Latest news with #birdbath
The Sun
4 days ago
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
Gardeners are being urged to put a penny in their bird bath this summer for important reason
PLACING a penny in your bird bath can have an unexpected benefit this summer. This simple and extremely cheap step can help to transform your garden decor, and help attract more birds. 2 As well as serving as a stylish feature, bird baths have a positive impact on your outdoor space. They attract birds to your garden, helping to control the amount of insects in your flowerbeds. However, they also tend to become a breeding ground for algae. But according to experts, there is a quick trick which can solve this problem, and there's no scrubbing involved.. The solution is also extremely cost-effective, as all you need is one penny. According to the experts at Homes and Gardens, throwing a penny into your bird bath can help to ward off algae. "The copper present in pre-1982 one or two-penny coins triggers a chemical reaction in your bird bath's water," the pros explained. They continued on to say that this "acts to naturally fend off the development of algae". Rocky Trifari, a bird enthusiast and owner of The Rocky Safari, spoke to the publication about the benefits of the hack. "Copper is a natural biocide with properties that interfere with the biological processes algae and other microorganisms rely on," the expert said. I hate my new build garden being overlooked so found a 5 METRE privacy fence to block out nosy neighbours for under £30 "When copper ions leach into the water, they promote an environment that discourages the growth of green algae, one of the main causes of that slimy, dirty water found in birdbaths." Make sure your pennies are free of rust or corrosion before adding them to your bird bath. Since birds drink and bathe in the water, prolonged exposure to these elements could cause health risks. While pennies won't act as a permanent solution to algae, they can definitely help reduce growth. What does the RSPB think? The organisation said: "Birds need water for drinking and bathing. "There are many ways of providing water in the garden, but the simplest? A bird bath. "Many people put food out for birds, but fewer provide a regular supply of clean water. Birds need water for drinking and bathing. "Bird baths are particularly important in weather extremes: During winter when natural supplies may be frozen, and in dry conditions such as hot summers with weeks of no rain. "But being small and enclosed, bird baths can easily become dirty and stagnant, and even dangerous, without regular cleaning. "Make sure you change the water in your bird bath daily and give bird baths a thorough clean once a week to help prevent the spread of disease." How to encourage wildlife into your garden THE Woodland Trust shared five top tips 1. Grow wild Let nature take its course to create a more attractive environment for all things wild. You don't have to leave your plot to develop into a small jungle – wildlife will thank you for just a small corner, border or planter. 2. Plant trees and shrubs Research has shown that gardens are more attractive to wildlife if they have trees. And those trees can bring a host of other benefits too, from reducing noise and flooding to fighting climate change. 3. Create homes If you want to attract a particular species, a ready-made home can look especially appealing to any wildlife passing through. 4. Offer a water source Water is crucial for wildlife. Making some available in your garden could be a lifeline, especially in extreme weather. 5. Serve an extra meal One of the best ways to persuade a plethora of wildlife to your patch is to give them access to an easy meal. Other cleaning hacks and gardening tips A £1 buy can also be used to transform your mouldy outdoor furniture. Alternatively, a kitchen ingredient can also be used to scrub up your garden set. Another budget buy is also said to leave your outdoor garden set gleaming in time for summer. Or you can opt to clean your garden furniture in seconds with a DIY hack. And an 80p hack helps to lift stubborn algae from your garden surfaces. 2
The Sun
23-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
Simple hack will prevent algae from growing in your garden – it will only cost you pennies
A SIMPLE and affordable step can help prevent algae growing in your garden. You won't have to fork out on cleaning buys or even scrub with this handy hack. 2 Bird baths aren't just a stylish feature for your garden, they can also help to attract birds to your outdoor space. This in turn will help to control the amount of insects in your flowerbeds. But the main drawback to bird baths is they tend to become a breeding ground for algae. However, a quick trick can solve this problem, and you won't even need to lift a finger. The solution will only cost you pennies, and that's because the solution is pennies. According to the experts at House Beautiful, throwing a few pennies into your bird bath can help to ward off algae. "Copper pennies do a pretty good job of keeping algae away from our bird baths," they explained. "Copper acts as an algicide, meaning it can help significantly slow down the growth of algae and make the water more inviting for birds." And who doesn't have a jar full of old pennies that they never use at home? So why not turn your bird bath into a homemade wishing well and add some pennies this summer? B&M shoppers are giving their gardens a summer glow up with £12 bargain While you will typically notice a change in colour in algae within 24 hours, indicating it has died off. However, you may need to give this hack a little longer to work. Experts recommend waiting seven days before adding more coins as too much copper can cause oxygen depletion in water. And a £2 buy will help remove stubborn mildew stains from your garden furniture. A £1 buy can also be used to transform your mouldy outdoor furniture. Alternatively, a kitchen ingredient can also be used to scrub up your garden set. Another budget buy is also said to leave your outdoor garden set gleaming in time for summer. Or you can opt to clean your garden furniture in seconds with a DIY hack. And an 80p hack helps to lift stubborn algae from your garden surfaces. 2
The Sun
21-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Dunelm is selling a cheap £12 gadget that can instantly elevate your garden while helping keep pests under control
CREATE a haven for wildlife in your garden - and bat off any unwanted pests while you're at it. Green-fingered fans have been busy enhancing their gardens without ruffling any expensive feathers. 1 Dunelm 's Fallen Fruits Traditional Cast Iron Bird Bath with 2 Birds comes in at a cost efficient £12. The elegant-looking hydration station boasts two cast iron birds and comes with a bird bath or tray. More purse-ruffling options can be found on Water Features Garden Fountain Specialist with prices starting from £139.99. The delightful bird statue description reads: "Invite nature into your garden with this delightful Two Birds Bird Bath. "Easy to assemble and suitable as either a bird bath or feeding tray, it offers a charming and functional accent for any outdoor space." Birds using the bath can help reduce insect populations, including pesky mosquitoes. Shoppers have also been rushing to buy more cost-savvy products at Dunelm. Fans of al fresco eating have been singing the praises of a handy accessory that looks great - and is as cheap as chips. Dunelm 's Foil Charger Plate comes in two shades - charcoal and gold - and has been reduced to 31p from £1.25. Customers have described the plates as 'great quality' and a 'fantastic price'. Dunelm shoppers are scrambling to their local store and their 'massive sale' kicks off with posh glasses for 89p and £8 gadgets to keep the Spring chill out The hand wash only items are a staple for any outdoor brunch or dinner occasion and measure 33cm (13"). The superstore explained about the product: "Ideal to place under your dining plates, this round foil charger plate is perfect for occasional dining to decorate your dining table setting and is available in a range of colours." It's not the first time in recent months shoppers have rushed to buy a product at Dunelm. One managed to pick up a Bromley Lamp Table for £6.90 marked down from £69. Another bagged a stylish bar stool marked down to £19.90 from £200. How to bag a bargain SUN Savers Editor Lana Clements explains how to find a cut-price item and bag a bargain… Sign up to loyalty schemes of the brands that you regularly shop with. Big names regularly offer discounts or special lower prices for members, among other perks. Sales are when you can pick up a real steal. Retailers usually have periodic promotions that tie into payday at the end of the month or Bank Holiday weekends, so keep a lookout and shop when these deals are on. Sign up to mailing lists and you'll also be first to know of special offers. It can be worth following retailers on social media too. When buying online, always do a search for money off codes or vouchers that you can use and are just two sites that round up promotions by retailer. Scanner apps are useful to have on your phone. app has a scanner that you can use to compare prices on branded items when out shopping. Bargain hunters can also use B&M's scanner in the app to find discounts in-store before staff have marked them out. And always check if you can get cashback before paying which in effect means you'll get some of your money back or a discount on the item. .
