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Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- General
- Daily Mirror
'Simple and cheap' food hack helps peace lilies live 'for decades'
David Denyer, who is based at Eflorist and has won Chelsea Gold Medals and Best in Show titles, explained that peace lilies require a certain nutrient to aid growth A flower expert has shared some insider knowledge on making peace lilies look their best. Horticultural expert David Denyer, who's graced television screens on Gardeners' World, divulged a handy tip about these popular houseplants. "Many people may be unaware, but peace lilies require potassium to aid with their growth," said David, who is a florist at Eflorist with an impressive track record of Gold Medals and Best in Show accolades at the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show. He added: "So using a banana peel is a unique way to help with this." However, he was quick to clarify that there's a "genuine method" to employing a banana peel for boosting peace lily growth, which doesn't involve simply burying it in the soil. David said: "To make some potassium-rich fertiliser, put some banana peel in a jar of water, and leave it to sit for at least a day or two - the longer the better! "Don't hold back on the amount of banana peel you use, as the more you add, the more potassium-rich the water will become." After the steeping period, Denyer advised to "drain the water into a fresh jug and dispose of the banana peel". He then instructed: "Then, dilute the banana peel water with some fresh water and use this liquid to water your peace lily." David assured garden lovers that utilising banana water biweekly "it will help to keep the nutrients in the soil rich and promote growth". He stressed the necessity of adhering to his specific instructions to avoid potential problems, reports the Express. "Just throwing some banana peel in the soil could attract pests and insects, who may end up eating the plant, and cause it to die faster," Denyer warned. He emphasised that when adopting this method, it's crucial to maintain regular care for the plant, including weekly watering. Further care involves positioning the houseplant where it receives indirect sunlight and removing any wilted leaves or spathes. The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) explained: "Deadheading is the term used for the removal of fading or dead flowers from plants." Denyer recommended routine upkeep of the peace lily and suggested that incorporating the biweekly banana water trick will "keep it healthy". With a smile, David pointed out that bananas can be purchased for as little as 16p, branding the technique a "simple and cheap hack" to experiment with. He concluded: "Peace lilies typically live for three to five years, but with the right care, they can thrive for decades."
Daily Mirror
27-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
UK households urged to keep 5 flowers in their homes to improve air quality
If the air in your home feels stuffy and clogged with unpleasant smells then try displaying these five air-purifying plants that will also add their own delectable fragrances If you live near a busy road and your home becomes stuffy quite easily - you'll know all too well how exhaust fumes smell as they linger in your home. But experts swear by five house plants that aim to help indoor air in a variety of ways. Of course, they're not going to stop unwanted smells and pollution from wafting into your home, but these suggested plants are known to absorb harmful toxins. This includes common pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene and ammonia, which are frequently found in household cleaning products. Ammonia in particular can cause intense irritation to eyes and nose, even at low concentrations. Another brilliant benefit, probably more so in winter than summer, is that many help increase humidity. This is because flowers release moisture into the air, which can help combat dryness – and which can also benefit your skin. Meanwhile, others will actually decrease it, which is great for home struggling with dampness. In addition, they also flood the air with oxygen as they photosynthesise. Considering that they take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen, this vastly helps with improving the freshness of your home. So, which flowers should you plant if you want a cleaner, fresher indoor space? The gardening experts at Eflorist have compiled a list of five key flowers. Peace Lilies These gorgeous white flowers are hugely popular in the UK. Living up to their name, their soft fragrance and gentle appearance bring a sense of calm and harmony to any room. Fortunately, they're also brilliant air purifiers. They are capable of absorbing impurities in the air through their leaves. They also work to reduce the moisture in the air, which can be beneficial if your home suffers from too much humidity or even mould. Chrysanthemums Beloved for their jubilant appearance, these colourful flowers instantly brighten up any room. Fortunately, their ability to soak up ammonia and benzene means they can freshen it too. Although, Eflorist caution, "They require a good amount of sunlight, so it's important to position them near a window where they can get an ample amount throughout the day." Lavender Lavender is already known for its soft, calming scent. However, it can also make a great air purifier, as it helps filter out various air pollutants. As an added bonus, it also repels insects like moths and mosquitos. Jasmine This is another flower that is already famous for its sweet dessert-like fragrance. Eflorist advise that it can also be used to soak up chemicals like formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene and xylene. Orchids Orchids release oxygen at night, which makes them a particularly great option for those looking for a good night's sleep. They're also known to absorb substances like formaldehyde, xylene and toluene through their leaves.
Daily Mirror
17-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mirror
Peonies thrive for longer if households make immediate pruning change
If you want your pretty pink peonies to last longer and grow even fuller then make sure to follow this one simple expert hack - even better, it requires just one step Blooming peonies are usually one of the first signs of summer – the only pity is that the cut flowers usually only last less than a week. Fortunately, an expert has advised cutting them in a specific way to help them live longer. Peonies typically bloom in May or June and can range in colour, from blush pink to deep purple. They have been associated in multiple cultures with prosperity and beauty. In fact, their name comes from the Greek legend. One myth tells of the nymph 'Paeonia', who was transformed into a red peony by Aphrodite due to jealousy. These delicate flowers have always been ubiquitous in the UK as they prefer cooler temperatures, which means they're well-adapted to the unpredictable British weather. In fact, they actually require a freezing period to grow to their full potential. This usually happens over the winter, when temperatures drop below a certain level. The downside of this is that they don't fare particularly well in the heat. Especially with the weather becoming warmer, peonies often need extra TLC to grow to their full potential. If you have cut peonies in your home, a great way to counteract the heat is to make sure they're as hydrated as possible. Expert florist David Denyer from Eflorist recommends cutting them at a 45 degree angle. David says: 'Always cut peony stems at a 45-degree angle under running water. This practice is crucial because it helps prevent air bubbles from blocking water uptake, which can severely affect their longevity.' The stem's angle directly impacts its ability to intake water. He explains: 'A clean, angled cut creates more space for effective hydration and keeps the stems from lying flat at the bottom of the vase, so they can take in water efficiently.' Although, be careful not to leave them in too much water. David says to make sure to keep leaves above the water line, otherwise they can start to rot and turn the water cloudy. Other ways to keep your cut peonies cool is to store them in shaded spots, away from windows and radiators. This allows for a slower, longer lasting bloom. If you're growing peonies outside, then you might need to take some extra steps to keep them cool. David says you can use ice cubes to help bring their temperature down. This is best done between late November and February if you're experiencing a milder winter. This allows your peonies to go through a chilling period, which produces healthier, fuller blooms.
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.
Scottish Sun
09-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Scottish Sun
Florist reveals free secrets to ensure peonies ‘thrive' this spring – and changing the water daily is the start if you want beautiful flowers
PEONY season is finally here (hurrah!) - and so if you want to ensure your flowers bloom, you've come to the right place. Peonies are a favourite amongst many flower enthusiasts, known for their gorgeous blooms and fragrant aroma. Advertisement 3 A florist has revealed some super simple and free secrets to ensure your peonies 'thrive' this spring Credit: Getty 3 There's a daily task you must do if you want beautiful flowers, and a cutting technique you'll need to try Credit: Getty 3 Using cold water is a must as peonies "love the cool side of life" Credit: Getty However, their beauty can often be short-lived if they are not properly cared for. So if you want to get your money's worth, then you'll need to listen up and take notes. And don't worry, you won't need to break the bank on expensive flower food - in fact, here are some handy and totally free hacks that will ensure your peonies 'thrive' this spring. According to florist David Denyer, from Eflorist, there's one simple task you can do every day to extend their display for as long as possible. Advertisement Change the water It won't take you a minute and according to David, the secret lies in simply changing the water daily, as he explained: "Fresh water is crucial for keeping them happy and healthy.' Changing the water of your peonies on a daily basis helps to prevent the water from becoming stagnant, which can lead to wilting and premature drooping. Get cutting As well as this, David recommended trimming the stems at a 45-degree angle under running water each time you change the water. He shared: "This practice is crucial because it helps prevent air bubbles from blocking water uptake.' Advertisement With a clean, angled cut, the peony stems will be able to absorb water more efficiently, which will keep your peonies hydrated and looking fresh for longer. Without this step, your blooms may struggle to stay upright and vibrant. How to identify plants: Google's new way to search Cold water only As well as this, David shared the importance of using cold water when refreshing your vase, as he added: "Peonies just love the cool side of life.' The temperature of the water helps to slow the bloom process, meaning your flowers will last longer. Advertisement The 5 best flowers to help bees to thrive Nature experts at Faith In Nature have shared the 5 best flowers Brits can plant in their gardens to help bees thrive. Rebecca Miller, Fabulous' Associate Editor and keen gardener explains why "bees are brilliant". "They are vital. They pollinate our food and play a crucial role in our ecosystem. But climate change, the increasing use of pesticides and loss of habitat means bees are endangered. No matter how big your garden or outside space is, you can plant a flower or two to help bees." Lavender Lavender can thrive in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. It's fragrant and flowers all-summer-long meaning it's a big hit with bees - especially bumble bees. Sunflowers This cheery flower giant are bee-magnets. And if you look closely at a sunflower head, the big 'flowers' are actually a cluster of small flowers, called an inflorescence which attract pollinators. Ideally, grow sunflowers in groups to provide nectar and pollen for as many bees as possible. At the end of summer, collect the dried seeds from the sunflower heads to feed the birds or plant next year. Heather These abundant, bell-shaped blooms are brimming with nectar and pollen – which is good news for bees. Cornflowers A vivid blue wildflower, cornflowers are often planted alongside other meadow blooms, like ox-eye daisies and poppies. They grow on tall stems and are packed with nectar, making them particularly attractive to bees. Cornflowers bloom for a long time and are simple to grow, so they're perfect for first-time gardeners and experienced alike. Crocuses (and snowdrops) Later this summer, when you're starting to plan for your Spring displays, consider crocuses and snowdrops. They provide bees, such as the queen buff-tailed bumblebee and male hairy-footed flower bees, with vital early pollen as they emerge from their winter hibernation. It's also vital to keep the leaves above the waterline to avoid rotting, which can not only cloud the water but also cause harm to the plant. This daily attention to their care not only ensures a longer lifespan but helps maintain the vibrant look of your peonies for days on end. Put them in the right place But that's not all, as lastly, David advised displaying your peonies in a cool, shaded area in your home. Peonies just love the cool side of life David Denyer He revealed that 'peonies thrive best in cooler conditions," and claimed that direct sunlight and heat from appliances can speed up the blooming process and cause your flowers to wilt prematurely. Advertisement Therefore, for the best results, stop putting them next to your microwave or by a windowsill that gets a lot of sunlight and instead place your peonies in a room with indirect light and steady airflow. By following these small but essential tasks, you'll be able to enjoy the beauty of your pretty peonies for much longer - and it won't cost you a penny extra. Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club
