Latest news with #Miimo
The Guardian
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Guardian
Your shortcut to a perfect lawn: seven reasons to try a robotic lawnmower
We all know the dream: a vibrantly green lawn, neatly trimmed to a uniform height. But for many of us, this grassy greatness feels out of reach. Whether it's lack of expertise, a shortage of time – or both – it's easy to end up with a lawn that's overgrown and patchy rather than green, pleasant and inviting in these warmer months. But it doesn't have to be that way. Miimo*, Honda's range of intelligent robotic lawnmowers – described by one online reviewer as 'simple to set up and a great investment' – is here to save the day. Smart and robust, Miimo will not only cut your lawn, but actually help make it greener, healthier and more vibrant. If you've never had a robotic lawnmower before, your head is probably full of questions, like: is it safe around pets? Where do you store it, and do you need a PhD in robotics to make it work? Worry not. Here's everything you need to know. When the job's done or Miimo needs to rest and recharge, it takes itself off to its very own docking station. Miimo's docking station can be placed wherever is most convenient – whether that's on a patio, in a quiet corner, or even tucked behind a bush. Whether your garden has slopes, narrow passages or trees in awkward places, Miimo is up to the challenge – able to tackle inclines of up to 25 degrees, while a shortcut wire means it can navigate passages as slim as 60cm. And if there are areas you want Miimo to avoid mowing, with some models you can set a 'free zone' and it'll steer well clear. Miimo knows exactly what your lawn wants, so you don't have to stress the detail. From its smart timer, which accesses real-time weather reports to work out the best time to mow, to fertilising your lawn with its micro-mulching technology, which distributes tiny grass clippings across the area. And yes, its efficient, logical mowing means you'll get pristine stripes too. During installation, a discreet boundary wire will be laid around the perimeter of your lawn, so Miimo knows exactly where to mow with millimetre-level precision – and won't ever end up in your freshly planted border. Best of all, it's designed to learn your garden's layout and create its own mowing schedule. Miimo has been created to play well with others – so whether your garden is full of footballs, ornaments, pets or children, it's safe. Its 360-degree bump sensors mean that if Miimo detects an obstacle in its path it will change direction – and rapid-reaction lift sensors stop the blades if Miimo is picked up. Miimo's security features mean you'll always have peace of mind. All Miimo mowers are fitted with a security alarm that triggers if it's lifted; clever Miimo then locks down, and only restarts once a unique code has been entered. 'Live' models also have GPS tracking, so you can see where your Miimo is at all times via the Mii-monitor app. Miimo is fully autonomous, so you can simply set it up and it'll get to work – maintaining your lawn like a pro. Want more control? No problem. Whether you're home or away, you can always check in with your Miimo using the Mii-Monitor app. Or with some models, you can start, stop, and review Miimo's mowing schedule using voice commands via Amazon Alexa. Find out more about the Honda Miimo range *Product features described above vary according to model. Visit Honda's website for full specifications of Miimo HRM40-70 and Miimo HRM1000-4000, or download the Miimo brochure here
The Guardian
16-05-2025
- The Guardian
The smarter way to a perfect lawn
Say goodbye to the hassle of traditional lawnmowing and let Honda Miimo take care of your garden with precision and ease. This intelligent robotic mower adapts to your garden, adjusting its routine based on weather and grass growth. With smart navigation, mowing schedules, and micro-mulching, Miimo keeps your lawn looking its best without the work. Control it through the Mii-Monitor app or Amazon Alexa for ultimate convenience. Whether your garden is small or expansive, there's a Miimo for you.
The Guardian
26-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Guardian
Cocktails, crostini and a freshly clipped lawn: how to get your summer garden party started
Eating and drinking alfresco is one of the joys of summer. When the sun is shining, and the weather balmy, throwing a garden party for family and friends feels a bit like being on holiday at home. The best garden parties are those that are relaxed yet feel like an event, and crucially, where you, the host, enjoy it as much as your guests. The trick to achieving this is getting the balance right between effort and delivering the wow factor. But how? One of the best ways is by doing a lot of the prep beforehand so that on the day there is a minimal amount to do, and what needs to be done can be done with a chilled drink in hand … A garden party needs a garden that encourages guests to linger. Beds of straggling weeds and an overgrown lawn won't do it, so the first step is to create an outside space that looks inviting. Tidy up the beds and lawn. If you have a robotic lawnmower, such as the Honda Miimo, you'll be able to crack on with the rest of the preparation while it gives you beautifully cut grass. Better yet, Miimo will likely already have done the work for you, thanks to its range of advanced features such as the Smart Timer – which accesses real-time weather data to select the best time to mow your lawn – and a scheduling tool that enables you to lock it in with no fuss via the Miimo app. With the lawn taken care of, it's time to think about decorating. If your garden looks a bit bare, add colour and greenery by using large pots filled with flowers, either placing them in beds to cover up empty patches or carefully grouped on a patio (odd numbers looks best). Of course, your guests will need somewhere to sit. Add throws or cushions to chairs for extra comfort, and leave picnic blankets piled up in a basket for guests to help themselves to. Lighting is a must-have if your party is going into the evening. Festoon lights have become the go-to for garden lighting and they are brilliant for adding that fairyland look. Opt for solar powered ones and you don't even need to worry about an electrical socket. If you need more brightness, lanterns and spike lights are portable, giving you light where you need it. After the garden, the table is key to setting the party mood as it's the event's visual focus. A no-fuss way to lay a statement table is to choose a patterned tablecloth and then add plain tableware, with napkins and table decorations taking their lead from the colours of the cloth. For an instant centrepiece, take a footed cake stand and sit an eye-catching cake on it, or pile it with summer fruit – including some with stems and leaves. Not only is it really impactful, it also means you nail a bit of a tablescaping trend: edible decorations. Other ideas to try include decorating the table with small terracotta pots planted up with herbs, filling small bowls with brightly coloured chocolates, and shaping butter into fun designs such as cherubs and shells (you can buy silicon moulds for these). Being handed a cold drink on arrival is a surefire way to get the party started. Instead of mixing a cocktail as everyone arrives, have a big pitcher of something chilled and ready to pour. Coloured drinks aren't just for kids – they're great for making an event for everyone feel fun. Try a big jug of Pimms or a paloma cocktail (that's tequila, grapefruit juice and soda). Chopped fruit brings a summery vibe – add chopped peaches or apricots to a jug with a bottle of white wine, and plenty of ice, and you have another easy welcome drink. Make sure you have a fun non-alcoholic option too, try a cordial or syrup with sparkling water and add fruit or mint. Keep the drinks flowing throughout the party with a drinks station – a large ice bucket filled with a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options with glasses and a bottle opener alongside. This is the point during a party when, as a host, you're most likely to get frazzled – so aim to keep the food delicious but uncomplicated. Food that's served at room temperature, rather than having to be whisked out of the oven or off the hob at the last minute, will make things far less stressful; and again, also allows you to do as much as possible ahead of the party, so you can mingle with your guests instead. Serve plenty of nibbles such as posh crisps (truffle or smoked paprika are current flavours of choice) so guests aren't drinking on an empty stomach. Crostini look luxe, but are easy to make: go for simple toppings such as ricotta with roasted red grapes, or pesto with fresh or sun-dried tomatoes. For the main event, bring out sharing platters – large wooden boards filled with a mix of moreish goodies. They not only look amazing thanks to the differing colours and textures of the food, but also allow you to cater to vegetarians and vegans (and any other requirements) easily. Plus they can be put together before your guests arrive and brought out exactly when the party is ready for more food. A favourite sharing platter features charcuterie, crudites, slabs of cheese, olives, crackers, slices of artisan bread along with bowls of dips and chutneys. Another option is to theme your platter, such as a Mediterranean meze with hummus, tzatziki and baba ganoush, along with tabbouleh, stuffed vine leaves, a variety of Greek cheeses, picked vegetables and pitta bread. A luxe option is seafood – smoked salmon, prawns, oysters, dressed crab, smoked mackerel pate – but you would need to sit the food on ice, and keep it out of the sun. When arranging your platters, group food types together and transfer dips and chutneys into a variety of pretty bowls. If you're firing up the barbecue, choose foods that cook at the same speed and quickly, such as a variety of kebabs (avoid sausages), and serve them with large bowls of buttery potatoes and salads that you have made prior. For a sweet finishing touch, remember your cake! Or simply scoop ice-cream into bowls (make them stainless steel for an on-trend party look) and add fresh fruit. For a DIY affogato, brew a cafetiere of hot coffee that guests can pour over the ice-cream themselves. Yum! Find out more about the Honda Miimo range
The Guardian
26-04-2025
- Automotive
- The Guardian
From micro mulching to satellite navigation: 10 things to know about robotic lawnmowers
For those of us who grew up expecting to live in a world where cute, obedient robots would cater to our every need, relieving us of the burden of everyday tasks, modern life has turned out to be a bit of a disappointment. But in one area at least, the intelligent, helpful robots of our childhood dreams do exist: autonomous lawnmowers. Smart, robust and secure, Honda's range of Miimo mowers* make maintaining a picture perfect lawn a breeze (as one online review states: 'Smooth and seamless. Honda really do make the best mowers'). But how exactly do they work, and are they suitable for your garden? Here are 10 things you need to know … 1 It's a lawn expertThe Miimo range has been programmed with all the knowledge to maintain your lawn like a pro, so you really can sit back and let it do its thing. For instance, the Smart Timer means a Miimo can access real-time weather data to select the best time to mow your lawn, avoiding heavy rain and cutting less often when it's hot and dry. If you have a smaller outdoor space, the Miimo HRM40 or HRM70 will automatically mow your lawn twice when it does the first cut of the season to get it in shape (in manual mode), or if it hasn't been used for two weeks. And if you're a fan of Wimbledon-esque stripes, even better, as Miimo is too. 2 It knows the lay of the landIf you're worried your robotic mower might run off course and end up in a hedge, fear not. Thanks to an innovative combination of satellite assisted homing and advanced boundary guidance, mowers in the Miimo range have tip-top navigation. But what exactly does this all mean, and how does it all work? Well, it starts with the setup: each new Miimo comes with free professional installation, during which a discreet boundary wire will be laid around the perimeter of your lawn. This wire sends signals to your Miimo, which will obediently stay within the mowing zone. And there's more: mowers in the small Miimo range come with Map and Mow technology, meaning that once the boundary wire is in place, the Miimo will automatically calculate the size of your lawn and create an efficient moving schedule. The bigger Miimos use combined satellite and wired guidance to mow efficiently. And Miimo HRM1000 models and up come with the new Shortcut Wire feature, which allows them to mow passages as narrow as 60cm with ease. 3 You're in controlAlthough Miimo robotic lawnmowers are completely autonomous – meaning you can set them down in your garden and they'll get to work – they're also fitted with a host of intelligent features that put you in control. All mowers in the Miimo range can be controlled via your smartphone through the Mii-Monitor app, which means that even when you're abroad on a sun lounger, you can make sure you return to a manicured back garden at the tap of a button. Through the app, you can do everything from adjusting the cutting height, to managing mowing schedules and setting 'free zones' (ie areas of lawn you want Miimo to avoid) – while the Miimo Live models can also respond to voice commands via Amazon Alexa. 4 A hardy perennial Thanks to their weatherproof casing, mowers in the Miimo range can take on most weather conditions, rain or shine. However, if you're looking for a robotic mower that can stand up to the harshest nature has to throw at it, the HRM4000 Live (the top mower in the Miimo range) has advanced IPX5 waterproofing and is fitted out with special heavy-duty wheels as standard. 5 Your lawn will love itThanks to their micro mulching capabilities, Miimos really are a lawn's best friend. These clever robotic mowers automatically cut grass clippings into tiny particles and distribute them back into the soil. Not only does this mean there's no need for a grass collector, but over time this natural fertiliser will enrich your lawn, making it greener, healthier and more vibrant. All you need to do is prepare for your neighbours to be green with envy. 6 No uphill battlesDips, slopes, holes or uneven ground – Miimos can handle them all. Thanks to their strong traction, mowers in the Miimo range can tackle inclines between 15 and 25 degrees (depending on the model and a couple of other variables). 7 A Zen masterIt may not be silent but, for a lawnmower, Miimo surprisingly quiet and unintrusive (operating at no louder than 63 dB(A) and as low as 58 dB(A)) – meaning you'll still be able to enjoy relaxing in the garden while a Miimo does its thing. Now that's what we call peace of mind. 8 It's child, pet and ornament friendly Gardens can be busy places, and mowers in the Miimo range have been designed to fit in safely and seamlessly. With 360-degree joystick style sensors, Miimo models HRM1000 and higher are both bump and lift responsive – meaning that if an obstacle is detected in their path they will change direction or, if they are lifted off the ground, their blades will stop automatically. 9 There's a Miimo for every gardenWith nine Miimo lawnmowers to choose from, whether you've got a small patch or a verdant valley, there's a member of the Miimo family to suit you and your garden. At the bijou end of the range, the nippy Miimo HRM 40 can handle lawns up to 400 sq metres, while at the upper end, the Miimo HRM4000 LIVE can easily cover ranges up to 4,000 sq metres. Still not sure what Miimo is right for you? Then Honda's Lawn Planner will help you find your perfect match. 10 It's practically theft-proofIf you're concerned about the idea of leaving such a desirable bit of tech in your garden, don't worry – Honda has fitted Miimo with a robust system of security features. First up, all Miimos have an onboard alarm that goes off if they are lifted, and your Miimo will only restart once a unique security code has been entered – which means it won't work for anyone but you. Furthermore, the Live models come with GPS tracking via the in-app map, which means you can get security notifications and real-time location tracking for extra peace of mind. Find out more about the Honda Miimo range *Product features described above vary according to model. Visit Honda's website for full specifications of Miimo HRM40-70 and Miimo HRM1000-4000, or download the Miimo brochure here
The Guardian
26-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Guardian
Don't dig, pair plants and automate the mowing: eight gardening hacks you'll wish you'd known sooner
Do you dream of a gorgeous garden but dread the thought of all the digging, weeding, watering and waiting that's involved in getting one? You're certainly not alone. Many of us yearn for a stunning outdoor sanctuary, yet don't have the time or the resources to make it happen. Or do we? We've found eight ways to up your garden game effortlessly, so you can literally sit back and smell the roses.1 Don't only rely on flowers for colour The obvious way to add colour to a garden is with flowers. But if you're not blessed with green fingers and/or a budget to splash out on a host of plants, there are other routes to a vibrant outdoor space. Sheds, fences and walls are prime candidates for a bright paint job – terracotta, coral and even a little 'unexpected red' are on-trend colours that will bring instant zing. That said, a dark charcoal grey or denim blue backdrop will really make green foliage pop. And, of course, you can upcycle wooden furniture with an exciting colour change. Tables and chairs are obvious candidates, but you could also think outside the box and transform an old side table into a punchy potting bench. Pots are another great canvas – you can make plastic pots look very expensive with chalk paint, even mimicking the look of terracotta or stone. And it's super-simple to apply. There's no pre-treatment of the surface, just make sure it's clean and stipple the paint on. Not so great with a brush? Then look to textiles for that colour boost. Dress furniture with weather-resistant cushions and throws, or make a bigger impact with a colourful outdoor rug that will also hide grubby decking or a patio past its prime. 2 Embrace the 'no dig' approach Digging and turning your old soil to make way for new plants can not only be back-breaking work, but most horticulturists are now of the view that it can also be bad for your soil, disturbing the ecosystem of worms and fungi, disrupting water drainage channels and releasing carbon, to boot. So put down that shovel and take care of your soil the easy way with no-dig gardening. Unless the soil is particularly weedy, just spread a three- to five-inch layer of compost or other organic matter on top (ideally made in your own compost bin) and plant directly into it. Add a little mulch on top in the form of bark chippings, and you'll also reduce the amount of weeding and watering you'll need to do. 3 Let a robot handle the mowing For some people, cutting the lawn meticulously, perhaps with Wimbledon-style stripes, will be the labour of love that makes their Sunday afternoon. But most of us would rather be soaking up the sun with a good book in hand than wrestling with a lawnmower, even if we do love the look of grass versus gravel. In that case, now could be the time to invest in a robot to do the job for you. Honda's Miimo range* of intelligent robotic mowers are big on cutting performance and perfect for mowing all sizes of lawns, from veritable postage stamps to small pastures. Winner of a Red Dot Design Award, the Miimo will stylishly navigate your lawn with the aid of boundary wires and a satellite navigation system, ensuring every blade of grass gets cut – but your prize petunias don't. Just tell Miimo when to mow through the in-app scheduling assistant, and off it'll go. The weatherproof casing will protect Miimo in the rain, and for security there's a built-in alarm that sounds if your Miimo is lifted – you will have a code to switch it off. 4 Make strategic plant pairingsDid you know that buddying up certain species of plants can save you a whole heap of time in the garden? By mastering the art of companion planting, you'll be able to worry less about pest control and feeding your plants, as they will essentially look out for each other. For example, thyme and roses are fine plant companions, as thyme's strong scent will deter the main scourge of roses, blackfly. And as well as making tasty soup, tomatoes and basil are a dream couple when planted side by side. Not only will the basil's scent deter whitefly, it's also said to make your tomatoes tastier and doesn't require much in the way of nutrients, leaving your tomatoes with all the goodness they need to grow. 5 Cut out the weeds with cardboard Weeding has to be the number one least loved garden task. But rather than getting on your hands and knees (or resorting to chemical solutions), just wait for your next parcel to arrive. Yes, cardboard boxes are the ultimate natural weed suppressant, and can cover large expanses of pesky unwanted growth in an instant. To suppress weeds with cardboard, lay plain, damp cardboard sheets (removing any glossy bits, plastic or tape) over the area, overlapping them to block sunlight. Add mulch or compost on top to weigh the cardboard down – this smothers the weeds and enriches the soil as the cardboard breaks down. Other ways to kill off weeds naturally include pouring boiling water or a white vinegar solution on them, or substituting cardboard for newspaper.6 Go wild Embracing wilderness in at least a corner of your garden will provide you with a patch of raw beauty for very little effort. 'Meadowscaping' involves replacing a patch of lawn or a flowerbed with native grasses and wildflowers. Once established, your meadow will need very little maintenance – particularly if you pick perennial wildflowers that come back year after year. And you'll attract important pollinators such as bees and butterflies that will keep your whole garden healthy. To achieve this wild look, you could have a go at 'chaos gardening' – simply gather up any leftover seeds you have lying around, whether they are vegetables, grasses, herbs or flowers, mix them all up and then scatter them on to your soil. Or for more guaranteed (and coordinated) success, use a dedicated wildflower mix. 7 Make an instant impact with lightingWhen the sun goes down, the right lighting won't just make your garden safer – it will transform its mood. It's a good idea to layer your lighting: practical wall lights will aid food and cocktail prep, while soft pendant lights create a cosy atmosphere over a dining table or around a corner sofa. LED candles, lanterns and festoon lights can be used to light a pathway back to the house, and are decorative, to boot. Just always make sure your lights are waterproof (IP65 if they are exposed to the elements) – LED bulbs often fit the bill and are long-lasting, making them a more sustainable choice. 8 Discover drought- and flood-resistant plant speciesIf you're struggling to keep plants alive, either because they are waterlogged by regular rain or are being exposed to long bouts of sunshine, investing in some specialist plants could save you a lot of hassle. This has been a key theme at Chelsea and other big RHS shows in recent years, as extreme weather events become more common. Drought tolerant species include lavender, cordyline, agapanthus and the common fig tree, while those that thrive in wet conditions include ferns, ranunculaceae, willow and quince trees. Find out more about the Honda Miimo range *Specifications vary across the Miimo range. Visit Honda's website for full details
