that doesn't require any specialist tools! Simply going over your lawn with a sturdy garden rake should do the trick perfectly and promote a healthier, thicker, and greener lawn." Avoid excess shade where possible "You have probably already noticed that grass on shady lawns grows poorly in comparison to that on lawns that get access to full sun," says Fiona. "Grass needs sunlight to grow thick and healthy, so reducing garden objects that could block it out will leave your lawn thankful. "Of course, certain factors are out of our control, but the simplest steps like cutting back a large bush or tree could help your grass to receive those valuable extra couple of hours of sunlight a day!" Keep lawns watered In the UK, we're blessed with a fair amount of rain that usually reduces the need for regular watering of our lawns. However, Fiona advises that during any warmer spells, it's important to keep your lawn hydrated. She says: "If your grass is left looking yellow and sparse due to lack of water and too much hot sunlight, it is a good idea to water it once a day during this period – just be mindful of any current restrictions, such as hose pipe bans!"
Daily Record
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Record
Little-known Highway Code means drivers could be fined for letting an ambulance pass
Drivers warned to be cautious when moving out of the way to allow emergency service vehicles to overtake Motorists are being warned they could be hit with a hefty fine for moving out of the way of an emergency service vehicle. Drivers might panic when they see blue flashing lights coming up behind them but experts say they should only move if it is safe to do so and they should never run a red light. Safety should be the utmost importance in an emergency and as much as drivers may think it is legal to urgently move to let an ambulance, fire engine or police vehicle pass, they could actually be breaking the law. Drivers should remain calm and ensure they can move their car safely to avoid getting in trouble with the law. Not only does this minimise the risk of accidents, but incorrectly letting an emergency service vehicle overtake could result in a fine of up to £1,000. The Highway Code stipulates that motorists must take appropriate action to allow an emergency vehicle to pass, but this must still comply with all traffic signs. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. If you break the law while doing so, for example by entering a yellow box junction or bus lane, or by driving through a red light, penalties may be severe. Not only can you be fined, but some offences can also add three penalty points to your licence, reports Devon Live. The Highway Codes states: "You should look and listen for ambulances, fire engines, police, doctors or other emergency vehicles using flashing blue, red or green lights and sirens, or flashing headlights, or traffic officer and incident support vehicles using flashing amber lights." It advises motorists to stop ahead of a hill's brow, to never mount the kerb, ensure others aren't put in jeopardy, and to avoid abrupt braking. Further guidance found on the Blue Light Aware website reads: 'Of course, there will be times when there simply is no room for an emergency service vehicle to get past, or perhaps its crew are activated by their control room to respond to an emergency while they are waiting with everyone else at the traffic lights. 'On these occasions, they know that other motorists are not allowed to 'jump' the red light, and the emergency vehicle would ideally not activate its sirens and lights until it was safe for the vehicle in front to cross the solid white line at the junction. 'On the (hopefully) rare occasions that a blue light vehicle, in 'emergency mode', is sitting behind another vehicle at a red traffic light, it's important to appreciate that it would be both very dangerous and illegal for the other vehicle to move across the solid white line." Last year Tim Alcock from has said: "Many motorists in the UK will be shocked to find out they risk eye-watering fines for letting an emergency vehicle pass. With the best intentions, it is most people's instinct to move out of the way when they hear sirens so ambulance drivers, firefighters and police officers can get to an emergency quickly. "We are not saying for one minute not to move for emergency vehicles but please ensure it's done safely and within the law. "If drivers break traffic laws while moving out of the way, they could be handed a careless or dangerous driving charge and slapped with huge fines and penalty points. For example, moving through a red light for an emergency vehicle is a traffic light offence and could land drivers with a discretionary disqualification or hefty fine because it could lead to a crash. "This may sound ridiculous and unfair, but anyone found to be endangering themselves or other road users will be punished for breaking the law if caught out. Getting stuck with a blue light vehicle behind you is stressful, but it is important to keep a cool head and always follow the rules of the road to avoid being stung with avoidable fines."
Daily Record
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Record
Driving offences you can be fined for as rule change comes this week
The DVSA is introducing a new system on Wednesday which will change how drivers pay for fines The way drivers are able to settle up their motoring fines is set to change later this week. From Wednesday, May, 28. motorists will now be allowed to use Apple Pay and Google Pay to pay any outstanding bills. The DVSA has switched to a new payment processing company, which now allows for new ways of paying. The new system can be used to pay for things like fixed penalties for vehicle defects and other offences such as breaking the rules around drivers' hours, immobilisation fees and court deposits. But drivers are being told they won't see a huge difference when they come to pay a fine. The payment screen driver s currently use for standard card payments will look slightly different when the new system is introduced. However, the majority of drivers will not notice a difference as the way you use the payment system will look the same, according to Devon Live. It means you can choose to use Apple Pay and Google Pay. A DVSA spokesman said: "Many people will find this quicker and easier than a standard card payment, especially when using a mobile phone." In the UK, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) can issue roadside fines (also known as Fixed Penalty Notices, or FPNs) for a wide range of roadworthiness, driver hours, and licensing offences. These can apply to both UK and foreign drivers. Here are common reasons drivers or operators might receive a DVSA roadside fine: Driver's Hours and Tachograph Offences Exceeding daily or weekly driving time limits. Not taking required breaks or rest periods. Failing to use a tachograph. Using a defective or tampered tachograph. Falsifying or failing to produce tachograph records. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. Vehicle Roadworthiness Driving with defective brakes, tyres, lights, suspension, or steering. Dangerous load securing or overloaded vehicles. Failure to carry out proper daily walkaround checks. Operating an unroadworthy vehicle (may result in a prohibition as well as a fine). Licensing and Documentation Driving without a valid driver's licence or correct entitlements (e.g., no HGV licence). Operating without a valid Operator's Licence. No MOT certificate (if required). Lack of vehicle insurance or road tax. Failure to produce required documentation (e.g. vehicle registration, insurance). Weight and Load Offences Overloading axles or gross vehicle weight. Incorrect or dangerous load securing. Incorrect use of trailers. Emissions and Mechanical Defects Emissions tampering (e.g., AdBlue cheat devices or DPF removals). Using a vehicle that does not meet emissions standards. Driver Conduct and Road Safety Using a mobile phone while driving. Driving without wearing a seatbelt. Poor vehicle condition leading to immediate prohibition. Excessive vehicle noise or emissions. Fines and Penalties Fines can range from £50 to £300 per offence, depending on severity. Multiple fines can be issued at once (e.g., for both driver hours and vehicle defects). In serious cases, vehicles may be immobilised until issues are resolved or fines are paid. Foreign drivers/operators may be required to pay on-the-spot deposits.
Wales Online
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Escape to the Country turns emotional as guest breaks down in tears
Escape to the Country turns emotional as guest breaks down in tears Escape to the Country host Steve Brown was quick to comfort one emotional guest on the BBC show Escape to the Country presenter Steve Brown was on hand to offer comfort to an emotional participant in Monday's episode. The latest show saw Steve, age 43, meet with mother and daughter duo Jane and Bella. Jane, who has fond memories of growing up in South Devon until she turned 18, was looking to move back to the area. With a budget set at £425,000, her wishlist for the new home included two bedrooms minimum, an office space, a compact garden, off-street parking, proximity to an active local church, and a location within walking stride of a large village or small town. The show documented their journey as they viewed various properties, and during discussions about what this momentous change signified, notably since Jane was embarking on it alone, sentiments ran high. Escape to the Country's Steve Brown was quick to comfort one emotional guest on Monday's show (Image: BBC ) Article continues below Bella heaped accolades on her mother, cheekily remarking: "I think having the painful slog of raising me and my sister probably made her strong enough that moving down here it's a quick one! The main thing is packing, that's the worst bit! Hate packing!", reports Devon Live. Steve probed if Jane considered the move a "big leap", resulting in Jane being visibly moved to tears. Reacting with sensitivity, Steve comforted her by saying: "Sorry, I don't mean to upset you!" to which Jane reassured him by replying: "No, no, you haven't!" Jane, touched by Bella's words, said: "It's hearing what Bella's saying!" which prompted a humorous response from Bella: "Sorry, I'll say horrible things now!" Reflecting on her decision to relocate, Jane spoke about seeking a fresh start and excitement for the next phase of her life: "It's a fresh start, I'm looking for something new and a new adventure and a new chapter. I just turned 60, now's the time to do it!" Later in the show, both Jane and Bella were blown away by the mystery house (Image: BBC ) Later, both were captivated by the enigmatic mystery house, charmed by its exquisite stained glass windows and classic architectural features. Jane was moved to tears by the property, confessing: "I'll suck it in! It just looks beautiful and it's different and it's got parking!" Upon discovering the asking price was £400,000, well within her budget, Jane's excitement grew as she envisioned the extra funds for personal touches. Overwhelmed with emotion, Jane couldn't hold back: "Here come the tears, tears of happiness!" Article continues below When it came time to deliberate over the options, Jane placed the mystery house at the top of her list, intending to get to know the area better before putting forward an offer. She expressed her potential love for the town, saying if it suited her, she would "really love it", and shared her vision of a joyful life there, prompting Steve to respond warmly: "That is music to my ears!" Escape to the Country continues on weekdays at 3pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Daily Mirror
7 days ago
- Daily Mirror
UK's 'most beautiful town' has tourists mistaking it for Greece
The UK boasts some stunning coastal towns, but one spot in Devon has been hailed as the nation's most beautiful place, with some people comparing it to Greece If you're looking for a taste of the Greek Islands in the UK, look no further than Devon. The charming coastal town of Dartmouth has been hailed as one of the UK's finest, drawing comparisons to the Mediterranean's scenic beauty. As a popular holiday destination, Devon attracts a large number of tourists each year, but Dartmouth stands out for its breath-taking scenery and offerings, reports DevonLive. Travel blogger Sarah Hagan - known online as sarahkhagan - shared her experience of the town on TikTok, describing it as the "most beautiful town in the UK" in a viral video. The comments section of her TikTok post was filled with praise for Dartmouth's exceptional charm, with one user saying: "Most beautiful place in the UK I've ever been to." Another commented: "Favourite view ever!" Some were so taken aback by Dartmouth's allure that they questioned its location, with one person saying: "THAT'S DEVON?! It looks like Greece in my opinion." Dartmouth combines stunning coastal beauty with a rich history, boasting an incredibly picturesque harbour that serves as a hub for activities, including fishing and sailing yachts. Things to do Just a little outside of Dartmouth, you'll find Blackpool Sands, a secluded private corner of the coast. But this isn't your average seaside spot, offering visitors the chance to truly unwind in its Seaside Sauna. Alternate between the invigorating salt water and the tranquil retreat from the outside world's hustle and bustle. For those who love a bit of action, paddle boards or kayaks are available for hire, or you can join a guided tour around the coast. Merging historical buildings with picturesque river locations and the South Devon countryside, you're whisked away to an entirely different world. Dartmouth Castle should be one of your first stops. Overlooking the harbour entrance, Dartmouth Castle may just boast the most scenic setting of any fortress in the UK. The castle saw action during the Civil War and remained in service right up until WWII. If maritime and naval history is of strong interest, you can explore the town's Royal Naval College, where navy officers have been trained since 1863, and get a glimpse of HMS Britannia moored in the River Dart. A stroll around the town will inevitably lead you to Dartmouth Harbour, the heart of the South Devon town, where up to 3,000 moorings can be seen during the autumn months. It's also the ideal spot to stop and indulge in some fish and chips. Food and drink Nestled in the bustling harbour, the award-winning Rockfish is a gem for seafood enthusiasts, offering fresh local catches that have earned rave reviews on TripAdvisor. Savour their fresh and sustainable fish and chips while soaking up views of Bayard's Cove. For those preferring to dine indoors, Rockfish boasts a restaurant with stunning vistas over the River Dart. Celebrity Masterchef fans might recognise the establishment's founder and CEO, Mitch Tonks, who has previously appeared as a guest judge on the show. The Rockfish menu is marked by the day's availability and prices of market fish from a list of seasonal, sustainably caught seafood and shellfish. The menu will be led by what has been landed by the fleet in Brixham that morning. Then, your choice of fresh fish will be cooked to order and served with your choice of Cornish new potatoes, a green salad or unlimited chips. For those in pursuit of an even more heightened dining experience, Michelin Guide experts recommend The Angel of Dartmouth. Helmed by Executive Chef Elly Wentworth, known from BBC's Great British Menu, this modern British spot dazzles with globally inspired cuisine. The restaurant offers a variety of dining experiences, depending on your budget. There is an exceptional tasting menu as well as a Sunday lunch service depending on your appetite. If you're in the mood for a tipple, Dartmouth's most popular spot is Bar 1620, nestled at the heart of the harbour. For a laid-back time with stunning views of the town whilst sipping on a cocktail or two, make your way here. Bar 1620 boasts an impressive selection of cocktails - both the classics and some unique 1620 creations - as well as a draft master keg system that dispenses the freshest, coldest pints around.
