Latest news with #alFrescoDining
The Sun
3 days ago
- General
- The Sun
Genius 45p ‘bait' will banish wasps from your garden for good this summer – and you probably have it in your cupboard
WITH temperatures rocketing across the UK in recent weeks, it's been the perfect excuse to enjoy some al fresco dining. But along with the lovely weather comes a familiar nuisance, with wasps often crashing the BBQ, picnic or meal. Wasp season began in April, and this year's prolonged warm weather has created perfect conditions for them to thrive. Painful stings can quickly ruin a sunny afternoon, and for those with allergies, they can even trigger life-threatening anaphylaxis. There's also the risk of infestation. If wasps decide to build a nest in your home or garden, their numbers can multiply rapidly and removal by pest control professionals can cost as much as £200. But thankfully, there's an inexpensive items which most Brits will have lying around in their fruit bowl or in the fridge. Fruits like pears or mango or even sugary fizzy drinks out in your can act as a sort of lightning rod for wasps, drawing them away from where you are and over to a safe place out of your way. The former can be nabbed from Sainsbury's for 45p each. This 'bait' should be placed about 10ft-20ft away from where you are, effectively creating a safe zone for the wasps to buzz around, keeping them away from you. ANOTHER USEFUL TIP Another household item which can be used to repel the pesky insects is garlic. Garden expert at Polhill Garden Centre, Josh Novell lifted the lid on why the pungent bulbs are so effective. 'Place minced garlic in a small bowl near outdoor seating or food,' Josh recommends. How to Keep Wasps, Bees, and Flies Out of Your Home with a 5p Onion Hack Or, you can fill a spray bottle with water and two teaspoons of garlic powder, and then spray it around patios, doors and bins. The garlic odour will linger and deter wasps. Josh's other nugget of advice was to consider growing garlic in garden beds or containers - it's a win-win for repelling wasps and ensuring you're always stocked up on the culinary essential. Many people's first instinct is to set out a jar of jam or sugary water to lure wasps, but Josh warns this can actually make things worse. 'Sweet traps can attract wasps from neighbouring areas, increasing activity rather than reducing it,' he says. 'You're unintentionally drawing them in.'
The Sun
5 days ago
- General
- The Sun
I'm a gardening expert, my 22p hack will banish wasps from your garden and it's probably already in your cupboard
WITH summer on the way Brits will be looking forward to al fresco dining. But along with the lovely weather comes a familiar nuisance, wasps - the last thing anyone wants crashing their BBQ or picnic. 1 Wasp season began in April, and this year's prolonged warm weather has created perfect conditions for them to thrive. Painful stings can quickly ruin a sunny afternoon, and for those with allergies, they can even trigger life-threatening anaphylaxis. There's also the risk of infestation. If wasps decide to build a nest in your home or garden, their numbers can multiply rapidly and removal by pest control professionals can cost as much as £200. However, Josh Novell, garden expert at Polhill Garden Centre, says there's a simple, natural solution that could cost as little as 22p, and it's probably already in your kitchen. 'Garlic is a surprisingly effective wasp repellent,' explains Josh. 'Its strong smell overwhelms a wasp's senses and naturally drives them away. It's safe, cheap, and easy to use.' Explaining how to use the allium to repel wasps, he adds: 'Place minced garlic in a small bowl near outdoor seating or food. 'You can also fill a spray bottle with water and 1-2 teaspoons of garlic powder. Then shake well, and spray around patios, doors, and bins. 'Or, consider growing garlic in garden beds or containers.' Many people's first instinct is to set out a jar of jam or sugary water to lure wasps, but Josh warns this can actually make things worse. How to Keep Wasps, Bees, and Flies Out of Your Home with a 5p Onion Hack 'Sweet traps can attract wasps from neighbouring areas, increasing activity rather than reducing it,' he explains. 'You're unintentionally drawing them in.' Other natural, low-cost ways to keep wasps away include burning coffee grounds. 'Just place some dry grounds in a heatproof bowl and light them like incense,' Josh says. 'Fresh mint or peppermint oil can also work really well. Wasps hate the scent, so place a few mint sprigs on the table or dab peppermint oil around doorframes. 'And of course, always clean up spills and cover food and drink when eating outside. Even a half-empty glass can quickly draw them in.' IF you want to ensure that your home is pest free this summer, here's what you need to know. Hornets and wasps - hate the smell of peppermint oil so spraying this liberally around your patio or balcony can help to keep them at bay. Moths - acidic household white vinegar is effective for deterring moths. Soak some kitchen roll in vinegar and leave it in your wardrobe as a deterrent. Flying ants - herbs and spices, such as cinnamon, mint, chilli pepper, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cloves, or garlic act as deterrents. Mosquitoes - plants, herbs and essential oil fragrances can help deter mozzies inside and out. Try eucalyptus, lavender and lemongrass.
Globe and Mail
21-05-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Eight wines to enjoy in the summer
The sun is out – and hopefully is here to stay – which means we're reaching prime al fresco dining season. Local winemakers and liquor stores are ready to accommodate with new releases of white, rosé and sparkling wines to soothe or excite your senses. There are also some satiating reds to consider whether you're looking to enjoy now or stock up for later. Some of my favourite seasonal styles are featured here, starting with a vivid white that's so nice they named it Gavi twice. Villa Sparina Gavi di Gavi is a terrific introduction to the cortese grape and the satisfying wines it's capable of producing in Piedmont. There are also two different approaches to sauvignon blanc from top Canadian producers, Hidden Bench and Spearhead. They offer texture and balance as well as the traditional payload of flavour intensity you'd expect from the grape variety, which tastes even better when the sun is high in the sky. Admittedly, warming temperatures prompt me to reach for lighter and brighter styles of wine. But there's no controlling when liquor stores release special bottles. I might not be in the mood to enjoy a glass of Brunello while sitting on the back deck in the coming weeks, but I know I'd better buy the current release from Barbi now as it's not likely to be still available when sweater weather returns. Bartier Bros. Pristine Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé 2024 (Canada), $19.99 Rating: 88 Bartier's Pristine label reflects the replacement wines made with grapes grown in Washington's Columbia Valley, in this instance from 40-year-old vines in the Wahluke Slope appellation. Rosé made with cabernet sauvignon can be structured and savoury in nature, but this leans towards the juicy spectrum. A combination of cherry, berry and spice contribute to its delicious, summery flavour. This has 12.5 per cent ABV and 1.5 g/l r.s. Drink now. Available at the above price in British Columbia or direct, Fattoria dei Barbi Brunello di Montalcino 2019 (Italy), $58.95 Rating: 94 The Colombini family has been producing Brunello at Fattori dei Barbi since 1892 and were the first to export its wines to Europe, America and Asia. The 2019 vintage is celebrated by winemakers in Montalcino for delivering an abundance of top quality sangiovese grapes. The result is this youthful red that shows classically structured character marked by appealing cherry and berry fruit character. More bottle age will enhance the complexity and fragrance of this stylish, medium-bodied Tuscan wine. This has 14.5 per cent ABV and 3 g/l r.s. Drink now to 2040. Available at the above price in Ontario, various prices in Alberta, $57 in Quebec. Flat Rock Pinot Noir 2024 (Canada), $24.95 Rating: 89 Former winemaker Marlize Beyers has returned to Flat Rock as a consultant winemaker, overseeing the tightly focused portfolio (pinot noir, chardonnay and riesling) of this family-owned Jordan winery. This estate bottled pinot offers a mix of floral, berry and oak-derived spice flavours as part of a dry and structured red. Serving in a proper large bowl, balloon-shaped Burgundy glass helps to coax more fruit and fragrance from this youthful expression. This has 13 per cent ABV and 3 g/l r.s. Drink now to 2030. Available in Ontario at the above price or direct, various prices in Alberta. Graham Beck Méthode Cap Classique Brut Pinot Noir/Chardonnay Rosé Sparkling (South Africa), $24.95 Rating: 91 Based in Robertson, Graham Beck consistently offers great value bottle fermented sparkling wines. Made in a crowd-pleasing style, this enjoyable rosé is based on (54/46) mix of pinot noir and chardonnay that were fermented separately before being blended for secondary fermentation and aging on the lees (dead yeast cells). This is a dry and nicely balanced bubbly, with cherry and plum flavours contributing to its easy-going appeal. This has 12 per cent ABV and 7 g/l r.s. Drink now. Available in Ontario. Hidden Bench Rosomel Vineyard Fumé Blanc 2022 (Canada), $29.95 Rating: 93 The Rosomel vineyard was established by grape grower Roman Prydatkewycz on Niagara's Beamsville Bench in 1976. It's been owned by Hidden Bench Estate Winery since 2002, providing the grapes for several distinctive single-vineyard wines, such as this invigorating and complex barrel fermented sauvignon blanc. Made in a dry and medium-bodied style, this straddles the line between richness and refreshment in the most satisfying manner. This has 13 per cent ABV and 3 g/l r.s. Drink now to 2032. Available at the above price in Ontario or direct, $35.25 in Quebec (2021 vintage). Spearhead Winery Dual Citizen Sauvignon Blanc 2024 (Canada), $29 Rating: 91 Best known for its exciting estate grown pinot noir and chardonnays from the Okanagan, Spearhead embraced the opportunity to produce sauvignon blanc from Yakima Valley as part of its Dual Citizen label. A lack of grapes after a serious winter frost in 2024 led winemaker Grant Stanley to explore options in the Columbia Valley. This conveys textbook citrus and herbal notes as part of a mouth-watering white wine with refreshing acidity and a crisp finish. This has 14 per cent ABV and 2 g/l r.s. Drink now to 2028. Available direct, Villa Sparina Gavi di Gavi 2023 (Italy), $22.95 Rating: 90 The distinctive curvy container used by Villa Sparina was inspired by an old bottle found in the cellar of this family-owned winery in Piedmont. The unusual shape helps attract attention to this satisfying regional white wine made from the cortese grape. Expect a refreshing mix of citrus, peach and floral notes with a rich texture and lingering chalky finish. This has 12.4 per cent ABV and 5 g/l r.s. Drink now to 2028. Available at the above price in Ontario, $29.98 in British Columbia (Everything Wine), various prices in Alberta, $31 in Nova Scotia (Bishop's Cellar). Wynns Coonawarra Estate Cabernet/Shiraz/Malbec/Merlot 2022 (Australia), $19.95 Rating: 90 Wynns first produced this cabernet-shiraz blend from Coonawarra in 1969 and has continued to evolve its style, adding merlot and malbec into the mix of grape varieties over the years. The red stripe on the label is seen as a reference to the region's unique terra rossa soil – a dusty mix of clay and limestone that helps to produce vibrant and ripe red wines. The 2022 vintage shows a core of rich cherry, cassis and blueberry fruit with cedar and floral accents that's ready to drink. This has 14 per cent ABV and 3 g/l r.s. Drink now to 2029. Available in Ontario.
The Sun
16-05-2025
- General
- The Sun
The simple 22p trick to keep wasps out of your garden using a natural ingredient they ‘hate'
WITH temperatures rocketing across the UK in recent weeks, it's been the perfect excuse to enjoy some al fresco dining. But along with the lovely weather comes a familiar nuisance, with wasps often crashing the BBQ, picnic or meal. Wasp season began in April, and this year's prolonged warm weather has created perfect conditions for them to thrive. Painful stings can quickly ruin a sunny afternoon, and for those with allergies, they can even trigger life-threatening anaphylaxis. There's also the risk of infestation. If wasps decide to build a nest in your home or garden, their numbers can multiply rapidly and removal by pest control professionals can cost as much as £200. Thankfully, Josh Novell, garden expert at Polhill Garden Centre, has revealed a simple, natural solution to deter wasps. It could cost as little as 22p, and it's probably already in your kitchen. 'Garlic is a surprisingly effective wasp repellent,' explains Josh. 'Its strong smell overwhelms a wasp's senses and naturally drives them away. It's safe, cheap, and easy to use.' And there are three ways you can make use of the smelly ingredient to get rid of the garden pests. Josh continues: 'Place minced garlic in a small bowl near outdoor seating or food. 'Fill a spray bottle with water and 1-2 teaspoons of garlic powder. Then shake well, and spray around patios, doors, and bins. I made a DIY fence for £68 with pallets from Facebook Marketplace - it gives more privacy & people say it's 'fantastic' 'Or, consider growing garlic in garden beds or containers.' Many people's first instinct is to set out a jar of jam or sugary water to lure wasps, but Josh warns this can actually make things worse. 'Sweet traps can attract wasps from neighbouring areas, increasing activity rather than reducing it,' he explains. 'You're unintentionally drawing them in.' But if you don't want the stench of garlic in your outdoor space, there are other natural and low-cost ways to keep wasps away. Josh says: 'Burning coffee grounds is a great wasp deterrent. Just place some dry grounds in a heatproof bowl and light them like incense. 'Fresh mint or peppermint oil can also work really well. Wasps hate the scent, so place a few mint sprigs on the table or dab peppermint oil around doorframes. 'And of course, always clean up spills and cover food and drink when eating outside. Even a half-empty glass can quickly draw them in.'
