Latest news with #GardenersWorld
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- General
- Daily Mirror
Stop weeds from taking over garden using 2 ingredients that 'actually work'
The Mediterranean Gardener recently showed his followers just how easy it is to rustle up a homemade solution to combat pesky weeds in the garden A savvy gardener has revealed a brilliant DIY weed killer recipe that requires just two household staples you're likely to have in your kitchen. Michael, who goes by The Mediterranean Gardener on TikTok, shared with his followers a simple yet effective concoction for tackling those unwelcome garden invaders. This homemade remedy is perfect for those who prefer to steer clear of chemical-laden and commercial products in their green spaces. The original recipe hails from Gardeners World, but Michael vouched for its efficacy, saying the solution "actually works". Here's how to whip it up. You'll need two popular cleaning agents that are often used in DIY cleaning hacks: distilled vinegar and baking soda, reports the Express. How to make homemade weed killer Michael recommends a 2:1 ratio for the mixture – two parts vinegar to one part baking soda – and cautions against adding too much baking soda at once to prevent an overflow reminiscent of a science experiment volcano. The trick is to add the baking soda gradually, stirring continuously, until the solution is transparent and not milky. Michael advises: "This will create a more effective weed destroyer. Make sure it's all mixed together and add it to a spray bottle." Once you've transferred the mixture into a spray bottle, douse the weeds liberally with your homemade potion. According to the gardening guru, this solution shows the best results when used on young weeds. Vinegar is a powerful liquid that can effectively eliminate weeds, making their removal a breeze. Better Homes & Gardens noted that a vinegar-based mixture works most effectively on smaller, annual weeds. Vinegar can serve as an efficient household remedy thanks to its acidic properties. It contains acetic acid, which functions as a natural herbicide. The acetic acid destroys the plant's cell walls, causing the weeds to wither and ultimately perish. Vinegar will harm any plant it comes into contact with, though it leaves no lasting impact on the soil, meaning fresh weeds can still emerge. Several avid gardeners highlighted that combining these two components might cancel out each other's effectiveness. Michael commented: "If you're going to say mixing the two neutralises itself (I know lol) read below- This is a Gardeners world recipe who are saying councils are trailing this as a weed killer - the only reason I can think of is this. The outcome of a 1:1 mix would create a neutralised solution. Becoming sodium acetate, Co2 and water. I imagine a 2:1 mix means you're left with a distilled vinegar, sodium acetate and water mix. "Sodium acetate has a much lower impact on soil than sodium chloride. It has a minimal impact on soil structure and degrades in the soil quickly. So what you have is a salty, acidic mixture that doesn't have long term effects on the soil as if you were using vinegar and sodium chloride (edible salt)."
Daily Mirror
18-07-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Gardening expert's 5 'standout' summer flowers to plant now for 'reliable' blooms
Garden expert Emma Fell shared her favourite picks for summer blooms - and they're perfect for adding some colour to your outdoor space Summer is the ideal season for gardens to burst into a kaleidoscope of hues. With just a handful of plants, even the tiniest of outdoor spaces can be transformed into a "refreshed" and "full of life" sanctuary. Emma Fell, head of horticulture at Hillier Garden Centres, has shared her top selections for "reliable, long-lasting" summer flowers, reports the Express. Gardeners World explained that July is a great month to sow seeds, due to the high soil and air temperatures. The Royal Horticultural Society also recommended cutting back the likes of geraniums after the first flush of flowers to encourage a second flowering period. 1. Dahlia Emma Fell praised dahlias for their stunning, architectural flowers that come in a vast array of colours and shapes. She noted: "Dahlias are celebrated for their impressive, sculptural blooms that come in an extensive palette of colours and forms. From delicate pastels to fiery reds and oranges, their versatility makes them an excellent choice for creating impact." She advises that they flourish in full sunlight with fertile, well-drained soil, adding: "They thrive best in full sun with well-drained, fertile soil. Regular watering and deadheading will encourage continuous flowering, often lasting from midsummer right through to the first frost." Fell also highlighted their suitability for garden borders or sizeable pots, saying: "Their striking presence makes them ideal for borders or large containers." 2. Gerbera According to the expert, garvinea brings the same daisy-like blooms as traditional gerbera, but with the added benefit of hardiness. These vibrant flowers are perfect for borders, pots, or as cut flowers, thriving in sunny spots with good drainage. 3. Impatiens Emma Fell described how impatiens bring a splash of colour to shadier areas: "Impatiens, often known as Busy Lizzies, are a top choice for shaded areas where many flowering plants struggle. Their abundant blooms in shades of pink, red, white and purple provide much-needed vibrancy to the darker corners of your garden." She specified their preference for semi-shade and moist conditions, saying: "These plants prefer partial shade and moist, well-drained soil (in full shade, they will reduce in flowering)." Fell recommended them for shaded patios and balconies due to their low maintenance and shade tolerance. She continued: "Because of their shade tolerance and ease of care, they're perfect for brightening patios, balconies and shaded garden beds." 4. Geraniums Bedding geraniums are a staple for summer colour thanks to their robust nature and 'prolific blooming.' They offer bright, cheerful flowers in various shades, such as reds, pinks, whites, and purples. Noted for their adaptability, geraniums are excellent for edging, container gardening, and hanging displays. 5. Rudbeckia Emma said: "Rudbeckias bring warm, golden yellow blooms with dark centres that add a striking contrast to any planting scheme. They are long-flowering, typically from midsummer into autumn, and are excellent for attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. "Rudbeckias prefer full sun and well-drained soil, making them low-maintenance yet highly effective plants for summer colour."
BBC News
24-06-2025
- Science
- BBC News
Volunteers rehome 1,500 BBC Gardeners' World plants in Leicester
Staff and students at the University of Leicester have installed 1,500 plants recently displayed by BBC Gardeners' World presenter Nick plants, worth in the region of £15,000 to £20,000, were used by Bailey during BBC Gardeners' World Live, which ran from 12 to 15 June at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in 20 volunteers spent three days in the heat - finishing on Friday - moving soil and replanting at the university's 16-acre botanic garden, of which Bailey is the said the work was "challenging" but that the additions to the garden were "superb". Bailey, who was appointed director of the botanic garden in May 2024, said he saw the opportunity to use his resources and combine his roles to improve the area for visitors."The BBC asked me to create the headline show garden for Gardeners' World Live," he said."Usually at the end of a show garden process there is a lot to dispose of."Bailey and the team of volunteers helped remove the weeds and soil from the area, before planting around the water garden area of the site in soaring temperatures."It's been challenging and it's the hottest week that we've had all year," he said."The good thing about show gardens is that all the plants are planted in their pots, after the show they can be transported straight here."What's great about the garden now is that there are so many different species, which are superb for different pollinators so it celebrates the biodiversity of the garden as well." One of the volunteers was Dr Katherine Clark, a senior lecturer of biological sciences at the university."I'm a keen gardener and constantly looking to learn more about plants and to have somebody like Nick Bailey here to direct us is brilliant and what this garden needs," the 53-year-old said. "It's suddenly turned from bare soil into this beautiful garden again." Fellow volunteer and computer science student, Vatsal Chaudhari, said it was "pretty satisfying" watching the garden change."It's been hard but we've had fresh hands helping every day, we were getting through 500 plants a day at around 50 plants per person," the 23-year-old said."The other volunteers have done an amazing job, I'd love to see more students get involved in keeping the garden looking like this, hopefully this will encourage more to join in next time we're planting."
BBC News
22-06-2025
- General
- BBC News
Five inner-city gardens in Toxteth show off their colours
Gardens nestled behind Georgian homes and back alleys in an inner city area of Liverpool have been opened up to show off their character and colour to the five urban gardens in Toxteth, some of which have been created by local residents, have been made accessible for tours as part of the national Open Gardens annual of the spaces is an alleyway between two derelict homes that was transformed into a winter garden and recently featured on Gardeners' World on include a private garden behind a Georgian terraced home, and a classically designed Spanish garden at St Philip Neri said the gardens were a "fascinating group, all within the historic heart of Liverpool". Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
Daily Mirror
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Gardeners' World fans upset over huge shift as they complain minutes into show
BBC's Gardeners' World is facing a wave of backlash as fans have accused the programme of becoming "a lifestyle program". The BBC's treasured show Gardeners' World has left its viewers reeling with some claiming the programme is leaning more towards becoming "a lifestyle program." The episode, which aired on June 20 to coincide with the summer solstice, took viewers to Damson Farm's enchanting setting in the stunning Somerset countryside where Frances Tophill was gardening. Yet, seasoned watchers promptly alleged that the series had veered dramatically from its original intentions. One irate viewer vented on X, once known as Twitter, saying "Percy Thrower would be turning in his grave. He was a great gardener," recalling the esteemed presenter who led the show during the 1970s. On screen, Frances delved into edible gardens and wildlife-conscious planting and Carol Klein dispensed advice for creating vibrant summer pots. Meanwhile, Adam Frost visited a gardener customising her garden to withstand recurring flooding. Despite the captivating scenes and moving narratives, a portion of the audience remained discontented. But the gripes don't stop at the perceived shortage of actual gardening advice – even the birdsong at Monty Don's Longmeadow abode has been caught in crossfire, with dubious viewers levying charges against the BBC for allegedly adding artificial chirps, reports the Express. Monty himself, however, has assured fans that the mix of bird calls is completely authentic, though sometimes it's more overwhelming than intended. Monty Don has responded to a common gripe from Gardeners' World viewers on the podcast, saying: "We've had a number of letters along the lines of, 'I watch Gardeners' World and I really enjoy it, but it's spoiled for me by the fact that you impose this bird song which is so unrealistic and so over the top... why don't you just record the natural sounds?' And the answer is, 'I hate to disappoint you, but that is the natural sound'." One disgruntled fan tweeted their dissatisfaction with the show's direction, commenting: "Not much horticultural guidance on #GardenersWorld these days." Another viewer expressed their longing for the programme's past focus, tweeting: "#GardenersWorld is becoming a lifestyle program for people with chronic anxiety. I remember when it taught you how to garden. Now anything goes." Monty also revealed that the birdsong at Longmeadow is sometimes so overwhelming it disrupts production: "It is really loud. And occasionally when we're filming, we delay filming because the bird song is so loud, that even to us it feels a bit odd and unnatural." Since Monty and his wife Sarah took charge of Longmeadow in 1991, they have turned a two-acre patch of neglect into a verdant sanctuary featured on the series. The couple's garden stands out as a wildlife refuge amidst neighbouring farmland ravaged by excessive use of chemicals. "So Longmeadow is like, literally an oasis surrounded by not-so-good," Monty said. "We have great density of blackbirds and song thrushes and blackcaps and all kinds of songbirds."
