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Daily Mirror
07-06-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Gardeners with vegetable patch urged to do one simple thing for abundant crop
Some key steps - and a trip to the garden centre - now, will mean enjoying homegrown produce including courgettes, pumpkins and carrots later on in the season, says top gardener The growing season is well under way, frost is just a memory now and vegetable patches are starting to show signs of growth. So now is the time to plant out young courgettes, pumpkins, and squashes. If you didn't grow these from seed, there are plenty available in garden centres. Meanwhile, thin out carrot seedlings – remove these thinned seedlings because if they are left about their scent will attract carrot fly. You can cover with horticultural mesh to keep this away. Collect seed from candelabra primulas and sow fresh. Pop a few nasturtium seeds in pots for a late summer vibrant display. Start feeding tomatoes in grow bags with high potash feed to encourage flowers and fruit formation. Fruit will also need your attention - put netting over soft fruit such as gooseberries before the birds tuck in. Here are my other jobs to do in the garden this week: Borders are filling up with colour. Oriental poppies have begun to bloom in the front garden, bringing with them a riot of colour and drama. Their flamboyant, bright orange-red petals are striking, each flower marked with a dark, almost black blotch at the base, encircling a regal-looking purple centre. Though their display is brief, typically lasting around ten days, their perennial nature makes them a reliable and rewarding addition to a mixed border, returning year after year. These poppies grow on stout, hairy stems that can sometimes flop under the weight of their impressive blooms. A little forward planning can help here — staking the stems early in the season provides much-needed support to keep the flowers upright and looking their best. There's also a wide array of stunning cultivars to explore. 'Royal Wedding', for instance, produces silky white petals with a dramatic purple blotch at the base, while the beloved 'Patty's Plum' is admired for its maroon, ruffled flowers . After flowering, oriental poppies can be cut back to tidy up the plant, though many gardeners choose to leave the ornamental seedheads in place for their sculptural beauty. While these cultivars don't grow true from seed, they can be propagated through root cuttings — a task best tackled in autumn. Simply dig up the plant, snip healthy roots into 4cm lengths, and plant them in cuttings compost. The parent plant can then be returned to the soil to re-establish itself. Among annual poppies, the corn poppy, Papaver rhoeas, is perhaps the most iconic. Also known as the field or Flanders poppy, it has become a powerful symbol of remembrance for those lost in war. Its seeds are remarkably resilient, capable of lying dormant for decades until disturbed. During the First World War, the upheaval of soil on battlefields in France and Belgium caused these poppies to bloom en masse, creating vivid displays that inspired Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae's famous poem: In Flanders fields the poppies blow, between the crosses, row on row... Plant of the week: Sambucus 'Black Lace' Elderflowers are producing their distinctive flat heads of scented flowers, and foragers will be gathering these to produce the distinctive cordial. 'Black Lace' is a cultivar with finely cut dark purple leaves and pink flowers. It comes as a large deciduous shrub or small tree, and is good as an ornamental plant for smaller gardens. Grown in full sun or partial shade in well-drained soil, the flowers and fruit are valuable to wildlife. Another notable species is Papaver somniferum, the opium poppy. Historically associated with the Opium Wars between Britain and China in the 19th century, this species is still cultivated today for medicinal purposes as the natural source of morphine and codeine. In the garden, however, it's prized more for its striking ornamental forms. These hardy annuals are best sown directly into the ground in spring or autumn, as they dislike being transplanted. Varieties such as 'Black Swan', with its finely cut, deeply coloured petals, or the heirloom 'Hungarian Blue', known for its simple, silky purple blooms, make bold, beautiful statements. For gardeners with acidic soil and cooler, damp climates, the elusive Himalayan blue poppy, Meconopsis betonicifolia, might be worth a try. Native to the mountainous regions of Nepal, Tibet, and Myanmar, this rare, short-lived perennial is often considered the 'holy grail' of blue flowers. Though notoriously tricky to grow, it thrives in the cooler, wetter conditions of northern England and Scotland. However, even a brief spell of strong sun in dry weather can quickly damage these delicate, captivating blooms. With their dazzling beauty, fascinating histories, and evocative symbolism, poppies continue to enchant gardeners, poets, and nature lovers alike.
Daily Mirror
07-06-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Gardeners warned to be prepared over popular plant used to make drugs
Sow your opium poppies - used to make medical painkillers including morphine, codeine and oxycodone, as well as illegal narcotic heroin - in autumn or spring for a bumper crop in summer Oriental poppies have begun to bloom in the front garden, bringing with them a riot of colour and drama. Their flamboyant, bright orange-red petals are striking, each flower marked with a dark, almost black blotch at the base, encircling a regal-looking purple centre. Though their display is brief, typically lasting around ten days, their perennial nature makes them a reliable and rewarding addition to a mixed border, returning year after year. These poppies grow on stout, hairy stems that can sometimes flop under the weight of their impressive blooms. A little forward planning can help here — staking the stems early in the season provides much-needed support to keep the flowers upright and looking their best. There's also a wide array of stunning cultivars to explore. 'Royal Wedding', for instance, produces silky white petals with a dramatic purple blotch at the base, while the beloved 'Patty's Plum' is admired for its maroon, ruffled flowers. After flowering, oriental poppies can be cut back to tidy up the plant, though many gardeners choose to leave the ornamental seedheads in place for their sculptural beauty. While these cultivars don't grow true from seed, they can be propagated through root cuttings — a task best tackled in autumn. Simply dig up the plant, snip healthy roots into 4cm lengths, and plant them in cuttings compost. The parent plant can then be returned to the soil to re-establish itself. Among annual poppies, the corn poppy, Papaver rhoeas, is perhaps the most iconic. Also known as the field or Flanders poppy, it has become a powerful symbol of remembrance for those lost in war. Its seeds are remarkably resilient, capable of lying dormant for decades until disturbed. During the First World War, the upheaval of soil on battlefields in France and Belgium caused these poppies to bloom en masse, creating vivid displays that inspired Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae's famous poem: In Flanders fields the poppies blow, between the crosses, row on row... Another notable species is Papaver somniferum, the opium poppy. Historically associated with the Opium Wars between Britain and China in the 19th century, this species is still cultivated today for medicinal purposes as the natural source of morphine and codeine. In the garden, however, it's prized more for its striking ornamental forms. These hardy annuals are best sown directly into the ground in spring or autumn, as they dislike being transplanted. Varieties such as 'Black Swan', with its finely cut, deeply coloured petals, or the heirloom 'Hungarian Blue', known for its simple, silky purple blooms, make bold, beautiful statements. For gardeners with acidic soil and cooler, damp climates, the elusive Himalayan blue poppy, Meconopsis betonicifolia, might be worth a try. Native to the mountainous regions of Nepal, Tibet, and Myanmar, this rare, short-lived perennial is often considered the 'holy grail' of blue flowers. Though notoriously tricky to grow, it thrives in the cooler, wetter conditions of northern England and Scotland. However, even a brief spell of strong sun in dry weather can quickly damage these delicate, captivating blooms. With their dazzling beauty, fascinating histories, and evocative symbolism, poppies continue to enchant gardeners, poets, and nature lovers alike. Jobs to do in the garden this week Plant out young courgettes, pumpkins, and squashes. If you didn't grow these from seed, there are plenty available in garden centres. Thin out carrot seedlings – remove these thinned seedlings because if they are left about their scent will attract carrot fly. You can cover with horticultural mesh to keep this away. Collect seed from candelabra primulas and sow fresh. Pop a few nasturtium seeds in pots for a late summer vibrant display. Start feeding tomatoes in grow bags with high potash feed to encourage flowers and fruit formation. Tie in climbing and rambling roses – the more you train them horizontally, the more this will encourage side shoots to develop and go on to produce more flowers. Water containers, pots, window boxes and feed them fortnightly. Train sweet peas and start cutting flowers as they appear so you'll get more. Plan for next spring – now's the time to start sowing seeds of Bellis perennis, polyanthus, pansies and wallflowers so they will be in flower (when very little else is) for brightening up the garden in late winter/early spring. Soft fruit such as gooseberries need netting over them before the birds tuck in. Plant of the week: Sambucus 'Black Lace' Elderflowers are producing their distinctive flat heads of scented flowers, and foragers will be gathering these to produce the distinctive cordial. 'Black Lace' is a cultivar with finely cut dark purple leaves and pink flowers. It comes as a large deciduous shrub or small tree, and is good as an ornamental plant for smaller gardens. Grown in full sun or partial shade in well-drained soil, the flowers and fruit are valuable to wildlife.
Cision Canada
01-06-2025
- Politics
- Cision Canada
Message from the Governor General on Canadian Forces Day Français
OTTAWA, ON, June 1, 2025 /CNW/ - As commander-in-chief, I am honoured to pay tribute to the proud members of our Canadian Armed Forces—the Royal Canadian Navy, the Canadian Army and the Royal Canadian Air Force—who defend our great country every day. On Canadian Forces Day, we honour their unwavering dedication and commitment to peace and security that underscores the strength and independent spirit of our nation. In his famous poem, "In Flanders Fields," John McCrae wrote, "Take up our quarrel with the foe." Every day, time and again, members of our Canadian Armed Forces take up the quarrel, in whatever form it takes: a natural disaster, a pandemic, a breach of peace on a foreign shore, or a crisis right here at home. They are there when we need them, strong and courageous and ready for whatever may come. During this time of uncertainty and insecurity, I am reassured by the steadfast presence of our CAF members as they continue to protect our way of life and defend our sovereignty. For this and so much more, and on behalf of all Canadians, I thank you. Mary Simon
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Message from the Governor General on Canadian Forces Day
OTTAWA, ON, June 1, 2025 /CNW/ - As commander-in-chief, I am honoured to pay tribute to the proud members of our Canadian Armed Forces—the Royal Canadian Navy, the Canadian Army and the Royal Canadian Air Force—who defend our great country every day. On Canadian Forces Day, we honour their unwavering dedication and commitment to peace and security that underscores the strength and independent spirit of our nation. In his famous poem, "In Flanders Fields," John McCrae wrote, "Take up our quarrel with the foe." Every day, time and again, members of our Canadian Armed Forces take up the quarrel, in whatever form it takes: a natural disaster, a pandemic, a breach of peace on a foreign shore, or a crisis right here at home. They are there when we need them, strong and courageous and ready for whatever may come. During this time of uncertainty and insecurity, I am reassured by the steadfast presence of our CAF members as they continue to protect our way of life and defend our sovereignty. For this and so much more, and on behalf of all Canadians, I thank you. Mary Simon Stay connected:Follow GovernorGeneralCanada on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube. SOURCE Governor General of Canada View original content:
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Facts to have a ‘meaningful' Memorial Day this year
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – Memorial Day, celebrated this year on Monday, May 26, is a somber day to honor and reflect on servicemembers who paid the ultimate sacrifice for this country. Here are some facts about the holiday, according to We Are Teachers. The first Memorial Day was held in 1868, just three years after the end of the Civil War, which took the lives of 620,000 Americans or 2 percent of the population at the time. Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day. Communities across the country would gather in the spring to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers. According to some historical accounts, one of the first commemorations took place in Charleston, South Carolina and was organized and attended by formerly enslaved people. This event took place just a few weeks after the Confederate surrender in 1865. The day became known as Memorial Day after World War II. It became an officially recognized federal holiday in 1971. For many, Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer. But it is so much more than that. It is also a day of remembrance, reflection and quiet gratitude for those who have served our country. In 2000, Congress passed what is known as the National Moment of Remembrance Act. It encourages all Americans to pause for one minute at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day to remember and honor the sacrifices of those who have died in service to the United States. The flag is flown at half-staff from sunrise to noon on Memorial Day. Memorial Day and Veterans Day are not the same. Memorial Day honors those who died while serving the nation. Veterans Day celebrates all who served. Additionally, a third holiday, Armed Forces Day, celebrates those who are currently serving. Some people wear poppies on Memorial Day. This tradition was inspired by the World War I poem 'In Flanders Fields,' written in 1915 by John McCrae. More than 1.3 million American servicemembers have died in wars since the country's founding. Yes, it is a holiday so it is tempting to say, 'Happy Memorial Day,' but keep in mind it is a day to honor and remember, not just a day off from work. It may be more appropriate to wish people a 'meaningful' Memorial Day. Editor's note: Information was provided by We Are Teachers, a community of educators who share ideas, resources and stories. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
