Latest news with #Pollyanna
The Irish Sun
an hour ago
- General
- The Irish Sun
I'm a pro garden designer and there's a common decoration I absolutely hate – it's ugly, plastic & always looks dead
A GARDENING designer has revealed the one common decoration she absolutely hates. They can look splendid in summer, but Pollyanna Wilkinson shared how she has a pet peeve of hanging baskets. 5 A gardening expert has shared how she hates hanging baskets Credit: Getty 5 Pollyanna Wilkinson, right, shared her views on her podcast, The Ins and Outs Credit: The Ins & Outs Podcast 5 Pollyanna claimed hanging baskets as they aren't 'attractive' Credit: Refer to Caption Speaking on her podcast, The gardening designer didn't hold back with her response and said: 'I gift you the whole cold, hard truth, my friend, I hate them. 'Hate them. I effing hate hanging baskets. 'And the reason I hate them is much the same reason that I hate small pots.' More on gardens She shared the first reason for this is that she doesn't think they are 'very attractive as a vessel.' Pollyanna explained on the 'And I don't like seeing plastic in the garden. 'And also the body of soil that a hanging basket holds - unless it's those amazing ones outside the Ritz, which are just the most extraordinary thing I've ever seen, but those are the sides of a beach ball - it's just, it's this tiny little dish of mud.' Most read in Fabulous On the other side of the debate, Pollyanna's podcast co-host, interior design expert Jojo Barr, defended hanging baskets. She shared: 'I know, but when they come out and they're in bloom, they do look kind of nice .' Aldi is selling a cheap $4.49 item that will transform your garden into a colorful summer paradise Pollyanna responded: 'If you look after them and you and they are abundant, and you remember to water them and you fill them with things, they are spectacular. 'But I personally think life is too short for hanging baskets. There I said it. 'I would rather grow plants up the house than have a hanging basket. 5 Pollyanna said she doesn't 'like seeing plastic in the garden' Credit: Getty 'I think the problem is, they often look half dead, don't they?' However, the gardening expert did reply to the listener who wrote in and added: 'Please don't take offense if you have them and you love them and you manage to fill them with amazing things. 'I'm a big believer that gardening takes a lot of work and so you should choose where you spend your time and I wouldn't spend it on hanging baskets.' BASKET TIPS 5 If you do have hanging baskets, you should fertilise them regularly Credit: Getty If you do have hanging baskets and want to ensure they look beautiful all summer long, some According to Jim and Mary Competti at , many hanging baskets will experience foliage fading and scarce blooms during hot weather . The gardening maestros stressed that gardening enthusiasts "need to However, Hanging basket plants have restricted soil available for energy absorption and cannot spread out to seek additional nutrients, which makes this process incredibly vital. Gardening tips and hacks How to transform your garden on a How to preserve your favourite flowers at home - Which plants should I be When is the When should I start How What colour of Will my
The Age
20-05-2025
- Business
- The Age
A Groundhog Day budget, without the laughs
New treasurer, new(ish) premier, same old story. Jaclyn Symes' first budget repeated this government's previous inaction on its rising debt, forecast to reach $188 billion by June 2028. The following year, debt is forecast to reach $194 billion, 24.9 per cent of gross state product. This was Groundhog Day, without the laughs. The budget again reprised the government's lack of enthusiasm for significant reform, even in the face of its significant challenges. Once more, too, Premier Jacinta Allan has stuck to an increasingly Pollyanna approach to infrastructure spending. The mantra of both the premier and Symes was that they were 'focused on what matters most'. Given the state's massive and still-growing debt, Victorians might have expected that is where the focus would sit. Not at all. What mattered most to Allan and Symes, the headline act, was the surplus. In 2025-26, the government is expecting to deliver an operating surplus of $600 million, about $1 billion less than it forecast six months ago. This is projected to rise each year of the forward estimates to $6.2 billion, $7.9 billion, $6.6 billion and $5.8 billion. The $600 million is the first operating surplus since before the COVID pandemic. As Symes said on Tuesday, numbers don't tell the full story. This cuts both ways. The treasurer was at pains to highlight the measures the government is providing to ease the cost-of-living crisis. Free public transport for kids (worth $318 million), free weekend travel for seniors, free kinder care for three- and four-year-olds and $123 million to parents to help with school costs will no doubt be welcomed by recipients. Weighed against this is the fact Victoria reneged on a commitment to fund by 2028 its full 75 per cent share of the Schooling Resource Standard, meaning $2.4 billion will be stripped from government schools. It's a similar story in health, where an extra $11.1 billion will go into the system over the next four years. Of this, $9.3 billion will go to hospital operating costs and $643 million will be for nine new and upgraded hospitals, including Footscray and Frankston hospitals. Many in the sector will see this as catch-up spending to fend off a damaging feud at a time when they are struggling to keep basic programs running. The much-needed top-up to regional roads funding will also be viewed in a similar light. More, if limited, energy bill assistance to households, and more money for food charities, homelessness and those facing financial stress will help at the margins.
Scottish Sun
14-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Scottish Sun
No mow May, ‘the Chelsea chop' & pruning rules – pro gardener reveals 5 jobs you must do now, that only take 5 minutes
Plus the eight plants to brighten up your garden RULE OF LAWN No mow May, 'the Chelsea chop' & pruning rules – pro gardener reveals 5 jobs you must do now, that only take 5 minutes WITH summer just around the corner, it's time to tend to our gardens. Fortunately, a gardening pro has shared everything you can do this month to get it looking amazing in just five minutes. 2 The garden whizz shared five jobs to get done this month Credit: Getty 2 She also urged listeners not to mow their garden this month Credit: Getty Landscape design guru Pollyanna Wilkinson of Pollyanna Wilkinson Garden Design and co-host of the Ins & Outs Podcast, shared the jobs to get done this month. Speaking with her co-presenter Jojo Barr, an interior design expert, she said: "May, I like to think of it as gardening Christmas. "It's a really, really busy time, there's so much to do." But instead of getting overwhelmed with gardening jobs, Pollyanna recommended spending just five minutes a day on the task rather than trying to get it all done at once. READ MORE ON GARDENING FEELING FRESH Lidl is selling a £9 garden gadget to keep lawn green and healthy this summer She said that for those living in the UK, there are five jobs you need to get done this month. Now the frost is gone, she recommends planting some Dahlias now to have them blooming in summer. The gardening pro also said now was the perfect time for the 'Chelsea chop.' She explained: "Certain plants really like this... It's basically when you cut them down by half." This is to prevent the plants from becoming too big and unruly and will delay their bloom to flower later. She also recommended planting seedlings outside now as the weather was just right for them to grow. B&M shoppers are giving their gardens a summer glow up with £12 bargain For those who like to grow Alliums, the gardening whizz had an extra tip to make them look better. The leaves often go yellow before they bloom, so Pollyanna recommended pruning them back as soon as they've gone yellow, as it won't affect the flower blossoming. She also urged avid gardeners to not mow their lawn this month. While you may feel the urge to cut it back, she said it was vital to keep pollinators such as bees thriving through the summer months. 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 does it help them, it also helps your garden thrive. You can get back to mowing the lawn in June or July and know you've done your bit for the environment. And if you want to continue helping the bees, you can leave them a treat in the garden. Using an empty shallow pot, fill it up with one part sugar and one part water to give bees an energy boost. Bees can get tired if they aren't feeding off nectar and the sugar can give them enough energy to fly and find new flowers for pollen.
The Irish Sun
14-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Irish Sun
No mow May, ‘the Chelsea chop' & pruning rules – pro gardener reveals 5 jobs you must do now, that only take 5 minutes
WITH summer just around the corner, it's time to tend to our gardens. Fortunately, a gardening pro has shared everything you can do this month to get it looking amazing in just five minutes. 2 The garden whizz shared five jobs to get done this month Credit: Getty 2 She also urged listeners not to mow their garden this month Credit: Getty Landscape design guru Pollyanna Wilkinson of Pollyanna Wilkinson Garden Design and co-host of the Speaking with her co-presenter Jojo Barr, an interior design expert, she said: "May, I like to think of it as gardening Christmas. "It's a really, really busy time, there's so much to do." But instead of getting overwhelmed with gardening jobs, Pollyanna recommended spending just five minutes a day on the task rather than trying to get it all done at once. READ MORE ON GARDENING She said that for those living in the UK, there are five jobs you need to get done this month. Now the frost is gone, she recommends planting some Dahlias now to have them blooming in summer. The gardening pro also said now was the perfect time for the ' Chelsea chop.' She explained: "Certain plants really like this... It's basically when you cut them down by half." Most read in Fabulous This is to prevent the plants from becoming too big and unruly and will delay their bloom to flower later. She also recommended planting seedlings outside now as the weather was just right for them to grow. B&M shoppers are giving their gardens a summer glow up with £12 bargain For those who like to grow Alliums, the gardening whizz had an extra tip to make them look better. The leaves often go yellow before they bloom, so Pollyanna recommended pruning them back as soon as they've gone yellow, as it won't affect the flower blossoming. She also urged avid gardeners to not mow their lawn this month. While you may feel the urge to cut it back, she said it was vital to keep pollinators such as bees thriving through the summer months. 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 does it help them, it also helps your garden thrive. You can get back to mowing the lawn in June or July and know you've done your bit for the environment. And if you want to continue helping the bees, you can leave them a treat in the garden. Using an empty shallow pot, fill it up with one part sugar and one part water to give bees an energy boost. Bees can get tired if they aren't feeding off nectar and the sugar can give them enough energy to fly and find new flowers for pollen.
USA Today
06-05-2025
- General
- USA Today
I wrote a book on finding happiness. Even now, it's easier than you think.
I wrote a book on finding happiness. Even now, it's easier than you think. | Opinion By nature, I'm a glass-half-empty kind of guy. But in the two years I spent researching joy, I have to admit my horizons expanded. Show Caption Hide Caption How far did the US fall in the world happiness rankings? The U.S. has dropped to its lowest spot yet on the World Happiness Report. The Nordic countries still dominate the top of the list. Right after Labor Day, I started on my book tour for "The Joy You Make." In one way, it seemed like the wrong time to extoll the virtues of joy. Whether red, blue or purple, we were all facing the November elections, economic worries, the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, and for me, in western North Carolina, the devastation left by Hurricane Helene. To be honest, just writing that long sentence boosted my cortisol levels. At the same time, I kept hearing from old friends and new acquaintances how much we need joy – more joy! – in these challenging times. I can't forget what Thomas Aquinas, the philosopher and theologian, once said: 'Man cannot live without joy." I believe it to be true – without hope, light or joy – we're lost in the dark, circling the drain. But then the question would shift, as I was asked repeatedly: 'Is it even possible to find joy right now?' Joy comes in different forms that we experience daily Truthfully, I had wondered that myself since I'm certainly no Pollyanna. In fact, I've often been referred to as Eeyore, the gloomy donkey in the "Winnie-the-Pooh" books. That's to say, by nature, I'm a glass-half-empty kind of guy. But in the two years I spent researching joy, I have to admit my horizons expanded. At the outset, I thought joy needed fireworks – like New Year's Eve, July Fourth or your wedding night. As it turns out, big bang joy is just one kind, called 'ecstatic.' There's also what's called 'serene' joy, the kind you experience on a quiet nature walk. There's 'religious' joy, which many experience in a house of worship. There's even 'schadenfreude,' the delight we take in someone else's misfortune, and 'freudenfreude,' its cousin, and the joy we find in someone else's successes or happiness. Opinion: Trump guts Kennedy Center while JFK's disgraceful nephew stays silent The point I came to understand is that there are so many different kinds of joy, both within us and surrounding us. Once we realize that, it becomes so much easier to experience joy on a daily basis, even in times like these. Skeptical? Studies from the recent past, namely during the COVID-19 pandemic, found that a significant majority of us (83% in one case) found 'some' or 'a lot' of joy. One researcher told me, initially to her surprise, that people were able to find silver linings in their darkest times that helped to create joy. Community connections get right to the heart Most vividly, I remember how, during the pandemic, throngs of New Yorkers who came out every evening at 7 p.m. to cheer and clap for the city's first responders. In a poignant video essay, The New York Times captured those early days with photographs and tweets. Among them: 'The cheering that began in late March gives people – from their separate windows, terraces, fire escapes, stoops, and rooftops – a way to connect.' 'Each night, it begins with a few claps, building to a standing ovation for the hundreds of thousands of people saving lives and keeping the city running: health care providers, emergency medical workers, grocery workers, delivery riders.' The common thread I saw in both those images and words was the importance of community or connection, and gratitude. Opinion: Turning 40 wasn't what I thought it would be. But aging has its upsides for millennials. What's making you happy right now? Recently, I asked my social media followers how they were experiencing joy right now. Here's some of what they told me: 'Hand out granola bars to people standing on the curb who need some kindness. … Being kind is magical.' 'Keeping a gratitude journal. I jot down one thing every day to focus on the positive things in my life.' 'Playing board games with friends' 'Making soup and sharing it with friends' 'Baking, hanging with friends who bring me joy' 'Lots of volunteer work with dogs and cats' Then, naturally, there were the suggestions that made me smile if not laugh: 'Listening to the predawn song of the crows and doves.' 'Letting a dog stare at me while I eat.' And, 'Duke basketball' (which I'm sure leaves Tar Heel fans anything but joyful). In short, an easy-to-follow recipe: Connection, helping others, gratitude, kindness, staying active and, yes, consuming lots of calories all help us to find and share joy. Steven Petrow is a columnist who writes on civility and manners and the author of seven books, including 'The Joy You Make' and "Stupid Things I Won't Do When I Get Old." Follow him on Threads: @
