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The Independent
2 hours ago
- Climate
- The Independent
Looking for a lush lawn this summer? Expert reveals top ten tips
The summer months can be particularly harsh on lawns, often leaving homeowners wondering if their grass will survive the season. Children, pets, and outdoor play equipment can wreak havoc, with items like toys and paddling pools suffocating the grass. However, according to Kate Turner, a horticulturist for Evergreen Garden Care with experience on BBC 's Gardeners' World, Love Your Garden, and Garden Rescue, there are steps you can take to minimise the damage and keep your lawn healthy throughout the summer. 'The biggest obstacles are kids with trampolines and paddling pools. All the toys come out and they stay on the lawn. You might go on to websites which say 'Move your trampoline every day' but that's just not realistic. 'So we have to accept that during the summer just enjoy your lawn, don't get too upset about it.' However, there are things you can do to minimise the damage, she suggests. 1. Be waterwise 'If there isn't a hosepipe ban and you want to water the lawn, give it a deep soak one evening a week, or early morning if you're an early riser,' she advises. 'But the lawn is the most hard-wearing plant in your garden. So even if the dry weather continues, once the autumn rain comes, usually the lawn will bounce back.' 2. Let your grass grow longer Over the summer, don't mow your grass as frequently and if it goes brown stop mowing it completely, she advises. 'If you're not mowing the lawn, get the edges done because that makes the garden look so much smarter,' she suggests. 3. Sink your trampoline 'If you have young kids and you are going to have that trampoline for a few years, think about getting a sunken trampoline, because it's much safer,' she suggests. 'Dig a hole and line it with a weed membrane. You can get specialist companies that do it.' Once the hole has been dug, overseed the perimeter with a really hard-wearing shade-tolerant lawn seed, she advises. 'Now is a really good time to do it because the soil is warm. Rake over the area a bit, then throw some good hard-wearing drought-tolerant and shade-tolerant seed. You have to be prepared to water for the first few weeks.' Obviously you're not going to be able to move the trampoline once it is in, but at least when the children leave home you have a ready-made space for a wildlife pond, she adds. 4. Put up with the paddling pool 'There's not a lot you can do until after (summer), but get a ground sheet down first and put the pool on top of that,' she advises. 'If there's any stones or pebbles underneath the soil level it will stop it puncturing.' You could also make a feature of it, creating a path that leads to the paddling pool, which can reduce the mess around it, she adds. Once the season is over, use the pool water to water your lawn. Rake the area a little and then overseed some more to refresh the grass. If you have enough space and a small-enough paddling pool, move it once a week to give each area of lawn a break, she suggests. 5. Guard against football damage If you have a family of keen budding footballers, overseed the goal area now with hard-wearing seed – and you will need to water it until it starts to germinate – to help minimise damage later on in the summer, she advises. 'If you're not going to overseed because you already have a decent lawn, give it a slow-release feed to toughen it up.' However, like Wimbledon courts at the end of the tennis tournament, if that goal is in constant use over the summer you'll have to accept that it may be trashed during those months. 6. Feed regularly 'You can give the lawn a really good feed every six weeks and once we are into the summer proper, use something like a fast-acting green, which you can attach to your hose, spray it on and it greens the grass up and makes it stronger really quickly.' If there's a drought, don't use feeding granules, she advises, but go for a liquid feed because granules will need a lot more watering to dissolve and do the work. 7. Make a path Well-worn areas can soon appear on your lawn if you don't have a path, so create a simple pathway using, for instance, log edging and bark chip, she suggests. 'If you have kids, you could do a hopscotch effect with different pavers and put some plants in between them such as low-growing thyme and chamomile. Something temporary for the summer is a really good idea.' 8. Reduce pet damage 'Female dogs' wee is really acidic and what you'll find is that you'll get lots of little bare patches throughout your garden. 'Break it up with a fork and then add some special dog spot repair which incorporates seed, feed and calcium that neutralises the acid in the urine. 'It's either that, or when you see your dog peeing, you get a watering can and water it away straight away.' 9. Put toys away 'Always put the toys away every evening because just leaving that plastic tractor out will damage the lawn.' 'If you have a shady lawn that's full of moss, don't worry about it for the summer. It will be quite hard-wearing.'
The Independent
a day ago
- Climate
- The Independent
Experts reveal 10 things you can do to keep your lawn lush in summer
The summer can be hard on your lawn - and by the end of the season, you may well be wondering if you'll have any grass left. Children and animals can cause havoc - with toys, sandpits and paddling pools taking up significant space and leaving your lawn suffocated. However, there are things you can do to minimise the damage. Kate Turner, horticulturist for Evergreen Garden Care, who has worked behind the scenes on BBC Gardeners' World, Love Your Garden and Garden Rescue has some tips. 'The biggest obstacles are kids with trampolines and paddling pools. All the toys come out and they stay on the lawn. You might go on to websites which say 'Move your trampoline every day' but that's just not realistic. 'So we have to accept that during the summer just enjoy your lawn, don't get too upset about it.' However, there are things you can do to minimise the damage, she suggests. 1. Be waterwise 'If there isn't a hosepipe ban and you want to water the lawn, give it a deep soak one evening a week, or early morning if you're an early riser,' she advises. 'But the lawn is the most hard-wearing plant in your garden. So even if the dry weather continues, once the autumn rain comes, usually the lawn will bounce back.' 2. Let your grass grow longer Over the summer, don't mow your grass as frequently and if it goes brown stop mowing it completely, she advises. 'If you're not mowing the lawn, get the edges done because that makes the garden look so much smarter,' she suggests. 3. Sink your trampoline 'If you have young kids and you are going to have that trampoline for a few years, think about getting a sunken trampoline, because it's much safer,' she suggests. 'Dig a hole and line it with a weed membrane. You can get specialist companies that do it.' Once the hole has been dug, overseed the perimeter with a really hard-wearing shade-tolerant lawn seed, she advises. 'Now is a really good time to do it because the soil is warm. Rake over the area a bit, then throw some good hard-wearing drought-tolerant and shade-tolerant seed. You have to be prepared to water for the first few weeks.' Obviously you're not going to be able to move the trampoline once it is in, but at least when the children leave home you have a ready-made space for a wildlife pond, she adds. 4. Put up with the paddling pool 'There's not a lot you can do until after (summer), but get a ground sheet down first and put the pool on top of that,' she advises. 'If there's any stones or pebbles underneath the soil level it will stop it puncturing.' You could also make a feature of it, creating a path that leads to the paddling pool, which can reduce the mess around it, she adds. Once the season is over, use the pool water to water your lawn. Rake the area a little and then overseed some more to refresh the grass. If you have enough space and a small-enough paddling pool, move it once a week to give each area of lawn a break, she suggests. 5. Guard against football damage If you have a family of keen budding footballers, overseed the goal area now with hard-wearing seed – and you will need to water it until it starts to germinate – to help minimise damage later on in the summer, she advises. 'If you're not going to overseed because you already have a decent lawn, give it a slow-release feed to toughen it up.' However, like Wimbledon courts at the end of the tennis tournament, if that goal is in constant use over the summer you'll have to accept that it may be trashed during those months. 6. Feed regularly 'You can give the lawn a really good feed every six weeks and once we are into the summer proper, use something like a fast-acting green, which you can attach to your hose, spray it on and it greens the grass up and makes it stronger really quickly.' If there's a drought, don't use feeding granules, she advises, but go for a liquid feed because granules will need a lot more watering to dissolve and do the work. 7. Make a path Well-worn areas can soon appear on your lawn if you don't have a path, so create a simple pathway using, for instance, log edging and bark chip, she suggests. 'If you have kids, you could do a hopscotch effect with different pavers and put some plants in between them such as low-growing thyme and chamomile. Something temporary for the summer is a really good idea.' 8. Reduce pet damage 'Female dogs' wee is really acidic and what you'll find is that you'll get lots of little bare patches throughout your garden. 'Break it up with a fork and then add some special dog spot repair which incorporates seed, feed and calcium that neutralises the acid in the urine. 'It's either that, or when you see your dog peeing, you get a watering can and water it away straight away.' 9. Put toys away 'Always put the toys away every evening because just leaving that plastic tractor out will damage the lawn.' 10. Don't worry about the moss 'If you have a shady lawn that's full of moss, don't worry about it for the summer. It will be quite hard-wearing.'
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Gardeners urged to keep an eye out for 'killer' disease in garden
Black spot leaf disease is a common fungal infection that affects roses and can be more prevalent in wet conditions - here's how to spot it and stop it from spreading in your garden Roses are a stunning feature for any garden, yet vigilant horticulturists must be on the lookout for the dreaded black spot disease, which poses a serious threat to these blooms without swift intervention. Manifesting as ominous dark spots or patches on rose leaves, black spot leaf disease is a pervasive fungal infection typically emerging from late spring through to early autumn when roses are in full bloom. While not directly fatal to roses themselves, this malady precipitates the distressing loss of greenery, foliage turning a sickly yellow and flowering ceasing abruptly – all of which render the plant feeble and more susceptible to a host of opportunistic ailments and invasive pests. The contamination of garden soil by this persistent fungus spells arduous efforts to eradicate; however, David Domoney, esteemed horticulturist and familiar face on Love Your Garden, assures us that with vigilant care and attention, it's straightforward to either prevent or manage outbreaks effectively. His advice is clear-cut: "There is no cure for black spots on roses. However, there are several things you can do to minimise the effects and avoid plants succumbing to it in the first place." Securing your roses against black spot begins with fostering an environment conducive to good health – that means ample airflow between plants and astute watering practices to stave off any excess moisture build-up. Sharing his expertise, David stated: "Avoid overcrowding around rose plants to allow air to circulate around them. Try to water in the morning so leaves will hopefully dry out quicker than if watered in the afternoon or early evening." Always ensure roses are watered thoroughly at the base to avoid wetting the leaves, which can help prevent disease spread, reports the Express. It's common practice to prune roses in late winter or early spring at least annually to decrease the likelihood of fungal diseases. However, summertime pruning is ill-advised as it may overburden the plant during hot conditions, heightening its vulnerability to disease. At such times, instead of full pruning, opt for deadheading to remove any dead or diseased foliage without harming the plant - but this should only be done with certainty of disease presence. David advised: "Pick off infected leaves when first seen in the spring to help minimise its spread. Do this only if you've had a definite diagnosis that the blotches are black spot. This is because removing leaves can limit the plant's ability to grow well." Catching black spot disease early is critical, so regular monitoring of your roses is vital. A common natural remedy for rose ailments involves using a baking soda solution, yet for concerns like black spot disease, seeking professional advice from a garden centre or using fungicides might be necessary. David mentioned: "There are also proprietary chemical sprays available at most garden centres including sulphur-based products. It's crucial to start spraying early in the season and apply every four to six weeks." He further stated: "With this guide on black spot on roses, you're one step closer to having thriving beautiful roses clear of disease. If you need specialist advice, you can get in touch with your local garden centre who will be more than happy to give you any tips and advice."
Wales Online
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
ITV's Alan Titchmarsh admits 'I nearly lost it' as he shares fan encounter
ITV's Alan Titchmarsh admits 'I nearly lost it' as he shares fan encounter Alan Titchmarsh has spent his career being adored by fans - but there was one moment when he admits he didn't respond to one in the most friendly way Alan Titchmarsh's wife Alison, with whom he has enjoyed half a century of marriage, ensures his celebrity status doesn't swell his ego and fondly refers to him as "just her little gardener". The TV gardening expert has been sharing an insight into his relationship as well as some fan encounters - including unwelcome attention. Alan and Alison's romance began at an amateur dramatics group in 1975, and despite amassing a fortune reported to be in excess of £10million, Alan maintains that fame hasn't altered him. In a heartfelt chat with Saga magazine, he shared: "We're still the people we were when we married. I hope my head hasn't been turned." Together, they find joy in their Grade II listed Georgian farmhouse set in Hampshire's idyllic countryside and a charming seaside residence on the Isle of Wight. Alan Titchmarsh is a huge hit on TV (Image: (Image: Getty) ) Centred around their two adult daughters, Camilla and Polly, Alan and Alison remain unaffected by the quirks of fame, managing unusual encounters with grace and humour. Article continues below Recalling a peculiar moment in a restaurant, Alan recounted how a keen fan disrupted a meal by gripping his arm exuberantly, proclaiming, "Now I've got you!" He confessed to nearly losing his composure: "[That was] the one time I nearly lost it... my fork was halfway to my mouth. It was hard to keep my cool," reports the Express. Not even while flying could the renowned gardening guru who hosts ITV's Love Your Garden escape attention from fans. Alan and his wife Alison (Image: (Image: GETTY) ) He remembered an awkward in-flight encounter with a fan, saying: "I was ever so slightly crabby on an aeroplane, when the woman came down the aisle and demanded to know, 'What's wrong with my tomatoes?'" "I said, 'Well, I can't tell from here.' She said, 'There's no need to be like that!'" Despite the occasional stressful incident, Alan generally meets fans with goodwill, keeping in mind: "They bought our house!" Article continues below The Chelsea Flower Show favourite was recently awarded a CBE by King Charles, and much like his "sexiest man" awards, he finds it "flattering beyond belief". Love Your Garden is available to stream on ITVX
Daily Mirror
03-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Alan Titchmarsh urges gardeners to avoid common job on Sundays
Gardening expert Alan Titchmarsh is urging gardeners to stop mowing their lawns on a Sunday morning, in bids to give our beloved green spaces some peace and quiet. Alan Titchmarsh has urged gardeners to avoid mowing their lawns on Sundays due to gardens needing "some space to breathe". The gardening expert has become a household name and go-to person when it comes to the best tips and tricks for gardening. At 75 years of age, he's still sharing his expertise on ITV 's Love Your Garden. Alan is asking gardeners to avoid mowing the lawn and using other powerful tools, such as leaf blowers and strimmers on Sunday mornings. He even suggested not mowing the garden during the month of May. He believes in dedicating one day a week to keep the peace in any garden space, which is fair. Writing in the BBC Gardeners' World magazine, he said: "It's clear to me the rarest thing in any garden is silence. It appears to be the one commodity money can't buy. I was worried I would sound holier-than-thou when I explained that I never use power tools on a Sunday,' he added. Alan also mentioned the importance of implementing one day of the week to provide tranquillity to the garden spaces, adding: "I believe profoundly there should be at least one day in the week when we could go out into our gardens and experience a bit of peace and quiet." As also reported by The Express, the gardening guru noted the growing interest in people wanting to hear more natural sounds, like birdsongs and the rustling of trees, implementing that the loud noises from these electric garden tools disrupt those connections. I mean, no one wants to wake up to the sounds of a blasting mowing machine in the last resting day. When it comes to power tool usage, regulations apply to those working in construction rather than those simply undertaking gardening jobs. Construction sites are prohibited from using certain tools on Sundays, with work-restricted hours during the week and in the morning on Saturdays, Devon Online reports. Local councils have also stated that DIY noise at home should only take place between Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm, and those doing it beyond those hours may well constitute antisocial behaviour. Interestingly, No Mow May is an event happening every year, encouraging gardeners to not mow or cut the grass for the entire month of May. The initiative is in order to support vital pollinators, such as daisies and buttercups relying on glass and wildflowers. Therefore, those who mow their lawns every Sunday morning might want to step back, sit and relax for a peaceful and restful day of no gardening tasks.
