Latest news with #dandelion
The Independent
3 days ago
- General
- The Independent
7 best kids' tables and chairs that will encourage learning and creativity
Table and chair sets are a place for kids to unleash their creativity, but not all sets are created equal. So with assistance from my mini testers, I have tried, tested and selected some of the most beautifully designed, practical and easy to care for kids' furniture sets. Something I noticed during trialling these sets is that their sizes vary enormously – make sure the one that you choose will fit your child. Ideally, kids' feet should be planted firmly on the ground. Consider a chair with a backrest if your child will be sitting for any length of time, too. My testers and I were enchanted by the Great Little Trading dandelion toddler set (114.40, The animal design is cute, and it's easy to assemble and large enough to see kids through their early years. Below, you'll also find furniture for younger and older kids, including a set for less than £40. How I tested With assistance from my mini testers, I spent hours testing these chairs and tables, putting them through their paces as my children used them for eating, crafting and playing. While paying attention to how my kids naturally interacted with the furniture, I was also assessing the chairs by the following criteria: Durability: I noted the materials used and the sturdiness of the furniture. Cleaning: Where there are children, there is probably mess, so I made sure to check how easy each of the tables was to wipe down. Practicality: I made a note of how easy the sets were to assemble (for instance, how many people did it take to set the furniture up, and how long did it take us?). I also factored in features that made the sets easy for my testers and me to use. Some of the best chairs had rubber feet to stop chair legs from scraping across the floor, and adjustable elements. Extras: I paid attention to any innovative design features that made the sets stand out, from those that would help to spark creativity and learning, to extra storage. Size: I examined the sizes and storability of this furniture, and the age range for which they were best suited. Why you can trust IndyBest reviews Zoë Phillimore has tried, tested and recommended a huge range of products to IndyBest readers, and as a parent, she knows exactly what children need and parents want. Enlisting little testers to help her put each of the products she reviews through their paces in real-world conditions, Zoë's verdicts are thorough, honest and fair. After many hours spent checking materials, wrestling with chair legs and wiping down table tops, she has only recommended the furniture sets that passed her tests. The best kids' tables and chairs for 2025 are:
The Sun
30-07-2025
- The Sun
From picking berries to apple trees – three ways to forage for wild treats
NATURE'S larder is bursting with foody delights right now. Spending a day foraging for wild treats is enjoyable for all ages and totally free. But you must avoid private land, and always respect the countryside. Here's what to look for . . . BERRY NICE: It is the start of blackberry season — they can be used to make delicious jams and crumbles, or eaten on their own with cream and a dusting of sugar. You will find brambles along hedgerows, on the side of country roads and even in wasteland. Just watch out for the prickly branches and pick berries that are dark purple for the best taste. Elderberries are also ready for picking now. Find Elder trees in woodland or hedgerows with the berries hanging in little clusters. The dark purple berries can be used to make cordials or jams. NOT SO WEEDY: Many plants that are considered weeds found in gardens and woodland areas can actually be eaten. The Woodland Trust says that greater plantain can be eaten at this time of year. Look for its small oval leaves with veins running down it. Blanch, then sautee with butter for the best taste. Young dandelion leaves can be picked, washed and added to salads. Nettle leaves are also packed with vitamins and minerals. Use gloves to avoid being stung and pick the tips for the best flavour. You can wash and use with hot water for a health-boosting tea or try rustling up a delicious soup. I get $60 meals for FREE by foraging - I scored oysters and clams during my last trip FEELING FRUITY: Crab apples trees are found across Britain with apples ready for picking from now until autumn. The fruit turns red or orange when ripe. The Woodland Trust recommends using the apples for a glowing jelly that is delicious on bread or to accompany meat. When foraging just remember to only take what you need and only what you can identify with certainty. There is a range of foraging recipes at plus pictures to help identify plants and fruits. All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability. 7 Deal of the day DECK out your garden area with this corner-sofa set, down from £299 to £174 at Tesco, in stores only. Cheap treat CURE a snack attack with these garlic bread-style tortilla chips, new in at Co-op, £1.25. Top swap ELEMIS marine oil, £57.60 from Boots, helps reduce the appearance of fine lines on the face. But you can tackle aging at a lower cost with Aldi 's Lacura marine oil, £3.99. SAVE: £53.61 Shop & save ADD a playful element to your kid's bedroom with this football-pitch rug, down from £13 to £5 at Hot right now AT get a £5 voucher on Tesco Whoosh orders with no minimum spend. Offer lasts until the end of August. PLAY NOW TO WIN £200 7 JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle. Every month we're giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers - whether you're saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered. Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket. The more codes you enter, the more tickets you'll earn and the more chance you will have of winning!
The Independent
17-06-2025
- General
- The Independent
Weeds aren't just nuisances, they're messengers. Here's what they can tell you
Got weeds in your lawn? Me too. And although it's tempting to reach for a spray bottle, that shouldn't be our first impulse. Believe it or not, weeds aren't just freeloaders crashing our garden party. They're messengers with important information that requires our attention. We just have to learn to speak their language. What common lawn weeds tell us A dandelion popping up in the lawn is there because the soil is infertile and the grass is too thin. Fertilize and sow seeds for a fuller turf, and the opportunists will move on. Black medic is a demure, clover-like weed with small yellow flowers that's holding an invisible bullhorn, shouting, 'What's a girl got to do to get some nitrogen over here?' Check your soil's nutrients and fertilize accordingly. Both broadleaf and buckhorn plantain won't grow unless the soil is compacted. Core aerate the lawn in spring and fall to allow water and air to circulate through it freely. Likewise, prostrate knotweed thrives in high-traffic, compacted areas. If you have kids or a large dog running laps in the yard — or if passersby consistently cut through a portion of your lawn — chances are you have made its acquaintance. Again, core aeration is your best bet. Do it several times a year and incorporate compost to create an inhospitable environment. Both mouse-ear and common chickweed flourish in shady spots, so cut back nearby tree branches to allow more sun to reach the soil. The lawn will appreciate the extra light, too. Common chickweed also loves cool weather, but that is out of our control. Clover: One of the good guys I'm conflicted about telling you how to get rid of clover, because I don't believe you should. I actually mixed it into my lawn deliberately, and I'm not alone. In fact, years ago, clover was a standard component of American grass seed mixes — it added a natural source of nitrogen to the soil that reduced or eliminated the need for fertilizer. But when the first weed killers were marketed to homeowners in the 1950s, clover was suddenly villainized. I wonder why. Clover is a good guy that shows up to help when soil is lacking water or nutrients. But if you really want it gone, water and fertilize the lawn regularly. And try to accept some imperfections. Nobody needs a flawless lawn — just a healthy one. ___ Jessica Damiano writes weekly gardening columns for the AP and publishes the award-winning Weekly Dirt Newsletter. You can sign up here for weekly gardening tips and advice. ___
Associated Press
17-06-2025
- General
- Associated Press
Weeds aren't just nuisances, they're messengers. Here's what they can tell you
Got weeds in your lawn? Me too. And although it's tempting to reach for a spray bottle, that shouldn't be our first impulse. Believe it or not, weeds aren't just freeloaders crashing our garden party. They're messengers with important information that requires our attention. We just have to learn to speak their language. What common lawn weeds tell us A dandelion popping up in the lawn is there because the soil is infertile and the grass is too thin. Fertilize and sow seeds for a fuller turf, and the opportunists will move on. Black medic is a demure, clover-like weed with small yellow flowers that's holding an invisible bullhorn, shouting, 'What's a girl got to do to get some nitrogen over here?' Check your soil's nutrients and fertilize accordingly. Both broadleaf and buckhorn plantain won't grow unless the soil is compacted. Core aerate the lawn in spring and fall to allow water and air to circulate through it freely. Likewise, prostrate knotweed thrives in high-traffic, compacted areas. If you have kids or a large dog running laps in the yard — or if passersby consistently cut through a portion of your lawn — chances are you have made its acquaintance. Again, core aeration is your best bet. Do it several times a year and incorporate compost to create an inhospitable environment. Both mouse-ear and common chickweed flourish in shady spots, so cut back nearby tree branches to allow more sun to reach the soil. The lawn will appreciate the extra light, too. Common chickweed also loves cool weather, but that is out of our control. Clover: One of the good guys I'm conflicted about telling you how to get rid of clover, because I don't believe you should. I actually mixed it into my lawn deliberately, and I'm not alone. In fact, years ago, clover was a standard component of American grass seed mixes — it added a natural source of nitrogen to the soil that reduced or eliminated the need for fertilizer. But when the first weed killers were marketed to homeowners in the 1950s, clover was suddenly villainized. I wonder why. Clover is a good guy that shows up to help when soil is lacking water or nutrients. But if you really want it gone, water and fertilize the lawn regularly. And try to accept some imperfections. Nobody needs a flawless lawn — just a healthy one. ___ Jessica Damiano writes weekly gardening columns for the AP and publishes the award-winning Weekly Dirt Newsletter. You can sign up here for weekly gardening tips and advice. ___ For more AP gardening stories, go to
CBC
18-05-2025
- General
- CBC
Q&A: Meet the artist behind St. Thomas' new gigantic metal dandelions
B.C. blacksmith Kyle Thornley created the piece now at Highbury and South Edgeware roundabout Move over, Jumbo the elephant. St. Thomas has a new eye-catching statue in town: a gigantic metal dandelion plant. The dandelions, dubbed Thriving Roots, shoot up more than 7 metres high and are a symbol of resilience, growth and optimism, the city said, serving as a reminder that beauty can take root in even the toughest conditions. The metalwork was the vision and handiwork of B.C.-based blacksmith Kyle Thornley of Metal Mind Forge, and is on display at the roundabout at Highbury Avenue and South Edgeware Road in the city's northeast. CBC's Matt Allen spoke with Thornley on Afternoon Drive. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. MA: Could you describe what the statue looks like? KT: It is gigantic dandelion flowers in their different stages of development. There are two dandelion buds, two yellow dandelion flowers and two mature fluffy dandelions that are all mounted to a concrete base. At the base, there is a volcano of rail spikes that they're growing out of. MA: What inspired this choice to build dandelions? KT: Putting together a concept for the project for the design competition, I just start thinking about the important parts about community. Dandelions are maybe a misunderstood flower, but they're a very thriving species. Especially in the springtime, as they're some of the first colours to emerge, and I am trying to track that back into the human experience or the experience in a healthy community. The dandelions are to represent a thriving community with favourable conditions that are appropriate for growth and development; That leads to the stage of maturation, of the fluffy dandelion flower sending its seeds off into the world, which signifies residents really sending off their hopes and dreams off into the world. WATCH: Meet this blacksmith from Revelstoke, B.C., creating imaginative public art Media Video | This Revelstoke blacksmith shapes steel into imaginative creations Caption: Kyle Thornley of Metal Mind Forge in Revelstoke, B.C. preserves the traditions of blacksmithing while transforming industrial steel into public art pieces showcased across Canada. Short documentary produced for CBC Creator Network. Open Full Embed in New Tab Loading external pages may require significantly more data usage than loading CBC Lite story pages. As far as growing out of the rail spikes, it's kind of like a drawing out of the ashes, a former history of the town, right? With being the rail capital of Canada at some point, a new identity but in a different form, with strong roots and a deep history. MA: I really like all the thoughts and inspiration you drew on for the piece. You mentioned How exactly was it chosen for this particular city? KT: They put out a call nationally just for a request for pre-qualification. So you apply with portfolio and CV and a letter of intent and get chosen as a finalist to do a site-specific design. I'm very thrilled that my concept was selected for one of the roundabouts. MA: Take us into the your process here. What type of work actually goes into creating a sculpture of this size? Oh my goodness, a zillion steps. I identify as an artist-blacksmith. I'm kind of a one-trick pony with the metalwork anyway, but the blacksmithing component is pretty exciting just with the hot processing of the metalwork under different machinery, power hammers and a bunch of different anvils and dies and tools at the shop that are all custom made for the different shapes that we're trying to create on this project. It's a lot of design work to start the patterning and the sizing of the components, plasma cutting, lots of grinder work to clean things up. Then, in the forge, we heat up the materials and form and shape them just under the different machines, which requires a lot of assembly. And then it gets sort of powder-coated for a protective finish. It's mostly a sculpture that's made out of stainless steel with the coloration on top. So it should be durable for a very, very long time. MA: How does it feel to see the finished product being installed? KT: There are such big projects that are in the shop for so long and really dominate your headspace and your working days for months, even with some assistance at the shop. So it's kind of a real culmination, right? A real building of the experience, just sort of with components being made and then the assembly really taking shape. Media Audio | Afternoon Drive : 'Gigantic' metal dandelion sculpture draws awe in St. Thomas Caption: A 7-metre tall sculpture of dandelions has just been installed at a roundabout in St. Thomas, created by B.C. metal worker Kyle Thornley. He shares the story behind it. Open Full Embed in New Tab Loading external pages may require significantly more data usage than loading CBC Lite story pages. When the flowers are created and the stems are done, everything is sort of ready to go. Then there's a huge trip across the country from where I live to get it here. Installs are always a little bit stressful, just with such a big build-up. But the crane operator was fantastic and everything fit quite nicely. And then there was a big celebration at the end when all of this mountain of work had been completed and so many things had been ticked off the box, and here we have a gigantic sculpture sitting in the roundabout where it was designated to go a long time ago. MA: That's awesome. What have you heard from people gone feedback on it? Oh yeah, I've probably had more positive feedback on this one than any project I've ever done. I mean, just the following day, people were finding out who I was and looking up my number and I was getting calls from residents just saying how thrilled they were and how much they loved the project. So, it's absolutely incredible just getting that kind of feedback. People are thrilled and saying it's their favourite sculpture in town. And I think St. Thomas is pretty well known for its roundabout sculptures now.
