Latest news with #RoyalHorticulturalSociety
Rhyl Journal
14 hours ago
- General
- Rhyl Journal
On this day: Wales in Bloom judge impressed by Prestatyn
Judge Jim Goodwin was given a tour of both Prestatyn and Meliden by Dr James Davies, chair of the Prestatyn in Bloom Committee, along with other committee members and volunteers. Wales in Bloom falls under Britain in Bloom, organised each year by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), and is designed to encourage community spirit and pride. Judges look at a variety of things, including litter, signage, graffiti and flyposting, and woodlands. Mr Goodwin, who had been coming to Prestatyn to judge for more than 15 years, said on his arrival that he was pleased to return and was looking forward to seeing something 'new and different". In 2023, Prestatyn received gold in the contest, coming second in the 'large town' category – and missing out on first place by just one point. Following his tour of both Prestatyn and Meliden, which included visits to the Morfas, the railway station, the seafront, the Roman Baths and Tiny Tots, Mr Goodwin said: 'Wales in Bloom has three distinct categories - horticulture, environment, and community. 'Some areas are strong in one or two areas but not all three, but Prestatyn practically strikes a balance. 'It is slightly weaker in the horticulture category but almost hardly worth mentioning because it's so negligible. 'Litter is inexcusable in my opinion, but it is great there are volunteers who are playing an instrumental role in helping to address the issue. 'We had a cold spring and then a rotating series of warm spells and wet spells which has meant flowers have bloomed three to four weeks later this year. 'It has not been as impactful on flowers as on vegetables though, the competitions for which this year have quite frankly been hopeless! 'It is really heartening to witness the community spirit in the towns and villages I visit. It is certainly very much evident here in Prestatyn and Meliden!' Dr Davies added: 'It is always a pleasure to welcome Jim to Prestatyn and Meliden and to provide him with a tour of the area, showcasing all the fantastic work that is carried out by Prestatyn in Bloom committee members and community volunteers. 'Prestatyn has always achieved excellent results in the contest and residents and visitors benefit greatly from all the work that is done by the many volunteers, local businesses, and community groups to ensure the area is at its best. 'However, it is fair to say this year has been more challenging than usual for a number of reasons. 'Nevertheless, as chair of Prestatyn in Bloom, I am proud of what has been achieved and I thank everyone involved." This story was first reported on by Matthew Chandler on July 29, 2024.
Powys County Times
16 hours ago
- General
- Powys County Times
Experts say 5 gardening habits attract Japanese knotweed
Planting flowers and shrubs in gardens can really brighten them up but it's the invasive weeds and plants that are less welcome visitors. Now that summer is here, experts are warning that common garden activities are turning our green spaces into havens for 'space invaders' like Japanese knotweed, Horsetail and Bamboo. Experts at Japanese Knotweed Ltd have shared some things you could be doing that will attract the invasive plants to your garden. 5 things you should stop doing to slow down Japanese knotweed growth The experts have shared five things you might be doing that you think are harmless but could be attracting invasive plants like Japanese knotweed. Plants that could damage the value of your home Disturbing the ground Digging, weeding or turning soil might seem harmless but it's the perfect way to spread underground roots of knotweed, horsetail and bamboo. These weeds are rhizomatous (meaning they grow from underground root systems) and thrive when disturbed and now they have a fast track to take over. Doing building work Whether you're putting in the foundations for a new garden shed or laying a driveway, excavation work stirs up the ground, creating the perfect environment for weeds to spread. Composting the plant waste It might seem eco-friendly but composting plant waste like knotweed is a recipe for disaster, warn the experts at Japanese Knotweed Ltd. Warm, moist conditions in your compost pile could give these weeds the ideal spot to thrive, regrow and spread. It's also illegal to use this method of disposal for noxious plants such as knotweed. Laying patios We know you love the idea of a new garden feature, but digging for patios and pathways can disturb the soil which encourages rhizomatous plants to spread further and at speed. Creating ponds Digging for a pond or water feature may seem like a peaceful idea but it means more ground disturbance which, as already mentioned, will encourage more vigorous growth. What to do if you think there is an invasive plant growing in your garden These weeds can be controlled with methods such as herbicide application to suppress the weeds while excavation removes all parts of the plant above and below ground. If you suspect an invasive weed is in your garden, here's what you need to do. Don't panic, but don't ignore the problem either. Send a photo to an invasive weed specialist for identification and avoid cutting or digging the plant and never compost it - some plant species are governed by legislation when it comes to disposal. Book a professional survey, particularly if the plant is near a boundary with a neighbour. What is Japanese knotweed and what does it look like? The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) explains: 'Japanese knotweed is a persistent, clump-forming herbaceous perennial. It was introduced to the UK as an ornamental garden plant but has since become an invasive weed subject to legal control measures.' It added: 'In spring, rounded pink buds form at ground level and from these reddish-purple shoots emerge. The soft shoots grow rapidly, becoming bamboo-like stems. Recommended reading: 'These are characterised by reddish-purple speckling, conspicuous nodes and hollow centres. Stems usually grow about 2m (6½ft) tall, reaching their full height in late summer, by which time they may be arching over at the top. 'Spade-shaped green leaves with flattish bases usually grow to about 14cm (5½in) in length and are arranged in a zig-zag pattern along the stems. 'Toward the tips of stems, clusters of small creamy-white flowers are produced in late summer and early autumn.'
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- General
- Daily Mirror
Homeowners issued warning over little-known tree law during July and August
When it comes to trees in your garden, there's a whole host of laws and regulations to be aware of - but there's one little known rule that gardeners must follow Garden enthusiasts, take heed: you might unwittingly be on the wrong side of the law due to an obscure regulation concerning tree trimming in your own backyard. Trees are undeniably a crucial element of many gardens. They're not only aesthetically pleasing but also offer privacy and shade, serve as a sanctuary for wildlife such as birds and squirrels, and play a pivotal role in converting carbon dioxide into oxygen, thus benefiting the environment. However, given their potential to live for scores of years or even centuries, trees can become a source of strife if not properly tended to, with roots encroaching on building foundations or branches breaking off and obstructing roads. Disputes can particularly ignite between neighbours when it comes to trees straddling property lines. While most gardeners are aware that it's perfectly lawful to trim or prune branches overhanging into your plot from next door's tree, provided you remain within your property to do so, what often goes unnoticed is a lesser-known statute stipulating that any offcuts must be offered back to the owner of the tree – simply discarding them or turning them into wood chips isn't an option. It's considered courteous to notify your neighbour before embarking on any arboreal alterations to overhanging limbs – permission isn't necessary, but by law, you're obliged to present the pruned material to your neighbour regardless, reports the Express. Kirklees Council stated: "If a tree or hedge is unprotected, you can prune branches that overhang your land and the roots growing beneath your land. You do not need the owner's permission, but you must not trespass onto their land. You must offer to return the cut branch wood and any fruit which is attached or has fallen onto your land." This is supported by the Royal Horticultural Society, which states: "Your actions are classed as 'abating a nuisance' which does not require permission. Only in situations where you need access to their land to undertake the work would permission be required." "Once branches are cut off they should be offered back to the tree owner. If the owner doesn't want them then you will be responsible for disposing of the prunings; you can't simply throw them over the boundary into your neighbour's garden," the site added. Should you remove tree branches, you risk being accused of theft. Technically, it remains someone else's property even when it hangs over your garden. Naturally, fruit from trees can hold considerable value, and historically many people relied on tree branches for fuel - and this legislation continues from an era when trees represented precious resources. The Theft Act makes it a criminal offence to pick fruit, flowers or even branches from a tree that is not on your property. Whilst it's doubtful you'll end up behind bars for a handful of branches, should you remove a neighbour's branches or take fruit and flowers from their trees, they have every legal right to demand their return.
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- General
- Daily Mirror
Weird £1 supermarket item clears slippery decking in minutes and gardeners swear by it
There are few things more unpleasant than stumbling out onto a decking covered in slimy green algae - luckily, there's a strange hack going viral that gardeners say can get rid of it If your garden deck is covered in a slippery green mess, there's a wacky but effective trick going viral — and it costs just one pound. Algae are a collection of organisms that thrive in the UK's damp weather. When left to fester, they can quickly spread their gunky tendrils all over your garden, turning your deck into a slippery danger zone. Even worse, algae will eventually break down, resulting in a repulsive odour that can overpower your home. Luckily, you may not need to fork out on patio cleaners or a power washer to get rid of it. Experts say the fastest way to clean algae off decking could be hiding in your bathroom cabinet. According to outdoor specialists at Decking Superstore, shaving foam can actually be a great way to remove the dreaded slime from your garden. They explain: 'It sounds bizarre, but shaving foam is surprisingly effective at cleaning algae off decking. The consistency means it sticks to the wood and breaks down the slime.' Another major benefit is that it also avoids damaging your decking. They add: 'It rinses away easily and doesn't harm the surface.' The reason why shaving foam is so effective is because of its thick consistency. This allows it to stick to the surface instead of running off like other liquids. In turn, this gives it time to loosen algae from the deck, making it easier to remove. It's also a gentle option, making it safe to use around pets and kids, unlike many harsh chemical cleaners. As bizarre as it might sound, the trick has gained popularity, with more Brits trying it for themselves. Sophie Willoughby, a volunteer with the Royal Horticultural Society, tried it after nearly slipping on a set of slick steps in her garden. She said: "I thought it was one of those silly hacks that wouldn't actually work. But I was shocked. I left it for about ten minutes, gave it a light scrub, and the algae just lifted off." She added: "I've used expensive deck cleaner before and this worked better — plus it smelled nicer!" The way to use it is simple: pick up a can of plain white shaving foam (which you can find for £1 at Boots) and then spray a generous layer over any green or slippery patches. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes, then scrub off with a stiff broom or brush. Once that's done, rinse the areas thoroughly with water to remove any remaining algae.
BBC News
4 days ago
- Science
- BBC News
How have UK insects been affected by 2025's hot, sunny weather?
Certain insects - including ladybirds, butterflies and wasps - are thriving after the warmest and sunniest spring on record across the numbers, the main food source of ladybirds, boomed according to the Royal Horticultural Society after a warm start to the the relative lack of rain this spring and summer could lead to lower insect and amphibian numbers next year since eggs may not be laid and wetland areas are drying up. Insect numbers are difficult to quantify but research suggests that in the longer term, the UK's flying insect population is in decline. An abundance of aphids Whilst the long term picture for the decline of flying insects looks pretty bleak, there is no denying that this year has been a visibly bumper Brown is director of climate change and evidence at The Wildlife Trusts, a federation of 46 independent wildlife conservation charities in the UK. She said: "Many people across the UK are noticing more ladybirds, wasps and other insects this summer – off the back of a very poor year last year for species like butterflies."These are all species that thrive in warm, dry conditions. Earlier in the year the Royal Horticultural Society correctly predicted that we were in for an abundant year for aphids. Whilst that has proved a bit of a headache for gardeners, aphids form an important part of the food chain and are eaten by birds and other Hayley Jones, principal entomologist at the Royal Horticultural Society, says that their numbers are now beginning to drop off as their natural predator - the ladybird - is taking over and playing catch up. 'Extraordinary' year for early butterfly sightings Another much loved flying insect, the butterfly, is often seen as an important indicator of the general health of the immediate environment. These have been in general decline since the Richard Fox, head of science at the Butterfly Conservation charity, says that 2025 has been quite extraordinary in terms of early sightings with 18 species spotted at least two weeks earlier than average and a further 24 species seen at least a week is in contrast to last year's 'butterfly emergency', declared when the lowest numbers of butterflies were ever recorded. This followed a cloudy, wet spring and cool summer. Some varieties, such as the dark green fritillary did not have a single sighting in like all insects, are ectothermic (cold-blooded) and need the warmth and light of the sun to regulate their body temperature and give them energy to fly. This year's warmth has helped them move through their lifecycle quickly meaning their survival rate has been remarkably good; spending less time as caterpillars and as potential bird food. Lepidopterist Martin Wills, who records numbers at Hutchinson's Bank Nature Reserve in south London, confirmed that it has been a fantastic butterfly season so far with record numbers of early sightings. You can take part in 2025's Big Butterfly Count which is on until 10 August and go to BBC Weather to find out what the weather is doing in your area. Bumper year for lavender Not far from Hutchinson's Bank Nature Reserve in south London lie some of the UK's most beautiful lavender fields which are fantastic habitats for butterflies and especially bees. Lavender thrives in sunny, warm conditions with dry summers and mild winters. This year in the UK it has come into full bloom much earlier than usual, meaning more bees and butterflies earlier in the year. Lorna May, the owner of Mayfield Lavender in Surrey, told BBC Weather she had seen a tenfold increase on last year in honey production which she put down to the happy and soaring bee the number of pests have increased too including the tiny, shiny rosemary beetle which has exploded in number this year. To avoid using pesticides, an army of volunteers remove the beautiful bugs by cause for concern of an early lavender bloom for Lorna May is that the plant may die earlier and this could in turn have a notable effect on the local biodiversity for the rest of the summer. According to Kathryn Brown of The Wildlife Trusts, climate change is making things more chaotic for said: "We're waiting to see the statistics for this year, but it's likely that we are seeing greater 'boom and bust' cycles for wildlife as we experience increasing erratic weather patterns." The latest State of the UK Climate report published by the Met Office remarks that weather extremes are now becoming the new normal and that hotter, drier summers will become more of the 10 warmest UK springs have occurred since 2000, with the three warmest since course, wildlife are sensitive not only to weather extremes but also to the use of pesticides and loss of it is often overlooked how important insects are to our biodiversity, playing vital roles in almost every ecosystem. From pollination, to being an essential food source, to helping the decaying process. The Wildlife Trusts suggests you can help declining populations by mowing your lawn less often, supporting local rewilding projects and creating ponds.
