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Daily Record
30-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- Daily Record
10 flowers to plant that barely need watering and are perfect for lazy gardeners
If you want your garden to be awash with colour this summer but lack the time, or indeed the inclination to tend to it, the good news is there are plants that can easily withstand a bit of neglect. Some varieties are even able to thrive with very little watering meaning lazy gardeners can have the best of both worlds. So even if you have committed to an extended holiday this summer or simply know you'll forget to get the watering can out there are options for you to ensure you plants still bloom. The trick is to choose species that are drought-tolerant and are used to warmer, dry weather. And while we don't usually have an issue with a lack of rain, a heatwave or prolonged dry spell won't faze these unthirsty plants which don't require constant or frequent watering. The experts at Southern Living have helpfully compiled a list of 10 flowers that won't wilt if they're not drenched daily so you can plant them and pretty much forget about them. And while one is perfect for cat lovers, others promise to attract butterflies to your garden this summer and all will add a pop of colour to your borders and beds, reports the Mirror. 1. Globe amaranth Southern Living describes the globe amaranth as 'a lazy gardener's dream'. They are easy to grow from seed and don't require deadheading. They're beautiful to look at, too. Their compact blooms come in electric purples and deep pinks – adding eye-catching pops of colour to your garden. 2. Summer snapdragon The clue is in the name – these elegant flowers enjoy basking in the sun. They are native to the tropics and are distinctive for their tall flowerheads that come in blue, pink and purple. To take care of them properly, they only need occasional deadheading. They are also butterfly magnets, so gardeners can enjoy an influx of the fluttery winged insects this summer. 3. Blanket flowers Native to North America, these gorgeous blood-orange flowers are frequently found growing by beaches. This means they're accustomed to drier climates and high temperatures. If you want to see them flourish, clip their old flowerheads to allow new growth. As an added bonus, these sweet flowers are known to attract butterflies to your garden. 4. Dianthus These five-pronged blooms are mainly native to Europe and Asia. With their deep pink hues, they make a gorgeous addition to your garden. Plus, they don't require much watering. They don't enjoy extreme midsummer temperatures, however this is unlikely to be a problem in a British garden. 5. Ornamental purslane These delicate, trailing flowers come in an irresistible shade of sunset red and make fantastic flowers for a hanging basket. They require minimal maintenance and prefer less water. 6. Lantana These tiny yellow flowers can add much-needed joy to any garden. Better still, they are incredibly low maintenance and can be pretty much left to their own devices. They don't need deadheading or much watering. Just make sure they are receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight a day and are placed in well-draining soil. 7. Butterfly bush Named so for its ability to attract butterflies and other pollinators, the butterfly bush is a must for any garden. Its graceful purple flowers add an unmistakable regal look. Plus, it's also ideal for anywhere that may go through a period of drought. The bush can survive for several weeks without any water. 8. Lavender These purple plants are already well-loved for their distinctive fragrance. But it turns out they're also great for an absent gardener. Native to the sunny Mediterranean, lavenders are accustomed to periods of little rain and high heat. Simply place them in a sunny spot and allow them to freshen up your garden. 9. Purple coneflower These tall, pink flowers will brighten up any home. Plus, their bright blooms are fantastic magnets for pollinators, bringing life to your lawn. It's advisable to deadhead their old blooms to allow for new flower growth. However, if you don't, Southern Living advises that their old seeds make great food for finches. 10. Catmint As the name suggests, this is a must for anyone who loves cats. These tall drought-resistant plants somewhat resemble lavender, however they come with their own lemony-mint scent – which is known to draw felines to your yard.
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Pictures of Donald and Melania Trump at Easter services in Palm Beach through the years
While it appears that President Donald Trump will not return to Palm Beach for his annual Easter weekend stay at Mar-a-Lago, the president did visit the area for Easter for three of four years of his first presidency, skipping only in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Here's a look at his Easter visits from 2017 through 2020. The president attended Easter service Sunday morning at The Episcopal Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea in Palm Beach about three miles north of Mar-a-Lago. A line of worshippers in Easter florals and wide-brimmed hats snaked outside the front door before the 11 a.m. service, waiting for searches of purses and hoping for seats. Metal detectors were on-site, as were Secret Service agents in bulletproof vests. A double line of motorcycle cops was parked on a side street of the church just prior to the presidential motorcade's arrival at the church at 141 S. County Road. Across the street, longtime Trump supporter Lina Lindroos, of Hypoluxo, stood on the hood of the Trump mobile, a high-profile homage on wheels to the president, an object of international attention cobbled together from three different cars. Standing nearby was her husband, Karl, a part of the Lantana Finnish community, which supported Trump. Just around the corner from both, a Palm Beach resident in a pink hat and dress, held up a hand-lettered sign with the message, "Palm Beach is powered by immigrants." "I wouldn't want to detract from the president's Easter," she said. "I pray for him as a person and as a president." But, she said, "I think it's important to remember our immigrants here in Palm Beach, who prepare our meals, care for our young and our elderly." As she stood on the corner with her sign, a woman walked past, turned on her heels and came back, wagging her finger. "Let me tell you something. I am Mexican, I am legal, I pay taxes and we need a wall!" she said angrily before walking away. A block away, the president, first lady Melania Trump and their son, Barron; Trump's daughter, Tiffany; and the first lady's parents entered the church through a series of tents erected to give the family privacy. The Rev. James Harlan, the church's rector, gave a welcome message before the service with instructions on receiving communion — and turning off cellphones and cameras. Most of the congregation appeared not to be distracted by the president sitting in the pews, though some said Trump's presence was significant. "I think it does give a special meaning to the service to have the president here," said Jim Beasley, a member at Bethesda. "I think it's an old custom for presidents to go to church on Sunday, certainly on Easter and Christmas especially. It's just a matter of where he chooses to go. I think it's very impressive that he's here, not just at Bethesda but here in Palm Beach." London resident Arthur McCalmont, who sat two rows away from the president, was relieved politics had been left outside the church doors. The service was "very nonpolitical, very noncontroversial," he said. Trump left after taking communion. The president was active on his Twitter account before church — wishing "Happy Easter to everyone!" and also tweeting about relations with China, his desire to strengthen the U.S. military and his apparent annoyance with Saturday's anti-Trump rallies near Mar-a-Lago and nationwide. "I did what was an almost an impossible thing to do for a Republican — easily won the Electoral College! Now Tax Returns are brought up again?" Trump tweeted. Later, he added: "Someone should look into who paid for the small organized rallies yesterday. The election is over!" The first family brunched at Mar-a-Lago with Trump's sons Eric and Donald Jr., then held an afternoon Easter egg hunt. President Donald Trump had begun the Easter weekend with a visit to his golf club on Friday while first lady Melania Trump visited a group home for abused girls near Lake Worth. The president spent four hours at nearby Trump International Golf Club in unincorporated West Palm Beach, arriving about 10 a.m. and leaving about 2 p.m. Melania Trump made an unannounced visit to seven girls at a group home for victims of abuse and domestic violence operated by HomeSafe just outside Lake Worth. "This is a day that the girls will never forget," said Matthew Ladika, the HomeSafe chief executive officer. The first lady arrived at about 10:15 a.m. and spent about 45 minutes talking with a group of girls between the ages of 12 and 17, Ladika said. The girls were all removed from their families by court orders and placed in HomeSafe's residential program, the agency said. "It was extra special and touching. … She asked them what their interests are," Ladika said. Melania Trump brought the girls gifts and brought Easter baskets and stuffed bunnies for other children at other HomeSafe residences. HomeSafe has a capacity for 40 boys and eight girls at its residences. Ladika said the Secret Service visited the Lake Worth residence on Thursday to check it out before Melania Trump's visit. "I had a wonderful time visiting @HomeSafeFla today! The young ladies I spoke with hold so much promise for the future," said a tweet on the first lady's official Twitter account later in the day. Trump's three-day Easter weekend in Palm Beach included church, vandalism and a few swipes at Mexico. Easter morning brought news of vandalism at Trump International Golf Club in suburban West Palm Beach. Red paint was splattered across a large sign near the entrance of the club during the night. As workers cleaned the sign, the president blasted out several tweets before heading to Bethesda-by-the-Sea Episcopal church, where the Trumps were married and their son, Barron, baptized. Some churchgoers waited hours to snag a seat at the 11 a.m. service. Church ambassador Sandra Chase said her phone rang nearly nonstop from Good Friday through Easter Sunday with people calling to see if she could get them a seat at Sunday's 11 a.m. service. The president, first lady Melania Trump and the president's youngest daughter, Tiffany, entered a side door and sat in the third row of pews surrounded by Secret Service. Melania wore a sleeveless, calf-length red print dress and her signature heels. Tiffany wore a light rose-colored shift. The president appeared in his usual dark suit, white shirt and red tie. No other Trump family members attended the service. The Trumps sat quietly in the third row surrounded by Secret Service. About a dozen people approached the first family's pew during the passing of the peace in which churchgoers shake one another's hands. Secret Service, a Palm Beach police officer and church leaders shooed away other eager churchgoers. The congregation applauded as the Trumps left the church before the final hymn. The president posted a simple "HAPPY EASTER" tweet at 8:27 a.m. Two hours later, he strung together three tweets blasting Mexico for failing to stop "big flows of people all trying to take advantage of DACA ... they laugh at our dumb immigration laws." On the diplomacy front, the president made a call to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey. According to a White House statement, the two discussed "continued efforts to increase cooperation between their two countries, advance shared interests as NATO allies, and to work through issues that affect the bilateral relationship." The president also managed to squeeze in nearly 12 hours at his golf club on Friday and Saturday, spending time with Fox News host Sean Hannity, PGA Tour member Dustin Johnson, son Eric and granddaughter Kai. Trump took a break from politics — briefly — to attend church services on Sunday morning on the final day of his four-day Easter visit to Palm Beach. After spending the morning firing off a series of tweets, including several that were critical of the then-recently completed probe conducted by special counsel Robert Mueller, the president and first lady arrived at Bethesda-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church for an 11 a.m. Easter service. Accompanied by the president's younger daughter, Tiffany, and her then-boyfriend, Michael Boulos, they were ushered from a side door to their seats near the front and just stage left as viewed from the alter. Their appearance prompted a bit of rubbernecking, and some intermittent cellphone snaps, before church attendants delivered taps on shoulders and polite requests to tuck away the electronics. The service, which stretched nearly an hour and half, included hymns, a brief homily delivered by Rev. James Harlan and communion. The Trumps exited a side door just minutes ahead of the rest of the attendees. "The energy, the enthusiasm, can't you feel it?" asked Frank Booker, visiting from St. Simons Island, Georgia, for the fourth Easter in a row. "The service is outstanding, the brass and music, it absolutely fills you with the spirit of Easter." The Mueller report, however, was foremost on Trump's mind hours before church services began. The president tweeted seven times in three hours Sunday morning, with three of those tweets addressing a redacted version of the Mueller report that was released to Congress and the public the previous Thursday morning. During his four-day stay in Palm Beach, Trump tweeted more than 30 times about Mueller. He started the day with Easter wishes, and followed that with a tweet addressing a terrorist attack in Sri Lanka. Three more tweets following that addressed the Mueller report, with Trump calling it "a total hit job," and a "corrupt political Witch Hunt." A final tweet noted the number of jobless claims in the United States, which Trump called the "lowest (BEST) level in over 50 years!" The president had Easter lunch at Mar-a-Lago before departing around 4:20 p.m. John F. Kennedy, whose family owned a compound on North County Road in Palm Beach, visited Palm Beach for Easter as president in 1961, 1962 and 1963. Kennedy attended services at St. Edward's Catholic Church and at a private chapel at the Kennedy home. Kennedy spent at least a portion of 96 days in Palm Beach during his presidency, according to records from the John F. Kennedy Library. More: Palm Beach churches prepare for Holy Week services, activities Trump traditionally has spent Easter — which is near the end of Palm Beach's social season — at his Mar-a-Lago estate. In past years, Trump and his family members have attended Easter Sunday service at a local church before returning to Mar-a-Lago for brunch. The Mar-a-Lago Club closes after Mother's Day for Palm Beach's off-season, and reopens on Halloween. While the club will be closed, Trump will still be able to stay there and host guests. He and the first lady declared Mar-a-Lago their permanent residence in 2019. Kristina Webb is a reporter for Palm Beach Daily News, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach her at kwebb@ Subscribe today to support our journalism. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Photos of Donald and Melania Trump over the years at Easter services
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Aussie woman's 'incredible' 500-year-old discovery after hidden behind invasive weed
An Aussie woman has made a remarkable centuries-old discovery after clearing away an invasive plant that had swamped her property. Close to 80 per cent of the retiree's NSW Northern Rivers farm was covered in dense lantana that shot up to 4.5 metres into the sky. As Barbara Linley began slashing away the thickets, the native bushland beneath was revealed, and she was able to explore new gullies that were previously impenetrable. Most surprising of all was a towering eucalyptus with an 11-metre circumference that experts believe has been growing there for 500 years. 'It's an incredible tree,' she told Yahoo News. 'We've now found three others. It's just a joy because they're so old, and there's not many in the Northern Rivers, so we need to protect them.' Lantana is one of Australia's worst invasive weeds, covering around five million hectares of coastal and hinterland. Because the plant is so thick, it deprives small native plants of light, killing everything beneath it. Large trees are also severely impacted by its growth because it acts as a fuel ladder during bushfires, allowing flames to run up high into the canopy. Related: 😳 Rat poo discovery prompts rethink about destructive invasive species Barbara has been able to pay for help to clear the weed thanks to funds from World Wide Fund for Nature-Australia (WWF-Australia), the NSW Department of Environment, the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust and Envite Environment. The scheme provides landholders with up to $45,000 for activities like clearing weeds to improve the habitat of the state's endangered koala populations. Tanya Pritchard from WWF-Australia said the recovery of koalas across NSW will be dependent in part on private landholders protecting high-quality forest. 'More than 50 per cent of remaining habitat for koalas is on private land, so landholders such as Barbara are critical for koalas' long-term survival,' Tanya said. 🐠 Fisherman shocked by 'unfathomable' scene at beaches 🍎 Volcano blast could smash town's food supply 👏 Aussie camper's brave act after spotting massive emu in need Around 20 conservation agreements have been signed as part of the project, and more than 900 hectares have been protected. Barbara has signed an agreement covering nearly 51 hectares of her 78-hectare Tullymorgan farm. She's also removed cattle from the property and planted over 1,000 trees to reconnect fragmented habitat. The 78-year-old hopes to leave the farm in a better condition than when she bought it six years ago. Along with koalas, the property is also home to barking owls, powerful owls, goshawks, glossy black cockatoos, yellow-tailed black cockatoos, little bent-wing bats and rare frogs. As the lantana has come down and Barbara has been able to access the trees, she's invited the non-profit Nature Conservation Council onto her property to put up 25 nest boxes for squirrel gliders and feathertail gliders. She's also bought a second property further south at Taloumbi that's home to rare coastal emus. Fewer than 50 are thought to survive across the entire NSW north coast. They have declined and are now listed as endangered due to habitat destruction and fragmentation, road strikes and invasive species. 'I saw emus and thought that is a sign so I decided to buy it. I didn't know they were rare emus,' Barbara said. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? 🐊🦘😳 Get our new newsletter showcasing the week's best stories.
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Forest authorities sound alarm as unexpected species spreads at alarming rate: 'Immediate intervention is crucial'
The Indian state of Haryana is facing a silent takeover. Experts are sounding the alarm as invasive plant species, especially one called Lantana camara, have spread uncontrollably through the region, pushing out native plants and threatening the health of the entire ecosystem. According to a report from the Times of India, 12% of the state's forest land has been overtaken by invasive species, with Lantana camara being one of the biggest challenges. This tropical American shrub, originally imported by the British, is now crowding out native vegetation across local forests. Experts warn that "immediate intervention is crucial," as the invasive spread is choking native plant growth, altering soil chemistry, increasing fire risks, and disrupting the ecosystem. If left unchecked, the damage could become irreversible. Invasive species like Lantana aren't just bad for the environment — they are a major headache for nearby communities. These plants are incredibly difficult to remove, regrow quickly, and suffocate native plant life that local wildlife and people depend on. Managing these invaders is labor-intensive and expensive. Poorly managed landscapes also increase fire hazards and human-wildlife encounters. For example, the Times of India has previously reported how Lantana camara infested tiger habitats. Not only did this threaten the tigers' survival, it increased chances they might wander outside the habitat to find space and resources — which is dangerous for people. Native plants help keep ecosystems in balance. They support pollinators, regulate water cycles, prevent soil erosion, and support food chains. As these species are overtaken, biodiversity and pollinators struggle — putting crops and food security at risk. Scientists are exploring innovative techniques to control invasive species such as targeted genetic technology and restoring biodiversity. In previous instances of Lantana camara invasion in India, ecologists developed a new method to get rid of them. The "cut rootstock method" introduces a hormonal imbalance to the plant, and once they're removed, conservationists can reintroduce native plants. Not only is the method effective, the remaining dried wood can be used as firewood. Homeowners can also make a difference by rewilding their yards and choosing native plants or eco-friendly landscaping. Swapping traditional turf for buffalo grass, clover lawns, or xeriscaping not only saves water and money, but also supports pollinators and reduces maintenance. In Haryana, experts are urging the government to prioritize removal initiatives to deal with invasive species. Should we be actively working to kill invasive species? Absolutely It depends on the species I don't know No — leave nature alone Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. "Also, implementing strict monitoring and introducing educational campaigns can raise awareness about these ecological challenges," Professor Anjal Prakash said to the Times. "Such comprehensive policy measures are essential to preserve ecological balance and ensure long-term health of forest ecosystems." Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Yahoo
Hummingbird migration map 2025: See when, where hummingbirds can be spotted in Oklahoma
With spring well under way and the air progressively warming in Oklahoma, it's time for migratory species to make their way north once more. Among the migratory birds navigating their annual trek out of the south are several species of hummingbirds, some of which cross through Oklahoma. a website created by "backyard birding enthusiasts," has shared an interactive map of hummingbird sightings nationwide. The site says they usually track the birds migration from late-January to mid-May, but notes they don't post every single sighting due to the volume reported. Multiple hummingbird species chart a path through Oklahoma in the spring and either stay to nest or push on through to a further north location. The Ruby-throated and Black-chinned hummingbirds nest in Oklahoma and can be seen into the summer months, according to the Oklahoma City Audubon Society. The more commonly seen of the two is the Ruby-throated hummingbird, which typically arrives in Oklahoma in April and leaves in September. However, a Ruby-throated has already been spotted in Hochatown,, Oklahoma on March 22, according to the map. The Rufous hummingbird can be seen migrating through Oklahoma in the spring and fall as they head west and then north to the Pacific Northwest. Explore the map for yourself here: Submit your hummingbird sighting through Hummingbirds eat nectar from flowers and small insects, such as aphids and spiders. Each day, a hummingbird feeds in many small meals, and they can consume up to 12 times their own body weight in nectar each day. The easiest way to attract hummingbirds is by hanging a feeder. According to Hummingbird Central, there's no need to use red dye or pre-mixed commercial nectar, as it can be harmful to hummingbirds. Instead, the site recommends a homemade mixture consisting of four parts water to one part sugar, which emulates the amount of sugar naturally found in nectar. If you want to attract hummingbirds on a larger scale, you'll want to design your garden or flowerbeds around their needs: shelter, plenty of flowers and a bird bath. Hummingbird central recommends the following flowering plants: Lantana, Zinnias, Pentas, Salvia, Batface Cuphea, Hot Lips, Fire Bush, Nasturtiums, Coreopsis, among others. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Hummingbird migration map 2025: See when, where in Oklahoma
