Latest news with #hangingbaskets
The Sun
a day ago
- General
- The Sun
I'm a pro garden designer and there's a common decoration I absolutely hate – it's ugly, plastic & always looks dead
A GARDENING designer has revealed the one common decoration she absolutely hates. They can look splendid in summer, but Pollyanna Wilkinson shared how she has a pet peeve of hanging baskets. 5 5 5 Speaking on her podcast, The Ins & Outs, Pollyanna responded to a listener who had written into the show asking if hanging baskets should be left in the 80s and 90s. The gardening designer didn't hold back with her response and said: 'I gift you the whole cold, hard truth, my friend, I hate them. 'Hate them. I effing hate hanging baskets. 'And the reason I hate them is much the same reason that I hate small pots.' She shared the first reason for this is that she doesn't think they are 'very attractive as a vessel.' Pollyanna explained on the latest episode: 'You can tend to see the plastic inside because it's got a plastic liner, because otherwise, obviously the water is going to go through. 'And I don't like seeing plastic in the garden. 'And also the body of soil that a hanging basket holds - unless it's those amazing ones outside the Ritz, which are just the most extraordinary thing I've ever seen, but those are the sides of a beach ball - it's just, it's this tiny little dish of mud.' On the other side of the debate, Pollyanna's podcast co-host, interior design expert Jojo Barr, defended hanging baskets. She shared: 'I know, but when they come out and they're in bloom, they do look kind of nice.' Aldi is selling a cheap $4.49 item that will transform your garden into a colorful summer paradise Pollyanna responded: 'If you look after them and you and they are abundant, and you remember to water them and you fill them with things, they are spectacular. 'But I personally think life is too short for hanging baskets. There I said it. 'I would rather grow plants up the house than have a hanging basket. 5 'I think the problem is, they often look half dead, don't they?' However, the gardening expert did reply to the listener who wrote in and added: 'Please don't take offense if you have them and you love them and you manage to fill them with amazing things. 'I'm a big believer that gardening takes a lot of work and so you should choose where you spend your time and I wouldn't spend it on hanging baskets.' BASKET TIPS 5 If you do have hanging baskets and want to ensure they look beautiful all summer long, some gardening professionals have shared their tips. According to gardening experts Jim and Mary Competti at This Is My Garden, many hanging baskets will experience foliage fading and scarce blooms during hot weather. The gardening maestros stressed that gardening enthusiasts "need to fertilise" hanging baskets to keep newly planted baskets flowering. However, fertilising hanging baskets is not a one-time task, but rather one that should be done regularly. Hanging basket plants have restricted soil available for energy absorption and cannot spread out to seek additional nutrients, which makes this process incredibly vital.
The Sun
3 days ago
- General
- The Sun
Home Bargains is selling a £3 buy that transforms your garden & adds privacy during the summer
SHOPPERS are obsessed with a new £3 buy that could transform your garden this summer - and it adds privacy. Home Bargains fans have fallen in love with the budget friendly item that will automatically elevate your outdoor space. The "stylish" Jardin Corn Leaf Rope and Ferm Wall Hanging Basket offers a touch of "rustic charm". It's made from corn leaf and rope which gives the product a natural, handmade and unique feel. The W30 by H16xm fitting can be used to hold a variety of plants, flowers - or serve as a purely decorative piece. They can be picked up for just £2.99 online, or in stores. As well as looking beautiful, these hanging baskets could also serve a practical purpose. Garden experts discovered the outdoor fixtures can work well as a natural privacy screen. If you have any nosy neighbours, or just want to add a little extra protection from wandering eyes, this could be the hack for you. Green-fingered gurus at Calundula's Garden, advised figuring out which placement you want, and calculating how many baskets needed. They also highlighted different types of plants that can be used, ranging from low maintenance to trailing. If you're keen to have something that doesn't require much work, but is fast-growing, options such as English ivy ferns, and creeping jasmine are recommended. The secret Home Bargains aisle shoppers always forget to check - with loads of delicious treats priced from just 59p Spider plants and Boston ferns are more popular choices when it comes to very lush, thick foliage. Meanwhile, Fuchsias and Petunias can add bright pops of colour and brighten up any patio, balcony or garden. But why stop at green plant and flowers - you could even try some vegetables. Cherry tomatoes, radishes, and baby carrots are just some of the yummy snacks possible. If they don't take your fancy, chilli peppers, Strawberries and lettuce can also be cultivated in hanging baskets. And, why not create a mini herb garden too - many including parsley, cilantro, and thyme love to be grown in the hanging planters. The experts warned how you will need to discover which areas of your outdoor space get the most sun. This comes as Home Bargains shoppers were also impressed with a £30 garden object. With the days getting warmer, Brits are looking for new ways to spruce up their outdoor spaces. This water feature is described as the perfect addition to any garden thanks to its LED lighting and interesting design. The Jardin Miniture Fairy Water Feature is scanning for as little as £29.99. That's £27 less than the Range 's version, which is priced at a whopping £56.79. The small statue is frost resistant and has a five metre-long cable that plugs into any mains supply. Measuring 29.5x25x45cm, it's also a nifty device to help create some more privacy in any outdoor space. The description reads: "This stunning water feature can add class and style to your garden. "Place the water feature in your garden, add water and switch it on. "This water feature will fit perfectly in any garden, It will be the focal point in your outdoor space." The bargain store also delighted fans when purse-friendly fairy lights hit the shelves. Shoppers can now nab the new Firefly Hot Air Balloon Spiral Solar Light for less than £4 - which features the iconic hot air balloon alongside a stunning spiral feature. This bargain buy, which is priced at just £3.99, will brighten up your garden and leave your eagle-eyed neighbours gobsmacked.
The Sun
4 days ago
- General
- The Sun
The essential gardening task you need to do to make your hanging baskets flower and last all summer
IF you've recently been to a garden centre and bought yourself a gorgeous hanging basket, you'll need to listen up. Many of us will have hanging baskets outside our homes, but if a very crucial gardening task is avoided, they will not survive the summer. 3 3 3 So if you want to ensure your baskets look beautiful all summer long, you've come to the right place and will need to take notes. According to gardening experts Jim and Mary Competti at This Is My Garden, many hanging baskets will experience foliage fading and scarce blooms during hot weather. They warned: "Unfortunately, most baskets that are purchased or planted in the early spring don't make it past mid-summer. 'In fact, sadly, some don't even make it to late spring without their foliage fading, and their once plentiful blooms becoming more scarce with each passing day." And it turns out that keeping hanging baskets in bloom is a mean feat if you're unequipped with the right advice and tools. As a result, the gardening maestros stressed that gardening enthusiasts "need to fertilise" hanging baskets to keep newly planted baskets flowering. However, fertilising hanging baskets is not a one-time task, but rather one that should be done regularly. Hanging basket plants have restricted soil available for energy absorption and cannot spread out to seek additional nutrients, which makes this process incredibly vital. Subsequently, Jim and Mary warned that without fertiliser, hanging baskets "simply will not be able to survive the entire summer". And it turns out that timing is essential when it comes to feeding. Cheap ways to bring vibrant colours to your garden all year round Unlike roses, which can be fed just a few times a year, plants grown in hanging baskets need a slow and steady stream of nutrients. Therefore, adding too much too quickly can encourage the roots and foliage to expand too fast, as the gardening pros recognised: "The result will be a plant that outgrows its basket and stops blooming because of it.' Top 5 Spring Gardening Jobs *If you click a link in this boxout, we may earn affiliate revenue Nick Grey, Gtech Inventor and CEO shared the tasks to crack on with as Spring arrives. 1. Clean your garden Make sure to clear away all leaves, soil and plant debris from your patios and flower beds; this creates a healthier environment for new growth, especially as we get into the summer months. Gtech's Garden Safety Kit includes durable gardening gloves and safety glasses; perfect for comfortability whilst tackling those outdoor tasks. 2. Weeding Early Spring is the best time to tackle weeds; if you can introduce some regular weeding into your routine, you can guarantee a tidy garden all year round. 3. Hedge maintenance Spring is the ideal time to tidy up overgrown hedges and shrubs, as regular trimming ensures healthy growth and reduces pest issues. Using a tool like the Gtech Lightweight Hedge Trimmer can help to keep your greenery looking sharp and neat. 4. Composting Starting a compost heap this spring is a pro-active, cost-effective way to harness nutritious soil for your plants and recycle organic waste that will benefit the overall health of your greenery and foliage. 5. Look after your lawn Lawn care is hugely important in assuring your garden stays looking beautiful. Make sure to rake away any excess leaves and trim your grass routinely. So if you want your hanging baskets to impress this summer, you should opt for a liquid fertiliser that contains more phosphorus and potassium than nitrogen. While nitrogen promotes growth, phosphorus and potassium are essential for blooming. Unfortunately, most baskets that are purchased or planted in the early spring don't make it past mid-summer Jim and Mary Competti, at This Is My Garden Not only this, but a light dose of fertiliser should be applied to your baskets every 10 to 14 days for best results. Additionally, West Coast Gardeners recommended a 15-30-15 water-soluble fertiliser with micro-nutrients. They explained: "You can either use it every second watering at full strength, or use it every time you water, but at half strength." 8 must-have plants to brighten up your garden Nick Hamilton owner of Barnsdale Gardens has shared his favourite plants and flowers you should consider adding to your garden, borders and pots. Tricyrtis A spectacular plant that gives a real exotic feel to any garden with its orchid-like, spotted flowers giving the impression that this plant should be tender but it is 'as tough as old boots!'. Penstemon I love this plants genus of because most will flower all summer and autumn. They'll grow in sun or semi-shade in a well drained soil and produce a non-stop display of tubular flowers in an array of colours and colour combination to suit all tastes. Luzula sylvatica 'Marginata' With the evergreen leaves edged with yellow it's great asset is that it will grow in sun or shade in any type of soil and is great as groundcover in the hardest spot to fill - dry shade. Eryngium x zabelii 'Big Blue' A stunning, nectar-rich plant that will feed the beneficial insects in your garden. Leave the flowerheads once they have turned brown because they look stunning with winter frost and snow, extending the plant's interest period. Sarcococca hookeriana 'Winter Gem' If you need winter scent then look no further than this compact, evergreen shrub. The scent is stunning and the evergreen leaves create an excellent backdrop for the summer flowers. Cornus sanguinea 'Anny's Winter Orange' A dwarf version of 'Midwinter Fire' the very colourful stems create a stunning winter display, particularly on sunny days. Rosa 'Noisette Carnee' A very well-behaved climbing rose that is perfect for training over an arch, pergola or gazebo. The small, 'noisette' flowers are blush-pink and produce the most amazing clove scent constantly from June to November. Sanguisorba hakusanensis 'Lilac Squirrel' I've never seen a squirrel with a drooping, shaggy lilac tail, but this variety will give your garden an unusual and different look throughout summer. It does need a moisture retentive soil but will grow in sun or semi-shade. To ensure your hanging baskets thrive, simply dilute the fertiliser with water to ensure a lighter dose. But note that if you have forgotten to water your baskets and they have become bone dry and the plants are wilted, you should avoid fertilising them. Instead, water hanging baskets regularly and wait until the soil has absorbed enough clean water to become soft and the plants have perked up. Following this, you can then safely continue your regular fertiliser schedule.
The Sun
23-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
Lidl launches ‘beautiful bargain' that will transform your garden in seconds for £7.99 – as shoppers cry they ‘need' it
THE BELOVED discount retailer Lidl is selling a ''beautiful bargain'' that will instantly transform your outdoor space for less than £10. The German supermarket has added heaps of affordable goodies to give your garden a glow-up on the cheap - and this hanging ornament is just one of the many buys you can pick up. 3 3 3 The hanging baskets are sold for just £7.99 and come with an array of stunning blooms in vibrant colours. Green-fingered Brits can choose between dark fuchsia, deep purple, as well as simple white - or snap up all three options. Available in stores across the UK, these are perfect for Brits looking to spruce up their outdoor space. By simply hanging planters to fences or walls, the space automatically feels more spacious and has more character to it. According to those who've already got their hands on this garden must-have, the baskets are of a ''good size'' - so it truly is a bargain for the price. Other rival retailers, such as Dobies, Dunelm and You Garden, are selling similar hanging baskets for as much as £30 - and Lidl's option is one of the cheapest in the market. Raving about the epic offer on the popular , one anonymous shopper showed off their epic haul. They wrote in the post: ''Lidl's hanging baskets came in today I believe. ''Good size with a few different plants, £7.99.'' 'They're beautiful' With millions of Brits looking to spruce up their gardens before the arrival of summer, the offer has already taken the internet by storm. The £14.50 Wickes buy people are swearing by to get rid of weeds on their driveway for GOOD Close to a staggering 100 people gave the post a like, as dozens flooded to comments to tell their friends and family about the vibrant buy. ''They're beautiful and a bargain,'' wrote one person. Another chimed in: ''B&M have 2 for £12, I believe.'' ''Just hope they get them at my local store,'' an avid gardener penned. Lidl is also flogging the perfect product to bring a splash of colour to your garden this summer - and it costs just £2. Landing in stores next Thursday, May 29, are a whole host of stunning plants to add a burst of colour to your garden, with prices starting at just £1.99. Garden features that add the most value to a house A well-kept garden can add anywhere between 5-20% to the value of a property. carried out a study and consulted 36 estate agents, garden designers and property professionals from across the UK. And the experts revealed the garden feature which adds the most value to a property is a shed. Shed - 82% Patio or paving - 76% Secure fencing, walls or gates - 72% Outdoor lighting - 66% Sturdy decking - 62% Water features eg. fountain or pond - 58% Modern garden furniture - 54% Artificial lawn/grass - 40% Among the outdoor plants landing in stores is a pack of 10 British Bedding Plants. The product features a tray of 10 gorgeous plants in vibrant colours, meaning that each plant costs just 20p. Also arriving in stores next Thursday is a stunning sunflower plant, priced at just £3.99. The 25cm plant is grown in Britain and is guaranteed to grow to an impressive height, making your garden the envy of friends and neighbours. And gardening fans can make their outdoor space smell like a floral dream with this £3.49 French Lavender plant. The stunning strong fragrance is bound to make you feel relaxed, whilst also keeping pests at bay.
