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The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Lifestyle
- The Irish Sun
The 48p Shein buy that's key to making your tiny garden look bigger & five other ways to give the illusion of more space
YOU can spend hundreds, if not thousands, of pounds trying to make a small garden look bigger. But a plant expert has insisted you don't need to shell out to give the illusion of more space, as you can get the same results with a 48p buy. 4 If you've got a small garden, there are some clever ways you can give the illusion of more space Credit: Getty 4 A hanging planter is one such trick, and this gorgeous macrame one is 48p on Shein Credit: Shein 4 Use a well-placed mirror to reflect the light in your green space too Credit: Getty The bargain in question is from Shein - a macrame plant hanger. "Hanging planters are a brilliant way to add layers to a small garden without cluttering the ground,' "Use them for trailing plants like English ivy, boston fern, or even strawberries if you want to grow fruit." They also work well on a balcony, as hanging planters make them "feel like little hideaway - kind of like having your own mini garden retreat in the middle of the city," the company's founder Jo Lambell added. Read more Gardening stories Another way to maximise a garden with limited ground space is with a vertical planting wall. "Think herbs, trailing plants, or colourful bedding in planters attached to trellises or wooden pallets," Jo suggested. "It's a high-impact look that also smells incredible when you include rosemary, mint or thyme." You can even try making one yourself, just by mounting an old metal shoe rack to a wall. Most read in Fabulous Tilt it, and make sure it's properly secured so that you can sit small potted plants on it at an angle - creating an "eye-catching, space-saving solution that turns clutter into a garden feature". It's also worth looking at furniture with a dual purpose - such as a planter that doubles as a storage bench - to "maximise functionality while keeping your garden clutter-free". I gave my garden a small patio corner using black and white paint from B&Q and people say it's 'gorgeous' Make the most of the corners in your garden too. You can turn one into a mini wildflower garden, using seeds such as a mix of cornflowers, poppies and cosmos. "Sowing a small patch of wildflower seeds in a deep planter can support bees and butterflies," Connor added. "It's one of the most rewarding things you can do for wildlife, and it adds a beautiful texture." Another option is to create a corner seating area - which you can do for less with reclaimed wooden pallets. Add some weatherproof cushions to make a "snug lounge area that's both budget-friendly and space-efficient". How To Make Your Small Garden Look Bigger Garden design expert Fiona Jenkins from has created a guide on how to make your small garden look larger. Add shelves - for additional storage and place to hold more plants. Use foldaway furniture - to take up less space when not in use. Add privacy - with fencing, trellis, brick walls or hedging. Add a water feature - to make your garden seem like a natural retreat. Go bright - when choosing plants, opt for bold colours to make the space pop. Use large planters - to get more plants in less space. Plant vertically - add plants upwards to make your garden seem fuller, and therefore, bigger. Use blue flowers at the edge s - blue flowers and plants recede into the distance and make the garden appear bigger. Grow tall plants - it's better to think big when it comes to a small garden. Keep clutter a minimum - as it can give the illusion of less space than there actually is. Lastly, there are some other illusions you can create with light and space, such as placing a mirror on a wall or fence to "visually double" the space. Consider planting pale coloured flowers and plants such as white petunias, pale pink geraniums, or daisies to reflect light and make the space look bigger. 4 Dust off your DIY skills to put together a garden furniture set from old pallets Credit: Getty
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Daily Record
Gardening expert's key advice for making sure your lawn is green and lush all summer
A thick, lush lawn can sometimes seem out of reach, but there are ways to make your grass look greener than ever - and it will work not only this summer but for seasons to come Achieving a lush, green lawn can be quite the challenge, but it's not impossible, especially with some expert guidance. Figuring out what your grass requires to thrive can be complex, and sometimes hopes for a thick and beautiful lawn seem just a dream. However, gardening expert Fiona Jenkins from has shared her insights on how to get your grass looking more vibrant than ever before. She assures that with the right approach, you can enjoy a greener lawn not only this summer but in future seasons as well. Fiona advises: "A lush green lawn is something that all gardeners aspire to, particularly during the summer months when we will likely be spending more time outside. There is no quick shortcut to achieving this, but with a little time and effort your grass can become thicker and greener than ever." She shared her essential tips for cultivating that perfect lawn with Devon Live. Here's what she recommends: Feed your lawn Selecting a high-quality fertiliser is crucial for maintaining a healthy, green lawn throughout the year. Fiona cautions that you should only feed your lawn during its growth periods, which means applying fertiliser once in spring and again in autumn. She explains: "A quality spring fertiliser, if applied correctly, should encourage grass to grow thicker and greener. These specialised fertilisers are high in nitrate, which is key in stimulating the chlorophyll needed for photosynthesis. "Autumn fertilisers are designed to encourage the growth of grass roots and boost the overall health and resistance of your lawn. They may not show the same noticeable results as spring fertilisers in terms of growth and colour but are important for helping your grass to stay strong against cold and frosty conditions." Keep on top of mowing Fiona suggests regular lawn maintenance, saying: "We are currently in the midst of 'No Mow May', an initiative that encourages people to refrain from mowing their lawns during May to support pollinators such as bees and butterflies. On the whole, however, regular mowing is an important step in making your grass greener and thicker." She further explains the benefits of consistent mowing saying: "Regular mowing encourages grass to grow through a process known as the 'stimulation effect'. The principle works much the same as how we are advised to get our hair trimmed regularly to enable it to grow faster! "When you mow your lawn consistently to a good height you are removing the top portion of the grass blades, which prompts it to produce new shoots and leaves to compensate, resulting in a denser turf. It also has the additional benefit of removing any weeds which may be stealing sunlight, nutrients, and water from your grass." Don't mow too short The advice also includes a caution not to trim the grass too short. While regular mowing is crucial, it's just as vital not to cut our lawns too short. Fiona explains, "If you cut too much off your grass, you are putting excessive stress on the plants and inhibiting their ability to photosynthesise effectively by reducing the surface area of the leaves, making them weaker and more vulnerable. "Grass that has been cut too short also lacks the energy reserves necessary for developing a robust root system and will become thinner and less able to compete with weeds. For these reasons, in order to maintain lawn health and vitality, you should avoid cutting any more than one-third of the grass blade length with each mow." Sharpen mower blades Fiona points out the link between the condition of your mower blades and your lawn's health. She explains: "Dull blades can affect lawn quality by tearing the grass rather than making clean cuts. This leads to jagged, uneven edges on the leaves, which stresses them and leaves them looking brown and struggling to grow as they try desperately to repair the damage." To ensure your grass remains in top condition, Fiona advises, "If you want to keep your grass looking lush you should aim to sharpen the blades on your lawn mower at least once per growing season. Using a dedicated blade sharpening tool is highly recommended as this will offer the most effective results with the least amount of effort, as well as coming with all of the necessary safety features." Overseed sparser areas If your lawn is looking a little worse for wear with thinner patches or bald spots cropping up, you might need to consider overseeding these areas with quality grass seeds. Fiona advises: "Adding new seeds to your lawn's current grass will provide more coverage and give it a thicker, denser appearance." Lawn aeration Fiona says regular lawn care is essential, stating: "To achieve thicker, greener, and healthier grass you should be aiming to aerate your lawn every autumn. The process of aeration involves poking lots of small holes into the soil beneath your lawn. "This can be done with a manual aerator or garden fork or, if you have a larger garden, you may wish to invest in an electric aerator which can cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time. Over time your lawn's soil will become compacted due to factors such as foot traffic, heavy machinery, and natural settling, which will in turn restrict root growth and impede the penetration of water, air, and nutrients. Aerating your lawn relieves soil compaction, thus enhancing root development and allowing the grass to access nutrients more effectively." Tackle weeds and moss Additionally, it is important to combat common weeds and moss head-on. These unwelcome guests, including dandelions, daisies, and buttercups, along with moss, are commonplace on British lawns. They detract not only from the hue but also compete with your grass, hobbling its growth and sapping essential sustenance. The expert advises: " Whilst it may be a time-consuming process, pulling out weeds by hand is usually the safest method to avoid damaging your grass – just make sure that you pull them out from the root to prevent regrowth. Many autumn lawn feeds come with a built-in moss killer, and moss can then be raked away gently around 2 weeks after application." Maintain vigilance against thatch Fiona explains that thatch is a layer of dead grass clippings, roots, and organic matter that, over time, will build up between the soil surface and the actively growing grass. She said: "The more this builds up, the more it starts to act like a barrier, preventing water, air, and nutrients from getting to the soil. This restricts the grass's access to these essential resources, resulting in a thinner and weaker turf with a duller green colour. "Thankfully, dethatching is a very simple process that doesn't require any specialist tools! Simply going over your lawn with a sturdy garden rake should do the trick perfectly and promote a healthier, thicker, and greener lawn." Avoid excess shade where possible "You have probably already noticed that grass on shady lawns grows poorly in comparison to that on lawns that get access to full sun," says Fiona. "Grass needs sunlight to grow thick and healthy, so reducing garden objects that could block it out will leave your lawn thankful. "Of course, certain factors are out of our control, but the simplest steps like cutting back a large bush or tree could help your grass to receive those valuable extra couple of hours of sunlight a day!" Keep lawns watered In the UK, we're blessed with a fair amount of rain that usually reduces the need for regular watering of our lawns. However, Fiona advises that during any warmer spells, it's important to keep your lawn hydrated. She says: "If your grass is left looking yellow and sparse due to lack of water and too much hot sunlight, it is a good idea to water it once a day during this period – just be mindful of any current restrictions, such as hose pipe bans!"
Daily Record
6 days ago
- General
- Daily Record
Gardeners urged to use 12p item to keep rats out of gardens
Rats are an unwelcome sight in any garden, but there are ways to keep them at bay. An expert from has shared the best natural methods to deter the pests, and it will only cost you 12p Gardening enthusiasts frequently face challenges with pests like slugs and snails. However, rats can be an especially troublesome issue for those wanting to enjoy their tranquility of the garden without disturbance. Robert Collins has offered his expert advice for keeping these unwelcome guests out of your garden, highlighting a household staple that you'll often find at home. Essential oils are hailed as an excellent method for deterring the troublesome rodents. Regarding essential oils, Mr Collins from advises: "This is one of the safest and most effective natural ways to get rid of rats. Peppermint, Eucalyptus, and Citronella are great examples of essential oils that are brilliant at deterring rats." He points out that the strong scent of such oils acts as a rat repellent and goes on to explain that you can create a DIY rat-repellent spray by mixing an essential oil with water in a spray bottle. For those keen to try this solution, he suggests a mixture of one part essential oil to nine parts water and advises spraying it along the edges of the garden and any popular rat paths, reports the Mirror. Onions Onions also come into play, according to Mr Collins, who says they are effective rat deterrents due to their strong odour which rats find off-putting. He suggests chopping up a few onions and positioning them around the perimeter of your garden or at any known entryways. This remedy is not only simple but also economical, with onions available from local supermarkets at low costs as little as 21p from Tesco or 95p from Waitrose. Steel wool Steel wool is another suggested option. It can be used to deter rats from entering your garden. The expert suggested: "If there are any visible access points where you know the rats are entering and exiting from, stuff some steel wool into these gaps." He added: "Steel wool is a great barrier as it's difficult for rats to nibble at steel wool. They will eventually give up when they find they can't get through it." How to seal up entry points for rats? Mr Collins recommends using steel wool to effectively seal rat entry points. He advised, "Fill the gaps with steel wool and then put caulk around the steel wool to ensure it stays in place. "Alternatively, you can use spray foam to keep it in place. If there are cracks or openings in your walls, you can apply caulking, which will create an airtight seal that protects your home from pests." He also cautioned about potential entry points via chimneys. In this case, you should install chimney grates. However, this task is best left to professionals. You should also seal any vents with mouse mesh to prevent access. If there are gaps in your roof, you can also fill these with sealants, roof tar, or tiles. He concluded, "Whenever you seal a gap to prevent rats from accessing your property, it's important to always use metal. Rats can chew through most materials."
Daily Mirror
24-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
UK households urged to use 12p item to keep rats out of gardens
An expert has shared some top tips on how to keep rats out of your garden - using just a few household items. One of the items is a kitchen essential that you probably have in your cupboard right now Gardening buffs are no strangers to battling pests like slugs and snails, but rats present a particularly vexing challenge to those who wish to enjoy their plants in peace. Robert Collins from has shared his top tips for keeping these unwanted visitors away from your garden. Better yet, it involves a common household item you're likely to have on hand—essential oils stand out as a go-to measure for fending off the pesky rodents. When it comes to essential oils, Mr Collins recommends: "This is one of the safest and most effective natural ways to get rid of rats. Peppermint, Eucalyptus, and Citronella are great examples of essential oils that are brilliant at deterring rats." He explains that the potent aroma of such essences acts as a deterrent. He adds that you can create a homemade rat-repellent spray by combining an essential oil with water in a spritz bottle. For anyone eager to try this method, he suggests mixing one part essential oil to nine parts water and spraying the concoction along garden boundaries and spots where rats might frequent, as reported by North Wales Live. Onions Mr Collins reveals that you can use onions to deter rats. Their pungent smell can prevent them from wanting to enter the garden. He recommends slicing few onions and scattering them around your garden's perimeter or any obvious entry can be easily sourced from your local supermarket, with prices as low as 21p at Tesco or 95p at Waitrose. Steel wool Steel wool can be used to block rats' access to your garden. The expert advised: "If there are any visible access points where you know the rats are entering and exiting from, stuff some steel wool into these gaps. He continued: "Steel wool is a great barrier as it's difficult for rats to nibble at steel wool. They will eventually give up when they find they can't get through it." How to seal up entry points for rats? Mr Collins suggests using steel wool to best seal rat entry points. He advised, "Fill the gaps with steel wool and then put caulk around the steel wool to ensure it stays in place. Alternatively, you can use spray foam to keep it in place." If there are cracks or openings in your walls, you can apply caulking, which will create an airtight seal that protects your home from pests. He also warns of potential entry points via chimneys. In this case, you should install chimney grates. Although, this is best left to professionals. You should also seal any vents with mouse mesh to prevent access. If there are gaps in your roof, you can also fill these with sealants, roof tar, or tiles. He added, "Whenever you seal a gap to prevent rats from accessing your property, it's important to always use metal. Rats can chew through most materials."
Business Mayor
09-05-2025
- General
- Business Mayor
Expert reveals best ways to save water while keeping gardens green and lush this summer
Expert reveals best ways to save water while keeping gardens green and lush (Image: Getty) Growing a lush, thriving garden isn't just about mastering the basics. Many green-fingered enthusiasts encounter problems like exhausted soil, pests, or limited space. However, with a few savvy tips and tricks, you can easily overcome these hurdles and transform your garden into the verdant haven of your dreams. Here are some top tips from gardening guru Fiona Jenkins at that can enhance your garden's health and productivity – and the best Amazon products to shop for that are sure to take your garden set up to a whole new level. READ MORE: Molly-Mae calls this seriously hydrating £28 body lotion 'one of the best I've ever used' READ MORE: 'Sturdy and lightweight' Galaxy Tablet with 'long battery life' gets major £70 price cut Wasting water is detrimental to your garden and the environment. Fiona points out that sophisticated watering techniques can conserve water, ensure plants receive exactly what they need without wastage and overwatering, and maintain healthy roots. Drip systems gradually supply water directly to the roots of grass, trees, and plants. Setting up timers means you don't have to water manually, and these systems use significantly less water than traditional hoses. Check out this MIXC Irrigation System on Amazon (£19.99), which boasts a flow rate of 6.7-7 L/Hour and a maximum spray diameter of 0.3m. This irrigation system can save up to 70% of water compared to manual watering, and it comes equipped with two water outlet modes (columnar and misty), which make it easy to adjust the water flow to your plants' needs, waving goodbye to the woes of overwatering. This MIXC Irrigation System Greenhouse Watering Systems costs £19.99 on Amazon (Image: Amazon) This drip irrigation kit can be used for a variety of outdoor areas, including agriculture, lawns, gardens, greenhouses, and conservatories. It provides a cool and refreshing environment for your plants, helping them thrive without the hassle of manual watering. Plus, it comes with an automatic timer, so you don't have to worry about your plants' needs throughout the day. Or, if you're looking for a larger set-up, B&Q offers this 60-piece set for £38. Fiona also notes that you can use greywater to sustain your plants, a more environmentally friendly option. Greywater is water used in baths, sinks, or washing machines. If you filter it thoroughly, you can repurpose it for plants. Be sure to steer clear of water with harsh chemicals or soaps that could damage plants or soil life, and always check local regulations before using greywater. Another investment worth making involves the modern tools on the market, which make gardening simpler. For instance, using sensors and apps can help you better comprehend your garden's needs. Sensors can inform you precisely when your plants require water or fertiliser, preventing waste and keeping plants healthy. They can also provide real-time data on soil conditions. This Gardena Soil Moisture Sensor is now £35.29 down from £56.99 on Amazon (Image: Amazon) Specific apps and software can also assist you in planning planting schedules, setting reminders, and tracking growth. They're a fantastic way to enhance your gardening knowledge and keep everything in order. For those who don't mind splashing some cash, Amazon offers a great solar-powered sensor system with its own handy app that lets you keep up to date on your garden's stats. Check out the Gardena Soil Moisture Sensor for £35. Or you can pick one up from The Range for its full price of £56.99.
