Third of all compost sold in UK is climate-damaging peat

Peatlands hold double the carbon of the world’s forests, and scientists, gardeners and campaigners want a ban on peat sales

More than a third of all compost sold in the UK in 2021 was peat dug from carbon-rich habitats, new data has revealed.

The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), which opposes a ban on peat sales, provided the figures in its response to a government consultation. The consultation proposes banning peat compost sales to gardeners by 2024 and ministers have said they aim to end sales to professional growers by 2028. An earlier voluntary goal of ending retail sales by 2020 failed.

Continue reading...

* This article was originally published here

Country diary: The first warm-enough day of the year to just lie and listen

Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire: While others take this cue to get busy in the garden, I’ve made it my ritual to take a pause first

At the beginning of the first lockdown, I bought a hammock. It just about fits in my paved backyard between the raised beds, below the washing line. I can lie in it and look up at the sky, telephone wires chopping the blue into splinters, laundry flapping over my head. The first warm-enough day of the year, when I can finally lie back and take my swaying place among the plants again, is long-awaited. And here it is, at last.

All around me are beginnings. The roses have new red fingers. Bleeding hearts raise their hands from the still-cold soil between the purple crocuses. Most gardeners would be eager to get started, but instead of greeting spring with busyness, I have made it my ritual to do the opposite. I lie still and listen first, before even thinking about work. It feels right, respectful. Here is a chance to hear the news – the world’s, the garden’s, my own.

Continue reading...

* This article was originally published here

‘What makes the perfect outdoor space?’ Your outdoor design questions, answered.

Patricia Urquiola joins Jura Koncius for a live Q&A about making the most of your outdoor living space.

* This article was originally published here

* This article was originally published here

‘What makes the perfect outdoor space?’ Your outdoor design questions, answered.

Patricia Urquiola joins Jura Koncius for a live Q&A about making the most of your outdoor living space.

* This article was originally published here

Homes with glorious spring gardens – in pictures

From a family home seeking a green-fingered owner to a remote former guest house perfect for living the good life

Continue reading...

* This article was originally published here

Peonies in our Garden

Hello everyone, It is a cold spring day here so I am enjoying some garden beauty from last years shots. I love peonies and have collected well over a hundred over the many years that I have been gardening here on the Island. The peonies above were both given to me by my Dad when I first started gardening and over the years I have divided them in the early fall and moved them around the

* This article was originally published here

10 DIY Accent Walls Made With Sharpie Pens

 

Want to change your walls but don’t have the money to spend on expensive wallpaper pr paints? Grab some sharpie pens and let creativity take hold as you create your very own original accent walls using Sharpie pens.

All of these wall designs have been handmade using Sharpie pens to create repetitive designs onto a painting wall. Such a fun project and the perfect task for older kids or teens who want to change their walls with something original.

Not all of these designs require a creative talent, in fact some of these designs are as simple as repeating lines or dots and dashes. The thing that makes these DIY accent walls so nice is actually their rustic freehand style.  Such  fun idea and these sharpie accent walls can really make a statement to your room.

 

DIY Custom Stenciled Wall – A Beautiful Mess

$100 Room Challenge Week 3: DIY Wallpaper | R&R at home 

Sharpie Paint Pen Arrow Nursery Wall 

Sharpie Shiplap- Faux Shiplap

Easy DIY Wall Stencil with a Paint Pen

DIY Herringbone Sharpie Wallpaper | Crazy Life with Littles – DIY & Home Decor 

Faux Shiplap: DIY Sharpie Shiplap and Painted Shiplap Tutorial | 

 

* This article was originally published here

Hiring a home-cleaning service? Here’s what to know.

Whether you are hiring an individual or a company to clean your home, here's what you need to consider.

* This article was originally published here

Welcome Spring!

Hello everyone, I am delighted that spring has officially arrived! We have had a few spring like days and our snow is melting but it will be weeks yet before our garden looks like these photos but we know it is coming. I was happy to see some daffodils poking up out of the ground. It was so nice to be able to start a few garden chores. Looking forward to cheerful garden teas. A

* This article was originally published here

The soothing, sensuous appeal of watching people restock their kitchens

How creators are capitalizing on our obsession with tidiness by posting videos of kitchen restocks that go viral on TikTok.

* This article was originally published here

Looking to buy a washer or dryer? An expert on home appliances took your questions

Jessica Petrino of A.J. Madison and Jura Koncius will answer questions on major home appliances.

* This article was originally published here

A Spring Tea in the Sunroom

Hello everyone, I am happy that spring is almost here although it doesn't feel like it just yet.However, our little sunroom is looking pretty spring like and is warm and flooded with sunshine for much of the day. So, I finally got in the mood to take and share some photos of it today. I am using my vintage mauve and white transferware tea set. As usual this china was

* This article was originally published here

DIY Succulent Gnome Tutorial

This DIY Gnome tutorial is over on our sister site Craftbits.com, You can read the full tutorial here Succulent Gnomes

Succulents can be added to the jar either with plastic succulents or you can fill the jar or plant pot with soil and grow real ones. Kind of reminds me of the Chia pets we had as kids.

 

* This article was originally published here

* This article was originally published here

DIY Succulent Gnome Tutorial

This DIY Gnome tutorial is over on our sister site Craftbits.com, You can read the full tutorial here Succulent Gnomes

Succulents can be added to the jar either with plastic succulents or you can fill the jar or plant pot with soil and grow real ones. Kind of reminds me of the Chia pets we had as kids.

 

* This article was originally published here

15 DIY Easter Bunny Ornaments

I live in sunny Australia, whereas of right now, we are suffering from a 40-degree celsius (about 104 degrees Fahrenheit!) summer day. For us, Easter is in Autumn (Fall). However, for the Northern Hemisphere, Easter brings with it the warmth of spring, flowers blooming, and new life all around. Celebrate Easter (or just welcome spring!) with these DIY Easter Bunny ornaments. Hang them up around your house, put them on your window sills or even craft your very own Easter-inspired tree!

What are your family’s Easter traditions? What ornaments do you craft for the springtime? Let us know in the comments below!

Check out our sister site for more Easter Ornaments and Crafts to make.

 

How to Make Decoupage Easter Eggs with Napkins

Felt PDF Sewing Pattern Easter Ornaments Bunny Hen and | Etsy

Making Easter Ornaments with Hand Lettered Wood Slices

DIY Mini Carrot Easter Tree Ornaments | ~American Felt & Craft ~ Blog

Twine Wrapped Easter Eggs

DIY Easter Egg Ornaments Using Fabric Scraps – Crafting Cheerfully

How to Make Salt Dough Easter Egg Ornaments – Crafty Morning

Easter Egg Ornament Craft

Gingermelon: Free Pattern – Bunny in a Blanket

Easter Egg Tree Tradition Ideas (How to Make an Easter Tree) | RoP

DIY Easter Egg Bunny Ornaments • Rose Clearfield

DIY Pom Pom Easter Egg Tree – The House That Lars Built

Wood Bead Carrots – Easter Basket Filler – My Eclectic Treasures

Easy No Sew Easter Bunny Gnomes – Happily Ever After, Etc.

Button Carrot Easter Ornament – Elle Marie Home

* This article was originally published here

* This article was originally published here

15 DIY Easter Bunny Ornaments

I live in sunny Australia, whereas of right now, we are suffering from a 40-degree celsius (about 104 degrees Fahrenheit!) summer day. For us, Easter is in Autumn (Fall). However, for the Northern Hemisphere, Easter brings with it the warmth of spring, flowers blooming, and new life all around. Celebrate Easter (or just welcome spring!) with these DIY Easter Bunny ornaments. Hang them up around your house, put them on your window sills or even craft your very own Easter-inspired tree!

What are your family’s Easter traditions? What ornaments do you craft for the springtime? Let us know in the comments below!

Check out our sister site for more Easter Ornaments and Crafts to make.

 

How to Make Decoupage Easter Eggs with Napkins

Felt PDF Sewing Pattern Easter Ornaments Bunny Hen and | Etsy

Making Easter Ornaments with Hand Lettered Wood Slices

DIY Mini Carrot Easter Tree Ornaments | ~American Felt & Craft ~ Blog

Twine Wrapped Easter Eggs

DIY Easter Egg Ornaments Using Fabric Scraps – Crafting Cheerfully

How to Make Salt Dough Easter Egg Ornaments – Crafty Morning

Easter Egg Ornament Craft

Gingermelon: Free Pattern – Bunny in a Blanket

Easter Egg Tree Tradition Ideas (How to Make an Easter Tree) | RoP

DIY Easter Egg Bunny Ornaments • Rose Clearfield

DIY Pom Pom Easter Egg Tree – The House That Lars Built

Wood Bead Carrots – Easter Basket Filler – My Eclectic Treasures

Easy No Sew Easter Bunny Gnomes – Happily Ever After, Etc.

Button Carrot Easter Ornament – Elle Marie Home

* This article was originally published here

‘An abundance of blooms’: readers’ best spring flowers in the UK and Europe

Spring turns Florence into a vision in purple, a French garden into an impressionist revival, and churchyards into poets’ corners

The Azores, an archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, is one of the remotest parts of Europe. Often considered the European Hawaii, with a strong volcanic presence, from black sand to geysers, the Azores are also known for their incredible hydrangeas, which frame houses and line roads and pathways all over the islands, and start flowering in spring. One of the central, smaller islands, Faial, boasts the largest collection of hydrangeas in varying shades of blue, so much so that it has the nickname Blue Island.
Nadia, Aberdeen

Continue reading...

* This article was originally published here

6 ways to jump-start your spring garden

Here’s how to get ready for the spring growing season, according to gardening experts.

* This article was originally published here

15 DIY Dollar Tree Easter Crafts

Ahh, springtime! The chill of winter is replaced with new warmth and new life. What better way to celebrate the seasonal change than with some good ol’ crafting? And on top of that, crafting on a BUDGET? Head on down to your local Dollar Tree and pick up some springin’ supplies because these 15 ideas for your next crafting day are perfect! Decorate your home for the festive change in the air. Let us know which ones you tried in the comments below! What’s your family’s favorite Easter tradition? (I know my family ALWAYS has to go egg hunting – which means discovering melted eggs from last year)

Looking for 100’s more Easter crafts? Check these out on our sister site

How to Make a Dollar Tree Bunny Cloche DIY | Hometalk

Dollar Tree Silver tray Easter decor – Lizzy & Erin

Easy DIY Dollar Tree Spring Bunny – the Makers Map

DIY Dollar Tree Mini Carrots – The Crafty Decorator

DIY Easter Decor using Dollar Tree Silver Platter

Dollar Tree Dice Bunnies – Crafty Morning

DIY Dollar Tree Mini Clay Pot Spring Gnome

Dollar Tree Wire Basket Trash Can Easter Bonnet – The Happy Farmhouse

DIY Dollar Tree Easter Wreath – The Happy Farmhouse

DIY Dollar Tree Easter Carrot Decor – Average But Inspired

DIY Dollar Tree Easter Decor with Decoupaged Eggs

Dollar Tree Easter Egg Wreath – Passion For Savings

Dollar Tree Bunny & Carrot Garland | Moola Saving Mom

Dainty Dollar Tree Easter Wreath – ALEX IS A MOM dot COM

Button Carrot Easter Ornament

 

* This article was originally published here

* This article was originally published here

15 DIY Dollar Tree Easter Crafts

Ahh, springtime! The chill of winter is replaced with new warmth and new life. What better way to celebrate the seasonal change than with some good ol’ crafting? And on top of that, crafting on a BUDGET? Head on down to your local Dollar Tree and pick up some springin’ supplies because these 15 ideas for your next crafting day are perfect! Decorate your home for the festive change in the air. Let us know which ones you tried in the comments below! What’s your family’s favorite Easter tradition? (I know my family ALWAYS has to go egg hunting – which means discovering melted eggs from last year)

Looking for 100’s more Easter crafts? Check these out on our sister site

How to Make a Dollar Tree Bunny Cloche DIY | Hometalk

Dollar Tree Silver tray Easter decor – Lizzy & Erin

Easy DIY Dollar Tree Spring Bunny – the Makers Map

DIY Dollar Tree Mini Carrots – The Crafty Decorator

DIY Easter Decor using Dollar Tree Silver Platter

Dollar Tree Dice Bunnies – Crafty Morning

DIY Dollar Tree Mini Clay Pot Spring Gnome

Dollar Tree Wire Basket Trash Can Easter Bonnet – The Happy Farmhouse

DIY Dollar Tree Easter Wreath – The Happy Farmhouse

DIY Dollar Tree Easter Carrot Decor – Average But Inspired

DIY Dollar Tree Easter Decor with Decoupaged Eggs

Dollar Tree Easter Egg Wreath – Passion For Savings

Dollar Tree Bunny & Carrot Garland | Moola Saving Mom

Dainty Dollar Tree Easter Wreath – ALEX IS A MOM dot COM

Button Carrot Easter Ornament

 

* This article was originally published here

Upward spiral: inside a chic Antwerp home

A couple who designed their own home in Duffel, Belgium, made their love of Frank Lloyd Wright’s work the starting point

There is both stillness and movement in Caroline de Wolf’s Belgian home. Its defining feature is the monumental staircase, based on the central spiral ramp in New York’s Guggenheim Museum, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

Inspired by their love of the visionary American architect, De Wolf and her husband, engineer-turned-designer Joris Van Apers, built the house in Duffel, just south of Antwerp, in 2000. It was designed by Van Apers, who was working as an engineer at the time. He now runs the family business, Joris Van Apers BV, which is both a design studio and a supplier of reclaimed wood. De Wolf is the CFO. The couple’s passion for wood, and for nature, is a unifying feature of a space governed by architectural flow.

Continue reading...

* This article was originally published here

Eventide Cottage

Hello everyone, I hope you are doing well. It is a snowy day here but I am looking forward to spring and the return of cottage season here on Prince  Edward Island, Canada.                                                                                                                  With covid 19 restrictions easing                                                      the tourist

* This article was originally published here

18+ DIY Fake Wallpaper Projects

This DIY wallpaper roundup shows you how to make 15 different styled wallpapers using paints, sharpies, or sponges. These designs are mostly repetitive and use sponges or shapes to create repeating patterns across your wall. These repeating patterns take a little patience as you may be adding 100 dots or even 1000, literally all over the wall.

Which is your favorite design? Have you tried sponge painting or stencil painting before? I remember sponge painting my bedroom wall over 30 years ago, not a design as such just color on top of color to create a two-tone effect. It was in fashion at the time and everyone was sponging their walls. it was so forgiving and easy to do. I even remember sponge painting a set of drawers to match with my DIY bedroom walls.

owen’s olivia: $5 wall treatment || tutorial

Art Wall: inspired design: hand-drawn frames

DIY Scalloped Accent Wall

How To Make DIY Wallpaper from An Old Book – House Nerd 

Floral | Cheryl Heap 

Gold Sharpie Walls and Vinyl Polka Dot Ceiling – Cuckoo4Design 

Metallic Gold Arrow Accent Wall Tutorial

DIY Hexagon Sponge Wall | willow creek drive

Remodelaholic | Shoot for the Moon! Easy Budget Friendly DIY Stamped Accent Wall

How To Paint An Accent Wall + Guest Bedroom Makeover — Sugar & Cloth

$4 DIY Sponge Paint Pattern Wallpaper – Check out these awesome patterns!

Rainbow Corner Accent Wall DIY – A Beautiful Mess

Board and Batten Accent Wall with Sponge Paint | Life on Summerlin 

DIY How to Paint a Faux Brick Fireplace Project Idea – iSaveA2Z.com

Sponge wall  Crosses 

Sponge Painting – DIY — Cottage Style

* This article was originally published here

* This article was originally published here

* This article was originally published here