Latest news with #NickGrey
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Scottish Sun
Houseplants will ‘bloom for years' thanks to common item in your food bin – and peace lilies find it ‘so tasty'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) IF you often struggle to keep your houseplants alive (don't worry, we do too), then you've come to the right place. There's nothing worse than someone giving you a houseplant and just days later, it's looking worse for wear. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 If every houseplant you own ends up dying within days, you'll need to listen up Credit: Getty 3 Here's a handy hack to keep peace lilies alive 'for years' - and the secret is in your food bin Credit: Getty 3 It turns out that houseplants find banana peels "so tasty" Credit: Getty But now, luckily for you, we've found a handy hack that will ensure your plants bloom for years. And fear not, you won't have to nip out and splash the cash on pricey fertiliser - in fact, the secret may even be in your food bin. Peace lilies in particular are said to find this trick 'so tasty', so if you want to ensure repeat blooming, this homemade feed is one you won't want to miss. When it comes to caring for peace lilies, it is important to only feed them once a month during the growing season, which is spring and summer. It turns out that overfeeding can be harmful, so it's important to avoid excess fertiliser. And now, gardening enthusiasts have shared a super simple homemade fertiliser - and the key ingredient is banana peels. Taking to the Gardening Hints and Tips Facebook page, an anonymous user explained: 'In the summer, I feed my houseplants with a homemade banana soak. 'My peace lily loves it, just thought I'd share it in case anyone is struggling. 'I've always struggled to get my peace lilies looking good, but bananas make them bloom for years.' The gardening guru then added: 'Once I've eaten a banana or given it to my dog, I'll chop the peel and soak it in some warm water. Gardening hacks to grow fruit from your weekly shop 'After a few days, pour sparingly on your plants, so tasty for them.' The social media post attracted numerous comments from other houseplant enthusiasts, who also praised the effective banana peel trick. Top 5 Spring Gardening Jobs *If you click a link in this boxout, we may earn affiliate revenue Nick Grey, Gtech Inventor and CEO shared the tasks to crack on with as Spring arrives. 1. Clean your garden Make sure to clear away all leaves, soil and plant debris from your patios and flower beds; this creates a healthier environment for new growth, especially as we get into the summer months. Gtech's Garden Safety Kit includes durable gardening gloves and safety glasses; perfect for comfortability whilst tackling those outdoor tasks. 2. Weeding Early Spring is the best time to tackle weeds; if you can introduce some regular weeding into your routine, you can guarantee a tidy garden all year round. 3. Hedge maintenance Spring is the ideal time to tidy up overgrown hedges and shrubs, as regular trimming ensures healthy growth and reduces pest issues. Using a tool like the Gtech Lightweight Hedge Trimmer can help to keep your greenery looking sharp and neat. 4. Composting Starting a compost heap this spring is a pro-active, cost-effective way to harness nutritious soil for your plants and recycle organic waste that will benefit the overall health of your greenery and foliage. 5. Look after your lawn Lawn care is hugely important in assuring your garden stays looking beautiful. Make sure to rake away any excess leaves and trim your grass routinely. One user beamed: 'Heard lots about this, so I gave it a go. I only use it now and again and then a proper feed in between, but it's fantastic.' Whilst a second chimed in: 'All houseplants love this, not just peace lilies, but be careful not to over water.' I've always struggled to get my peace lilies looking good, but bananas make them bloom for years Facebook user According to houseplant enthusiasts, soaking banana peels in water releases nutrients such as potassium, phosphorus and magnesium, which are beneficial for many houseplants, but peace lilies in particular. It is crucial to dilute the banana water with water to make it last longer and ensure it doesn't overwhelm the plant. 8 must-have plants to brighten up your garden Nick Hamilton owner of Barnsdale Gardens has shared his favourite plants and flowers you should consider adding to your garden, borders and pots. Tricyrtis A spectacular plant that gives a real exotic feel to any garden with its orchid-like, spotted flowers giving the impression that this plant should be tender but it is 'as tough as old boots!'. Penstemon I love this plants genus of because most will flower all summer and autumn. They'll grow in sun or semi-shade in a well drained soil and produce a non-stop display of tubular flowers in an array of colours and colour combination to suit all tastes. Luzula sylvatica 'Marginata' With the evergreen leaves edged with yellow it's great asset is that it will grow in sun or shade in any type of soil and is great as groundcover in the hardest spot to fill - dry shade. Eryngium x zabelii 'Big Blue' A stunning, nectar-rich plant that will feed the beneficial insects in your garden. Leave the flowerheads once they have turned brown because they look stunning with winter frost and snow, extending the plant's interest period. Sarcococca hookeriana 'Winter Gem' If you need winter scent then look no further than this compact, evergreen shrub. The scent is stunning and the evergreen leaves create an excellent backdrop for the summer flowers. Cornus sanguinea 'Anny's Winter Orange' A dwarf version of 'Midwinter Fire' the very colourful stems create a stunning winter display, particularly on sunny days. Rosa 'Noisette Carnee' A very well-behaved climbing rose that is perfect for training over an arch, pergola or gazebo. The small, 'noisette' flowers are blush-pink and produce the most amazing clove scent constantly from June to November. Sanguisorba hakusanensis 'Lilac Squirrel' I've never seen a squirrel with a drooping, shaggy lilac tail, but this variety will give your garden an unusual and different look throughout summer. It does need a moisture retentive soil but will grow in sun or semi-shade. Not only this, but banana peels can also be used to fertilise outdoor plants, including tomatoes, bell peppers, roses and hydrangeas. If planting a new plant, you should simply scatter some banana peels beneath the compost, or place them around the top of the soil. Not only will this be beneficial to your plants, but it can also help to deter pests such as slugs, who hate rough surfaces. Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- Lifestyle
- The Irish Sun
Houseplants will ‘bloom for years' thanks to common item in your food bin – and peace lilies find it ‘so tasty'
IF you often struggle to keep your houseplants alive (don't worry, we do too), then you've come to the right place. There's nothing worse than someone giving you a Advertisement 3 If every houseplant you own ends up dying within days, you'll need to listen up Credit: Getty 3 Here's a handy hack to keep peace lilies alive 'for years' - and the secret is in your food bin Credit: Getty 3 It turns out that houseplants find banana peels "so tasty" Credit: Getty But now, luckily for you, we've found a handy hack that will ensure your plants bloom for years. And fear not, you won't have to nip out and splash the cash on pricey Peace lilies in particular are said to find this trick 'so tasty', so if you want to ensure repeat blooming, this homemade feed is one you won't want to miss. When it comes to caring for Advertisement Read more Fabulous stories It turns out that overfeeding can be harmful, so it's important to avoid excess fertiliser. And now, gardening enthusiasts have shared a super simple homemade fertiliser - and the key ingredient is banana peels. Taking to the Gardening Hints and Tips Facebook page, an anonymous user explained: 'In the summer, I feed my houseplants with a homemade banana soak. 'My peace lily loves it, just thought I'd share it in case anyone is struggling. Advertisement Most read in Fabulous 'I've always struggled to get my peace lilies looking good, but bananas make them bloom for years.' The gardening guru then added: 'Once I've eaten a banana or given it to my dog, I'll chop the peel and soak it in some warm water. Gardening hacks to grow fruit from your weekly shop 'After a few days, pour sparingly on your plants, so tasty for them.' The social media post attracted numerous comments from other houseplant enthusiasts, who also praised the effective banana peel trick. Advertisement Top 5 Spring Gardening Jobs *If you click a link in this boxout, we may earn affiliate revenue Nick Grey, 1. Clean your garden Make sure to clear away all leaves, soil and plant debris from your patios and flower beds; this creates a healthier environment for new growth, especially as we get into the summer months. 2. Weeding Early Spring is the best time to tackle weeds; if you can introduce some regular weeding into your routine, you can guarantee a tidy garden all year round. 3. Hedge maintenance Spring is the ideal time to tidy up overgrown hedges and shrubs, as regular trimming ensures healthy growth and reduces pest issues. Using a tool like the 4. Composting Starting a compost heap this spring is a pro-active, cost-effective way to harness nutritious soil for your plants and recycle organic waste that will benefit the overall health of your greenery and foliage. 5. Look after your lawn Lawn care is hugely important in assuring your garden stays looking beautiful. Make sure to rake away any excess leaves and trim your grass routinely. One user beamed: 'Heard lots about this, so I gave it a go. I only use it now and again and then a proper feed in between, but it's fantastic.' Whilst a second chimed in: 'All houseplants love this, not just peace lilies, but be careful not to over water.' I've always struggled to get my peace lilies looking good, but bananas make them bloom for years Facebook user According to houseplant enthusiasts, soaking banana peels in water releases nutrients such as potassium, phosphorus and magnesium, which are beneficial for many houseplants, but peace lilies in particular. It is crucial to dilute the banana water with water to make it last longer and ensure it doesn't overwhelm the plant. Advertisement 8 must-have plants to brighten up your garden Nick Hamilton owner of Tricyrtis A spectacular plant that gives a real exotic feel to any garden with its orchid-like, spotted flowers giving the impression that this plant should be tender but it is 'as tough as old boots!'. Penstemon I love this plants genus of because most will flower all summer and autumn. They'll grow in sun or semi-shade in a well drained soil and produce a non-stop display of tubular flowers in an array of colours and colour combination to suit all tastes. Luzula sylvatica 'Marginata' With the evergreen leaves edged with yellow it's great asset is that it will grow in sun or shade in any type of soil and is great as groundcover in the hardest spot to fill - dry shade. Eryngium x zabelii 'Big Blue' A stunning, nectar-rich plant that will feed the beneficial insects in your garden. Leave the flowerheads once they have turned brown because they look stunning with winter frost and snow, extending the plant's interest period. Sarcococca hookeriana 'Winter Gem' If you need winter scent then look no further than this compact, evergreen shrub. The scent is stunning and the evergreen leaves create an excellent backdrop for the summer flowers. Cornus sanguinea 'Anny's Winter Orange' A dwarf version of 'Midwinter Fire' the very colourful stems create a stunning winter display, particularly on sunny days. Rosa 'Noisette Carnee' A very well-behaved climbing rose that is perfect for training over an arch, pergola or gazebo. The small, 'noisette' flowers are blush-pink and produce the most amazing clove scent constantly from June to November. Sanguisorba hakusanensis 'Lilac Squirrel' I've never seen a squirrel with a drooping, shaggy lilac tail, but this variety will give your garden an unusual and different look throughout summer. It does need a moisture retentive soil but will grow in sun or semi-shade. Not only this, but banana peels can also be used to fertilise outdoor plants, including tomatoes, bell peppers, roses and hydrangeas. If planting a new plant, you should simply scatter some banana peels beneath the compost, or place them around the top of the soil. Not only will this be beneficial to your plants, but it can also help to deter Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club Advertisement
Scottish Sun
6 days ago
- General
- Scottish Sun
I got the perfect ‘stone' herringbone floor with a £9 B&Q buy – it looks so pretty & you'd never spot the difference
Read on for the tools you need for DIY tasks around the home HOUSE THAT I got the perfect 'stone' herringbone floor with a £9 B&Q buy – it looks so pretty & you'd never spot the difference Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A WOMAN has given her cottage a makeover on a budget. Asha, from the UK, took to social media to reveal her new utility room with its swanky new flooring. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Asha found the perfect bargain buy for her dream stone flooring Credit: tiktok./@ 3 You can hardly tell the flooring is tiles and not real stone Credit: tiktok./@ She revealed she had lots of home inspiration saved on Pinterest, and her husband was kind enough to make it a reality in their new home. One of the home designs she wanted to recreate was a herringbone stone-tiled floor, but it was a little too pricey for Asha. So she decided to get the same results on a budget with a B&Q buy. She headed to the store and found the Herringbone Natural stone Mosaic tile sheets for £9 a pack. Crafted with real tumbled travertine, these Beige Stone-effect Herringbone Mosaic tile sheets provide a natural stone finish. She said: "We bought them in store and they are advertised as wall and floor tiles." The DIY whizz measured the tiles to her floor before sticking them down. After, she and her husband used the MAPEI Flexible wall & floor grout in colour Ivory, which she also bought from B&Q for £9.50. It was the perfect addition to the flooring, which brought out the different beige shades of the tiles. "(I) Love them! So happy how they turned out. Would 100% recommend, Asha added. 3 She grabbed the bargain buy from B&Q for just £9 Credit: B&Q I used cheap Temu tiles to get a herringbone bathroom while saving for a reno - they're good as new 4 months later The clip was shared to her TikTok account @ and went viral with over 224k views and 3,000 likes. People loved the new floor and said they could hardly tell it wasn't real stone. One person wrote: "Oh no, what have you done?! I didn't need to see this, they're just so pretty and I need them in my kitchen!" Another commented: 'Brill! You've done a great job. It looks ace." 5 Must-have gardening tools Nick Grey, Gtech Inventor and CEO revealed the best pieces of kit you need to get jobs done around the house and garden. Pruning Shears - The perfect tool for trimming plants, cutting dead branches, and shaping your shrubs and bushes. Watering Hose – Ideal for larger gardens, watering hoses provide a wide coverage of hydration for your plants, especially when using with a spray nozzle. Gardening Fork – This is an essential for loosening soil, removing weeds, and evenly spreading mulch. Dibber – A dibber is a great tool to help in creating uniform planting holes for your seeds and seedlings. Garden Twine & Scissors – A handy must-have for tying up plants, training vines, and providing structural support to your greenery. "Love these!" penned a third. Meanwhile a fourth said: "Perfect." Someone else added: 'We have these as a feature wall in our bathroom and we love them!! "Remember to seal them though as the stone is porous and will stain and mark easily!" Fabulous will pay for your exclusive stories. Just email: fabulousdigital@ and pop EXCLUSIVE in the subject line.
The Irish Sun
6 days ago
- General
- The Irish Sun
I got the perfect ‘stone' herringbone floor with a £9 B&Q buy – it looks so pretty & you'd never spot the difference
A WOMAN has given her cottage a makeover on a budget. Asha, from the UK, took to social media to reveal her new utility room with its swanky new Advertisement 3 Asha found the perfect bargain buy for her dream stone flooring Credit: tiktok./@ 3 You can hardly tell the flooring is tiles and not real stone Credit: tiktok./@ She revealed she had lots of home inspiration saved on Pinterest, and her husband was kind enough to make it a reality in their new home. One of the home designs she wanted to recreate was a herringbone stone-tiled floor, but it was a little too pricey for Asha. So she decided to get the same results on a budget with a B&Q buy. She headed to the store and found the Advertisement READ MORE HOME TRANSFORMATIONS Crafted with real tumbled travertine, these Beige Stone-effect Herringbone Mosaic tile sheets provide a natural stone finish. She said: "We bought them in store and they are advertised as wall and The DIY whizz measured the tiles to her floor before sticking them down. After, she and her husband used the MAPEI Flexible wall & floor grout in colour Ivory, which she also bought from B&Q for £9.50. Advertisement Most read in Fabulous It was the perfect addition to the flooring, which brought out the different beige shades of the tiles. "(I) Love them! So happy how they turned out. Would 100% recommend, Asha added. 3 She grabbed the bargain buy from B&Q for just £9 Credit: B&Q I used cheap Temu tiles to get a herringbone bathroom while saving for a reno - they're good as new 4 months later The clip was shared to her TikTok account @ Advertisement People loved the new floor and said they could hardly tell it wasn't real stone. One person wrote: "Oh no, what have you done?! I didn't need to see this, they're just so pretty and I need them in my kitchen!" Another commented: 'Brill! You've done a great job. It looks ace." 5 Must-have gardening tools Nick Grey, Pruning Shears - The perfect tool for trimming plants, cutting dead branches, and shaping your shrubs and bushes. Watering Hose – Ideal for larger gardens, watering hoses provide a wide coverage of hydration for your plants, especially when using with a spray nozzle. Gardening Fork – This is an essential for loosening soil, removing weeds, and evenly spreading mulch. Dibber – A dibber is a great tool to help in creating uniform planting holes for your seeds and seedlings. Garden Twine & Scissors – A handy must-have for tying up plants, training vines, and providing structural support to your greenery. "Love these!" penned a third. Advertisement Meanwhile a fourth said: "Perfect." Someone else added: 'We have these as a feature wall in our bathroom and we love them!! "Remember to seal them though as the stone is porous and will stain and mark easily!" Fabulous will pay for your exclusive stories. Just email: fabulousdigital@ and pop EXCLUSIVE in the subject line . Advertisement
Scottish Sun
28-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Scottish Sun
Add a burst of colour to your garden with a £4 B&M buy – and it comes in 4 different patterns
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) B&M has got the perfect garden bargain to transform your outside space into a gorgeous paradise. With summer now almost upon us, and temperatures set to soar again towards the end of this week, many of us are likely spending more time in the garden. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 B&M has got the perfect garden bargain to transform your outside space into a gorgeous paradise Credit: Getty 3 The stained glass windows come in a variety of colours Credit: B&M 3 They are priced at just £4 each Credit: B&M And if your outside space is in need of a bit of a spruce up, before you invite any guests over, B&M has the perfect selection of products to inject life into your garden. One product guaranteed to make your backyard the envy of your neighbours is the Stained Glass Hanging Decoration. The purse-friendly buy comes in a wide variety of colours and patterns from stunning floral designs to captivating mandala patterns. Priced at just £4 each, these beautiful hanging decorations will revamp your garden, without you having to break the bank. Plus, when the sunlight catches on the stained glass, it will create a spectacular glow which will transform your garden into a paradise. B&M said: "This unique Stained Glass Hanging Decoration will add a touch of colour and beauty to your garden. "Perfect for hanging in your garden and adding to your outdoor decor." Another product guaranteed to give your garden a glow-up, is the Flower Solar Light. The bargain buy comes in a variety of different colours, including yellow and pink, so is guaranteed to inject your garden with a stunning splash of colour. It features an adorable flower design, with a sweet bee perched on top of it, which is bound to make you smile every time you sit in the garden. 'Why is no-one talking about this-' woman says about B&M buy that'll transform her bathroom for 'less than a Domino's' The stunning light is priced at just £2.50, making it perfect for penny pinchers, plus, it's powered by solar, so won't cost you any money in electricity. Simply place the lights around your garden, wait until night time, and watch as your garden becomes illuminated. B&M said: "These resin solar lights are perfect for placing around your garden or outdoor space. "Fun ornament during the day and solar light at night." Top 5 Spring Gardening Jobs *If you click a link in this boxout, we may earn affiliate revenue Nick Grey, Gtech Inventor and CEO shared the tasks to crack on with as Spring arrives. 1. Clean your garden Make sure to clear away all leaves, soil and plant debris from your patios and flower beds; this creates a healthier environment for new growth, especially as we get into the summer months. Gtech's Garden Safety Kit includes durable gardening gloves and safety glasses; perfect for comfortability whilst tackling those outdoor tasks. 2. Weeding Early Spring is the best time to tackle weeds; if you can introduce some regular weeding into your routine, you can guarantee a tidy garden all year round. 3. Hedge maintenance Spring is the ideal time to tidy up overgrown hedges and shrubs, as regular trimming ensures healthy growth and reduces pest issues. Using a tool like the Gtech Lightweight Hedge Trimmer can help to keep your greenery looking sharp and neat. 4. Composting Starting a compost heap this spring is a pro-active, cost-effective way to harness nutritious soil for your plants and recycle organic waste that will benefit the overall health of your greenery and foliage. 5. Look after your lawn Lawn care is hugely important in assuring your garden stays looking beautiful. Make sure to rake away any excess leaves and trim your grass routinely. And is outdoor lighting is your thing, the Modern Solar Table Lamp has been reduced again to just £1, down from £1.50. At 21cm tall, the lamp includes a rechargeable battery and presents a super affordable option to transform your outdoor space on those summer nights. The item is described as "great for providing a warm white LED light at night". Simply place in a sunlit area during the day and watch them burst into life as the sun sets. And if you're keen to prevent nosy neighbours from poking into your garden, the budget retailer is also selling a bamboo privacy screen for just £10. The high-street find is sure to turn your garden into a private oasis and is much more affordable than forking out cash to build a new fence. The 100 x 300 cm screen can be easily attached to an existing fence, transforming your garden into an island of its own. According to the bosses at B&M, this privacy screening is 'ideal for creating privacy in the garden in a natural and decorative way.'
