Latest news with #VeronicaLorraine
Scottish Sun
11-08-2025
- Lifestyle
- Scottish Sun
5 plants to add to your garden now so it's a paradise in autumn- including stunning silver shrub that thrives in winter
Scroll down to find out which other gardening jobs you should be doing this month FALL FAVOURITES 5 plants to add to your garden now so it's a paradise in autumn- including stunning silver shrub that thrives in winter GARDEN lovers are urged to plant five plants this August, to transform their outdoor space into an autumn paradise. Now that we're in the final few weeks of summer, you may think it's time to hang up your gardening gloves for the year. Advertisement 6 There's plenty to be done in the garden this month However, there are plenty of gorgeous flowers that will continue blooming in to autumn, and can even survive the harsh winter months. Salvia From vibrant purples to striking yellows, their diverse range of colours makes salvias the perfect plant to spruce up your autumn garden. 6 Salvia come in lots of vibrant colours Credit: Alamy August is the perfect time to plant the pretty flowers, giving them time to establish roots before the cold of winter. You can pick up salvia from Wilko for just £7.99. Advertisement Senecio viravira (Dusty Miller) Known for their gorgeous silver leaves, senecio viravira is a hardy plant that will make your outside space look like a magical haven. Throughout summer and autumn, the plant boasts gorgeous yellow flowers, and if looked after properly it can survive winter. 6 Dusty Miller has stunning silver leaves Credit: RHS You can purchase Dusty Miller plants from eBay for £9.99. Advertisement Pansies Pansies hate the heat, so planting them in August is a great way to get gorgeous blooms that will last until the first winter frost. Their gorgeous multi-coloured flowers will then pop up again in spring, turning your garden in a colourful oasis. 6 Pansies will brighten up your autumn garden You can pick a tray of pansies up from Ikea for just £3.50. Advertisement Wake up to a weed-free lawn for months thanks to Aldi's £10 gadget that pulls them out without bending or kneeling down Dahlias Dahlias are a firm favourite for gardening fans, thanks to their pom pom like blooms, which come in a wide range of vibrant colours. Plant orange, red and yellow blooms now for a gorgeous autumn garden display, that will last until October. 6 Dahlias have stunning blooms that will last until October Credit: Supplied You can pick up dahlias from B&Q for £9.89. Advertisement Hardy Fushcia Fuschias have elegant, fairy-like flowers that add a whimsical air to any garden. August gardening jobs The Sun's Gardening Editor, Veronica Lorraine, has shared the 10 gardening jobs to take on during the last month of summer - and the all important ones to remember if you're going on holiday. 1. Watering plants on holiday Think about how you're going to water your plants if you're going away. Irrigation systems are stupidly expensive - so ask a friend or neighbour to pop over. 2. Remember your houseplants! For houseplants use the upside down bottle trick - where you fill a wine bottle and then tip it upside down, spout down, and stick it into the pot - the water should seep out slowly. For smaller plants you can use a thick piece of cord running from a glass of water, into the soil - so it slowly takes it up over time. Be sensible with your watering - vistit for some tips on how to conserve water in August. But use as much grey water - ie washing up water - as you can to save such a valuable resource. 3. Dig for potatoes Second early potatoes should be ready to dig up. 4. Carry on deadheading Use either secateurs or just pinch off the blooms with your finger and thumb. With roses, make sure you're dead heading back to a set of five leaves, giving you the best chance of more blooms. 5. Plant strawberries You can actually plant strawberries in late august - which will be ready next year. For the ones you already have - if they've got runners springing off them - try and pot them up to make more strawberries for free. 6. Prune lavenders In late August once they've finished flowering cut back your lavender - always prune them back to the woody stems - but make sure you can still see some little buds. 7. Collect seeds A lot of plants will start going to seed now - so it's the perfect time to walk around collecting them to get free plants for next year - just make sure you label the envelopes. 8. Sow hardy annuals Towards the end of the month, sow hardy annuals in order for them to flower next year. Try and choose sheltered spots for them. 9. Cut back roses Prune back rambling roses and make sure they are all tied in. And in late August give your roses their last feed. 10. Keep on top of watering hanging baskets It's really important to keep hanging baskets hydrated - they are the first and the worst for drying out. The hardy blooms will flower until the first frost of winter, so are perfect for planting this august. 6 Fuschia have gorgeous fairy-esque blooms Credit: Alamy You can snap up a fuchsia from B&Q for £18.99.
The Irish Sun
11-08-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Irish Sun
5 plants to add to your garden now so it's a paradise in autumn- including stunning silver shrub that thrives in winter
Scroll down to find out which other gardening jobs you should be doing this month FALL FAVOURITES 5 plants to add to your garden now so it's a paradise in autumn- including stunning silver shrub that thrives in winter GARDEN lovers are urged to plant five plants this August, to transform their outdoor space into an autumn paradise. Now that we're in the final few weeks of summer, you may think it's time to hang up your gardening gloves for the year. Advertisement 6 There's plenty to be done in the garden this month However, there are plenty of gorgeous flowers that will continue blooming in to autumn, and can even survive the harsh winter months. Salvia From vibrant purples to striking yellows, their diverse range of colours makes salvias the perfect plant to spruce up your autumn garden. 6 Salvia come in lots of vibrant colours Credit: Alamy August is the perfect time to plant the pretty flowers, giving them time to establish roots before the cold of winter. You can pick up salvia from Wilko for just £7.99. Advertisement Senecio viravira (Dusty Miller) Known for their gorgeous silver leaves, senecio viravira is a hardy plant that will make your outside space look like a magical haven. Throughout summer and autumn, the plant boasts gorgeous yellow flowers, and if looked after properly it can survive winter. 6 Dusty Miller has stunning silver leaves Credit: RHS You can purchase Dusty Miller plants from eBay for £9.99. Advertisement Pansies Pansies hate the heat, so planting them in August is a great way to get gorgeous blooms that will last until the first winter frost. Their gorgeous multi-coloured flowers will then pop up again in spring, turning your garden in a colourful oasis. 6 Pansies will brighten up your autumn garden You can pick a tray of pansies up from Ikea for just £3.50. Advertisement Wake up to a weed-free lawn for months thanks to Aldi's £10 gadget that pulls them out without bending or kneeling down Dahlias Dahlias are a firm favourite for gardening fans, thanks to their pom pom like blooms, which come in a wide range of vibrant colours. Plant orange, red and yellow blooms now for a gorgeous autumn garden display, that will last until October. 6 Dahlias have stunning blooms that will last until October Credit: Supplied You can pick up dahlias from B&Q for £9.89. Advertisement Hardy Fushcia Fuschias have elegant, fairy-like flowers that add a whimsical air to any garden. August gardening jobs The Sun's Gardening Editor, Veronica Lorraine, has shared the 10 gardening jobs to take on during the last month of summer - and the all important ones to remember if you're going on holiday. 1. Watering plants on holiday Think about how you're going to water your plants if you're going away. Irrigation systems are stupidly expensive - so ask a friend or neighbour to pop over. 2. Remember your houseplants! For houseplants use the upside down bottle trick - where you fill a wine bottle and then tip it upside down, spout down, and stick it into the pot - the water should seep out slowly. For smaller plants you can use a thick piece of cord running from a glass of water, into the soil - so it slowly takes it up over time. Be sensible with your watering - vistit for some tips on how to conserve water in August. But use as much grey water - ie washing up water - as you can to save such a valuable resource. 3. Dig for potatoes Second early potatoes should be ready to dig up. 4. Carry on deadheading Use either secateurs or just pinch off the blooms with your finger and thumb. With roses, make sure you're dead heading back to a set of five leaves, giving you the best chance of more blooms. 5. Plant strawberries You can actually plant strawberries in late august - which will be ready next year. For the ones you already have - if they've got runners springing off them - try and pot them up to make more strawberries for free. 6. Prune lavenders In late August once they've finished flowering cut back your lavender - always prune them back to the woody stems - but make sure you can still see some little buds. 7. Collect seeds A lot of plants will start going to seed now - so it's the perfect time to walk around collecting them to get free plants for next year - just make sure you label the envelopes. 8. Sow hardy annuals Towards the end of the month, sow hardy annuals in order for them to flower next year. Try and choose sheltered spots for them. 9. Cut back roses Prune back rambling roses and make sure they are all tied in. And in late August give your roses their last feed. 10. Keep on top of watering hanging baskets It's really important to keep hanging baskets hydrated - they are the first and the worst for drying out. The hardy blooms will flower until the first frost of winter, so are perfect for planting this august. 6 Fuschia have gorgeous fairy-esque blooms Credit: Alamy You can snap up a fuchsia from B&Q for £18.99.
The Sun
11-08-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
5 plants to add to your garden now so it's a paradise in autumn- including stunning silver shrub that thrives in winter
GARDEN lovers are urged to plant five plants this August, to transform their outdoor space into an autumn paradise. Now that we're in the final few weeks of summer, you may think it's time to hang up your gardening gloves for the year. 6 However, there are plenty of gorgeous flowers that will continue blooming in to autumn, and can even survive the harsh winter months. Salvia From vibrant purples to striking yellows, their diverse range of colours makes salvias the perfect plant to spruce up your autumn garden. 6 August is the perfect time to plant the pretty flowers, giving them time to establish roots before the cold of winter. You can pick up salvia from Wilko for just £7.99. Senecio viravira (Dusty Miller) Known for their gorgeous silver leaves, senecio viravira is a hardy plant that will make your outside space look like a magical haven. Throughout summer and autumn, the plant boasts gorgeous yellow flowers, and if looked after properly it can survive winter. 6 You can purchase Dusty Miller plants from eBay for £9.99. Pansies Pansies hate the heat, so planting them in August is a great way to get gorgeous blooms that will last until the first winter frost. Their gorgeous multi-coloured flowers will then pop up again in spring, turning your garden in a colourful oasis. 6 You can pick a tray of pansies up from Ikea for just £3.50. Wake up to a weed-free lawn for months thanks to Aldi's £10 gadget that pulls them out without bending or kneeling down Dahlias Dahlias are a firm favourite for gardening fans, thanks to their pom pom like blooms, which come in a wide range of vibrant colours. Plant orange, red and yellow blooms now for a gorgeous autumn garden display, that will last until October. 6 You can pick up dahlias from B&Q for £9.89. Hardy Fushcia Fuschias have elegant, fairy-like flowers that add a whimsical air to any garden. August gardening jobs The Sun's Gardening Editor, Veronica Lorraine, has shared the 10 gardening jobs to take on during the last month of summer - and the all important ones to remember if you're going on holiday. 1. Watering plants on holiday Think about how you're going to water your plants if you're going away. Irrigation systems are stupidly expensive - so ask a friend or neighbour to pop over. 2. Remember your houseplants! For houseplants use the upside down bottle trick - where you fill a wine bottle and then tip it upside down, spout down, and stick it into the pot - the water should seep out slowly. For smaller plants you can use a thick piece of cord running from a glass of water, into the soil - so it slowly takes it up over time. Be sensible with your watering - vistit for some tips on how to conserve water in August. But use as much grey water - ie washing up water - as you can to save such a valuable resource. 3. Dig for potatoes Second early potatoes should be ready to dig up. 4. Carry on deadheading Use either secateurs or just pinch off the blooms with your finger and thumb. With roses, make sure you're dead heading back to a set of five leaves, giving you the best chance of more blooms. 5. Plant strawberries You can actually plant strawberries in late august - which will be ready next year. For the ones you already have - if they've got runners springing off them - try and pot them up to make more strawberries for free. 6. Prune lavenders In late August once they've finished flowering cut back your lavender - always prune them back to the woody stems - but make sure you can still see some little buds. 7. Collect seeds A lot of plants will start going to seed now - so it's the perfect time to walk around collecting them to get free plants for next year - just make sure you label the envelopes. 8. Sow hardy annuals Towards the end of the month, sow hardy annuals in order for them to flower next year. Try and choose sheltered spots for them. 9. Cut back roses Prune back rambling roses and make sure they are all tied in. And in late August give your roses their last feed. 10. Keep on top of watering hanging baskets It's really important to keep hanging baskets hydrated - they are the first and the worst for drying out. The hardy blooms will flower until the first frost of winter, so are perfect for planting this august. 6 You can snap up a fuchsia from B&Q for £18.99.
The Irish Sun
09-07-2025
- Climate
- The Irish Sun
From ‘gray' water to clever planting, gardener's 6 tips to beat hosepipe ban set to hit millions without breaking rules
AFTER the warmest ever June and driest spring for 132 years, temperatures are creeping up yet again. The first 4 We have six top tips to beat hosepipe ban without breaking the rules Credit: PA Breaking the rules could land you a But when your garden hits 32C, plants start wilting, can get scorched or stop growing. Sun Gardening Editor Veronica Lorraine has some top tips to beat the ban. EXCEPTIONS : First of all, there are a few gaps in the rules, so check the small print when a ban comes in. read more on gardening For example, the Yorkshire Water ban does not include Blue Badge holders or those people on the company's Priority Services Register or WaterSure tariff, for medical reasons. It also confirmed a hosepipe can be used for watering food crops but not general flowers and plants, and you can water newly laid turf or grass seed for 28 days with a hose. Grass roofs are also not covered, as well as trees that are single stem with no side branches for at least 1.8m above the ground – if planted in the past three planting seasons. If you have got a fixed drip or trickle irrigation system in place, as long as it is not misting into the air and is connected to a metered water supply, you can carry on using it. Most read in Fabulous These are specifically designed to release water slowly along their length and create much more efficient watering. If you have just bought a hot tub, you can use a hose to fill it for the first time, but after that, only by bucket. My garden was looking so old and the patio was broken - now it's a lush oasis and people can't believe how little I spent GREY WATER : This is waste water from daily routines such as showers, baths and laundry. You can re-use it in your outside space. If you have a condenser tumble dryer, it could be a secret weapon against water shortages. You could even shower with a bucket alongside you to collect water. And if you don't fancy trekking up and down stairs with buckets after a bath, there are pumps you can buy that go from the bath, out of the window and down to a container. 4 Do not do your watering in the daytime Credit: Getty CLEVER WATERING : Do not water in the daytime. It is a waste as the water will evaporate. Aim for early morning before it gets too hot or when the sun has gone down. But first thing is best as slugs move around at night and love the damp soil. Aim directly for the roots and give them a really good soaking once or twice a week rather than a light water daily. Count to between 15 and 20 seconds as you water each plant, to make sure it soaks down to the roots. 4 A water butt connected to your downward gutter pipe is a great asset Credit: Alamy RAIN STORAGE : It may be too late this time, but if you have the space, a water butt connected to your downward gutter pipe is a great asset. A stand-alone butt also does a great job. There are all sorts on the market, including those that attach to walls. They are great for smaller gardens but if you do not have room, leave a few buckets around to catch any rain. You could also invest in self-watering plant spikes that you fill with water and stick in your planters. They release water slowly, reducing the need for a daily soak. 4 Fill your garden with plants that need less watering Credit: Getty TACTICAL PLANTING : There are a lot of plants that Agapanthus, pittosporum, lavender, wisteria, jasmine, fig trees and Fatsia Japonicas do well. Plus, there are geums, sedums, achillea, hardy geraniums, rosemary, salvias and ornamental grasses. Succulents such as sempervivum and echeveria store water in their leaves so are good for dry conditions. And remember to mulch your plants, which means covering the soil around them with a thin layer of protective material that will keep in moisture. This could be wood chippings, well-rotted manure, gravel, shredded leaves or special garden mulch. Also, group your pots together to give them a bit of shade. LAWNS : There is no shame in letting your lawn go brown rather than wasting huge amounts of time and water trying to keep it fresh and green. If it is healthy, it will cope and go back to green once the rain comes. Also, let it grow longer for a while as this helps retain water and keep the soil moist. If you must mow, raise the cutting level. Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club.
Scottish Sun
09-07-2025
- Climate
- Scottish Sun
From ‘gray' water to clever planting, gardener's 6 tips to beat hosepipe ban set to hit millions without breaking rules
Read on to find out when the best time to water your plants is, and which plants to get BEAT THE HEAT From 'gray' water to clever planting, gardener's 6 tips to beat hosepipe ban set to hit millions without breaking rules Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AFTER the warmest ever June and driest spring for 132 years, temperatures are creeping up yet again. The first hosepipe ban from Yorkshire Water comes into place tomorrow – and it's highly likely more will follow. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 We have six top tips to beat hosepipe ban without breaking the rules Credit: PA Breaking the rules could land you a £1,000 fine. But when your garden hits 32C, plants start wilting, can get scorched or stop growing. Sun Gardening Editor Veronica Lorraine has some top tips to beat the ban. EXCEPTIONS: First of all, there are a few gaps in the rules, so check the small print when a ban comes in. For example, the Yorkshire Water ban does not include Blue Badge holders or those people on the company's Priority Services Register or WaterSure tariff, for medical reasons. It also confirmed a hosepipe can be used for watering food crops but not general flowers and plants, and you can water newly laid turf or grass seed for 28 days with a hose. Grass roofs are also not covered, as well as trees that are single stem with no side branches for at least 1.8m above the ground – if planted in the past three planting seasons. If you have got a fixed drip or trickle irrigation system in place, as long as it is not misting into the air and is connected to a metered water supply, you can carry on using it. These are specifically designed to release water slowly along their length and create much more efficient watering. If you have just bought a hot tub, you can use a hose to fill it for the first time, but after that, only by bucket. My garden was looking so old and the patio was broken - now it's a lush oasis and people can't believe how little I spent GREY WATER: This is waste water from daily routines such as showers, baths and laundry. You can re-use it in your outside space. If you have a condenser tumble dryer, it could be a secret weapon against water shortages. You could even shower with a bucket alongside you to collect water. And if you don't fancy trekking up and down stairs with buckets after a bath, there are pumps you can buy that go from the bath, out of the window and down to a container. 4 Do not do your watering in the daytime Credit: Getty CLEVER WATERING: Do not water in the daytime. It is a waste as the water will evaporate. Aim for early morning before it gets too hot or when the sun has gone down. But first thing is best as slugs move around at night and love the damp soil. Aim directly for the roots and give them a really good soaking once or twice a week rather than a light water daily. Count to between 15 and 20 seconds as you water each plant, to make sure it soaks down to the roots. 4 A water butt connected to your downward gutter pipe is a great asset Credit: Alamy RAIN STORAGE: It may be too late this time, but if you have the space, a water butt connected to your downward gutter pipe is a great asset. A stand-alone butt also does a great job. There are all sorts on the market, including those that attach to walls. They are great for smaller gardens but if you do not have room, leave a few buckets around to catch any rain. You could also invest in self-watering plant spikes that you fill with water and stick in your planters. They release water slowly, reducing the need for a daily soak. 4 Fill your garden with plants that need less watering Credit: Getty TACTICAL PLANTING: There are a lot of plants that do better in drought than others, so it may be worth buying some for the future. Agapanthus, pittosporum, lavender, wisteria, jasmine, fig trees and Fatsia Japonicas do well. Plus, there are geums, sedums, achillea, hardy geraniums, rosemary, salvias and ornamental grasses. Succulents such as sempervivum and echeveria store water in their leaves so are good for dry conditions. And remember to mulch your plants, which means covering the soil around them with a thin layer of protective material that will keep in moisture. This could be wood chippings, well-rotted manure, gravel, shredded leaves or special garden mulch. Also, group your pots together to give them a bit of shade. LAWNS: There is no shame in letting your lawn go brown rather than wasting huge amounts of time and water trying to keep it fresh and green. If it is healthy, it will cope and go back to green once the rain comes. Also, let it grow longer for a while as this helps retain water and keep the soil moist. If you must mow, raise the cutting level. Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club.
