Got a new garden and don’t know where to start? Get the basics right first

Lay the groundwork by prioritising fences, composting and paving – and worry about the plants later

One of the questions I’m often asked when I speak at events usually comes from someone – perhaps half of a couple – who seems wide-eyed with optimism and overwhelm. “We’ve just moved into a new house and it has this garden,” they’ll begin. They don’t know what to do with it; where should they start?

Invariably, I tell them to ignore the traditional advice of waiting for a year to see what comes up. Granted, you may dig up some ancient bulbs, like these grape hyacinths, but it’s your garden now and these risks are yours to take.

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* This article was originally published here

* This article was originally published here

Got a new garden and don’t know where to start? Get the basics right first

Lay the groundwork by prioritising fences, composting and paving – and worry about the plants later

One of the questions I’m often asked when I speak at events usually comes from someone – perhaps half of a couple – who seems wide-eyed with optimism and overwhelm. “We’ve just moved into a new house and it has this garden,” they’ll begin. They don’t know what to do with it; where should they start?

Invariably, I tell them to ignore the traditional advice of waiting for a year to see what comes up. Granted, you may dig up some ancient bulbs, like these grape hyacinths, but it’s your garden now and these risks are yours to take.

Continue reading...

* This article was originally published here

How can I get my stubborn screen door sliding smoothly again?

A step-by-step guide to cleaning and repairing a sliding screen door.

* This article was originally published here

Defeated by drought: my bean-growing efforts have failed after 40 years of success | Brief letters

Growing pains | Well, look… | A slice of life | Spectacle cases | Saint George

Any five-year-old can grow runner beans (Letters, 24 August)? Not this year. After more than 40 years of growing vegetables, the drought has defeated me. Repeated sowings and constant watering eventually yielded a few sickly runners that struggled up the canes. A handful of beans have presented themselves. Next year, I think I’ll look for some sort of edible cactus. Or maybe plant an olive grove.
Anne Dyas
Dorridge, West Midlands

• I’m so tired of hearing politicians, when being interviewed, prefixing what they say with “Well, look…” or just “Look…” No, I won’t be told to look, and where am I supposed to look in any case? I have taken to looking at the floor (and counting to 10). Can something be done? I am almost prepared to vote for anyone who desists from this practice – whatever they might go on to say.
Dale R Hewitt
Romsey, Hampshire

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* This article was originally published here

* This article was originally published here

Defeated by drought: my bean-growing efforts have failed after 40 years of success | Brief letters

Growing pains | Well, look… | A slice of life | Spectacle cases | Saint George

Any five-year-old can grow runner beans (Letters, 24 August)? Not this year. After more than 40 years of growing vegetables, the drought has defeated me. Repeated sowings and constant watering eventually yielded a few sickly runners that struggled up the canes. A handful of beans have presented themselves. Next year, I think I’ll look for some sort of edible cactus. Or maybe plant an olive grove.
Anne Dyas
Dorridge, West Midlands

• I’m so tired of hearing politicians, when being interviewed, prefixing what they say with “Well, look…” or just “Look…” No, I won’t be told to look, and where am I supposed to look in any case? I have taken to looking at the floor (and counting to 10). Can something be done? I am almost prepared to vote for anyone who desists from this practice – whatever they might go on to say.
Dale R Hewitt
Romsey, Hampshire

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* This article was originally published here

Buying or renting a house? Why you should ask for a sleepover first

More and more people now want to try a house before they buy it – and sellers are often happy to oblige

Name: Homebuyer sleepovers.

Age: Newish.

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* This article was originally published here

Easy Fall Crafts To Decorate Your Home

Whether you’re looking for inspiration to beautify your home, front door, or even a get-together with loved ones, these autumn craft ideas are sure to spark your creativity!

These fun, easy autumn crafts for kids of all ages are inexpensive, thanks to acorns, pine cones, and a variety of richly colored leaves blanketing the ground.

Fall Gnome Wreath  From Craftbits

Contry Truck Farmhouse Wreath From Craftbits

Dollar Tree Tray Pumpkins From Craftbits

DIY Pumpkin Fall Garland Fall Craft From Reuse Grow Enjoy

Check out this incredibly simple pumpkin fall garland fall craft. This is a simple craft that takes only a few minutes to complete and is also inexpensive. You can make it as short or as long as you require.

DIY Wood Bead Pumpkin Fall Craft From Reuse Grow Enjoy

Looking for some new fall decorations? Here is a fun and simple fall craft to do. I will show you how to make this DIY wood bead pumpkin! You can easily adjust the size by using different sized beads.

Easy 3D Pumpkin Fall Craft From Confessions of an Overworked Mom

Looking for an easy paper project? This simple 3D pumpkin fall craft is easy enough for anyone to complete in a matter of minutes.

Easy Fall Craft Tin Can Pumpkins From Suburbia Unwrapped

Easy fall crafts, tin can pumpkins, pumpkin crafts, thanksgiving crafts, halloween crafts, crafts for kids, recycled crafts, and tin can crafts.

Easy Halloween Craft Pumpkin Vase From Sunny Sweet Days

Decorate your home with this easy DIY Halloween craft! This pumpkin vase is a lovely grey and will complement your home decor!

Easy Pumpkin Craft With Plastic Bottles From Organized 31

Try this simple pumpkin craft for autumn, Halloween, or Thanksgiving. It’s fun to make and recycles old plastic drink bottles.
Make a simple pumpkin craft for autumn, Halloween, or Thanksgiving. It’s adorable, fun to make for both adults and children, and available in a variety of sizes.

Fall Craft DIY Coffee Filter Pumpkin Craft From Reuse Grow Enjoy

Looking for a fun fall craft to try? Check out this pumpkin-shaped DIY coffee filter craft. Chances are you already have everything you need to complete this craft project.

Fall Craft Easy Pom Pom Fall Tree From Reuse Grow Enjoy

Looking for a simple, fun fall craft to do? Maybe even one you can do with your kids? If so, this is just the thing for you! This is a simple fall craft to make a pom pom fall tree. Not only is this simple to make, but the supplies are inexpensive.

Fall Craft Make a Fall Leaf Bowl for Thanksgiving From Creative Cynchronicity

Create a DIY fall leaf bowl in just a few minutes to add flair to your Thanksgiving table or any Fall/Autumn decor.
This fall leaf bowl is quick, easy, and inexpensive to create. You can use real or artificial leaves and create them in a variety of sizes. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any time in the autumn.

Paper Plate Pumpkin Craft For Kids From That Kids’ Craft Site

Create your own paper plate pumpkin craft to celebrate autumn or Halloween! This easy paper plate craft is ideal for toddlers and preschoolers.
Paper plate crafts are always enjoyable and simple to make. They’re ideal for preschool crafts because they’re inexpensive and versatile.

Popsicle Stick Scarecrow for a fun Fall Craft From Crafting With Kids

Learn how to make a popsicle stick scarecrow for a fun autumn craft! Popsicle stick crafts are so simple to make.
Holiday crafts for kids are the best, aren’t they? Let’s make the most of the season by showing you how to make this fun holiday craft.

Reuse Puzzle Pieces To Make A Cute Fall Craft From Reuse Grow Enjoy

I’m sure we’ve all had a puzzle or two that has lost some pieces, but we hate to throw it away. So, this is going to show you a great way to reuse those puzzle pieces!

Scarecrow Mason Jar Fall Craft Idea From Angie Holden The Country Chic Cottage

Make this awesome scarecrow mason jar! This fall craft idea is ideal for decorating your home this fall and getting the kids involved in crafts.
This fall craft idea is ideal for decorating your home this fall and getting the kids involved in crafts.

Upcycled Dryer Duct Pumpkin Fall Craft From Reuse Grow Enjoy

Looking for an easy fall craft idea? It does not get much simpler than this upcycled dryer duct pumpkin! You may already have a piece of duct in the garage that you can use.

Wood Pumpkin Fall Craft From Reuse Grow Enjoy

Looking for inexpensive ways to add a touch of fall to your home? This wooden pumpkin fall craft is extremely simple, and you may already have the materials on hand.

 

* This article was originally published here

Allotments are hard work and fickle, but joyous too | Letters

Lalage Snow, Laurie Nettle and Stephen Pound respond to an article on the struggles of keeping an allotment

Allotments were originally “allotted” to the landless poor of the 18th century to give them dignity, a means of eating and reprieve from the daily grind of land or industrial work (The one change that worked: I gave up my allotment – and accepted who I really am, 18 August). They were a necessity during the two world wars, after which Britain had never been leaner, fitter or taller.

Today, we are not as hungry as our ancestors were and life is convenient. However, we are in the throes of obesity, diabetes and mental health crises, we stand on the edge of food supply catastrophe (for example, the tomato crisis of early 2023) and climate change is heavily affecting farmers. I had three children under three and I took on an allotment in my village when war in Ukraine broke out because I wanted to learn, and I wanted to be less reliant on a fragile food system that supplies tasteless fruit and vegetables. I knew little about growing, but quickly came to see that vegetable growing is hard work.

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* This article was originally published here

Young country diary: The summer smell of ‘black gold’ in our compost heap

Manchester: The woodlice, worms, slugs and snails are all working hard to make the compost as good as possible

The fresh “forest floor” smell filled my nostrils as Mum twisted the lid off the compost bin. “Get a lungful,” she said, sticking her head over it and encouraging me to do so. It smelled fantastic – magical almost – raw nature broken down into dark, crumbly, nutrient rich compost; not pungent and wet like in winter.

We call it our black gold. We’ve been taking turns to stir it all year, rain or shine, mixing our compost “soup”. We add layers of kitchen waste – greens and browns – fruit skins, vegetable peelings and cardboard tubes. We chop them up so they break down more easily. We water our heap when it feels dry, with the rainwater that collects in our water butt and rolls down the drainpipe from Dad’s shed.

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* This article was originally published here

Nature, respect and work all help to reduce prisoners’ reoffending | Letters

Gillian Hamilton salutes the care that participants in the LandWorks project receive, plus letters from Juliana Dart and Heather Penny-Larter

Your article about the prisoner rehabilitation project LandWorks, excellent though it was, arguably placed too much emphasis on nature as the chief factor accounting for the project’s undoubted success (‘A natural antidepressant’: how working with the land is helping ex-prisoners, 16 August).

I have been a keen supporter of the project since it was set up 12 years ago. The remarkably low reoffending rate (5%) seems to me to be due largely to participants being treated with respect, together with the wraparound care they receive while working at LandWorks. This ranges, as the article explains, from help with accommodation to finding work.

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* This article was originally published here

Sometimes growth in the garden means going small

For years, I devoted myself to expanding our garden and growing more. But now it’s time to downsize.

* This article was originally published here

When a sick possum showed up in my garden my heart overtook my head. Is it ever OK to feed urban wildlife?

While official advice is clear, it’s not a black-and-white issue, experts say. Responsibly interacting with urban wildlife may increase our compassion

Chopping vegetables in my kitchen on a winter afternoon, I was startled by the sound of rustling branches and loud coughing coming from my back yard.

I walked outside tentatively, prepared to face a fence-hopping intruder. Instead, after a few minutes of listening to evenly timed wheezes, I spotted it – a small brushtail possum, tucked behind lilly-pilly branches bowing over my fence.

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* This article was originally published here

How to keep a dorm room organized

The list of supplies a student needs to live comfortably is long, and the room is small.

* This article was originally published here

Turn Your Home into a Solar Powerhouse with These Easy DIY Projects – No Experience Needed

If you’re curious about harnessing the power of the sun and want to dive into solar energy without the intimidation factor, DIY Solar Projects for Beginners: Small and Easy Projects to Whole-Home Systems That Use the Sun by Eric Smith is the perfect guide to get you started. Whether you’re a total beginner or someone with a bit of DIY experience, this book walks you through solar projects that are both achievable and rewarding.

The beauty of this book lies in its simplicity. Smith provides clear, step-by-step instructions for a variety of solar projects, from smaller endeavors like building a solar oven and installing a solar-powered security light, to larger undertakings like setting up a solar water heater or solar hot-air collector window mount. Each project is accompanied by color photos and tips that break down the process in a way that anyone can follow. This makes solar energy accessible, even if you have minimal DIY skills.

For those ready to take on a bigger challenge, the updated edition also includes information on outfitting your home with a solar electricity system, making it a great starting point for anyone looking to reduce their reliance on grid power. The book doesn’t stop at instructions; it also includes an extensive resource guide with links to tax incentives, subsidies, and support programs that can help make your solar projects even more affordable.

With energy costs on the rise and a growing desire for environmentally-friendly solutions, this book is a timely and valuable resource for homeowners looking to cut costs and make their homes more sustainable. Whether you’re starting small or dreaming big, DIY Solar Projects for Beginners offers a practical and approachable way to bring solar power into your life.

 

* This article was originally published here

Pantry Makeover- The power of Billy Bookcases and Stenciled Floors

Ever wondered how to make the most of that extra space in your home? If you’ve got room for a pantry, you’re in luck! Creating the perfect pantry can completely transform the way you organize and store your food. Imagine having a dedicated space where everything has its place, from canned goods to spices, and even the occasional snack stash.

In this handy guide, you’ll discover step-by-step tips on how to plan, design, and organize your pantry to suit your needs. Whether you’re looking to maximize storage, create an aesthetic space, or just make your life easier with better organization, this post has everything you need to get started on your pantry journey.

Ready to make the most of your space? href=”https://www.oddessence.com/post/you-have-room-for-a-pantry-what-s-next” target=”_new” rel=”noopener” data-start=”837″ data-end=”941″>Check out the full guide here! and start creating your dream pantry today!

Ideas For Keeping Your Kitchen Pantry Organized and Beautiful (Is That Possible?)

Top 10 Pantry Organization Tips

Organized pantry

* This article was originally published here

The best way to get stubborn grease spots out of your clothes

If you act promptly and the fabric is washable, grease or oil spatters can be removed. But you will need more than water to do the job.

* This article was originally published here

* This article was originally published here

The best way to get stubborn grease spots out of your clothes

If you act promptly and the fabric is washable, grease or oil spatters can be removed. But you will need more than water to do the job.

* This article was originally published here

How to Make Textured Wall Art: Easy DIY Canvas Art

There’s something magical about textured wall art. It’s got depth, personality, and that “I spent a fortune at a boutique gallery” vibe—without the boutique price tag. And the best part? You don’t need to be a trained artist to create it. If you can spread butter on toast, you can make this.

I made my first DIY textured canvas art on a rainy Saturday afternoon, with a cup of tea on the table and a curious dog sniffing my paint tray (Aloo was very unimpressed). A couple of hours later, I had a statement piece that looked like it belonged in a high-end décor magazine—except it cost me less than a takeaway dinner. Since then I have been obsessed and even made a Halloween Ghost one which you can see over here on our sister blog.

Whether you want a calming neutral piece for above the sofa or a bold modern texture for a gallery wall, this technique works for all styles.

Why You’ll Love Making Your Own Textured Canvas Art

• Budget-Friendly: Store-bought textured art can cost hundreds—yours will cost a fraction. 
• Custom Colours: Match your décor exactly (no more “almost” shades). 
• Therapeutic Process: There’s something soothing about smoothing plaster and watching your art take shape. 
• One-of-a-Kind: No one else will have the exact same piece hanging on their wall. 

Supplies You’ll Need

Canvas – Any size you like; larger canvases make a bigger impact.

Joint compound, spackle, or lightweight plaster – This is what creates the texture. You’ll find it in the hardware store’s paint aisle.

Putty knife or palette knife – For spreading and sculpting the texture.

Acrylic paint – Choose your main colour(s). Matte paints give a modern, designer look.

Paintbrush or sponge – For applying your colour after the texture dries.

Drop cloth or old sheet – To protect your workspace.

Optional:

• Metallic paint for highlights 
• Sandpaper for a smoother finish 
• Stencils or combs for patterned textures 

Step-by-Step: How to Make Textured Wall Art

1. Prepare Your Workspace

Spread out your drop cloth and set your canvas on a flat surface. This can get a little messy, so old clothes are a must.

2. Apply the Texture

Scoop some joint compound or spackle onto your putty knife. Spread it over the canvas in sweeping motions, as if you’re frosting a cake.

• For a smooth, modern look, keep your strokes even. 
• For a rustic, organic feel, let the plaster peak and ripple naturally. 
• For patterned textures, press in stencils, combs, or even bubble wrap for an imprint. 

3. Let It Dry Completely

Depending on how thick you applied the texture, this can take anywhere from 12–24 hours. Patience is key here—painting too soon can ruin the effect.

4. Paint Your Design

Once dry, use acrylic paint to cover the texture. Neutrals like beige, ivory, or warm grey work beautifully for a minimalist look.

• Want a bold statement? Go for deep navy, charcoal, or even emerald green. 
• For a luxe finish, lightly dry-brush metallic gold or bronze over the raised areas to make the texture pop. 

5. Hang and Admire

Once the paint is dry, your art is ready for its gallery debut—aka your living room wall.

Tips for Gorgeous Results

• Mix Texture Heights: Add thicker plaster in some areas and thinner layers in others for depth. 
• Use Two Tones: Layer a darker base coat, then brush a lighter shade over the raised texture for a dimensional effect. 
• Practice First: Try a small canvas before committing to a large statement piece. 

Creating your own textured wall art is a satisfying, budget-friendly way to bring designer style into your home. The process is relaxing, the materials are affordable, and the result is a unique piece that looks far more expensive than it is.

So next time you’re tempted to scroll online for pricey wall décor, grab a canvas, some plaster, and your favourite paint colours—you might just surprise yourself with how chic your creation turns out.

 

* This article was originally published here

A simple formula to stop small boats | Brief letters

Government idioms | UK’s appeal | Anas al-Sharif | Truth as enemy | Good Friday

It appears that successive governments are able only to formulate key policies in the form of three-word phrases, usually absent of an executive subject. While I welcome the shift in focus represented by the switch from boats to gangs, it is surely evident that this is still only addressing the symptom, not the cause. Most of those arriving in small boats have come from countries either torn by ongoing conflict or ravaged by past conflict. To use the idiom of government, we need to stop the cause, stop the wars.
Sarah Mulholland
Goldsithney, Cornwall

• Surely the fact that “More than 50,000 people have crossed Channel in small boats since Labour took power” (12 August) must show that the country is worth living in?
Helen Keating
Gatehouse of Fleet, Dumfries and Galloway

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* This article was originally published here

What 17 years of dog sitting has taught me about animals — and people

Hundreds of dogs have been in my care, and I’ve realized I like to live at their pace.

* This article was originally published here

The case for carpet

Wall-to-wall carpet has long been derided as suburban and dated. Here’s why I think it deserves a second look.

* This article was originally published here

Tennis balls and other hacks to get rid of ugly scuff marks on walls

How to remove pesky scuff marks from walls, doors and more without damaging the paint or finish.

* This article was originally published here

* This article was originally published here

* This article was originally published here

Tennis balls and other hacks to get rid of ugly scuff marks on walls

How to remove pesky scuff marks from walls, doors and more without damaging the paint or finish.

* This article was originally published here

* This article was originally published here