Latest news with #LucySutherland
Business News Wales
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Business News Wales
National Botanic Garden of Wales Celebrates 25 Years
The National Botanic Garden of Wales is set to celebrate a significant milestone this summer as it marks 25 years since opening to the public at the turn of the new millennium. Since welcoming its first visitors on May 24 2000, the Garden has grown into a globally recognised centre for biodiversity, conservation, horticulture, education and wellbeing. To commemorate the anniversary, a special Garden Party will be held over the late May Bank Holiday weekend (Saturday 24th – Sunday 25th May), offering a packed programme of live entertainment, family-friendly activities, and a showcase of Welsh music and culture. And in a nostalgic tribute to its opening year, admission prices on Saturday will be rolled back to year 2000 rates – £6.50 for adults and £3 for children. Established as a flagship Millennium project, the National Botanic Garden of Wales was one of the first new botanical gardens to be created in the UK in more than 200 years. The Garden gained international recognition for the innovative Norman Foster designed Great Glasshouse. In 2000, it was the world's largest single-span glasshouse and lauded for both its environmental design and seamless integration into the rural Welsh landscape. Among the Garden's most notable contributions to science is the ground breaking Welsh Flora DNA barcoding initiative, which made Wales the first country in the world to DNA barcode all native flowering plants and conifer species. The resulting open-access database, covers more than 1,473 native plants, continues to support global research and conservation efforts and has been replicated worldwide. In recent years, the Garden has further developed its vast estate and has undergone an extensive landscape restoration, including a £6 million transformation of the original Regency landscape supported by many funders, including the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The project restored the lakes and waterfalls, and introduced accessible trails, enhancing biodiversity and creating new ways for visitors to connect with nature and heritage. Looking ahead, the garden is set to develop a living collection of Welsh flora, featuring plant species found only in Wales. Designed as a botanical journey through the nation's diverse habitats, from coastal cliffs to the peaks of Yr Wyddfa, the project will also address the urgent threats of habitat loss and plant extinction. Dr Lucy Sutherland, Director for the National Botanic Garden of Wales, said: 'As we celebrate a quarter of a century of the National Botanic Garden of Wales, we reflect on a remarkable journey of conservation, education, and connection with the natural world around us. No other organisations can merge science, culture and the arts in a way that a botanic garden can, and the National Botanic Garden of Wales has really put itself on the map in this regard. 'The Gardens are a truly special place that Wales should be enormously proud of and this milestone is a tribute to the dedication of our staff, volunteers, visitors and supporters who have helped make the Garden a beacon of biodiversity and inspiration for so many. We're proud of what we've collectively nurtured together over the last 25 years, and even more excited for what lies ahead. 'Our garden party will be a fantastic opportunity to celebrate our first 25 years and for people to rediscover the Garden, reflect on all that we've achieved so far, and look forward to what lies ahead. We're excited to welcome visitors, old and new, to share in this special milestone and to be part of the next chapter of our journey.' Beyond its conservation work, the Garden plays a role in supporting community wellbeing. Collaborations with Health Boards have established therapeutic gardening programmes, offering inclusive spaces where individuals with learning disabilities, neurological conditions or brain injuries can build confidence and wellbeing through nature-based activities. Education is also central to the Garden's mission. More than 11,000 schoolchildren engage with its programmes annually, and a new goal, supported by the Welsh Government and the philanthropic community, aims to connect every child in Wales with the Garden through visits or outreach. A new vehicle will soon bring interactive biodiversity workshops and lessons to schools in underrepresented and harder-to-reach communities across the country. Following the May Bank Holiday celebrations, a full summer programme of events will continue to mark the anniversary, including the Garden's flagship BioBlitz Festival in July, as well as a series of exhibitions, workshops and performances throughout the year aimed at further exploring the Garden's evolving story and vision for the future.
Daily Mail
12-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mail
Bunnings shoppers go wild over $49 item - but not everyone's impressed
A retro-inspired $49 table lamp from Bunnings is dividing the internet - with some shoppers hailing it as a must-have piece of home decor, while others say it looks suspiciously like a giant glazed doughnut or a caramel pudding. The Verve design Elton table and wall light, available in vibrant orange and muted green, has become the latest object of obsession among design-savvy bargain hunters. Its distinctive doughnut-shaped silhouette and coloured glass finish tap directly into the resurging 1970s design aesthetic that's dominating Australian interiors. But while fans say it's a stylish and affordable way to add instant character to any room, others aren't quite convinced. 'I thought it was a caramel dessert,' one shopper wrote. 'Literally looks like a Werther's Original,' said another. A third added, 'I can't believe it's not a giant glazed doughnut.' Despite the sweet comparisons, most agree that the lamp offers a delicious slice of retro charm at a price point too good to pass up. Made from tinted glass, what sets it apart is its versatility, as it functions as both a table lamp and a wall light, which is a huge selling point for renters or those looking to maximise space without committing to fixed fittings. Whether positioned on a bedside table, shelf, or mounted on a wall, the lamp casts a soft, ambient glow perfect for winding down at the end of the day. Interior design expert Lucy Sutherland previously told FEMAIL that such lamps are right on trend, thanks to a full-blown resurgence of 1970s style in Australian homes. 'We saw a big revival of 1970s style, bringing back the bold, quirky aesthetics of that era,' she explained. 'Claret red and mustard yellow were key colours, paired with high-gloss finishes that added a sense of retro glamour.' According to Sutherland, the new wave of '70s design is less kitsch and more curated. Think plush velvet couches, sculptural lighting, and rich, tactile materials like chrome, gloss lacquer, and coloured glass. 'Coloured glass also made a comeback - not just in vases and accessories but in side tables, coffee tables, and more,' she said. 'It's all about combining nostalgic elements with contemporary style.' The Verve design lamp does exactly that. In orange, it brings a sense of warmth and whimsy - perfect for pairing with soft textiles, wooden furniture, or terrazzo tiles. The green version, meanwhile, offers a more subtle, earthy feel, and works beautifully in boho, mid-century modern, or eclectic interiors. 'The orange is so cosy, but then the green is amazing,' one shopper wrote, unable to choose a favourite. 'I don't need any more lamps… but I want this! Off to Bunnings tomorrow,' added another. While it's certainly drawing praise for its aesthetic value, the lamp also speaks to a broader shift in how Australians are decorating their homes. The rising cost of living means many are turning to affordable retailers like Bunnings and Kmart for stylish, budget-friendly updates. With housing prices soaring and fewer people moving into new spaces, the focus has shifted to refreshing interiors rather than renovating them - and lighting plays a key role. One of the most defining elements of the current '70s revival, Sutherland noted, is its accessibility. 'Velvet was one of the first indicators of this shift - it emerged suddenly, with plush, groovy velvet couches popping up everywhere. For people who lived through the '70s, it might have been an era they never wanted to see again, but now, enough time has passed for it to feel fresh and exciting.' For younger buyers, it's a chance to engage with design history for the first time, and items like the Verve lamp offer an entry point into the aesthetic without breaking the bank. It's nostalgic but new, vintage but versatile. Of course, not everyone is sold. The unusual shape and glossy finish have sparked plenty of debate. One user said, 'Green one is just a slightly flat apple, love it,' while another called it 'very 1970s' - though it wasn't clear if that was praise or criticism. Regardless of how you see it - retro glam, modern minimalism with a twist, or novelty dessert - the lamp has managed to strike a chord. And in true Bunnings fashion, it's flying off the shelves. Whether you're a design aficionado chasing the latest trend, a renter looking for quick upgrades, or just someone who loves the idea of a lamp that looks good enough to eat, this $49 wonder might just be the sweetest home buy of the season.
Canberra Times
23-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- Canberra Times
The latest interior trend Aussies feel the 'need to create' in their homes
There's no denying the rise in health and wellness as an industry, but how does it impact our homes? According to a new study by homewares retailer Temple & Webster, 57 percent of Australians "feel the need to create a space at home where they can clear their mind and reflect." 57 percent of Australians have a desire to create a soothing space at home. Pic: Temple & Webster Known as a "soothing space", the study found it was a top priority for respondents to carve out an area such as this in their homes. The most common reasons reported were because it reduced anxiety and increased feelings of ease (60 percent) and helped respondents clear their minds (57 percent). Another important factor recorded by participants was that 49 percent said they needed to have this space just for themselves. When it came to designing a soothing space, beige and warm neutrals were the most popular colour palette with 32 percent of respondents choosing them. Next were soft blues, followed by off-whites, soft greens and earthy tones. "Earthy, neutral tones are a good choice to create a calming interior." Pic: Temple & Webster. Director of Insights & Trends at Temple & Webster, Lucy Sutherland, says that colour is not only important to aesthetics, but has an effect on our overall wellbeing. "Soft, nature-inspired tones (green, soft neutrals and blues), help calm the mind, while cooler tones promote relaxation, reduce stress, and enhance our focus, making them perfect for bedrooms, home offices, and wellness spaces," she says. "To provide a sense of stability and grounding, earthy, neutral tones are a good choice to create a calming interior." As well as colour, Sutherland suggests introducing tactile finishes to give your home a more calming feel. "Texture through rugs, a stone coffee table and textured cushions are perfect additions for soothing spaces, especially when paired with organic and natural touches such as indoor plants and beautifully textured decor pieces." Top tips for creating a soothing space at home Carve out your corner It doesn't have to be a whole room, think a cosy corner, a section of your outdoor area or, if you're really pressed for space, a zone you can create and then pack up. Introduce colours you find calming and pleasant. Pic: Temple & Webster. Embrace colour Introduce colours you find calming and pleasant. Before you reach for a paint brush, think about adding colour through soft furnishings like throws and pillows or objects like artworks or pots. Get comfortable It's so important that you feel physically comfortable in your space. Sutherland suggests "investing in a comfortable chair or sofa in a textured, neutral shade and introducing soft lighting with a floor or a table lamp and a cosy rug for warmth." It's so important that you feel physically comfortable in your space. Pic: Temple & Webster. Curate your space Bring in elements that make you feel happy and relaxed. This could be a piece of art that you love, family photos or trinkets that have a special meaning to you. Let nature in Increasing our exposure to the natural world is known to have many health benefits. Add an indoor plant or two to your space, some flowers or even a few cuttings from the garden. Increasing our exposure to the natural world is known to have many health benefits. Pic: Temple & Webster. Set the scene Grab a book, put on a guided mediation or some music that helps you feel relaxed. This part will be different for everyone so choose this element based on your personal preference.
