Latest news with #Netmums
The Irish Sun
7 days ago
- General
- The Irish Sun
5 beautiful flowers I always plant in August as a professional gardener – they're easy to grow & great for small spaces
IF you've avoided your flower beds all summer, it's not too late to take action. In fact, there are five easy blooms you can add to your garden right now that will brighten your space next spring. 6 A gardening pro revealed the five best flowers to plant during the month of August (stock image) Credit: Getty While September may be in sight, most of August is still ahead of us and it can be prime time to sow certain flowers. Easy to grow, attractive to pollinators, and are suitable for even the smallest spaces, these plants are the perfect addition to any garden. Writing for Netmums, a professional gardener revealed the best flowers to add to your garden right now. Cornflowers 6 Cornflowers are easy to grow and will add a pop of colour to your flower beds next spring (stock image) Credit: Getty Cornflower are easy to grow from seed and add a pop of colour to everything from window boxes to flower beds. This flower blooms best in direct sunlight and prefers well-drained soil. You will want to spread the seeds far apart, lightly watering the soil after. They are also brilliant for attracting bees and butterflies to your outdoor space. This will help your garden to flourish even further with increased pollination. Sowing cornflowers in August will give your bright beautiful flowers next spring or early summer. Pot Marigold (Calendula) 6 Calendula or pot marigold are easy to manage and ideal for planting with your little ones (stock image) Credit: Getty According to the gardening pro, pot marigolds are "sunshine in flower form". They are bright, easy to manage, and are perfect for a day of gardening with your little ones thanks to the large seeds. These can be sown directly into planters and tend to germinate quickly. You should plant these at least eight weeks before the first autumn frost for the best results. Pot marigolds are known to grow quickly and are not fussy about the soil. They also have the potential to flower until autumn if the weather stays mild. These flowers also attract pollinators and they even have petals that are edible. Forget-Me-Nots 6 Forget-me-not flourish in most settings, making them perfect for less involved gardeners (stock image) Credit: Getty These "small but mighty" flowers are a must for your August flower beds. Forget-me-nots prefer partial shade, something to remember when planting for next year. Sowing these around autumn time can lead to earlier blooms in spring. Keep the soil consistently wet while sowing and make sure to deadhead once these flowers do pop up. Sowing them now will give you a blanket of beautiful blue daisies next spring. Forget-me-nots can flourish in bordered flower beds, pots, and even window boxes. California Poppies 6 The California poppy is said to thrive even when it is neglected (stock image) Credit: Getty California poppies are often described as a "bold, bright, and easy" addition to your garden. Offering orange and yellow blooms, these flowers love the sun and don't mind poor soil. Make sure to place these plants exactly where you want them when sowing as they do not transplant well. Give them a light watering after sowing and then allow the soil to dry out. In fact, they even thrive on a bit of neglect and can be directly sown into bare patches, making them ideal for less dedicated gardeners. And like the other flowers on this list, they will add some joy to your outdoor space come spring. Wild Carrot 6 Wild carrot flowers can help boost the bee population in your area when in bloom (stock image) Credit: Getty Referred to by gardening enthusiasts as a "hidden gem", the wild carrot plant adds an interesting look to your space with "lacey white flower heads". These tiny umbrella-like flowers are also really good for bee populations. Also known as Queen Anne's lace, these flowers need moist soil during germination but tend to be quite drought-tolerant once established. They add a soft and gentle feel to your garden and help wildlife to flourish. So why not take five minutes and sprinkle some of the above seeds in your garden this August? You'll be glad you did when your flower beds begin blooming after the long winter. More on gardening One homeowner turned their garden into a Bridgerton paradise with a charity shop find. B&M has also slashed the price of its viral rattan sofa in a huge garden sale. Plus, the £1 Tesco buy that can protect your plants in the rainy weather. And a £3 B&M ornament adds splash of colour to eyesore walls and makes your garden look bigger. A B&M garden buy slashed in summer sale, it will brighten the outside of your home and enhance curb appeal.
Scottish Sun
7 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Scottish Sun
5 beautiful flowers I always plant in August as a professional gardener – they're easy to grow & great for small spaces
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) IF you've avoided your flower beds all summer, it's not too late to take action. In fact, there are five easy blooms you can add to your garden right now that will brighten your space next spring. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 A gardening pro revealed the five best flowers to plant during the month of August (stock image) Credit: Getty While September may be in sight, most of August is still ahead of us and it can be prime time to sow certain flowers. Easy to grow, attractive to pollinators, and are suitable for even the smallest spaces, these plants are the perfect addition to any garden. Writing for Netmums, a professional gardener revealed the best flowers to add to your garden right now. Cornflowers 6 Cornflowers are easy to grow and will add a pop of colour to your flower beds next spring (stock image) Credit: Getty Cornflower are easy to grow from seed and add a pop of colour to everything from window boxes to flower beds. Read More On Gardening WINTER WIN Aldi buy keeps lawns healthy in winter - it's £65 less than Bosch gadget This flower blooms best in direct sunlight and prefers well-drained soil. You will want to spread the seeds far apart, lightly watering the soil after. They are also brilliant for attracting bees and butterflies to your outdoor space. This will help your garden to flourish even further with increased pollination. Sowing cornflowers in August will give your bright beautiful flowers next spring or early summer. Pot Marigold (Calendula) 6 Calendula or pot marigold are easy to manage and ideal for planting with your little ones (stock image) Credit: Getty According to the gardening pro, pot marigolds are "sunshine in flower form". They are bright, easy to manage, and are perfect for a day of gardening with your little ones thanks to the large seeds. These can be sown directly into planters and tend to germinate quickly. You should plant these at least eight weeks before the first autumn frost for the best results. Pot marigolds are known to grow quickly and are not fussy about the soil. They also have the potential to flower until autumn if the weather stays mild. These flowers also attract pollinators and they even have petals that are edible. Forget-Me-Nots 6 Forget-me-not flourish in most settings, making them perfect for less involved gardeners (stock image) Credit: Getty These "small but mighty" flowers are a must for your August flower beds. Forget-me-nots prefer partial shade, something to remember when planting for next year. Sowing these around autumn time can lead to earlier blooms in spring. Keep the soil consistently wet while sowing and make sure to deadhead once these flowers do pop up. Sowing them now will give you a blanket of beautiful blue daisies next spring. Forget-me-nots can flourish in bordered flower beds, pots, and even window boxes. California Poppies 6 The California poppy is said to thrive even when it is neglected (stock image) Credit: Getty California poppies are often described as a "bold, bright, and easy" addition to your garden. Offering orange and yellow blooms, these flowers love the sun and don't mind poor soil. Make sure to place these plants exactly where you want them when sowing as they do not transplant well. Give them a light watering after sowing and then allow the soil to dry out. In fact, they even thrive on a bit of neglect and can be directly sown into bare patches, making them ideal for less dedicated gardeners. And like the other flowers on this list, they will add some joy to your outdoor space come spring. Wild Carrot 6 Wild carrot flowers can help boost the bee population in your area when in bloom (stock image) Credit: Getty Referred to by gardening enthusiasts as a "hidden gem", the wild carrot plant adds an interesting look to your space with "lacey white flower heads". These tiny umbrella-like flowers are also really good for bee populations. Also known as Queen Anne's lace, these flowers need moist soil during germination but tend to be quite drought-tolerant once established. They add a soft and gentle feel to your garden and help wildlife to flourish. So why not take five minutes and sprinkle some of the above seeds in your garden this August? You'll be glad you did when your flower beds begin blooming after the long winter. More on gardening One homeowner turned their garden into a Bridgerton paradise with a charity shop find. B&M has also slashed the price of its viral rattan sofa in a huge garden sale. Plus, the £1 Tesco buy that can protect your plants in the rainy weather. And a £3 B&M ornament adds splash of colour to eyesore walls and makes your garden look bigger. A B&M garden buy slashed in summer sale, it will brighten the outside of your home and enhance curb appeal.
The Sun
7 days ago
- General
- The Sun
5 beautiful flowers I always plant in August as a professional gardener – they're easy to grow & great for small spaces
IF you've avoided your flower beds all summer, it's not too late to take action. In fact, there are five easy blooms you can add to your garden right now that will brighten your space next spring. 6 While September may be in sight, most of August is still ahead of us and it can be prime time to sow certain flowers. Easy to grow, attractive to pollinators, and are suitable for even the smallest spaces, these plants are the perfect addition to any garden. Writing for Netmums, a professional gardener revealed the best flowers to add to your garden right now. Cornflowers 6 Cornflower are easy to grow from seed and add a pop of colour to everything from window boxes to flower beds. This flower blooms best in direct sunlight and prefers well-drained soil. You will want to spread the seeds far apart, lightly watering the soil after. They are also brilliant for attracting bees and butterflies to your outdoor space. This will help your garden to flourish even further with increased pollination. Sowing cornflowers in August will give your bright beautiful flowers next spring or early summer. Pot Marigold (Calendula) 6 According to the gardening pro, pot marigolds are "sunshine in flower form". They are bright, easy to manage, and are perfect for a day of gardening with your little ones thanks to the large seeds. These can be sown directly into planters and tend to germinate quickly. You should plant these at least eight weeks before the first autumn frost for the best results. Pot marigolds are known to grow quickly and are not fussy about the soil. They also have the potential to flower until autumn if the weather stays mild. These flowers also attract pollinators and they even have petals that are edible. Forget-Me-Nots 6 These "small but mighty" flowers are a must for your August flower beds. Forget-me-nots prefer partial shade, something to remember when planting for next year. Sowing these around autumn time can lead to earlier blooms in spring. Keep the soil consistently wet while sowing and make sure to deadhead once these flowers do pop up. Sowing them now will give you a blanket of beautiful blue daisies next spring. Forget-me-nots can flourish in bordered flower beds, pots, and even window boxes. California Poppies 6 California poppies are often described as a "bold, bright, and easy" addition to your garden. Offering orange and yellow blooms, these flowers love the sun and don't mind poor soil. Make sure to place these plants exactly where you want them when sowing as they do not transplant well. Give them a light watering after sowing and then allow the soil to dry out. In fact, they even thrive on a bit of neglect and can be directly sown into bare patches, making them ideal for less dedicated gardeners. And like the other flowers on this list, they will add some joy to your outdoor space come spring. Wild Carrot 6 Referred to by gardening enthusiasts as a "hidden gem", the wild carrot plant adds an interesting look to your space with "lacey white flower heads". These tiny umbrella-like flowers are also really good for bee populations. Also known as Queen Anne's lace, these flowers need moist soil during germination but tend to be quite drought-tolerant once established. They add a soft and gentle feel to your garden and help wildlife to flourish. So why not take five minutes and sprinkle some of the above seeds in your garden this August? You'll be glad you did when your flower beds begin blooming after the long winter. More on gardening One homeowner turned their garden into a Bridgerton paradise with a charity shop find. B&M has also slashed the price of its viral rattan sofa in a huge garden sale. Plus, the £1 Tesco buy that can protect your plants in the rainy weather.
Daily Mirror
21-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mirror
The school uniform range proving a huge hit with Netmums
Running, jumping, playing, crawling, falling, mucking around… and, oh yes, working. School uniforms have to cope with plenty of rough and tumble throughout term time. That's why it's so important to provide your kids with comfortable and hardy clothes that will help them thrive. The right gear can boost children's confidence, allowing them to forget about what they're wearing and focus on the important and meaningful stuff: learning new skills and connecting with friends and teachers. That's where George at Asda comes in. An expert in schoolwear, George at Asda has made sure its extensive uniform range will stand up to whatever kids can (often, literally) throw at it. There's stain-release material, extendable hems for growth, trousers with reinforced knees, and even scuff-resistant shoes. Key items are available in a vast range of colours to suit different school uniform needs, so you're covered wherever you're based. Plus, all shades are made to last, remaining vibrant even after repeat washes. Each piece has been thoughtfully crafted, going beyond the basics to ensure it will stay the course while staying smart – good news for busy families on a budget. So, it's no wonder that in a poll of Netmums members*, 98% said they would recommend The School Shop at George at Asda. From PE kits to pinafores, and polo shirts to skirts, everything has been structured with real-life schooldays in mind; that means looking great through messy art projects, muddy-pitch battles, and classroom concentration. Whether it's permanent creases in trousers to keep them looking neat, or elasticated waistbands for comfort, George at Asda schoolwear aims to make life easier, and more affordable, for parents and caregivers. And you can be assured that quality is never compromised for price. George at Asda also knows that individual children have individual needs. That's why its schoolwear boasts subtle, clever and sensitive features like 'mock flies' and 'mock buttons,' which are simple hook-and-loop fastenings. This approach means a child will never have to worry about looking scruffy or unpresentable, or about having to manage fiddly fastenings, helping them to feel more grown-up and capable. Nowhere is this focus on stylish simplicity more notable than in the Easy On Easy Wear collection. Designed to be sensitive to some children's special sensory needs, and to help with independent dressing, the clothes feature pull-on styles, soft fabric and threads, and non-bulky seams – and there are no itchy labels either. From the first bell to home time, uniforms should work as hard as your kids do. Every child should be able to look and feel confident at school, whatever they're doing. That's why affordability is as important as quality at George at Asda, and why everything is covered by a 100-day guarantee**. Shop in-store or online and search by item, age or fit. As well as schoolwear, you can find plenty of other essentials for the start of the new school year, including stationery, bags and lunchboxes. When it comes to back-to-school success, George at Asda is top of the class. The school shop at George at Asda is available all year round, either in-store or online *Poll of 40 Netmums members, 2023. ** 100 day guarantee If for any reason you are not satisfied with your George at Asda Clothing or George at Asda Home product, simply return it within 100 days with proof of purchase for an exchange or refund. George at Asda branded products only. Excludes watches, jewellery, hair accessories, indoor and outdoor furniture and mattresses. Your statutory rights are not affected. UK Mainland stores only. Excludes franchises.
Spectator
13-07-2025
- General
- Spectator
Why shouldn't we call children ‘naughty'?
As we approach the final countdown to the school summer holidays and I am faced with the prospect of lots more quality time with my almost-five-year-old, and absolutely no idea what I will fill the days with, it seems a good moment to evaluate my style of parenting and seek out some advice to help the family get through the summer with our sanities intact. These days, there is a whole animal kingdom of parenting styles to choose from: could I be an elephant mother? A panda, a jellyfish? Or the better-known tiger mum – usually associated with parents pushing their children towards over-achievement. This year my son has learned to read, write simple sentences and, significantly, will go for a poo on his own, so I feel like we have already reached the pinnacle of what can be achieved in the academic year – so not tiger for me. Besides, if I'm honest, I'm not really looking for help on how to help my son achieve his goals – especially given his biggest aim is to get me to buy him the Hot Wheels T-rex transporter (for those blissfully unaware: a giant truck with light-up, roaring-effect T-rex head). Really, where I'd be open to some advice is on the day-to-day management of the emotional fallout of being four or five. How do you deal with tantrums and meltdowns, and – the worst – prolonged whining, when your tiny tyrant shows immense resistance to reasoned argument (and you're also dealing with a two-year-old who has recently discovered the power of 'no')? Many modern parenting styles focus on managing a child's emotions and behaviour, such as the millennial favourite 'gentle parenting' – where a child's feelings are validated but parents do not use rewards or punishments. And today's parenting 'experts' also seem to prize the validation of a child's emotion above all else, allowing it to dictate how you discipline a child. My interest was piqued recently by an interview with BBC anchor turned child counsellor Kate Silverton on the Netmums podcast. She suggested that parents ban the word 'naughty', as she claims children can internalise the label and think ''I'm bad. I'm naughty'. And then it becomes: 'That's me. That's who I am.'' She concludes: 'That's where sort of delinquency comes from.' But isn't 'naughty' exactly the kind of word you need when dealing with a young child's bad behaviour? It's an adjective made for children. 'Don't throw your toys everywhere, that's naughty.' 'Don't hit your sister, that's naughty.' You are not labelling your child with a permanently naughty identity – merely explaining to them what is good and bad behaviour, in appropriate terms. And what would you say instead? To actively try not to use the word goes against your parenting instincts. I am not only looking to raise children who are 'heard', I also want to raise individuals who are well-behaved and resilient Parental instincts are not always given enough importance by those offering advice. Silverton makes some decent points about taking a moment to calm yourself so that you can react in a more measured way, and trying not to unload your own childhood emotional baggage on to your children (although that might put her out of business as a therapist). But some of her tricks and tips, such as for defusing tantrums, are cringe-inducing and even counterintuitive. Silverton offers the example of picking up her child from nursery and bringing an apple as a snack when her child wanted an orange. The child proceeds to have a tantrum, lying on the ground in front of other parents. (I feel her pain, as this week I was treated to a full meltdown after I cut my son's toast in half, when he preferred it whole.) In these scenarios, Silverton advises that you should get down with your child and attempt to match their energy as you articulate what you sense they are feeling. She calls it her 'SAS' tool: See/Sense, Acknowledge, Soothe. In the podcast, she demonstrates by adopting an exaggerated angry toddler tone: 'You are so cross right now…' Honestly, I would sooner crawl out of my own skin than do this. And in front of other parents too? Absolutely not. Surely I cannot be the only parent who thinks the key aim in a tantrum scenario is not to validate your child's emotions, but rather to correct the bad behaviour and make your child understand that throwing a tantrum is unacceptable and will not get them what they want. Naturally, I want my children to know they can talk to me about any problem, big or small. But as a mother I am not only looking to raise children who are 'heard', I also want to raise individuals who are well-behaved and resilient. Acknowledging your child needs help regulating their emotions shouldn't mean abandoning all use of negative or authoritative language. When my son made his feelings crystal clear about the injustice of having his toast cut in half and demanded a new piece of toast, I said no, it was cut toast or nothing. And eventually, he ate the toast. Look, I'm not a monster, and for the sake of a peaceful summer I'll try my hardest not to cut his toast again. But if I forget, maybe, just maybe, he won't react the same way again.
