The power to help the planet is at your (green) fingertips | Letters

Readers extol the benefits of sustainable gardening in response to a long read about the untapped potential of home gardens

Kate Bradbury’s article struck a very loud chord (Where the wild things are: the untapped potential of our gardens, parks and balconies, 28 May). I have been gardening for many moons, having caught the bug as a child, and have gone from the days of double digging and spraying anything that moves to the current advice to avoid digging and to plant for the climate. In all that time it barely occurred to me that what I was doing might be bad for the planet, but lately I have wondered if gardening itself might be a problem.

It’s not just the paving and plastic grass, but the constant desire to have the latest plants, the most up-to-date garden designs, and the need to buy ever more compost, chemicals, and equipment. All of this uses energy and natural resources, and comes with the need to dispose of the unfashionable, whether it be vegetation or planters or decking. It’s a huge industry, and shows like Chelsea add fuel to the fire with the annual catwalk of new ideas.

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* This article was originally published here

Tell The Post: What can we help you fix or clean in your apartment?

Renters: Unsure how to fix, clean, adjust, install or remove something? Ask our home advice columnist for help on your DIY projects or problems.

* This article was originally published here

7 tasks for your June home maintenance checklist

Focus your energy this month on chores that will make summer more enjoyable, or that are a lot easier to do before it gets too hot.

* This article was originally published here

18 DIY Planters Suitable For Outdoors

Do you have a green thumb and a penchant for do-it-yourself projects that enhance your outdoor spaces? If so, you’re in for a treat with this curated roundup! We’ve scoured the corners of the DIY gardening world to bring you 18 ingenious outdoor planters that you can create yourself. From charming and rustic to modern and minimalist, these DIY planters are designed to not only elevate your garden’s aesthetic but also provide you with the satisfaction of crafting something beautiful with your own two hands.

DIY Outdoor Plant Shelf – Hydrangea Treehouse

DIY Outdoor Plant Stand – Handmade Weekly 

DIY 2×4 Plant Stand with Build Plans 

DIY Plant Stand – West Elm Knock-off 

Magazine Stand Turned Tiered Planter – The Kim Six Fix 

DIY 3 Tiered Corner Plant Stand  

DIY Outdoor Plant Stand with Arbor – The Handyman’s Daughter

Modern A-Frame Plant Stand – Handmade Haven 

$5 DIY Concrete Plant Stand – Dwelling in Happiness

Painted Wooden Hanging Plant Stand with Chalkboard |

DIY Plant Stand | Tylynn M 

The Perfect DIY Plant Stand: Indoor/Outdoor 

DIY Planter Wall Anyone Can Make – Angela Rose Home 

DIY Criss Cross Outdoor Planters | Centsational Style

While They Snooze: DIY Tilted Pot Planter for Spring using Miracle-Gro 

Wood and Metal Planter Box Building Plans | Pneumatic Addict

How to Build a DIY Planter Box on Wheels – TheDIYPlan

Whether you’re a seasoned DIY expert or just dipping your toes into the world of crafting, there’s a project here for you. Each planter comes with its own set of instructions and often a dash of ingenuity, and most require basic tools and materials readily available at your local hardware store. As you embark on this DIY adventure, you’ll not only get the chance to customize your outdoor décor but also nurture your plants in style, creating a harmonious blend of functionality and aesthetics.

Scared to work with power tools? 

As you venture into the world of woodworking projects, remember that the only limit to what you can create is your imagination. Woodworking is a craft that knows no gender, and it’s a world of endless possibilities waiting for you to explore. So, let us leave you with a few words of encouragement:

You Are More Than Capable: You have the creativity, the intelligence, and the determination to excel in woodworking. Whether you’re just starting or you’ve already embarked on this journey, trust in your abilities, and remember that every woodworker, regardless of gender, starts somewhere.

Learning is Part of the Fun: Woodworking is a continuous learning process. Don’t be discouraged by mistakes; instead, embrace them as opportunities to grow and improve your skills. With each project, you’ll become more confident and proficient.

Community and Support: Seek out and connect with woodworking communities, both online and in your local area. You’ll find fellow woodworkers who are eager to share their knowledge, answer questions, and offer encouragement. The woodworking community is known for its camaraderie, so don’t hesitate to join in.

Safety First: Prioritize safety in your woodworking endeavors. Make sure you’re familiar with the tools and techniques, and always use proper safety equipment. Confidence grows when you know you’re working in a secure environment.

Embrace Your Creativity: Woodworking is a beautiful blend of precision and creativity. Whether you’re crafting functional furniture or unique art pieces, allow your imagination to soar. Your projects can be a reflection of your personal style and vision.

Be Proud of Your Achievements: Every completed woodworking project is a testament to your skills and determination. Take pride in what you create, and don’t be afraid to showcase your work. Your creations are a testament to your passion and craftsmanship.

Perseverance: There may be moments when you feel challenged or overwhelmed, but remember that overcoming obstacles is what makes the journey rewarding. Your determination and resilience will lead you to success.

So, go forth with confidence, embrace the beauty of woodworking, and remember that your gender should never limit your ambitions. As you embark on these woodworking projects, know that the world of crafting and creating is yours to explore, enjoy, and make your own. The possibilities are endless, and the journey is yours to shape. Happy woodworking!

 

* This article was originally published here

They’re in pans, fruit, dust – and even tap water. But can I eradicate toxic forever chemicals from my home?

Invisible toxins that leach into the body are almost unavoidable. Could I get rid of PFAS from my kitchen, bathroom, wardrobe and more?

• What are forever chemicals and do we need to worry about them?

I’m cooking a tomato sauce in a pan I’ve had for a few years when it bubbles and splatters on to the kitchen surface. I spray some cleaner from a bottle, dampen a cloth with tap water to wipe it up, and then chop some vegetables on the same bit of counter. All very familiar – only this time, I’m conscious of a hidden ingredient. At every step of this process, invisible so-called “forever chemicals” have potentially been leaching into my food and, soon, my body – from the battered nonstick surface of the pan, the cleaning product and even the tap water.

I only know this because I am about to embark on an experiment to remove forever chemicals from my life. Trouble is, they are everywhere. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are used in food packaging, toiletries, nonstick cookware, carpets and waterproof clothing. There are thousands of them, and they have been found in an almost comical range of products: strawberries, cucumbers, greaseproof paper, disposable coffee cups, food wrap, sandwich bags … The nickname forever chemicals comes from their persistence – they do not easily degrade. “The PFAS used in our everyday products leak into our environment during production, use and disposal, and now contaminate our blood, water, air and food,” says Natasha Kitching, project officer at the environmental charity Fidra.

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* This article was originally published here

Why are my electric bills so high, even with ‘green’ appliances?

Your appliances probably aren’t the source of your high energy bills.

* This article was originally published here

Must-Have DIY Ideas for the Ultimate Bridgerton-Themed Party That Will Make You the Talk of the Ton

Dearest readers, it is with great pleasure that I welcome you to a guide that promises to make your social season the talk of the ton. Prepare yourselves to be the diamond of the first season as we unveil the secrets to hosting a Bridgerton-themed soirée that will undoubtedly garner praise from even the most discerning of the peerage. Whether you are inspired by Daphne’s debut or channeling your inner Lady Whistledown, this guide shall equip you with all the necessary accommodations to throw a fête of the highest order.

Picture this: your guests, attired in the finest Regency-era fashions, gliding through an opulent garden adorned with cascading florals of wisteria that would make even the Bridgertons envious. The air is filled with the dulcet tones of a string quartet, playing modern melodies with a classical twist. Indeed, one might say it is a scene that could make even the Duke of Hastings pause in admiration.

When it comes to refreshments, why settle for the ordinary when you can offer your guests a veritable feast fit for royalty? Imagine tiny tea sandwiches and scones that would be the envy of any London tea room, accompanied by drinks that could rival the finest establishments. From pomegranate royal champagne cocktails to elderflower spritzers, each sip will transport your guests straight into the heart of Grosvenor Square 

Of course, no Bridgerton affair would be complete without a touch of drama. Perhaps a game of Pall Mall (monopoly)  in the garden, or a dance card filled with waltzes and quadrilles. As the evening draws to a close, your guests will leave not only with full hearts and bellies but also with memories as splendid as a night at Vauxhall.

So, dear reader, let us embark on this journey together, ensuring that your Bridgerton-themed party is the pinnacle of Regency elegance. Prepare to step into a world where every detail is as meticulously crafted as one of Lady Danbury’s bon mots, and every guest leaves feeling as cherished as a Featherington at a debutante ball. With our guide, your event will be the most anticipated of the season, a veritable triumph in every sense.

I have to admit I did get a little carried away with finding amazing ideas, so I ended up creating a full buying guide over on Amazon which you can skip directly to here.  

Here are some of my favorite web finds and if you scroll down to the bottom you will see my list of Free Bridgerton party recipes for the perfect tea cakes and dainty sandwiches. 

10 Bridgerton Inspired Wedding Decor Ideas & Trends

 

Bridgerton Pink Princess Birthday Party | Mommy Diary ®

Bridgerton Garden Party – The Rose Table

How to Throw a ‘Bridgerton’ Watch Party 

Throwing A Bridgerton-Themed Party – Onstage Entertainment

Bridgerton Themed Brunch Party Table Setting Idea

 

How to Host a Tea Party-Themed Bridgerton Watch Party – Fern and Maple

Lady Whistledown Approves: 10 Bridgerton Party Ideas That Will Have the Ton Talking – Lauren’s Corner of Light 

 

Food ideas for a tea party – 

Hosting a Charming Vintage Tea Party: Ideal for Weddings and Bridal Showers – Craft Gossip 

DIY Calming Lavender Tea

Bridgerton Theme Cake | Vanilla & Raspberry Jam Celebration Cake 

Bridgerton-inspired square cake made with Frost Form #cake

I recreated Foods from Bridgerton (Season 1 + 2) 

DIY Bridgerton Binge-Watch Tea Party | Diaries of an L.A. Local

TeaTime at Grosvenor Square has some pretty recipes that are sure to delight your guests.

The Official Bridgerton Guide to Entertaining: How to Cook, Host, and Toast Like a Member of the Ton.

I recreated Foods from Bridgerton (Season 1 + 2)

 

Clothing

Sew Your Own Bridgerton Dress 

Making a Bridgerton Inspired Regency Gown | Dressing like i’m in an episode of Bridgerton!

Book Review- The American Duchess Guide to 18th Century Dressmaking – Sewing

 

Inspirational styling videos

DIY Bridgerton Binge-Watch Tea Party | Diaries of an L.A. Local

High Tea Party Recipes for a Bridgerton Tea Party

Welcome, dear reader, to an exquisite collection of recipes designed to transport you to the elegant world of Bridgerton. This e-book is your guide to hosting a high tea party that will leave your guests feeling like they have stepped into the Regency era. With a selection of savory and sweet delights, your Bridgerton-themed tea party will be the talk of the ton.

Classic Cucumber Sandwiches
Smoked Salmon and Dill Sandwiches
Traditional Scones with Clotted Cream and Jam
Lemon Drizzle Cake
Mini Victoria Sponge Cakes
Lavender Shortbread Cookies
Raspberry Tartlets
Earl Grey Tea Macarons
Pomegranate Royal Champagne Cocktail
Elderflower Spritzers

1. Classic Cucumber Sandwiches
Ingredients:

1 cucumber, thinly sliced
8 slices of white bread
4 tablespoons cream cheese
2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:

Mix cream cheese with dill, salt, and pepper.
Spread the mixture on the bread slices.
Layer cucumber slices on half of the bread slices.
Top with the remaining bread, cut off the crusts, and slice into quarters.

2. Smoked Salmon and Dill Sandwiches
Ingredients:

8 slices of brown bread
200g smoked salmon
4 tablespoons cream cheese
2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
Lemon juice
Instructions:

Combine cream cheese with dill and a dash of lemon juice.
Spread the mixture on the bread slices.
Layer with smoked salmon.
Top with the remaining bread, cut off the crusts, and slice into quarters.

3. Traditional Scones with Clotted Cream and Jam

Ingredients:

350g self-raising flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
85g butter, cubed
3 tablespoons caster sugar
175ml milk
Clotted cream
Strawberry jam
Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F).
Rub butter into the flour and baking powder.
Add sugar and milk to form a dough.
Roll out and cut into rounds.
Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden.
Serve warm with clotted cream and jam.

4. Lemon Drizzle Cake
Ingredients:

225g unsalted butter, softened
225g caster sugar
4 eggs
225g self-raising flour
Zest of 2 lemons
Juice of 1 lemon
85g icing sugar
Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
Cream butter and sugar, then beat in eggs one at a time.
Fold in flour and lemon zest.
Pour into a loaf tin and bake for 45-50 minutes.
Mix lemon juice with icing sugar and drizzle over the hot cake.

5. Mini Victoria Sponge Cakes
Ingredients:

200g unsalted butter, softened
200g caster sugar
4 eggs
200g self-raising flour
100g strawberry jam
100ml double cream, whipped
Icing sugar for dusting
Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
Cream butter and sugar, then beat in eggs.
Fold in flour and spoon into cupcake tins.
Bake for 15-20 minutes.
Once cooled, slice in half and fill with jam and cream. Dust with icing sugar.

6. Lavender Shortbread Cookies
Ingredients:

225g unsalted butter, softened
100g caster sugar
300g plain flour
2 tablespoons dried lavender
Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 150°C (300°F).
Cream butter and sugar, then fold in flour and lavender.
Roll out dough and cut into shapes.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until pale golden.

7. Raspberry Tartlets
Ingredients:

1 package of shortcrust pastry
200g fresh raspberries
100g raspberry jam
50g icing sugar
Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
Roll out pastry and cut into rounds to fit tartlet tins.
Fill with raspberry jam and top with raspberries.
Bake for 15-20 minutes and dust with icing sugar.

8. Earl Grey Tea Macarons
Ingredients:

125g icing sugar
125g ground almonds
3 large egg whites
110g caster sugar
2 Earl Grey tea bags
Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 150°C (300°F).
Sift icing sugar and almonds.
Whisk egg whites and caster sugar to stiff peaks, then fold in dry ingredients and tea leaves.
Pipe onto baking trays and bake for 10-12 minutes.
Sandwich with buttercream or ganache.

9. Pomegranate Royal Champagne Cocktail
Ingredients:

30ml pomegranate juice
1 sugar cube
Champagne
Pomegranate seeds for garnish
Instructions:

Place a sugar cube in the bottom of a champagne flute.
Add pomegranate juice and top with champagne.
Garnish with pomegranate seeds.

10. Elderflower Spritzers
Ingredients:

30ml elderflower cordial
Sparkling water
Fresh mint leaves
Lemon slices
Instructions:

Fill a glass with ice and add elderflower cordial.
Top with sparkling water.
Garnish with mint leaves and lemon slices.

 

Here is a link to my Bridgerton Rose Cupcake recipe. 

* This article was originally published here

Small steps towards sustainable gardens | Brief letters

Chelsea flower show | 3D-printed bricks | Tom Lehrer | Saving on electricity | Electric boilers

While it is good news that a sustainable garden has won a prize at Chelsea flower show (Garden with terracotta 3D-print bricks wins Chelsea flower show green medal, 20 May), surely all of the gardens should be environmentally sustainable? Otherwise what are we saying, that you can garden either way? This is ludicrous, given the vital need to stop doing anything unsustainable.
Dr Jennifer Poole
Romsey, Hampshire

• A garden made from 3D-printed bricks uses an awful lot of energy printing the bricks. If Giulio Giorgi wanted to give his garden a low carbon footprint, why didn’t he have them made by hand?
James Driver
Chiddingfold, Surrey

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* This article was originally published here

Garden with terracotta 3D-print bricks wins Chelsea flower show green medal

Design created with no concrete and completely sustainable materials is first to win new environmental prize

A garden built with “humble” terracotta made into 3D-printed bricks has won the first green medal at Chelsea flower show for being the most environmentally sustainable design.

This year’s show, held in the Royal hospital gardens in south-west London, has a strong environmental theme. At the press day on Monday, Dame Judi Dench was presented with a seedling taken from the Sycamore Gap tree unlawfully felled in Northumberland.

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* This article was originally published here

Colour fast: bright paints to refresh a family home

Whenever this creative couple feel like a change at home, they reach for the paint tin…

The house didn’t look like much at first sight. From the outside, it wasn’t particularly attractive. It only had three rooms, a kitchen and a bathroom, while the top floor was an unused attic. But Jenny and Jens Brandt Grönberg immediately saw the potential; the little house radiated a cozy atmosphere and, importantly, it was affordable. “It suited us that it wasn’t all that big,” says Jenny. “We didn’t have the budget to buy a bigger house, and we had a clear priority to live as cheaply as possible, so that we could be at home with our children as much as possible, and also to give us time to work on our shared passion for art and photography.”

Jenny, a photographer, and Jens, a graphic designer and illustrator, together with son Frank (13) and daughter Viola (18) have lived in their house just outside Ystad in southern Sweden for 17 years now, but inside everything is in a state of constant motion and process. An eternal play with art and colours, furniture and design is the couple’s shared enthusiasm. For them, an experimental and imperfect approach to furnishing provides more value than a home fixed and finished – painting the door in a nice new colour will always be more important than getting that loose handle fixed.

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* This article was originally published here

UK’s garden centres hope sunshine and Chelsea flower show will help them rebound from the rain

A cold, damp spring depressed plant sales in the UK, but help is at hand from the ‘Glastonbury festival of the gardening world’

The sixth-wettest April on record has not been kind to Britain’s gardens or its 1,600 garden centres.

So far this year, with most of the key selling season over, garden centre sales are up just 2% on last year and down 11% on 2022, after the sodden spring depressed sales of shrubs, trees, bedding plants and seeds.

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* This article was originally published here

* This article was originally published here

UK’s garden centres hope sunshine and Chelsea flower show will help them rebound from the rain

A cold, damp spring depressed plant sales in the UK, but help is at hand from the ‘Glastonbury festival of the gardening world’

The sixth-wettest April on record has not been kind to Britain’s gardens or its 1,600 garden centres.

So far this year, with most of the key selling season over, garden centre sales are up just 2% on last year and down 11% on 2022, after the sodden spring depressed sales of shrubs, trees, bedding plants and seeds.

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* This article was originally published here

How to grow your best tomato

Whether your garden is in its first year or 50th, here’s how to get a bumper crop of homegrown tomatoes.

* This article was originally published here

No dining table? You can still throw a grown-up dinner party.

Entertaining experts agree: You don’t need a table — and certainly not a dining room — to host a memorable evening. Here’s what they recommend.

* This article was originally published here

How to embrace Japan’s micro-seasons in your own garden

Observing fleeting seasonal changes goes hand in hand with gardening – and bring about a profound sense of calm

In Japan, people eat, sleep and wear the seasons, from elegant kimono motifs to petal-shaped sweets and festivals dedicated to nature’s spectacular displays. Unlike its western equivalent, Japan’s ancient agricultural calendar is governed not solely by the waxing and waning of the moon and the sun’s position in the sky, but also by the blooming of seasonal flowers and other small changes in nature against the wider backdrop of the seasons.

According to the traditional Japanese almanac, the year is divided into four major seasons, 24 sekki (solar terms), and 72 kō, or micro-seasons. Each kō lasts only five days and is associated with specific seasonal rituals, foods, flowers and festivals.

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* This article was originally published here

The city made him hide his boat — so he had it painted on his fence

“I’ll do what they want, but I’m not going to do it their way” — one resident’s cheeky response to a city ordinance has made his fence a viral sensation.

* This article was originally published here

Think you want a dog? Take our quiz to find out if you’re ready.

Money, time, activity level, space — what really matters when it comes to dog ownership?

* This article was originally published here

What makes clothes ‘delicate,’ and how to care for them

Laundry experts weigh in on why some clothing really does need some extra TLC, and the best ways to provide it.

* This article was originally published here

11 DIY Rose Reels You Can Make For Your Garden

Organizing your garden might seem like a small task, but it can make a big difference in your gardening experience. As someone who once struggled with a tangled, unruly hose, I know firsthand the frustration it can cause. Burst connections, kinks, and constant battles with the hose can quickly drain the joy out of gardening.

That’s why I decided to take action and seek advice from fellow gardeners. Their unanimous recommendation? Invest in a hose reel. And let me tell you, it was a game-changer. No more wrestling with the hose, no more tangled messes – just smooth, effortless watering.

In this roundup, I’ve shared DIY hose reel ideas that you can easily make yourself, as well as options for those who prefer the convenience of a store-bought reel, like the retractable one mentioned. So whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, I hope these suggestions inspire you to take control of your garden and make watering a breeze. Happy gardening

Of course you can buy reels, check out this one which is retractable. 

Air Hose Reel From Plywood / 360° Swivel

DIY Chunky Garden Hose Holder – Sawdust Sisters 

How to Build a Cedar Garden Hose Holder 

DIY Hose Reel | Homestead Heroine

How To Make a Hose Reel From a Bucket – The Art of Doing Stuff 

DIY – Garden Hose Reels   Old Car Wheel

How-To Make An Awesome Garden Hose Hanger

Homemade Extension Cord Winder Mount : 

homemade hose reel 

Upcycled garden hose storage – NewlyWoodwards 

DIY Hose Holder with Pallet Wood Planter 

 

Step By Step Guide On How To Build Raised Garden Beds

 

* This article was originally published here

A journalist’s brave quest for truth in the West Bank | Brief letters

Isobel Yeung documentary | No Mow May | Baked potatoes | Defining wealth | Blocked bogs

As a former provincial journalist, the worst discomforts I endured were irate councillors, bureaucrats and business bosses. World Press Freedom Day, which took place on 3 May, made me want to express my admiration for the courage and professionalism shown by Isobel Yeung in the making of The Other War on BBC Three. Her work to expose the horrors of trying to survive in the West Bank was beyond the call of duty.
Ted Raine
Skelton, North Yorkshire

• My husband supported me in my quest for more sustainability in the garden and agreed to refrain from mowing the lawn last May (No Mow May: councils urge Britons to put away lawnmowers, 3 May). When he got around to mowing the rather unruly growth some time later, the belt on the lawn mower broke and involved a costly repair. He no longer supports No Mow May.
Gillian Richardson
Wakefield

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* This article was originally published here

‘It was a one-way journey’: the couple whose flat changed with their life

Form follows function in this sensitively remodelled London flat, where every stick of furniture was made by its creative inhabitants

Architect Mike McMahon and optometrist Jewlsy Mathews have built every piece of furniture in their home. There’s a papier-mâché dog sitting on top of the first shelving unit Mike designed to make the most out of a nook in their London flat. The ornament ran the Dalston Derby, a remote-control car race the couple organised to celebrate Mike’s 30th birthday in 2011. “Before we started making art together and selling pieces of furniture, we put on events like these,” Jewlsy explains. “The pace at which Mike comes up with ideas is dizzying and he actually brings them to fruition.” Combined with a pub crawl, the Dalston Derby ran for four years.

These activities began to wind down when the couple’s son Milo, now nine, was born. “Our life used to be very outward-facing, but when he arrived we started to spend more time indoors,” Jewlsy says. She owned the two-bedroom second-floor flat in London’s King’s Cross before meeting Mike, who moved in in 2012.

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* This article was originally published here

Could a bibliophile learn to love books arranged by color?

Three serious readers tried out the longstanding and highly controversial trend of organizing their books by color.

* This article was originally published here

No Mow May: councils urge Britons to put away lawnmowers

Forty local authorities will leave some grass verges and parks uncut as part of annual wildlife-friendly event

Once upon a time, an unkempt front lawn could have landed you in trouble with the neighbours. But now, councils are telling UK households to put away their lawnmower for No Mow May.

The one-month celebration of unmown gardens and parks was started in 2019 by the nature charity Plantlife, which encourages people to let grass and wildflowers grow and identify any interesting plants that spring up from the lawn.

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* This article was originally published here