Fresh from a relaxing holiday, one of the worst things to come back home to is a plethora of dried-out, wilting and dying plants.

If you left it too late to discover the genius hack that keeps plants watered when you’re away, or the person you asked to keep them watered forgot, you might be ready to write them off. But there’s a clever trick involving a readily available "secret ingredient" that really works - and rather speedily.

Award-winning garden and landscape designer Matthew Wilson shared the best way to revive your dried-out potted plants using nothing more than water and a few drops of washing up liquid, and you’ll start spotting signs of revival almost overnight.

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show medallist took to his social media, where he explained that, yes, even the professionals can forget to properly plan for the heat and plant care when going on holiday. But, thankfully, there’s a scientific reason why a few drops of washing up liquid can “save the day”.

He explained, “If you have this situation where the compost has really dried out to the extent that it's moved away from the edge of the pot and you can see a gap down it, then the secret weapon is washing up liquid.

How to use washing up liquid to revive dried out plants

“What you do is you add a few drops to a watering can," Matthew advises. "Make sure you do it after the watering can is full and not before because if you do it before, you just get bubbles. Then water that onto your pots."

“The reason it works is very simple. The ingredients in the washing up liquid [are] basically a cellular structure that binds water to things. It's what makes it clean your pots and pans.

“It does exactly the same thing in compost. It binds the water to the compost. In modern peat-free compost, they are inclined to dry out and this really works, trust me.”

In a follow-up video, he proved why we should trust his advice, showing the improvement his own "near-death" plants had made overnight after the first washing-up liquid watering.

While they hadn’t restored themselves to full glory, the plants that were all but dead had started to show signs of revived stems and leaves in a matter of hours.

Offering further advice, Matthew explained that a wide range of washing up liquids can be used for this hack, including greener or more eco-friendly brands.

He also explained that watering your plants with this mixture "once or twice is usually enough" to see it start to revive. After the first couple of times, it’s okay to return to your normal watering and maintenance, prepping plants for any future heatwaves and making sure they see out the rest of the summer.

Although it's a sad sight when your strawberry plants are finally done with producing fruit, there's still the matter of cutting them back for next year's growth.

Whether you've started vegetable gardening for beginners this year or have grown strawberry plants for years, it can be a little confusing knowing what to do once they've flowered and produced all the fruit they can. This is where you'll need some August pruning advice, as acting now can help with flowering and fruit production come next year.

This seasonal advice from Simon Akeroyd, posted this time last year on his Instagram @simonakeryodgardenwriter, shows how a brutal chop now can be extremely beneficial for your strawberry plants.

As one of the best edible plants to grow in pots, strawberry plants are a popular choice when it comes to growing your own produce. However, to ensure a fruitful return, they need a little maintenance at the end of their season.

"If your strawberries have finished fruiting, you should trim back excess foliage. As this exposes the crown to sunlight in late summer, meaning next year you will have more flowers and fruit," says Simon.

"It might look harsh, but trimming back excess strawberry foliage at this time of year will improve your crop for next year. Trim back strawberry foliage to expose the crown to sunlight. Just leave a few young leaves near the crown of the strawberry plant," he adds.

Ensure your essential gardening tools are completely clean and as sharp as possible; that way you're not risking any disease contamination or damage to the plant.

This is a pretty important task to add to your list of summer gardening jobs, as now is the time that strawberry plants begin to save energy for their next growth cycle.

"Between now and autumn is when strawberry plants are deciding how many flowers and fruit they will produce next summer. This depends on how much sun they receive at this time of year," explains Simon.

"If strawberry plants are in dense shade now and covered in excess foliage, then they won’t fruit much next year," he continues.

There are some plants well suited for shade, but your strawberries certainly aren't one of them. So keep them happy in the sun to get more fruit next summer.

Surprisingly, strawberries make fantastic ground cover plants, so if you're looking to make your garden look fuller and lusher, why not add the delicious plants to your beds too?

The consistent heatwaves and hot, dry weather this summer have certainly taken a toll on our gardens. And now, with hosepipe bans introduced in most areas, finding ways to keep plants hydrated is more difficult than ever.

Watering your garden during a hosepipe ban is an extreme challenge and can often mean you have to accept that you'll be helping your plants recover from sunburn once the dry weather subsides. However, if you didn't get a chance to prepare your garden for the heatwaves and don't want to let your plants perish, this guidance is just what you need.

Hosepipe bans are confusing, and with so many ways to water your garden plants properly, it can be a mystery knowing what you can and can't use. Luckily, garden design expert Ish (@gardening.with.ish on Instagram) has cleared up this confusion and shared what watering tools you're safe to use.

If you're trying to help your garden recover from the heatwave or simply need to find a way to water your plants during a hosepipe ban, don't worry, you're not alone.

"There's a lot of confusion going around when it comes to hosepipe bans as to what you can and can't do. So I thought I'd go through them to make it a little bit easier, because there are some things you can use that might surprise you," starts Ish.

"Obviously, a hose pipe you can't use; you can take a watering can, fill it up from an outdoor tap and water directly into the ground. Now, most people are saying, well, why can't I just put a hose in there and pour it out like that? And to be honest, very clever, very smart, but unfortunately we're still using a hose," he adds.

"That being said, there are a few hoses you can use, which are these little micro drips or the small little irrigations because they're reduced-pressure hoses and they do about two to three litres an hour, which is massively preserving water when you think how much you're using in your hose," Ish continues.

Irrigation systems like these are also ideal if you want to keep your garden healthy whilst you're on holiday during the summer months.

To ensure you're not breaking any potential garden laws, it's important to know the difference between irrigation systems and what's required when having them in your garden.

"Now, they prefer to use things like a micro drip system again or something like that, which is perfect for it, and they say if you're going to do it, the rule is it's gotta be a permanent fixture. You can't just pop that temporarily and be done with it, but you can pop it on a timer; that's fine," he points out.

"Whilst four millimetre hoses are allowed, the 13 millimetre soaker hoses that you find aren't allowed. It'sa bit confusing but effectively down to water preservation," Ish says.

Should you really be struggling to keep up with the water limitations, rainscaping your garden is a long-term yet effective solution.

"And last but not least, of course, rain collection systems are ideal too. They're great for storing water, of course; you can use them. They're not for the water company; they're for you," he finishes.

Rainwater harvesting can feel a little costly at the time, with water butts and guttering installments, but it'll save you money and stress in the long term.

When you're lacking garden space, it can feel like some aspects of gardening aren't possible for you, and making your own compost might be one of them.

Making your own compost usually means finding space for a large bin or building a heap yourself in a far-off corner of the garden. But if you're limited to only small garden ideas, having a large bin or a dedicated space for a heap isn't an option. However, don't give up on the sustainable garden idea just yet, as there is a way to make composting work for your space.

Expert garden writer Simon Akeroyd (@simonakeroydgardenwriter on Instagram) has shown just how customisable composting is and how easy and affordable it is to make your own compost no matter what your garden looks like.

Whether you're looking for ways to reduce costs in the garden or are giving the rewilding trend a go, making your own compost is a surprisingly simple and rewarding task. All you need to start is a crate or plastic box that fits your garden space.

"Buying compost can be expensive, but it is easy to make your own compost. You need a box with holes; add 50% green materials such as veg scraps and grass clippings, which are nitrogen-based," starts Simon.

"Then add 50% brown materials such as paper, leaves and cardboard for carbon, then just mix once a week. Occasionally add water if it's dry and place a lid on it to keep out wildlife," he continues.

If you want to stop rats coming into your garden, no matter how big or small it is, it's incredibly important you seal your compost bin as the food scraps are the perfect invite for them.

If you avoid the common composting mistakes, you won't have to wait long for it to be ready to use, and you won't have to spend a penny.

"After a few weeks or months, gorgeous compost. You can sieve it if you want a finer compost for seed sowing; it's easy, free and a great way to recycle," Simon points out.

One Instagram user comments that this method has worked for her even though she has a balcony garden.

She says, "I’ve done this for a couple of years now on my balcony (I live in a big city, so don’t have a garden). I have one large plastic pot where I put vegetable scraps, leaves and cuttings from my plants, and branches and sawdust, etc. In another large plastic pot, I put the compost from the first pot, which has mostly turned into soil. I have the two pots under a bench/storage thing I built."

Now you know nothing is stopping you from making your very own compost.

Want to go a step further in your sustainable gardening journey? You can learn the different ways to reuse compost in your garden, so when it's out of nutrients, it's still being put to good use.

Have you seen the premium new range of Simba bed frames? The award-winning sleep tech brand has extended its furniture offerings with a stunning new range of handcrafted, made-to-order beds to support its best-selling mattresses.

Choosing a new bed to suit your requirements can often feel impossible, not to mention overwhelming. But the process is made a whole lot easier with a bespoke range that allows you to 'build' the bed exactly as you wish.

Simba's new range of beds offers simplified customisation to cater for every taste. With seven new upholstered designs, available in a choice of 22 fabric options and an extensive selection of on-trend new shades, plus three new solid oak bed frames, all with the option of non-storage bases, drawers and ottoman storage configurations, you can prioritise practicality without compromising on design.

So whether you want an elegant ottoman bed for maximum storage, a sophisticated upholstered bed in an irresistibly on-trend shade or a minimal wooden bed frame with handy hidden drawers – there's a premium Simba bed frame for you. And don't fear long wait times; despite being bespoke, these beds are handcrafted in the UK and delivered within 10 days.

New: Premium Upholstered Simba bed frames

As experts in mattresses, it feels only right to trust the Simba team to help design made-for-you bed frames, to make the dream of the perfect night's sleep a reality.

As someone who hadn't changed their bed frame in nearly 15 years due to indecision, I was elated about the high level of personalisation available with the new upholstered designs. Before now, either the style was perfect, but the upholstery shade didn't suit my bedroom decor, or there were no suitable storage options.

After finally deciding on a luxe upholstered design, choosing my new bed was made easier not only by the wide range of designs on offer, but also by the flexibility permitted by Simba's new made-to-order options. I was able to choose the fabric, colour and the base to suit my needs. Being able to tailor the design to suit my style ensured I now have a bed that I love, with no compromise.

I chose the new Saltaire upholstery in the new 'Mink' velvet. The deep button-tufted headboard exudes a hotel-inspired luxury that elevates my bedroom decor. I opted for the two-drawer base to offer handy storage that seamlessly integrates into the plush design.

The bed arrived in three complete pieces, which were easy to assemble by slotting the two bases together, using a clever interlocking mechanism attached at one end of each unit. The feet push and click into each corner with ease, four on each base.

Once the base is in position, you simply line up the headboard and affix it securely in place using the four screws provided. No tools required, just a little bit of elbow grease. It is a two-person job, but I helped with the construction, and I wouldn't consider myself particularly strong or handy. It was so simple.

Simba’s premium wooden bed frames: Crafted from solid American oak

“We’ve seen growing demand from customers for bedroom furniture that feels more considered, design-led and premium, while still offering the practicality and flexibility needed for everyday living," explains Josie Towells, head of buying at Simba.

"This new collection has been developed to reflect that shift, with a stronger focus on elevated detailing, richer textures and timeless colour palettes that work effortlessly within modern homes."

Every element has been carefully refined to create a more cohesive and luxurious experience," Josie concludes. "Handcrafted in Leeds and made to order, the collection combines high-quality craftsmanship with the convenience and customisation customers increasingly expect from premium furniture.”

I can confirm that the process, the delivery time, the build and the finished bed are all that of a premium brand experience. And right now, I'd recommend checking out the seasonal Simba sale to get even more value for your money. But either way, you will have a bed that is well worth the investment – trust me, I could not be happier with my choice.

A clear day might seem like a great time to get ahead on your outdoor cleaning to-do list, but there's one job you should avoid doing when the sun's out in full force.

Whilst window cleaning certainly isn't something on your daily cleaning habits list, it is a chore that makes all the difference when it's done regularly in your home. Keeping your windows clean can even help brighten up a dark room in your house, so when is the best time to tackle the job and why?

With the current sunny weather, similar to cleaning your car, you may be assuming that this is the best time to get your windows sparkling again. However, Queen of Clean, Lynsey Crombie, is here to tell you that couldn't be further from the truth.

It's not the first time Lynsey has blessed us with some window cleaning knowledge; recently, she shared her clever trick for making cleaning window tracks easier than ever. This time, though, she's debunked the myth about when the best time to clean your windows is.

"I thought today we'd bust some cleaning myths at home," starts Lynsey.

"Myth number three, you should always clean your glass on your windows on a sunny day. Well, that is completely wrong," she continues.

"You want to clean your windows on the dullest, most miserable day possible, but preferably when it's not raining like it is today," adds Lynsey.

Whether you're cleaning with white vinegar or have a specialised window spray, you may have noticed just how easy it is to leave those stubborn streaks or wipe marks on your glass.

"Reason being as soon as the product hits the glass, it's going to dry, it's going to cause those streaks, and that is caused by the sun. So stick to those dull days and a good lint-free window cleaning cloth," Lynsey explains.

Instead, take advantage of the nice weather to get your summer gardening jobs done, and leave the windows for a gloomy, overcast day. That way you won't be left buffing out marks.

Window tracks are one of the hidden spots in your home you should be cleaning before the hot weather arrives. As we naturally open up our windows more than ever during the summer, the last thing you want to see is heaps of grime covering your window tracks.

Hydrangeas are undoubtedly one of the most beloved plants that homeowners grow in their gardens; however, they can soon begin to fade when the summer reaches its peak.

If you're sorting out your garden this weekend and have noticed that your once colourful hydrangeas have become brown and crispy, you may be tempted to get your garden shears out. It's natural to add pruning and cutting back to our summer gardening jobs list, but sometimes that can be the worst thing for your plants.

There are so many plants you should never prune in summer, and a gardening expert has revealed why hydrangeas belong on that list, and why making the mistake of pruning can have a detrimental effect on your plant.

Even when you've been watering your hydrangeas as often as you should, they will turn brown over time during the summer months. This is part of their natural cycle and not something to panic about. Just don't be quick to act and pull out your secateurs.

"If your hydrangeas have finished flowering, don't be tempted to prune them just yet. Those faded flower heads might not look the best, but they actually help protect the buds underneath from frost in the winter," says Mili Ward-Beazley, Creative Garden Consultant and content creator at @good.garden.club on Instagram.

"Instead, leave the flower heads in place over autumn and winter. They'll also add interest and beautiful structure to your garden over the colder months," she explains.

They'll coexist with your plants for autumn colour nicely and add a little dimension to your space without needing to plant or care for another addition to your garden.

After you've protected your plants from frost and winter draws to a close, that's when you can pull out your essential gardening tools and get to pruning your hydrangeas.

"When spring arrives, and you can see new growth emerging, simply snip off the old flower heads back to the first pair of healthy buds. A little patience now means a much better display of blooms next summer," continues Mili.

Ensure you're pruning hydrangeas correctly for the best results, and then you'll have your favourite flowers back in action in no time.

Want more hydrangeas in your garden next year? Learning how to take hydrangea cuttings is a cost-effective way of doubling their beauty and filling your space with even more of the fluffy florals.

Watering houseplants can be challenging enough when they all need different amounts and at different times. But there's also the matter of what type of water you give your plants and how it plays an important role in their health.

If you've mastered how often to water houseplants, you know that they can be both demanding and dramatic when you get it wrong. Even when you know how much water to give them and when, they can still have negative reactions to watering, turning yellow or even dying completely.

That's why the type of water you use is also an important part of caring for indoor plants and helping them thrive. Experts at Happy Happy Houseplant (@happyhappyhouseplant on Instagram) have shared expert guidance on the different water types and what they mean for plant health.

Whether you've noticed your peace lily suddenly dying or your monstera's leaves turning yellow, you may be suspecting the water you're using is the culprit.

"So you did a Google search, and now you're worried tap water is bad for your houseplants. Like, are all these people actually buying special water for their plants?" say the Happy Happy Houseplant experts.

"The 'special water' you're thinking of is called distilled water, and while it's great for houseplants, it's not necessary (your bank account just sighed in relief)."

If you want to avoid common houseplant mistakes, this watering guidance will be a big help.

"But there is something you'll want to avoid, and that's softened water. To soften water, salts are added. The issue is that frequent watering with salty water will dehydrate your houseplant, so what do you do if your only option is softened water?" they explain.

If you're into rainwater harvesting, this can be a great way to source natural, untreated water in areas that only supply softened water.

"Option one is to use an outdoor spigot during the warm weather months; option two is to use a Brita filter or the water from your refrigerator instead. Just keep in mind you'll want the water to be room temp before watering. And the third option is using distilled water on your most dramatic plants only," concludes the Happy Happy Houseplant experts.

When caring for your houseplants during the heatwaves, this watering advice is crucial to keeping them properly hydrated and undamaged.

Worried about keeping your houseplants alive whilst you go on holiday this summer? There are many ways you can help keep them happy and hydrated without you needing to be there.

Like most of the UK right now, I have a fan in almost every room of the house in a desperate attempt to stay cool. While temperatures have dropped (slightly) during the day, the heat captured inside is still making the bedrooms and sleeping almost unbearable.

While the best cooling fans and cooling sheets offer some very welcome relief, I recently came across this Silentnight cooling gel pad, which is a game-changer in the heat. Or if, like me, you are in the throws of perimenopause/night sweats.

It took a moment on first use to understand how to use it, thinking I needed to do something or 'activate' it in some way. But you simply place the pad on your bed and lay down - it's that easy.

This genius product is immediately cool to the touch, so laying on it in a warm room is, well, fantastic. It's like lying on a cool wet towel, without the wetness or discomfort - it's my find of the summer.

How to use it

The best thing about this product is how simple it is to use. Just take it out of the case, lay it on the bed and lie down - that's it. You can pop it under the bed sheet if you don't want to lay directly on it. I have been using above my sheet and can vouch for how comfortable it is. It's padded so nice and soft, and the material is in no way sticky or scratchy.

If you move a lot in your sleep, you might want to place it under your sheet to avoid it wrinkling and rucking during the night. I have tried this, but felt a noticeable difference in how cooling it is (or isn't) with a layer (even a thin one) between my skin and the pad.

You can also lay it across you if your legs or feet are particularly warm. It can be placed in the fridge to cool down further - something I have found particularly enjoyable on very warm nights.

The pad is the length of roughly two thirds of your body (depending on your height, of course). It reaches to my upper thigh, and I'd be lying if I said being able to feel the cooling all down my legs and on my feet wouldn't make it all the better. The pad is not machine washable, but the material is easy to wipe down with a wet cloth every day and it dries really quickly.

More bed cooling

How long does the cooling effect last?

This cooling pad offers instant relief, which I have experienced lasts up to 20 minutes and has been a game-changer to help me fall asleep easily in the heat. As my body cools down, the less effective it becomes, and I have woken to no sense of cooling at all.

As the point of it is to absorb body heat, this was no surprise. And I think the length of cooling will be really dependent on the user. Just last week one reviewer online wrote: 'Got this during the heatwave, was perfect! Can genuinely feel it cooling, and even after being on it for hours it is still cool to the touch.'

Pauline, 54, also said: 'I have been using this mat for a week now and it does work extremely well as a cooling mat. I have used it underneath the sheet but also used it on top of my body. It does cool me down and feels really good it has some weight to it but is not uncomfortable.

'I did notice after a few hours it wasn't as cooling as at start of use so I will try cooling in fridge before use when the weather is hotter. It is a good size but could be a little longer I suffer from night flushes and this does help – I'm really pleased with the result and would recommend. It also comes with a storage bag so can be used away from home or stored away when not in use.'

My main use for this pad was to help alleviate the discomfort of feeling unbelievably hot when going to bed initially, and it does that brilliantly. If you want something that will keep you cool all night, you'll might need to look elsewhere. But if you want some immediate cooling relief, in a way that a fan can't offer, this really delivers (at a very affordable price).

The rumours are all true. Lidl's new Glass Air Fryer launches in stores from 2nd August, and at roughly £100 less than the immensely popular Ninja Crispi.

The main draw is, as the name suggests, the glass build. Rather than the usual opaque plastic or metal drawer, this one uses a heat-resistant glass container, so you can watch your food cook. It's a small change that makes a big difference, and this is one of the best air fryers to achieve such a premium feature at this price point.

The glass isn't just useful from a visibility perspective though. It's also a strong pick if you're after non toxic air fryers, because Lidl have used an ILAG-coated trivet inside to make sure this is a stress-free cooking process. With four pre-set programmes, a simple dial control and a temperature range of 60–200°C, it's a serious threat for some of Ninja's best air fryers. So, should you be excited? Maybe just a Lidl.

Lidl SilverCrest Glass Air Fryer launch

As with all Lidl middle aisle buys, this is exciting for its price point. Coming in around £100 less than the Ninja Crispi while offering a comparable glass-container design is a significant draw, and it puts a feature that's usually reserved for premium models within reach of a much wider range of budgets.

Add in the dial-operated temperature control for advanced and creative air fryer chefs, which adjustable from a gentle 60°C right up to 200°C, and you've got an air fryer that can handle everything that you might want to cook in an air fryer from delicate dehydrating to properly crisping roast potatoes, without needing to spend three figures more to get that flexibility. It also isn't one for beginners to shy away from, thanks to the useful menu of pre-sets, which take the guesswork out of recipes, so you don't make mistakes with your air fryer.

This is also the air fryer I'd point meal-preppers and batch cooks towards. Because the glass containers double as storage, you can cook a portion, pop the leak-proof lid on and go straight into the fridge, or clip it shut and take it with you, without needing to do any decanting into a separate Tupperware, or any extra washing up.

It's also brilliant if you're conscious of the chemicals that you cook with. Non-toxic matters to me and it's not just marketing spin here. The glass containers sidestep any concerns around plastic leaching at high heat, while the trivet's ILAG-coated non-stick surface is built for corrosion resistance rather than the flakier coatings you sometimes find on cheaper models. So if you've been put off air fryers by worries over what their non-stick drawer is made of, this is a worry free, affordable model. Although, I'd still recommend using silicone air fryer accessories to preserve the lining. That's more of advice for longevity than it is a concern over toxicity though.

Lidl SilverCrest Glass Air Fryer design

Working your way around the Lidl Glass Air Fryer is super simple, especially because the heat-resistant glass container gives you full visibility on how your food is cooking.

The temperature is controlled via a simple dial rather than a digital touchscreen, which does mean that you'll have a little less precision (most Ninja and Breville models will let you control the temperature down to 1 or 5°C). However, that doesn't make much difference for the average cook.

It's ultimately a deliberately no-fuss set-up. Beginners and hurried chefs can choose from four pre-set programmes (Air Fry, Roast, Re-Fry, Keep Warm) or adjust the temperature manually anywhere between 60°C and 200°C, giving you the range to dehydrate gently or crisp up food at full heat.

Sitting inside each glass container is a trivet with a non-stick coating from ILAG®, a system known for its corrosion resistance, which is what keeps food from sticking without relying on the older non-stick chemicals some cooks are trying to avoid. Both containers come with cool-touch handles, so you're not reaching for oven gloves every time you check on your food, and leak-proof lids that turn the cooking pot into a storage or travel container the moment you're done.

Potential drawbacks

Of course, there are a few quirks that come with cheaper models. The large container's 650g chip capacity is on the smaller side compared with some full-drawer air fryers designed for bigger households have up to 10L (the Philips is one of my favourite examples), so if you're regularly cooking for a family of four or more, you may find yourself doing batches, or needing a bigger model.

Glass is also inherently heavier than plastic, and while the cool-touch handles help, lifting a hot, full container in and out will feel different, and require a bit more care, than pulling out a lightweight basket. The dial control, while simple, means less precision than a digital display offers, so fine-tuning to the exact minute or degree isn't really on the table here.

And as with any glass cookware, there's the obvious caveat that it's more fragile than metal or plastic if dropped, which is worth bearing in mind if it's going to be moved around a kitchen often, or thrown in a bag for lunches on the go.

Similar models to the Lidl SilverCrest Glass Air Fryer

There aren't many things that would get me out of bed and queueing outside the supermarket, but Lidl's Glass Air Fryer has done it. Whilst the design doesn't reinvent the glass air fryer format, it does make it affordable. It's a fridge-friendly containers, non-toxic air fryer which knocks £100 off the price of the model that started the trend of glass air fryers. I'll be putting through its paces against the rest of the field very soon.

What weeds are ok to leave, and which can become problematic? That is the dilemma Sara Cox is currently facing as her garden is becoming a haven for 'pretty' weeds that she is in two minds about cutting back.

While many wildlife-friendly weeds are beneficial for gardens, some fall into the category of invasive plants you need to get rid of before they take over and cause damage to paving, brickwork or fences.

Not being a keen gardener herself, Sara Cox has taken to social media to ask her green-fingered followers for advice on which weeds to keep and which to remove. But one of the plants in question isn't actually a weed at all; it's one of the plants for pollinators – but that's the one branded a 'nightmare'.

On her Instagram @djsaracox, Sara writes: "Green-fingered folk, help me out here please. Look, there's all of this here in my bin area (showing a generous amount of sprouting weeds and plant stems).

I feel like maybe bees and butterflies might enjoy it for a bit, or do I just pull it all up? I don't really want to use loads of poison. And some of it's so pretty. Thoughts, please, on what to do? Are weeds just flowers that are unloved?"

While the responses are mixed, there is an overwhelming amount in favour of removing the buddleia plant.

Despite it being brilliant for attracting butterflies and bees, its aggressive nature and tendency to take over can prove very problematic. "If it has flowers, leave; except the buddleia; it's a nightmare!" exclaims one follower.

Others are in agreement, explaining, "Buddleia is sooooo good at attracting the bees and butterflies, but it is a proper hooligan, so get it gone."

"Get rid of the buddleia; they take over and will damage your patio," writes another.

So with that advice in mind, but with Sara citing that she wants to avoid 'poison ', we asked our resident gardener, Orpheus Alexander, how he would remove the weeds without using toxic chemicals.

"I'd pull out the tall weeds and then use a hooked patio weeder for the rest. For the weeds that regrow, mix 1 litre of strong white vinegar (5% acidity) with a tablespoon of washing up liquid and spray onto the new growth. Will weaken and kill the plants over time."

Using white vinegar in the garden is the ideal way to kill weeds without resorting to harsh chemicals – boiling water is another effective weed-killing hack.

With Sara expressing her fondness for the 'pretty flowers', many of her fans are encouraging her to keep some of the smaller varieties as part of the meadowscaping garden trend.

"Pull up all weeds there and plant a wild meadow seed area in your lawn," says one. While another writes: "A weed is only a plant in the wrong place. Move them. But don’t leave them."

"Keep the ones you like and get rid of the others by pouring boiling water on them- no weed killer needed."

Poignantly, one of Sara's followers suggests: "Leave it all for now - with everything dying from the heat and a hosepipe ban, the insects need all the help they can get."

Being mindful of wildlife is particularly important right now, as we experience record-breaking temperatures. There's lots of expert advice on how to help birds during the heatwaves. We're big fans of the makeshift bird bath trend we saw earlier this week – such a simple, cheap way to help wildlife when it's hot.

With the hot weather, you might be more preoccupied with how often you're watering lavender and other fragrant favourites. However, garden experts suggest pruning your lavender at this time of year to keep the plant neat – while also boosting new growth.

The great news is, thanks to gardening author and expert Michael Griffiths, you don’t have to worry about letting any part of your plants go to waste, because the offcuts can be repurposed.

He recently shared his efficient and eco-friendly method for turning Lavender cuttings into free firelighters that will also give your fires a burst of fragrance.

As you go about pruning to give the likes of lavender or rosemary a second life, Michael shared what he likes to do with the cuttings to ensure zero waste and a stack of firelighters for the BBQ or chiminea.

Sharing his simple tips with his social media followers, he explained that you first gather your cuttings into small bundles. Next, tie them together with natural twine - you’ll want to get them really nice and tightly packed together.

Next, hang or lay them somewhere warm with good airflow. This is the most important step that cannot be overlooked. Your bunches must be properly dried before they go near a flame – a hint of dampness and you’ll get a ton of smoke.

As a top tip, Michael suggests that properly dried stems should snap, not bend.

Once they’re ready, tuck one under your kindling and light it: the dried oils catch beautifully, and it scents the whole evening – and voila, “the best-smelling fire you’ll ever start”.

This is such a clever and simple way to elevate your next garden party or outdoor event. You could even take it one step further by creating a theme. If you've transformed your garden into an outdoor cinema for the night, offer a selection of dishes or cocktails that match the lavender or rosemary-scented air you'll create with the fire.

While Michael shows how they can be used to light a fragrant and inviting fire, you can actually use these dried bunches in other ways.

Tie them together with lovely twine or ribbon, and you can present them to someone as a gift, for example. Or, if so inclined, you might be able to create smudging sticks to light and add some incense to a room.

Further proof that if you take care of your plants, they really are the gift that will keep on giving.

If you're a proud grower of dahlias, you may be a little concerned that they've not yet shown any sign of flowering. However, this garden expert says it's not quite time to start panicking just yet.

There's a reason learning to grow dahlias is such a popular choice for gardeners; they've got mesmerising petal patterns and introduce such bold colours to your garden. These beloved blooms are well worth the wait, but once it hits mid-summer, it's quite common to be a little worried when they're still not showing blousy flowers.

Whether you've grown your dahlias from seed or tubers, here's a bit of expert advice to help you ensure your dahlias continue thriving and provide those long-awaited flowers soon.

While completing your July gardening jobs, you may have noticed your dahlias have yet to flower. Don't feel discouraged just yet; there's plenty of time for them to bloom.

"So here we are in July, and if you planted your dahlias way back in the spring, and you're a bit concerned that nothing's happened yet, why aren't they flowering? Actually, now is when they start to really come into their own," says Tom, Head of Horticulture at Perchhill Farm, @sarahravensgarden on Instagram.

"I grow dahlias in pots because my gardening space is quite tiny and they're brilliant for that. So I've got quite a big pot here; it's about 40cm high by 40cm diameter. And this pot just needs one tuber to get this kind of result," he adds.

Dahlias make exceptional patio container plants, and if you don't want to dig them out, there are ways you can keep dahlias alive in pots over winter.

"This variety is 'Tom's Choice', which is obviously one of my favourites, and it's a brilliant performer for pots. It's naturally well branched, and the secret now is just to keep it well watered and fed about every ten days or so," recommends Tom.

It's important to know which plant foods work for which plants, so you can give them the appropriate nutrients for them to thrive through the seasons.

"And you'll find the blooms will continue now right up until the first frost. So when lots of things have already happened, your dahlias are just starting to give the best show of their life really," he adds.

"So from now, July through August, September, October and into November, you'll have a pot full of blooms," finishes Tom.

Then all you'll need to worry about is overwintering your dahlias once the frost does arrive.

As your dahlias begin to flower, you'll need to master how to prune them for more blooms. This will help extend their flowering period by encouraging them to produce more.

She’s the queen of interior design and style, so it’s worth paying attention when Kelly Hoppen CBE shares her expert opinion on things we should be avoiding.

From warning against making one common cushion mistake to her essential tips for getting a bedroom summer-ready, Kelly condenses her decades of experience into actionable, useful bits of advice to help style our homes.

And now she’s sharing the sort of thing that stands out for all the wrong reasons as soon as she enters a room. That’s right. You could be making a less-than-polished first impression without realising it. Are you committing one of her easily fixable design mistakes, including pushing all your furniture against the wall or sticking rigidly to symmetry?

Posting to her Instagram @kellyhoppen, Kelly starts by explaining, "A few things that I notice when I walk into rooms that I see instantly is furniture that's pushed up against a wall like a dentist's waiting room.

"Move your furniture in. It's okay to walk around chairs and sofas into a room. You don't have to have everything put to one wall."

If you’re not quite sure where to start with this yourself - since so many resort to thinking sofas against the wall is a space-saving tip, especially in smaller living room layouts - consider placing your sofa in the middle of the room and getting a sense for how it works.

Giving furniture breathing space can surprisingly open up even smaller rooms - and you can pull armchairs closer towards a central point to create a layout that feels connected and not cluttered.

To amp up the intentionality behind this (perhaps unconventional) layout, a large area rug will anchor items and create a more purposeful flow.

A more practical reason behind Kelly’s aversion to furniture pushed up against walls is that, in the winter, anything in front of a radiator might stop the flow of warm air. Follow the 30cm furniture rule instead.

Furniture wasn’t all of Kelly’s complaints, though. She argues against displaying photo frames at an angle. Instead, she advocates having them straight and overlapping each other.

Another? Sticking to symmetry when it comes to items on the mantel - like candlesticks. Kelly says, "Candlesticks, either side of a mantelpiece. No, together on one side."

This touches on an age-old debate in design between symmetry and asymmetry.

Symmetry has its place, but too much can give off the sense of a show home or obsessive planning. The occasional bit of asymmetrical styling can create focal points, play with layering and perception and foster a more creative, playful way of transforming a space.

The final tip worth taking note of? "Chairs, straight on, on a worktop in a kitchen. Sometimes better at an angle if you only have two. If you have three, put them in a straight line."

Consider Kelly Hoppen's list of dos and don'ts a masterclass in interior design in record speed. As Kelly herself says at the end of her video, "You’re welcome".

With temperatures set to soar across the country again this week, spare a little thought for our animal friends - especially the birds who need extra help during a heatwave.

Birds bring plenty of benefits to a garden. Not only is their birdsong a tranquil and welcome sound, perfect for a relaxing afternoon enjoying the slower pace of life, but attracting more birds is a proven tip for dealing with pests, helping get rid of slugs, snails, aphids, and other insects that can damage your plants.

Fortunately, installing a bird bath to give them a place to cool off and stay hydrated in the heatwave doesn’t need to cost time or money. We've found a clever hack that allows you to set up a makeshift bath using just two repurposed items: a plant pot and a saucer.

Home and lifestyle creator Hanna Bertram shared the 'easiest and quickest' garden project to give yourself as many bird baths as you want. “All you need is an upturned pot and saucer and you’ve got the sweetest bird bath in minutes”, she writes.

Flipping a plant pot upside down and placing a saucer on top (or any low, flat dish that fits) creates the easiest bird bath we’ve ever seen, but it’s absolutely perfect for upcycling any unused pots, saucers or dishes.

What’s even better, if previous heatwaves have killed your lawn this summer or you’ve found you’ve lost a few patches of flowers, this clever trick is actually great to hide any signs of that. Cover up burnt grass as you hold off on watering or empty corners with a simple feature that can bring a plethora of wildlife and birds to your outdoor oasis.

Expert bird bath advice: where to place it and what to be aware of

Per the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds), the only thing to keep in mind when creating your upcycled bird bath is choosing the right materials. They explain, "The surface of the bath must be rough so birds can grip it with their claws and not slip – avoid shiny, slippery containers.

"It should also be large enough to hold sufficient water to withstand a vigorous bathing session by a flock of starlings."

Moreover, if you want to attract plenty of birds with this trick, where you place it will be important. The RSPB explain, "Birds will need to have clear visibility as they bathe, nearby bushes or trees to provide cover if alarmed, and perches to use when preening.

"Ensure cats cannot use the cover to attack bathing birds. This can be done by placing a thick layer of clippings from thorny vegetation, such as rose or pyrocantha, beneath the bushes."

With the hot temperatures staying quite consistent and with the ease and simplicity of this bird bath trick, you could simply try moving it around different spots of your garden and seeing which yields the best results.

There are many ways to elevate this very easy tip, too. For example, make it look like a luxurious outdoor feature (and not just a couple of upturned pots) by painting them a unique or complementary colour.

Whatever theme you’ve got going in your garden, you can upcycle the pots to add to this, from soft pinks and blushes to go alongside a cottage garden full of roses to something more distinct.

Another way of taking this a step further is playing with layers. Adding different-sized pots near one another could make this look less random or out of place, and instead create an intentional bit of outdoor staging. The lower bird baths might also prove beneficial to other wildlife, like squirrels.

Wrapping some fairy lights or solar-powered lights around the base could also give you subtle but enchanting light features when it gets darker.

Whether it’s creating simple garden features like this bird bath, turning it into the ultimate outdoor cinema or adding personality to your plants with Sara Davies’s “super easy” trick, it’s easier than you might think to create the garden of your dreams that feels true to your whims and style.

With temperatures set to surpass 30 degrees again this week, watering your garden will probably be the last thing you want to be outside doing. To keep your plants hydrated and you out of the sun, here's a clever automatic watering set-up.

It's all well and good knowing how to water your garden plants properly, but when intense weather arrives, it can make it nearly impossible to keep plants hydrated and happy. With another heatwave on the way, now is the time to prepare your garden with some helpful watering set-ups.

Even though you don't necessarily have to water your garden plants every day in a heatwave, finding ways to keep them hydrated during the droughts is key. Garden design expert and influencer Ish has shared his secret to ensuring his plants are watered, even when he can't get into the garden to do it himself.

Sharing his watering setup on his Instagram @gardening.with.ish, Ish explains how he's been keeping some of his flower beds alive and hydrated despite being too busy to water them by hand.

"I have two flower borders in my garden. One that's absolutely booming full of life and looks fantastic, and this one, a little less so," Ish starts.

"So, what is actually the difference between the two of them? It's actually down to how I'm watering them. This one here is being done manually, and the one over there that's doing fantastic has an automatic irrigation system," he continues.

"And it's nothing difficult whatsoever. In fact, I'm actually setting one up on this one to overcompensate now, and all it is is just this single little bit of piping, and you can see that now and then it's just got little bits here which drip out water," points out Ish.

This is also a great way to keep your garden healthy while on holiday; you'll just need to ensure the irrigation holes are reaching your plants correctly.

"So you do a zigzag amongst the plants to make sure it's right near them, and over time it soaks that soil and keeps the plants nice and happy. So it's really quite simple," Ish explains.

"You can attach this to a hose as well if you don't have a timer; just turn it on and bobs your uncle, you're ready to go," he adds.

"I'm hopefully going to be reviving this bed by starting an irrigation system. We're really busy people these days; it's not something that we can get around to doing, and if you've got a big garden as I have, there's a lot to water," finishes Ish.

And if you're worried about how to water your garden during a hosepipe ban, then you can use rainwater you've harvested in a water butt for your irrigation system.

If you've got patio container plants that need a little more attention, then you can also use the IKEA tray hack Ish recommends. It's great for bottom watering and keeping plants hydrated for a few days without you needing to do anything by hand.

If your home is anything like mine, you will have been inundated with flies, big and small, this summer. And with the heatwave forcing me to keep windows and doors open, the problem is worse than ever.

It's no secret that trying to get rid of flies in your home is a never-ending issue, and one that becomes particularly difficult the second summer starts. Knowing this, I've been making sure my bins smell good and keeping up with my daily cleaning habits to help make them feel as unwelcome as possible. However, despite this, they still find my home all too welcoming, it seems.

So with over a month of heatwave weather, and my reluctance to admit defeat, I was hopeful when I saw several reels on Instagram praising this all-natural coffee-burning technique that is said to help not just flies but mosquitoes too.

Whether you're tired of flies taking over your home or need a way to get rid of mosquitoes in your garden, you'll know how difficult it can be to find an effective solution.

Not only do I want to keep those pesky fruit flies and bluebottles out of my kitchen, bedroom and bathroom, but also away from my outdoor space too. And since you can't put a screen so easily on a balcony, I took to the internet to find a hack.

The thought behind the trick is that burning new or used coffee grounds emits a constant smoke and strong smell that will deter flies. Some users recommend adding essential oils to supercharge the hack as well as making the burning smell more pleasant for yourself.

As someone who has many a beloved online cleaning hack, I was optimistic about this method. I filled a small ceramic bowl with heaps of leftover used coffee grounds; I think it's far too expensive and wasteful to use fresh grounds.

Taking it outside, I used a long gas lighter to start burning the grounds, waiting for them to begin smoking. I tried this for quite a while and found that the grounds didn't continue smoking independently, nor did they actually ignite. Which was both confusing and frustrating.

Now I may not have dried my grounds out long enough; some users recommend putting them in the oven or leaving them for over two days. But in the end it was clear this was a method that was a lot more hassle than it was worth. Did I really want to sit there holding down a lighter to coffee grounds all night, or would I rather light my trusted citronella candles?

Again, this could've been user error, but I followed the methods suggested to no success. Whilst I wouldn't say it's not worth a try, I would suggest perhaps not getting your hopes up. And certainly don't throw away the bug spray just yet.

Should you be particularly struggling with fruit flies this season, there are many harmless ways you can deter them from your home for good.

Whilst we may have had a little respite from the extreme temperatures this past week, the weather forecast is showing another heatwave imminent. So what better time to prepare yourself and your garden with some much-needed shade?

Finding garden shade ideas that work for your space isn't always the easiest task, and finding ones that don't blow your budget is even more difficult. Unless you've artfully shadescaped your garden, you'll probably have been avoiding being outside during the constant hot weather we've been having.

However, this IKEA hack will not only transform your garden on a budget, but it'll also provide you with enough shade to be able to get outside and actually enjoy your space this summer.

Whether you want to make your garden look more expensive or need more ways to keep cool in your garden this summer, garden design expert and influencer Ish (@gardening.with.ish on Instagram) has just the solution for you.

"I'm going to show you how to create your own luxurious shade screening using something as simple as a cheap IKEA blind," starts Ish.

"It's really easy to do and simple to install as well. So let me explain it: first of all, all I've done is just put the two clips on the top of my pergola. It doesn't have to be on your pergola; it can be on the side of your house, or it can be on a canopy- completely up to you. It's just four screws," he continues.

Whilst there are a few other things you need to do to prep your garden for a heatwave, this hack is so simple it'll take you under an hour to finish.

"You clip it into one side over there, one side over there and all of a sudden, you've got yourself your very own luxurious screening. But how do you stop it flapping all over in the wind?" Ish asks.

"Each one of these kits comes with its own little hook, and all I've done is I've just put one screw at the lowest point of the deck, and I've just attached it. That's it, and as a result of the spring up there and this at the bottom, it's kept nice and tight, and it doesn't move in the wind," he explains.

You can purchase the blinds in various sizes depending on the space you're covering and the overall look you want to achieve. Ish opted for smaller blinds, but more of them, so it's a chicer look, but also so there are gaps for people to move through.

And if you're worried about weatherproofing, the blinds have a one-click release, so great for winter storage. Or even if sudden summer showers are a worry, you can use waterproof tent spray and give the blinds a coating.

If you're trying to keep costs down in the garden, these shades cost as little as £22, so will easily add up to less than £100 to cover your pergola. Which is much cheaper than buying custom shades, plus Ish points out that the blinds double up as a projector screen in the evenings too.

Perfect if you're wanting to style your garden for a watch party!

Taking these sorts of precautions will ensure you don't need to help your garden recover from a heatwave when it's over. It's also a great idea to keep some of your patio container plants under this shade if they're particularly susceptible to high temperatures or scorching.

Now is the time that putting a little extra effort into your tomatoes can really pay off when it comes to harvesting. And if you're growing cordon tomatoes, gardening icon Monty Don has a tip for you.

From how to stop tomato plants from growing too tall to knowing how often you should water your tomato plants, for relatively low-maintenance fruit plants there's quite a lot to know about them. However, once you know the basic there's only a couple of expert tips to keep in mind to get more fruit from them.

If you're growing cordon tomatoes, especially, which are a type of tomato plant that grows vertically on a single main stem, then Monty Don has some new knowledge to share on how to achieve a better harvest.

Whilst you may already know how to prune your tomato plants to get more fruit from them, there's another way to ensure a plentiful harvest for your cordon tomatoes.

Sharing his gardening wisdom on the BBC's Gardeners' World, Monty shows us this simple yet effective task to tick off this season for every week until the end of summer.

"If you grow cordon tomatoes, indoors or out, it's important to keep on pinching out the side-shoots. This is a growth that happens at 45 degrees between the main stem and the leaves," explains Monty.

"If you do this, you focus the plant's energy into developing fruit rather than extra growth. Keep checking plants regularly throughout the season as new shoots quickly appear," he adds.

If you're completing your July gardening jobs this month, make sure to keep checking on your cordon tomato plants for these 45-degree shoots. The quicker you can pinch them out, the less energy is wasted on your plants.

And if your tomato flowers aren't being pollinated and turning into fruit, we recommend trying this viral electric toothbrush hack that will pollinate the plant for you.

Or you can encourage more bees and butterflies to come enjoy your garden with plants for pollinators; that way, they can do the hard work for you, and you get a thriving plant, heavy with fruit.

If you're vegetable gardening for beginners this year, keeping tips and tricks in your back pocket like this can make the whole process much easier and even more successful come harvest time.

As the hot weather continues, there are a few spots around the home that need a little extra attention when it comes to keeping them clean. Drains and plug holes are top of the list.

When the temperatures rise during summer, this list of household items you should clean more regularly gets a little longer. As our homes get hotter, smells get more stubborn, and plugholes are a real hotspot for grime build-up, which emits pretty nasty odours when left uncleaned.

Although cleaning plugholes isn't a necessary daily cleaning habit, thankfully, it is a rather dreaded regular task that usually means strong chemicals and scrubbing.

However, Queen of Clean, Lynsey Crombie, has the perfect, quick, simple and chemical-free solution.

Along with making sure your bins smell good in summer, keeping on top of smelly drains is a top priority when temperatures are consistently high.

Not only is it good for simple hygiene reasons, but it will help you stop having to get rid of tiny black flies in your home, which are attracted to damp, smelly spots.

Sharing her solution on Instagram at @lynsey_queenofclean, Lynsey shows that tackling this task can take as little as 10 seconds.

"Most of the time I reach for bicarbonate of soda, but there’s another quick way to help keep your plug holes fresh…Give them a blast of steam!" says Lynsey.

"The hot steam can help loosen grime and freshen up the inside of the pipe, making it a great little maintenance trick between deep cleans," she adds.

It's well worth investing in one of the best steam cleaners for your home; not only are they fantastic for a chemical-free clean on your plugs and drains, but they're also great for removing limescale from bathroom fixtures.

Whilst this 10-second clean is great for a quick, efficient drain refresh, if you are struggling with particularly stubborn odours, then you may have a blockage or food build-up.

This is where cleaning with baking soda can help, as it breaks down grime whilst also deodorising any lingering smells.

There's a reason experts urge homeowners to clear drains before a heatwave, but it's also key to stay on top of this cleaning as hot weather continues. Again, no one wants to have to keep getting rid of flies all summer and treating nasty smells in the kitchen or bathroom.

Plant growth in the garden is usually something we celebrate; however, when it comes to stubborn weeds and invasive plants, their growth is seriously unwelcome. And bindweed is no exception.

Figuring out how to get rid of weeds in your garden is a pretty universal experience, and one most homeowners absolutely dread doing each season. The task is only made worse when the stubborn plants refuse to stop popping up and not even the best essential gardening tool can remove them in time.

One of these rather unrelenting weeds is bindweed, and whilst it's not too bad to look at, it does take over plots rather quickly. Which is why when we saw garden design expert and influencer Ish had shared his method for removing the weed, we just had to share.

Whether you're participating in the rewilding trend or simply prefer using less chemicals in your garden, finding natural ways to remove weeds is the most beneficial for your plants.

It's also the exact method that Ish recommends for bindweed.

"Bindweed has become this notorious problem in my garden for the last few years, and despite all the tips and tricks that I've been testing and trying, every year it still comes back just as vigorous. But it's being reduced even more every year, and do you know how I'm doing it?" asks Ish.

"It's not any chemicals, not any special bag treatments that we tried in the past, it's good old fashioned digging up and weakening it," he continues.

That's right, no more waiting until winter hoping the frost will kill your weeds, unfortunately a little elbow grease is required for the best results.

"The thing is with bindweed, if you keep pulling it from the ground, you're slowly weakening it. It's not getting the sunlight it needs and the nutrition as a result, it will start to die down and also the other thing you can do is starve it of light even more by planting really dense foliage plants," Ish adds.

"So, for example, this salvia here and the pensman behind me create a nice big filler in the herbaceous border. And as a result, the light isn't getting to the bottom and even though there is still some bindweed that has to be tackled, it's a lot less than it was the last few years," Ish explains.

Similar to companion planting, calling on Mother Nature to help you eradicate a pest, whether it's a weed or an insect, is gardening magic at its finest.

"Another thing to look out for is bindweed when it's flowering because that's actually when it's at its most vulnerable. It's put all the energy right into this flower; it's not really focusing on the growth. So when you really pull that up, you actually stress it out massively, which just slows it down a little more," he continues.

"So, the real trick to getting rid of bindweed is starving it of light and constantly getting on top of it. It feels laborious, and you may have to do it once a week, but it'll be worth it in the end," Ish finishes.

No more need for worrying about when to spray the weed killer or accidentally drenching your favourite late summer flowers in chemicals. Just some gardening gloves and a little effort are all you need.

Knowing what the most common invasive plants look like can save you a real headache when it comes to removing them. Acting fast will stop them from spreading further and mean your favourite flower beds aren't invaded by weeds.

As a master perfumer, I'll be honest: most natural cleaning products smell like a compromise. You trade the chemical tang of a "regular" spray for something worthier but blander: a vague herbal note, an apologetic hint of citrus, the smell of good intentions. Then I met a peach that ruined all that. Not a real peach - a scent so precisely sun-ripened, so convincingly orchard-warm, that it made me, a master perfumer who is professionally hard to impress, fall head over heels. And this one didn't ask me to compromise on anything else, either. It's all-natural, made with real essential oils, and packaged in reusable amber glass bottles.

The new Bower Collective Peach Cleaning Collection brings fragrance to the kitchen, holistically. The range itself is small and considered - a Hand Wash, a Washing-Up Liquid and an All Purpose Spray - and it's built around a peach perfume that's braver than it looks. It doesn't shout "germ-free" the way citrus or pine does; it's the essence of summer, sun-warmed fruit, al fresco breakfasts on holiday. Everything comes housed in refillable amber glass, made to be topped up rather than binned.

And the cherry (or should I say peach?) on top is that there's a nice story behind the collection, too. The whole peach theme is a nod to Roald Dahl's James and the Giant Peach, with Quentin Blake illustrations and all, done with real affection and creativity. But you don't need to know any of that for the scent to do its job. Thirty seconds at the sink can smell like a sun-warmed orchard instead of a hospital corridor, if someone bothers to make it so. And here is a collection of luxury cleaning products finally have.

Bower Collective Peach Cleaning Collection

I love that peach is the hero of this Bower Collective Cleaning Collection, because it breaks from the normal lemon, citrus, or pine trend that's served to us on supermarket shelves. Unlike many other fruity fragrances, this fragrance is realistic far more considered than you'd expect from a bottle that's going to live by the sink. At first smell, you'll note peach and apricot sitting up top, doing the obvious, appetising work, but there's lemon threaded through to stop it tipping into sweet, artificial territory. Underneath, rose and lily of the valley soften the fruit into something more grown-up, and by the time you reach the base (cedarwood, something green and woody) you're a long way from the "fruity" cleaning products of my childhood, which usually smelled of little beyond sugar and bleach.

It's a proper top-heart-base build, and what makes it more impressive still is that none of it is smoke and mirrors: every note comes from real essential oils, which are far fussier and less forgiving to work with than the synthetic aromachemicals most fragrances lean on. That's usually the trade-off with natural ranges - the scent goes thin or safe so the ingredients list can stay clean. Here, both hold, which is exactly what I'd expect from a scent that wants to be taken seriously, not just tolerated for the ninety seconds it takes to do the washing-up.

In a world of plastic, I am delighted that even the packaging refuses to compromise. Each comes in Bower's refillable amber glass, with a microfibre cloth and tea towel thrown into the starter kit that will have you cleaning like a professional. Then, when you need a top up, one of the pouches can be delivered through the letterbox and neatly poured into your bottle - no compromise, no waste, no ugly bottle graveyard under the sink.

Aside from the fragrance charm, which I have a lot to say about, I love the nostalgic charm of the Roald Dahl connection, which is clearly personal rather than a box-ticking exercise. Bower's co-founder Nick Torday traces his own love of Dahl's stories back to childhood, recalling that his passion for the stories "goes back as far as his visit to my parents' bookshop" when he was a baby, and calling the partnership "a genuine delight" to bring to life.

Alice O'Brien, who handles commercial partnerships for the Roald Dahl Story Company, makes a similar point from the other side, explaining that the range "looks after the home as thoughtfully as James and his wonderful bug friends care for their extraordinary peach," a nice echo of the book itself, given the story is essentially about looking after something fragile, precious and natural.

I'm all for trying the natural ways to clean. Citric acid works wonders around the home and cleaning with vinegar is also really impressive, but when you can get the same results with the scent of sun-ripened peaches, it's really not a debate over which anyone would choose.

And, with all three cleaning products boasting the same scent, you get a cohesive fragrance when you're cleaning. Your hands will smell the same when you come from the sink, rather than a blend of coconut hand wash, lemon surface spray, and a mysterious washing up liquid. It's refreshing, fruity, and a new method to live by. If you're curious, the full Kitchen Starter Kit (hand wash, washing-up liquid, spray, bottles and all) is available at Bower Collective right now.

Fig trees are incredibly popular amongst gardeners for many reasons, bearing delicious fruit and providing a beautiful canopy of luscious green leaves for summer shade, to name a few. However, many are unaware that the sap of this seemingly innocent edible plant is a skin irritant that can cause burns.

After finding out the hard way, garden influencer Phil, better known as @theguysatgreenacre on Instagram, shared a post earlier this month to warn others to prune their fig trees with caution this season – because early summer is an ideal time to prune.

"Not a lot of people know this, but the sap from a fig tree can be highly toxic," he says. "Hopefully what I'm about to tell you will save you from the same pain I went through."

When fig trees are cut, they produce a creamy sap – it's this that causes the problem.

"Did you know the milky white sap from fig trees can cause painful skin irritation and even blistering if it gets on your skin and is then exposed to sunlight?" he asks in his video (above), in which you can clearly see the burns he sustained while cutting back his beloved fig tree.

After researching the effects, he explains: "It’s called phytophotodermatitis, or a phototoxic reaction." While the prospect of burns is a little scary, Phil is sharing this video more as a warning to take extra care when pruning your fig tree. It's not about avoiding the job altogether; it's about taking precautions to keep your skin safe from the sap.

As the RHS website advises, "when pruning figs, bear in mind that the sap is an irritant, so wear gloves, and start pruning from the base and work upwards, to avoid any drips."

Phil also offers the following tips to stay safe:

Tips for dealing with fig tree sap safely

• "Wear gloves and long sleeves when pruning or handling your fig tree.
• "If sap gets on your skin, wash it off immediately with soap and plenty of cold water."
• "Keep the affected area out of direct sunlight for at least 24–48 hours if possible."
• "If your skin becomes sore, itchy or inflamed, a pharmacist may recommend a hydrocortisone cream to help calm the reaction. If you develop severe blistering or the reaction is widespread, seek medical advice."

I only discovered this last year while cutting back branches on my neighbour's tree, when a tree surgeon told me that one of his team had suffered burns after prolonged exposure to the sap when removing a fig tree.

Luckily, I only had a small amount of sticky sap on my finger, which didn't cause a burn, but it was almost impossible to wipe off. It didn't burn, but it was uncomfortable and itchy. No amount of soap or washing-up liquid was proving successful in removing it.

In the end, the only thing that eradicated all trace of the residue for me was surgical spirit, which only goes to highlight the strength of the substance.

Who knew such a delicious and popular fruit could be so hazardous? Hopefully, now that the word is out, with the post having been shared over 8 thousand times already, others can avoid the same fate as poor Phil: "Trust me, it’s not something you want to experience."

I didn't set out to replace my whole cookware collection. In fact, I'm pretty proud of my extensive, expensive stainless steel pans. However, in my home, cupboard space is limited and I am always cooking, so it suits me to have a "favourite pan" that I use for almost every meal, only dusting off the others when I have the spare time and space in the dishwasher.

Up until recently, my go-to was a simple Le Creuset milk pan that I couldn't bear to part with after testing the best induction pans two years ago. But the promises of Lakeland's new 10-in-1 Only Pan Pro were simply too compelling to ignore.

With a whopping 25-year guarantee, a naturally non-stick ceramic coating and a robust tri-ply stainless steel build, it gets off to a great start. Then you see it simmering curries, boiling pasta, searing vegetables and even baking in the oven, and you realise this isn't just another pan, it's a rethink of what one-pan cooking can be. Le Creuset, eat your heart out.

Lakeland Only Pan Pro: why it's our experts' perfect pan

As a foodie and keen cook, I try not to take work home with me. However, every so often I test a pan that's too good to leave behind. I call it "intensive, long-term testing", but really, I just want to keep cooking with it after work. The Lakeland Only Pan Pro is only the second pan that's ever happened with; the first was a Le Creuset.

That's how I know this pan really reinvents one-pan cooking. For years, cast iron casserole dishes (or Dutch ovens) have been the benchmark for versatility. I still love them, but they're undeniably heavy, awkward to wash and not something I reach for on an ordinary Tuesday evening. The Lakeland Pan delivers much of the same versatility in a pan that's lighter, dishwasher-safe and far easier to live with day to day.

Instead of asking you to adapt your cooking around one heavy pot, it adapts to the way modern kitchens work. Whether I'm throwing together a quick weeknight casserole or curry, steaming vegetables, boiling pasta or finishing a bake in the oven, I won't find myself reaching for any other pan. There are plenty of clever details that I really love, but here are three of my favourites:

• A naturally non-stick ceramic coating: many non-stick pans rely on chemical coatings, but Lakeland uses a naturally non-stick ceramic surface that's PFAS-free. It's also impressively durable, so I haven't needed to worry about using metal utensils or cooking at higher temperatures.
• True versatility: the "10-in-1" label isn't just marketing. With the included steamer basket and turner, this pan can roast, bake, steam, simmer, boil, sauté, stir-fry, braise, pan-fry and grill. Crucially, it works on every hob, including induction, before moving straight into the oven, which means fewer pans to wash and less clutter on the hob.
• A 25-year guarantee: this timeframe inspires confidence that I'd normally associate with heritage cookware brands. It's rare to see that level of backing on a pan designed to become your everyday workhorse, and it reinforces the feeling that this is an investment piece rather than something you'll be replacing in a couple of years.

Who would the Lakeland Only Pan Pro suit?

• Busy cooks who want versatility: most home cooks prioritise convenience and variety in their pans. You want yours to
• Homes short on cupboard space: this pan doesn't compromise on what you can create and will cover the functions of almost a full pan set, leaving space in your cupboard for other luxuries
• Non-toxic, natural kitchens that want to stay chemical free: another place you don't have to compromise is with the build quality. This is robust and made with premium stainless steel and aluminium, but the non-stick is ceramic, sitting firmly in the non-toxic camp
• Chefs seeking a lighter, low maintenance alternative to cast iron: this shares many functions of cast iron and can be moved in and out of the oven and various hob types, but with the added bonus of a lightweight, scratch-resistant design

The reason we're shouting so loudly about Lakeland Only Pan Pro is because it's a secret we don't want to gatekeep. Designed for busy lives and small spaces, is a really simple solution for cooking dinner after work, trying to avoid a sink full of washing up, and for homes that simply don't have the space (or desire) for a cupboard full of specialist pans.

I particularly love the idea of this for anyone who has downsized their kitchen, moved into a smaller home, or is trying to be more intentional about what they own. Good cookware should earn its place, and a pan that can replace several others is a smart way to simplify and save space in your kitchen without compromising on what you can create.

The addition of the stainless-steel steamer basket, domed lid and silicone turner means you can get straight into using all ten functions without having to buy extra accessories. It's a small detail, but one that makes this a properly complete cooking system rather than just another pan.

What is the Lakeland 10-in-1 Tri-Ply Only Pan Pro made of?

One thing that immediately sets the Only Pan Pro apart is its tri-ply stainless-steel construction. As someone who tests cookware regularly, including stainless steel pans, this is the kind of detail I look for because it makes a genuine difference to how a pan performs. The aluminium core sandwiched between stainless steel helps distribute heat evenly, which means fewer hot spots and more consistent cooking.

This is where the pan is a step up from many affordable multi-purpose pans. It isn't trying to do lots of jobs and coming up short by compromising somewhere, it has the build quality and accessories to do them well across the board. The PFAS-free ceramic non-stick coating also makes it more approachable for everyday cooking and sits it firmly in the non-toxic kitchen essentials category, especially when you want easy food release and a quicker clean-up afterwards.

Whether you're making a quick stir fry, simmering a curry, steaming vegetables or finishing a dish in the oven, having one pan that can adapt means fewer decisions, fewer dishes and more enjoyment in cooking. At £84.99, it also sits in that sweet spot where it feels like a proper investment, without reaching the prices of some premium cookware brands. For anyone who loves cooking but doesn't love clutter, this Lakeland Only Pan Pro is a pan that understands the assignment.

As the hot weather continues and hosepipe bans come into place, it's getting harder and harder to keep our plants happy and hydrated. Luckily, all is not lost, and if you're off on your holidays, this watering trick will prove particularly helpful.

Knowing how to water your garden plants properly is a key element to caring for any outdoor space; however, when the weather is hot and dry, it can feel like no matter what you do, your plot suffers. And although your plants don't need to be watered every day during a heatwave, it is hard to keep on top of watering your pots enough to keep them alive.

With that in mind, we were thankful to find this genius trick from garden design expert and influencer Ish at @gardening.with.ish on Instagram. And the best part? It only costs £2.50.

Figuring out how to look after your garden whilst you're on holiday can be a real challenge, especially when temperatures are consistently high. Finding ways for your plants to look after themselves is well worth it.

"If your potted plants are struggling to beat the heat, then you may need to find a clever way to keep them watered, but a little bit more low-maintenance," starts Ish.

"Well, I have a solution for you, and it involves a £2.50 shoe tray from IKEA, known as the BAGGMUKK. Now, I used this last year, and it was an absolute saviour, and all I do is just put my plants on this tray. It's great as well if you're away for a few days and you can't keep them watered, cos let's face it, potted plants are drying out so quickly at the moment," he continues.

As much as we love patio container plants, they do tend to dry out quicker than other plants in the garden, so giving them this extra attention is needed.

Using Ish's potted plant IKEA watering hack

"Then all I do is just fill it up with water at the top. Now there are a few benefits from this. First of all, it'll slowly water your plants from underneath by soaking it up in the soil, which means it's not going to dry out," explains Ish.

This trick is also ideal if you're worried about keeping your houseplants alive whilst you're on holiday too.

"But another little hint that you may not know is that if you water your plants from underneath and not directly on top, it does directly reduce the amount of weed growth as well. So a little bit of a double bonus here," he adds.

"It means that now these will stay hydrated for a few days, as opposed to once every few days I'm worried about them drying out and I can leave them, let them grow," Ish finishes.

Now, when you're completing your July gardening jobs and planting out your potted plants, they'll be in great shape instead of dried or withered up.

A great way to keep your garden watered without much effort from yourself is through rainscaping. That way, your space is designed to water itself and also collect rainwater for when hosepipe bans come in.

Of the over 200 coffee machines that I've tested in this job, there's one that I've never quite got over: the De'Longhi Rivelia. It brews exceptional coffee, looks like it belongs in a Milanese kitchen and has become the benchmark by which every other bean-to-cup machine must be measured. However, in my small flat, where every inch of worktop is precious, the Rivelia is simply too big to earn a permanent place, no matter how much I adore it.

With that in mind, you can imagine what my caffeinated heart did when I heard De'Longhi was launching the Rivelia Start. Smaller, more affordable, and designed with compact kitchens in mind, it keeps everything I love about the original: beautiful Italian styling, the clever Bean Switch system for swapping between different beans, barista-worthy hot and cold drinks, and even cold brew in under five minutes.

Whilst I haven't managed to get my coffee cup under the Rivelia Start, my experience with the devastatingly chic collection De'Longhi models gives me a huge amount of hope that this will be one of the best coffee machines of all time, especially if it brews with the same beauty and barista-skills as its bigger sibling, this is finally be the bean-to-cup coffee machine I've been waiting for.

De'Longhi Rivelia Start

The original De'Longhi Rivelia is one of the most impressive bean-to-cup machines I've tested, so the question I had when I heard about the Rivelia Start wasn't whether De'Longhi could make a great coffee machine, it was whether they could make one that fitted more easily into everyday homes.

From the first look, it seems like the brand has focused on keeping the style, whilst slimming it down. The Rivelia Start has all the sleek Italian styling that made the original such a standout on the worktop, but with a more compact design that's better suited to smaller kitchens.

The feature I was most excited to see return: Bean Switch

One of my favourite things about the original Rivelia was the Bean Switch system. Unlike many bean-to-cup machines, which require you to empty out the hopper if you want to change coffee, the interchangeable bean hoppers let you switch between different beans with minimal fuss.

As someone who loves exploring different roasts (but also needs a decaf option later in the day), this is a feature that I look for in every coffee machine that I test, but rarely find. Recently, Ninja featured it on their first bean-to-cup machine and it has been a hit.

The feature I wouldn't give up ever: Cold Brew

If you've ever heard me speak about coffee, you'll know how evangelical I am about cold brew. This is a method of making coffee that uses pressure at a lower temperature, which gives a much smoother and sweeter flavour than hotter, classic brewing styles. This means you won't get acid reflux and you can cut back on the sweetener in your coffee.

More machines are integrating this popular function, but De'Longhi make it better than Sage, Ninja, and the other giants. According to the site, the Rivelia Start uses De'Longhi's technology to create a smooth cold brew in under five minutes.

So, next time you want to make an iced coffee, this has you covered nicely.

The features that make this stand out: versatility and maintenance

The modern, sleek aesthetic is one of the Rivelia Start's biggest selling points. De'Longhi has always understood that a coffee machine is no longer something to hide away in a corner of the kitchen, and the Rivelia Start feels designed to be displayed. With its curved silhouette and carefully considered colourways, it looks just as much like a piece of Italian kitchen design as it does a home barista.

But the beauty isn't just skin deep. One of the things I have always appreciated about De'Longhi's machines is how much thought goes into making them easy to live with. The Rivelia Start takes care of much of the everyday maintenance itself, with automatic rinsing, flushing and cleaning cycles that happen behind the scenes. It heats up quickly, keeps you updated on what it needs, and guides you through the more involved cleaning tasks when they do arise.

As Joe Hunter, Head of Marketing at De’Longhi UK, explains: “With Rivelia Start, we are welcoming a new generation of design-conscious coffee lovers into the automatic bean-to-cup world. By combining a versatile hot and cold menu and our Bean Switch System, we’ve made one-touch bean-to-cup coffee effortlessly simple.”

How is it different to the De'Longhi Rivelia?

The Rivelia Start isn't a complete reinvention of De'Longhi's much-loved bean-to-cup machine; instead, it takes the features that made the original such a standout and makes them more accessible. Both machines offer the same 1.4-litre water capacity, automatic brewing and the clever Bean Switch system, allowing coffee lovers to move between different beans without emptying the hopper.

The biggest change is the footprint. The original Rivelia measures 24.5cm wide and 43cm deep, making it relatively compact compared to many bean-to-cup machines, but the Rivelia Start has been designed for even more space-conscious kitchens. It also comes with a slightly lower price point, making De'Longhi's premium coffee experience easier to bring home.

The original Rivelia does have a higher stated pump pressure at 19 bar compared to the Rivelia Start's 15 bar, but this is only one part of espresso extraction. The quality of the grinder, temperature control and brewing technology all play a role in the final cup.

It looks like my search for a coffee machine that won't take over my kitchen counter may finally be over. The Rivelia Start feels like a delicious dream come true: the style, versatility and coffee quality I loved from the original, now with a smaller footprint and the added treat of cold coffee on demand. All that's left is to put it through my full testing process - preferably with a fresh espresso in hand.

While we are starting to see many celebrities turn to a life of gardening and growing their own veggies, Pamela Anderson's plot might just be the most impressive and whimsical one we've seen yet, with one surprising feature dominating the space. Raised beds.

Whether you're vegetable gardening as a beginner or looking to transform your garden on a budget, a great way to elevate your space and make room for edible plants is raised beds. If you're limited by small garden ideas, then you might have accepted that raised beds aren't possible, but they're actually great space savers and allow you to plant more varieties in one space.

If you're not quite sold, take a look at Pamela Anderson's abundant garden, with a surprising amount of raised beds all overflowing with flowers, herbs and vegetables.

Raised beds aren't just an aesthetic cottage garden idea; they're extremely practical too, even if you don't think you've got the space in your garden. And after spotting Pamela's collection, we're ready to start adding them to our plots.

We were already majorly inspired by the model's take on the farmhouse trend last year when she shared her converted barn and all its charming traditional interiors. But that, simply, didn't prepare us for just how impressive her vegetable garden is.

Through her garden, there are raised beds as far as the eye can see, but what's really caught our eye is the variety of the plants being grown. From squashes to tomatoes, lavender to sunflowers, the beds are overflowing and even connected with steel arches.

These arches and maypole supports dotted around her garden are fantastic ways to support your plants as they grow. Especially if you've got heavy crops like courgettes, squashes, tomatoes and fruit trees.

The great thing about raised beds is that you can build them up too, almost like a mound in the centre, which allows for even more plants and growth. They're also ideal if you're looking to start succession planting, as they can be made deep enough to accommodate numerous seeds and bulbs.

As you can see in Pamela's garden, onions can easily grow alongside flowers and other veggies. Again, this is a great opportunity for some companion planting, which helps keep pests away whilst also encouraging more growth from your plants.

So even if you don't have the space that Pamela has, you can make raised beds work for your garden and customise them completely from start to finish.

Growing your own vegetables is a fantastic sustainable gardening idea and can be a huge help to your local environment as it invites pollinators and encourages native plant growth.

Everyone knows the feeling of planning a glorious daytime picnic or looking forward to a quiet glass of wine outdoors in the evening only for it to be ruined by irritating wasps, flies and other pests.

Fortunately, there is a clever trick for keeping wasps away that TV personality and interior designer Ian Thompson swears by after having picked it up in Portofino and noticing that there wasn’t a single fly or mosquito around when dining al fresco.

The trick is as simple as lighting a small fire out of newspaper or anything that would work and adding ground coffee beans to the flames. The coffee-scented smoke acts as a deterrent to the critters, and you have the added benefit of coffee-scented incense.

No more insects: shop the essentials

Posting to his social media on Instagram @ianthompsoninteriors, where he often shares top tips and tricks, Ian explained, “Get a bowl, light some newspaper and then put ground coffee that you've used and you've got cold and look at the smoke”.

Ian explains that you can utilise coffee grounds you’ve already used, or you could keep a bag of cheaper coffee around just for this.

He continued, “Now you're not going to believe this. The smoke, not only does it smell delicious, it chases every fly, every wasp. It works. There are no mosquitoes, there are no flies, there are no wasps."

Adding: “It smells delicious and that's just the hint that'll get you through the summer this year.”

After Ian shared his top tip, a flurry of social media followers took to his comments section to agree that it had worked for them in the past, or noted that it is a well-known, reliable trick from the likes of Greece and other warm-climate locations.

One user wrote, “I save my used coffee grounds and do this in smaller pots. Add a little alcohol or citronella oil to it and voila.”

Another added, “I learned this years ago in Greece where they actually just made a tiny pyramid of ground coffee and lit it up. It has through the years been the only thing that works against [wasp emoji]”.

So, it would seem that it’s a trick worth trying out – and thanks to its simplicity and affordability, you’ll no doubt want to make the most of the good weather.

Whether you decide to plan a garden party or have friends around to use your latest picnic accessories and outdoor furniture, you can rest assured that the only guests buzzing around will be the ones invited.

Never leave anything burning unattended.

With the extreme weather we've been experiencing this past month, it's no surprise our lawns are finally admitting defeat and crisping up. But if your grass is burnt, brown and crunchy, don't start watering it just yet.

Although the warm weather is usually very welcome during summer, sometimes too much of a good thing can really take its toll on your lawn. And even when you've been watering your lawn at the right time of day, record-high temperatures along with hosepipe bans make dying grass an inevitability.

But before you run for your hosepipe or drain your harvested rainwater, gardening icon Monty Don says to stop and hold off on watering.

Sharing his garden on Instagram @themontydon, Monty shows us his patch of grass named 'the cricket pitch'. And whilst usually Monty's garden is undeniably thriving, like the rest of us, it's recently fallen victim to the heatwave temperatures.

Which goes to prove, even when you avoid all the lawncare mistakes in the book, sometimes the weather is one step ahead, and there's nothing to be done about it.

And that is exactly what Monty recommends doing: nothing. He says, "If, like the cricket pitch, your grass is burnt entirely brown with not a blade of green grass, don't worry. And don't waste water on it! I assure you it will recover full greenness very quickly once we get some rain."

You might find this a little hard to swallow, letting your grass burn up and dry out, but it's truly the best thing for it. Even when it looks like the heatwave has killed your lawn, there's still hope for it.

Don't panic and start watering your lawn more often than you should; that will only waste your water reserves and start a watering routine you won't be able to keep up during a hosepipe ban.

Instead, trust that the grass is in fact protected by its own layer of withered blades on top. This crispy layer acts as a sort of protected insulation for the roots below, which will come back to life at the first sign of rain.

As you can see from Monty's most recent update of The Cricket Pitch, aptly named after him and his son, who played the sport on it years ago, the lawn is still burnt but only until that much-needed rainy reprieve arrives.

Want to build up your water reserves for future heatwaves? Experts recommend rainscaping your garden so it's built to harvest rainwater without needing much effort from you. That way, you're prepared for hosepipe bans and further scorching temperatures.

Buying new furniture for your home can be daunting, especially when it comes to higher-priced items like sofas. It can be difficult to picture what the pieces will look like in your room and whether they'll fit.

And with so many common mistakes to make when buying a sofa, being properly prepared and 100% sure of the piece you're buying is key. It's all well and good spotting something you love in this year's sofa trends, but will the size, fit and design actually work in your room alongside your other pieces?

To make the whole process easier and stress-free, interior design expert Kelly Hoppen CBE has shared her genius trick for measuring your space and ensuring your proportions are perfectly right. As one of the things she's asked about most frequently, Kelly is very aware of this common problem.

Kelly Hoppen's furniture placement trick

Whether you're constrained by a small living room layout or have an abundance of space that you're unsure what to do with, getting the right sofa isn't as easy as it first seems.

"Questions I'm asked every day, hundreds of times on my Instagram, 'How do I put my sofas in a room?' The answer to your question is, I can't answer that question if I'm not in your room," starts Kelly.

"But one great way, an easy tip to do it, is to get some masking tape. If you don't know how to draw it, do it to scale and lay them out in your room and walk in and see which is the best way to lay your sofas out, your coffee table, and an armchair," she continues.

Avoiding living room design mistakes will ensure your space looks its best and also functions properly for you and your family. Pre-planning the layout with this masking tape trick allows you to try out different options, too.

"Because you will be able to physically see the mass that it will take up. Try it, easy, inexpensive, and you'll get an instant answer," Kelly adds.

If you're trying to make your small living room look bigger, play around with sofa shapes and find what works best for your room.

Want some more of Kelly's professional tips? She shared her top interior dos and don'ts with us, and some of them might surprise you.

It's a common thought that adding plants to your garden can only be a good thing, but some secretly do more harm than good. Some species are so damaging to your space that they can reduce the value of your home.

Whilst you might be well aware of the common invasive plants that can ruin your garden, some other popular species under the radar can be just as damaging. And whilst they won't particularly take over your garden like knotweed would, these plants can be such an issue that they decrease your home's value.

If you want to upgrade your garden to boost your home's value, then you'll want to stay well clear of these particular plants.

3 plant species that can devalue your home

When it comes to blocking your neighbour's view on a budget, there's nothing quite as effective as planting a row of hedges in your garden.

However many evergreen varieties, like the ones listed below, can become a major issue for your home and its surrounding land. To avoid devaluing your home, here are the top three species to keep well clear of.

Shop hedge maintenance

1. Cherry Laurel

As one of the best plants for privacy, cherry laurel is a very popular choice for homeowners. It's incredibly fast-growing and dense, making it an ideal choice to surround your garden with.

“Cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) is a vigorous, large, spreading evergreen bush, with glossy leaves up to 15cm in length," says Karl McArdle, co-founder of The Property Buying Company.

"If not pruned, it can form dense walls of foliage, and if trimmed poorly, it can suffer from powdery mildew, which can be unsightly and put buyers off. If left to grow large, it can dry out the ground, causing subsidence. A history of subsidence can reduce your home’s value by up to 25%," he adds.

2. Arrow Bamboo

Whilst you might've been debating growing bamboo in your garden for privacy, most types of bamboo are considered extremely invasive.

“Arrow bamboo (Pseudosasa japonica) is a tough, spreading evergreen bamboo, reaching up to 6 metres in height. In warm, moist conditions, this can cause the creeping rootstock to produce new shoots away from the original plant, causing it to spread further than desired," explains Karl.

"Arrow bamboo spreading near neighbours’ fencing or near drains could reduce your property value by 5 to 15%," he continues.

Trying to get rid of bamboo roots can be a real nightmare, too, so it's definitely something to properly think about before you plant.

3. Leyland cypress

Another fast-growing shrub, the Leyland cypress, is popular for its height; however, this is the same reason it can be a real issue for your home and its future inhabitants.

“Leyland cypress (Cuprocyparis leylandii) is a large, very fast-growing evergreen tree. If unchecked, they can reach heights of up to 30 metres tall, which means they have the potential to become a nuisance and will therefore require regular trimming to keep under control," states Karl.

"If Leyland cypress smothers and outcompetes other plants in your garden, this could reduce your property value by up to 15%," he warns.

If you've already taken measures to add a little privacy to your home, with a pergola, for example, then adding plants perfect for pergolas can give you that extra layer to keep nosy neighbours away.

Patios are a great addition to any garden; they're a low-maintenance space perfect for outdoor dining and for home to pots. However, when you're lacking space, they can quickly look rather busy and compact.

Whilst there are ways to make your small patio feel bigger with exterior lighting, if you enjoy using the space throughout the day, you may need other ways to open it up. It's all too easy for patios to become cluttered with patio container plants, and this can make a limited space look even smaller.

If this sounds familiar to you, then garden legend Alan Titchmarsh has a genius small garden tip to help make your patio appear and feel bigger than it actually is. All with one garden design change.

Whether you use your patio as an outdoor living room area or grow your favourite veggies in pots on it, sometimes it can look cramped.

Especially when you're already starting with a small space to work with, which is why Alan suggests trying this one trick before you've even laid your paving stones.

"The size of the pavers you choose should depend on the overall size of the patio or terrace. If it's very small, don't be tempted to use lots of small ones, which will make it look bitty," Alan starts.

"A common mistake is using lots of small pavers in a compact space, which creates a busy look and can make the area seem even smaller," he adds.

It's easy to avoid this common mistake that makes your garden feel smaller, but it does require choosing the right slabs before you build your patio. This might seem like a big job, but it'll make a world of difference in your garden.

"A few larger paving stones in a smaller area will give it the impression of more space than is actually there. It works the other way around, lots of little ones tend to make something look small," Alan explains.

"Several smaller number of larger ones tend to expand it. Matching the paver size to the space will help create a balanced, elegant design that feels both practical and visually spacious," he finishes.

Tricks like these that help make your small garden look bigger are so important to ensure you're making the most of the space you have and utilising every square inch of it.

If you want some more magic Alan guidance on patios, he also shared his tips for brightening up an otherwise dull, dingy patio.

Anyone who has spent time cooking on pizza ovens will know that making the dough is only half the challenge. The real skill comes once your pizza is in the oven, where a few seconds can be the difference between perfectly puffed-up crust and one that's burnt on one side and raw on the other.

Anyone who has bought a pizza oven for their garden will tell you that turning your pizza in the oven takes skill and practice. If you go too early, you'll tear a hole through the base. Leave it too late and one edge will blacken before the rest has cooked. Even an uneven turn can leave you with a pizza that's charred on one side and pale on the other. It's a technique that gets easier with practice, but it still catches plenty of home cooks out and not perfecting it is one of the most common mistakes people make with their pizza ovens.

The good news is that Ooni has the answer. The pizza oven specialist has unveiled a new rotating stone that automatically turns your pizza as it cooks, promising evenly baked crusts without the need to keep reaching into the oven with a peel.

Ooni Rotating Stone Launch

The idea behind Ooni's new accessory is super simple and straightforward. Place your rotating stone inside theoven, slide the pizza onto the stone, and the surface rotates automatically as it cooks. Because the stone is made from the same cordierite material used across Ooni's pizza ovens, it retains heat exceptionally well, helping to deliver an evenly cooked base without creating noticeable hot or cold spots.

What makes the rotating stone different from similar accessories is its design. Rather than relying on a central pivot, Ooni has moved the rotating mechanism to the perimeter of the stone. According to the brand, this "perimeter-balanced stability" eliminates the wobbling and stalling that can happen with centre-mounted turntables. This means that your pizza stone will stay just as stable roasting a whole chicken or with a heavy cast iron pan as it is will for cooking pizza.

"The rotating stone showcases our commitment to meaningful innovation," said Kristian Tapaninaho, Founder of Ooni. "Being a trailblazing company means more than improving a product; it means redefining the experience. We identified a market crowded with products that fall short on reliability and engineered a solution that is as elegant as it is durable. The Koda 2 Rotating Stone Range makes cooking simpler, more intuitive and more enjoyable."

One feature that caught my attention is the built-in LIDAR sensor. Rather than reaching inside the oven to press a button, you can start or stop the stone with a simple wave of your hand or pizza peel. It's a small touch, but one that should help keep floury hands away from controls while you're cooking.

You can also choose between continuous rotation for hands-free cooking or a 90-degree turn setting if you'd rather keep more control over how your pizza cooks.

Pizza Oven Accessories That Make Life Easier

It's not just a rotating stone that makes life easy, there are plenty of other accessories that I think are essentially to getting the perfect pizza:

Having tested a wide range of pizza ovens over the years, and coming from a family that runs a pizza business, I know that learning when to turn a pizza is one of the biggest hurdles for beginners.

While experienced pizza makers probably won't mind doing it by hand, this feels like an accessory that could flatten the learning curve. It's worth noting that these stones are only compatible with Ooni ovens, as they are made to fit, but they promise to make homemade pizza nights much more relaxed, especially for anyone buying their first outdoor oven.

Keeping your garden happy when record-high temperatures hit during summer can be a real challenge. And lawns in particular can be sensitive to extreme weather, so when they seemingly die on you, it's hard not to panic.

Even when you know all the essential lawn care tips for summer, a heatwave can easily come along and undo all your hard work. Knowing how often to water your lawn in summer can help to prevent it becoming a crispy wasteland; however, when hosepipe bans and heatwaves occur, that watering routine can go out the window.

If your lawn has completely dried out and turned brown, you might be thinking it's all over, but garden expert Ish, @gardening.with.ish on Instagram, says there's hope yet.

You can do everything to avoid lawn care mistakes this summer, but with hot, dry weather and a hosepipe ban in place, your lawn will inevitably suffer.

"If your lawn is looking a lot like mine, which can only be described as a post-apocalyptic desert scene, then you may be thinking, well, this brown carpet mess is now the end of my lawn for this year," starts Ish.

"But I'm here to tell you that's the complete opposite. What's actually going on here is quite cool. So, the grass has died completely on top; it's gone brown, it's gone crisp. That's no use to anyone, but underneath is where the action is happening, because the roots actually go dormant," he adds.

"They let this die over to create a nice kind of netting over the top to protect it from any more drought, and then it does nothing until it's got more moisture from the soil," Ish points out.

In the same way you protect plants from frost while they lay dormant in winter, the grass does this for itself during dry seasons.

Although there are ways to water your garden during a hosepipe ban, for your lawn, it's best to wait until the bans are lifted or the inevitable rain arrives.

"So, in the next few days, when I start to get heavy rains or the hose pipe bans lifted again, I can start to rehydrate my lawn and sure enough, some of this will brush away with the rake, and in its place, new grass will grow from those roots," Ish says.

"It just goes to show that actually it's not the end of the world. You can leave your lawn like this, and whilst it's slightly unsightly, actually, it's perfectly fine and perfectly healthy. And remember, when it does get to the point to be able to water it, do it in the mornings or evenings, when it's nice and cool," he recommends.

And that same advice goes for the best time to water your garden plants, too, during summer; that way you're not having to help them recover from sunburn.

Not only can you prepare your garden for a heatwave, but you can also mulch before the hot weather brings on a hosepipe ban. That way, your garden is less likely to suffer, and you'll have less fixing up to do when the sun leaves.

It seems now more than ever that people are getting into their gardens and growing their own produce, whether that's in a balcony garden or a veggie patch. And the celebs are getting stuck in too, with Minnie Driver being our latest spot.

If you've been wondering whether to start a vegetable garden this year, this is all the inspiration you need. Good Will Hunting star Minnie Driver has shared her bustling garden filled with a never-ending supply of tomatoes and a 'cucumber jungle', as she calls it.

The star has taken to her Instagram @driverminnie to give fans a tour around her generous countryside garden, filled with late-summer flowers and faithful feathered friends.

"Do you know how nice it is to shell peas in the morning with a cup of tea? I think I'm a trad wife! I just want to show you something, I mean, first of all, this, and these," says Minnie, showing off her vibrant red dahlias.

And she's not the first celeb we've seen take on gardening at this impressive level; just last year, Pamela Anderson welcomed us into her farmhouse garden, complete with outdoor kitchen and raised beds.

"But my favourite things are these. Obviously, we've eaten quite a lot of tomatoes this weekend, and maybe only second to how many cucumbers we've eaten. Look, it's a jungle of cucumbers, oh my god, I'm in heaven, they're banging on my head as I walk through the cucumber jungle," she continues.

It's rather impressive how Minnie has supported her plants as they've grown in her greenhouse, with the cucumbers towering high and hanging overhead. It's a great way to make the most of the space you have by utilising vertical growth.

Although it's clear Minnie has outdoor space to spare, what with the large walk-in greenhouse and rolling fields, most of the food she grows can be grown in containers.

And it's not just the produce she's growing; Minnie also has several chickens, including Henrietta, whom she seems rather fond of. As well as some staggeringly tall sunflowers, which make her a gardening professional in our eyes.

If you yourself are growing tomatoes but haven't had nearly as much luck with big harvests like Minnie this year, then you might have to take some extra steps to get more fruit out of your plants.

Now is the time to pruning wisteria to cut back any unruly stems. A tactical summer chop ensures the plant's energy is redirected back into long, leafy growth and encourages it to produce flowers, while keeping the plant looking tidy too.

While browsing my social media feed, I stumbled across an ingenious sustainable gardening idea of repurposing the cut branches for homemade decorations.

Garden influencer Sophie Valentine, best known as @lookinsidemygarden on Instagram, explains: "I'm getting ready for Christmas with my wisteria. I save all the whips and make them into wreath bases. It's so easy to do, and it means that there is no waste in the garden."

Sophie shares helpful beginner tutorial videos with her 374k followers to encourage others to get more from their gardens. In her recent post, she shared her brilliant tip for reducing garden waste while tidying up your Wisteria and getting ahead for Christmas. But in the spirit of celebrating all the seasons, we will be making autumn wreaths first.

Advising fans on how to reuse the off-cuts, Sophie says: "Using a glove, pull off all the leaves from your shoots, so you have a perfect fresh stem to work with."

"Then curl your stem into a circle shape and start to create the shape of your wreath base. I add to it as I prune so you can build up how thick it gets."

"Wisteria looks dramatic, but pruning it is actually very straightforward once you know the trick," says Orpheus Alexander, w&h's resident garden expert.

"In summer, cut this year's long, whippy shoots back to about five or six leaves. It might feel like you're cutting a lot off, but don't be afraid to be firm. A well-pruned wisteria will reward you with far more flowers."

Homemade wreaths are easier to make than most people think, but it all starts with a good base. The beauty of making one with intertwined branches means a strong foundation to support the foliage as you build your wreath.

While this idea is dedicated to Christmas, you can make a wreath for all seasons; this tip can be used all year round depending on what you are cutting back when.

The plants you prune in March may provide stems for a spring wreath, and the plants you prune in September could be enough to fashion an autumn wreath.

As someone who makes a homemade wreath every year, I am especially excited about this tip because the base is always the part that I have to buy – the rest is freshly cut from the garden. But not now. I'm going to start collecting unwanted stems to make a twig base, so my seasonal wreath is entirely foraged from now on.

Sophie's followers were also quick to praise the idea. One wrote: "Great idea! I could make so many doing this! Thanks for the idea." While another says, "That’s genius! Thank you for yet another great tip."

So will you be giving your garden waste a new lease of life by making your own wreath base?

Dame Helen Mirren’s Hollywood home has appeared on the market for approx. £8.9M ($12M), and it’s allowed us a sneak peek inside to admire her timeless taste.

When it comes to a clean, curated aesthetic, it can be surprisingly hard to strike the right balance between minimalist and character. Fortunately, Helen’s gorgeous compound offers a look at honouring the bones of a historic home with a timeless look without giving the feeling of an unloved, unlived show home.

Set across 6.5 private acres in the prestigious Hollywood Hills, one of the first things to note is how Dame Helen has kept the home feeling open and inviting, not closed off or secluded. It's a home 'filled with decades of history, character, and soul' that tells its own beautiful story.

A look inside Dame Helen Mirren's Hollywood home

The backdrop of neutral off-white walls and wooden surfaces is beautifully accented by a colour palette of rich greens, deep browns, and brooding black, which adds depth without overpowering the home's original Hollywood Hills character.

For that added touch of glamour, the house is styled with deep silk rugs that help to soften the expansive rooms, making them feel both luxurious yet suitably homely and lived in.

The goal in the mansion's expansive rooms was to keep a pared-back look with intentional design pieces, not a space filled to the brim.

There’s also plenty of delightful nooks and crannies, with all corners of the grand space being used intentionally, without feeling overcrowded. Warm, low lounge chairs are pushed near built-in shelves, offering areas of respite to curl up and relax.

While oak walls offer a touch of elegance and a luxe feel, the clever use of layered lighting keeps rooms inviting, rather than shadowy and off-putting.

It's easy to imagine how the combination of lamps, wall lighting and natural daylight from the windows can help adjust the atmosphere and ambience depending on the time of day and the occasion.

Enjoy an airy, light morning with daylight pouring in through the window, then sink into the plush chair and fur rug in the evening, with the warm, amber glow reflecting off the gold and copper trimmings of the bar.

Inspired by Helen's interiors

In staging the home, Vesta designer Ryan Worthington had a clear vision. Per their social media, "His vision was to embrace the home’s rich history while creating a sense of renewed elegance through a refined palette of deep greens, warm browns, and sophisticated blacks - tones that enhanced the architecture and timeless character already present.

When a home already carries so much character, the design is about listening to its story – and thoughtfully adding the next chapter."

The abundance of trees allows both privacy from prying eyes and the opportunity to keep the layout open, with huge windows, open terraces and open-plan rooms. The natural daylight pours in, meeting an uncluttered and airy selection of oversized furniture.

When designing the outdoor living area, the staging company introduced pieces from its iron outdoor furniture collection, creating a seamless transition between interior and exterior living areas.

This idea of bringing the outside in is a huge trend and is impeccably carried off with this sophisticated look.

The compound, now owned by acting royalty in the form of Dame Helen and her husband, Taylor Hackford, has always been connected to Hollywood’s glamorous history. It was first built in 1911 for silent film star Dustin Farnum.

Since that time, only a handful of people have been lucky enough to call it home, including film producer Mark Hellinger and actress-producer Gail Patrick. Helen purchased the property in the 1980s and spent decades carefully restoring it, preserving its roots while adapting it to be an entirely liveable and luxurious home.

No two people are the same, so no two gardens should be. For anyone wanting to add more personality to their space – from lavish lawns to balcony plots - Sara Davies has just the trick.

The former Dragons’ Den entrepreneur is a recent convert to gardening, documenting her journey as she transforms her outdoor space with the help of her mum. And while she’s no doubt feeling the many proven health benefits of awakening those green fingers, Sara is also letting fans in on the tricks and tips she’s picking up along the way.

Her latest trick is a simple yet impactful way for transforming climbing plants into statement shapes and standout features – and it takes barely any time or effort at all.

Taking to her social media, Sara demonstrated how, even as a relative nature novice, she’s been able to take a simple potted plant and transform it by moving it into a nicer-looking pot and shaping it around a bit of thick wire.

In the caption, she explains, "Since I started gardening, I've been searching for loads of new tips and tricks to try. I've come across this amazing technique a few times and I felt confident enough to have a go myself.

"All I did was take one of my plants, remove the sticks that it came with, bend some thick wire into a heart, and feed the stems around it instead... it was actually SUPER easy.

"Lovely to look at and it barely took any time, so definitely one to have a go at!"

Another trick Sara inadvertently demonstrated in the video is using polystyrene to fill up a pot. For anyone moving a plant into a larger pot, you can save on soil and make it easier to move around - especially great if you're worried about mobility - by using packing peanuts or broken-up foam.

Not every gardener is a fan, because of the risk of microplastics in the soil. Still, you can also replicate the benefits of this trick with natural objects like twigs, pinecones, or broken, unglazed terracotta.

Which plants would Sara's wire trick work best on?

If Sara’s wire trick inspires you, you might be wondering which plants will fare better when shaped around wire. Generally, these fall into two categories: flexible vines that can be wrapped around sturdier wire trellises, and dense shrubs that can be clipped into topiary frames.

Plants that fall under these categories include:

• Star Jasmine
• English ivy
• Creeping Fig
• Boxwood
• Rosemary

Sara turned her plant - a Star Jasmine - into a love heart shape in a patterned pot, and it’s easy to see how you can take this even further if you wanted to stick to a theme, which is why styling any room in your home with potted plants is an easy but overlooked method.

For example, if you wanted a collection of hearts, why not upcycle an old pot by painting more hearts on it? Or you could paint a simple clay pot a more vibrant colour for a real statement look.

Other finishing touches you could consider might include wrapping light, solar-powered fairy lights around your newly-created plant shape. When it gets darker, you’ll still see the shape you created twinkling away.

Fans replying to Sara's post also illustrate other ways you can use this trick. One person shared that they did this with plants at their wedding, and it's easy to see how this would be an affordable yet memorable way of sprucing up an entryway or a centrepiece.

The Ninja Slushi Twist is a summer sensation - that's not my prediction, it's a fact. The viral frozen drinks maker has sold out in America, thanks to the all-new dual-drink design. It promises to be the star of any sunny event, as well as a winner with the kids too.

Older versions of the Ninja Slushi have been big hits in the UK before. All the Ninja Slushi models can make healthy slushies, sorbets, and frozen cocktails in 15 minutes. What makes the new Twist model even more exciting is that it has two slushie drums for two separate drinks, whether that's an alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktail, or a milkshake with a dairy-free alternative, or two flavours that compliment each other in an the model's signature twist style.

As someone who loves to host, the Ninja Slushi Twist is an appliance I'm dying to boast about. I love generous, considerate catering; I love a fast appliance; and I love a feature for an outdoor kitchen. This ticks all of those boxes, with a side of cooling power. What's not to love?

Ninja Slushi Twist Iced Drinks Maker launch

If you're brand new to the whole Ninja Slushie line, these frozen drinks makers are a stroke of genius. Essentially, they churn your drink around a frozen cylinder, making everything from milkshake to frosé in as little as 15 minutes. If you haven't already spotted it too, the Slushi Twist works with alcohol and non-dairy ingredients, which is unusual. Many alternatives can't handle the different temperatures and water content of different recipes, so the Slushi is extra special.

The Slushi Twist is a brilliant for anyone who hosts regularly, wants to make a healthier version of a frozen treat, or for having some fun with in the summer. And, as with all Ninja appliances, this is packed with clever features and technology. The ones that set the Slushi Twist apart from the rest are:

• Make two drinks at once: the headline feature is the dual-barrel design, which lets you prepare two completely different frozen drinks simultaneously. Keep cocktails and mocktails separate, serve dairy and plant-based milkshakes side by side, or create two contrasting flavours for guests to choose from.
• Swirl flavours together with the spinning drip tray: pulling both levers at once lets the clever spinning drip tray swirl the drinks together as they dispense into your glass. The result is a fun, striped frozen drink.
• 14 texture settings: a range of manual settings mean that you can choose what kind of drink or dessert you want from your machine, from thick, spoonable desserts to lighter, more sippable frozen drinks.
• Dual SlushAssist technology: this isn't just a one-button slush machine. Ninja's Dual SlushAssist technology automatically senses the ingredients in each barrel and adjusts the temperature and spin speed to achieve the ideal consistency. If you'd rather take control yourself, there are 14 manual settings ranging from thick, spoonable desserts to lighter, more sippable frozen drinks.
• Faster freezing and better cocktail performance: Ninja says the Slushi Twist freezes drinks faster than the original FS301UK Slushi and can also handle higher-alcohol recipes more effectively. For summer parties, that's a true treat.

The point of the Slushi design is that it's a fun appliance, designed to elevate your hosting from home. You don't need it as much as you might your kettle or toaster, but it has become a "cultural hit" in the words of James Kitto, SVP Managing Director for EMEA at SharkNinja. He is excited “to give consumers a fresh experience, giving them a unique way to combine flavours, personalise their beverages and keep the excitement alive through summer hosting and beyond.”

Similar machines to the Ninja Slushi Twist

When I tested the Ninja Slushie MAX, I put it head-to-head with GreenPan's Frost, This also handles alcohol and dairy-free alternatives, but can also make soft-serve ice cream. However, it doesn't have the versatility boasted by the twist, nor does it have the intuitive touches that are signatures for Ninja: easy cleaning, fast churning, and extra-cold temperatures:

With summer entertaining in full swing, the Ninja Slushi Twist arrives at exactly the right time. The ability to make cocktails and mocktails, dairy and plant-based drinks, or two completely different flavours at the same time makes it far more versatile than your average frozen drink machine. Considering how quickly previous Ninja Slushi models sold out overseas, I'd be surprised if this one stayed in stock for long.

I don't know about you, but I find shower heads to be one of the most frustrating things to clean in my home, especially when the limescale has fully taken over. So I was joyous when I spotted Nancy Birtwhistle has a scrub-free solution.

Although limescale removal isn't a part of my daily cleaning habits, it is still one of the jobs I really dread doing. And yet it's incredibly important to keep on top of it because of the way it affects my shower head's performance; having streams of water going in every direction is far from ideal.

Usually, when I'm in these predicaments, I rely on my expert cleaning hacks, but I hadn't yet discovered cleaning expert Nancy Birtwhistle's 'Pure Magic' spray and solution. It's safe to say I won't be dreading cleaning my shower head ever again.

Although it's one of the household items we should clean more regularly, it's quite easy to avoid cleaning the shower head for months. However, with this simple, scrub-free method, I'll certainly be doing it more often.

"When I got in the shower this morning, I thought the water here was spraying out in all different directions, and then I looked at the rose, limescale," starts Nancy.

"Unscrew, find a dish to fit, use pure magic solution, spray on, flip over and spray other side. Then leave in solution for one hour, rinse in warm water and reattach," she continues.

To make her versatile 'Pure Magic' cleaning solution, Nancy shares the simple chemical-free recipe in her book, and it's incredibly affordable and easy to make.

"Place the citric acid in the heatproof measuring jug, pour over the measure of the just-boiled water straight from the kettle and then stir until completely dissolved and the solution is as clear as plain water," explains Nancy in her book Clean Magic, available for £11.05 at Amazon.

"Once cool, add the washing-up liquid and, if using, the essential oil for perfume. Brightly coloured, branded chemical types of washing-up liquid may solidify the mix. Be sure, too, to use washing-up liquid or dish soap, not hand soap, as this may cause lumps," continues Nancy.

"Leave the liquid in the jug to cool completely, uncovered, for a few hours, then transfer to a spray bottle - label it Pure Magic so that you don't get mixed up and your cleaning can begin," she adds.

Cleaning with citric acid is a fantastic way to keep your home chemical-free; it's often forgotten about, but it tackles soap scum, limescale and mineral deposits all over your home.

Whilst we are big fans of investing in some luxury cleaning products for many jobs around the home, there are plenty of low-cost, simple solutions that work just as well as the branded soaps and sprays.

With temperatures reaching record highs this past month, it's getting increasingly hard to spend any quality time out in the garden. Which is why we've been on the lookout for some smart shade ideas so you can enjoy your summer outside.

There's no shortage of garden shade ideas to add to your garden for the summer months; however, many of them can be expensive, rather bulky or involve waiting for trees to grow. That shouldn't mean you're stuck without that all-important shade and struggling to keep your garden cool this season.

So if you do need small garden ideas, or simply don't have the budget to buy an impressive pergola, these shade sails are just what you've been looking for.

Beat the heat with sun shade sails

Shadescaping your can has multiple benefits for both you and your plant life, especially with the weather getting hotter each summer. That's why it's a good idea to invest in something that can offer that much-needed relief from the sun and the UV that can leave us looking a little too red.

Shade sails aren't only an affordable option, but they can also be easily taken down and don't take up any precious floor space like a parasol or pergola would.

Whilst we're all for properly investing money into your outdoor space to ensure it meets your needs through each season, sometimes installing a pergola or gazebo isn't within the budget. And if you're looking to transform your garden on a budget to help with the heatwave temperatures, a shade sail is a great option.

They're a great option if you have an awkwardly shaped garden or need something precisely measured to fit over your outdoor living room. They come in various shapes, colours and materials; however, their installations are similar.

If you don't have study anchor points to hang your shade sail, then you can buy versions that come with posts, although cementing them into the ground might raise the cost.

Attaching the hooks to your home or any surrounding structures in your garden will keep the costs down and stop any more room being taken. Which is ideal if you don't have much floor space as it is, shade sails are perfect if you've got a rather large collection of patio container plants to accommodate.

With prices starting as little as £27 at B&Q, these sails are a quick, affordable way to give you and your loved ones some respite from the heat whilst still being able to be outside and enjoy the season.

Should you be lucky enough to have a sun-filled garden, shade sails are a nifty solution for keeping your plants that love shade happy, too. Those more sensitive species can be kept safe under the cover, and you won't need to help them recover from sunburn anymore.

Does plant food remain a mystery to you? With so many different types on the market, it can be hard to figure out which ones you really need and what they even do for your plants.

Whether you're trying to make your grass look greener this summer or simply want to maximise your roses' blooming period, you've probably tried using plant food. And whilst they're pretty straightforward essential gardening tools for getting more from your plants, the sheer number of different types available can get confusing.

To make feeding your plants simpler, garden design expert and influencer at @Gardening.with.Ish on Instagram, Ish, has given us a complete rundown on all the different feeds, what they do and whether or not you need them.

Even if you're not trying to keep costs down in the garden this summer, buying a bunch of plant food is not only expensive but possibly unnecessary.

"Are all these plant foods really necessary for your plants? Well, let's find out, because there are so many different varieties for so many different plants, a lot of people are actually quite confused. So I thought I'd break it down today so you know exactly what's what," starts Ish.

"Let's start with the good old multi-purpose. I've got slow-release feed, which you put directly into the ground or into the compost, and this will last about four to six months, giving a steady release of nutrients to those plants. So for this one, it's a multi-purpose, which is good for leaves and flowers," he continues

"Now you've got the liquid feed, which is more of an instant feed. So you do this every couple of weeks or so during the high-growing months. As a result, it thrives, but it's not targeting anything specifically; it's just good for flowers, good for leaves, so you'll get a kind of mixed bag," Ish adds.

Should you be a beginner vegetable gardener, you've probably used tomato feed before, but there's more than one way to use tomato feed in your garden.

"If you want something a little bit better for flowers and your fruit, go for a tomato feed or a strawberry feed. Now, tomato feeds are high in potassium, which means they're great for strawberries, raspberries, even your apples, pears, peaches, but also really good for flowers too. So the dahlias that you've got growing at the moment love tomato feed, which helps them generate more flowers, and even your strawberries," explains Ish.

"But a little interesting fact, for you, strawberry feed and tomato feed are usually the exact same thing. So get whichever one works for you or is cheapest because they do the same thing," he says.

"Next thing we're looking at high iron feeds. Now, these are your lawn tonics and your ericaceous feeds. So, lawn tonics are really, really good at being watered straight on, and because they're so high in iron, the lawn loves it, but things like weeds and moss absolutely hate it; it actually burns them," Ish points out.

Not only will these tonics help get rid of moss in your lawn, but they'll also help darken the green colour of your grass.

Should you have some of the best cottage garden plants in your space, like hydrangeas or rhododendrons, then Ish recommends looking out for a particular feed.

"And then if you ever see pink on a feed, it usually means it's an ericaceous feed. Which is slightly acidic, so things like your rhododendrons, some of your hydrangeas, even camellias as well, will absolutely thrive with these," Ish says.

"Acer feed, feed in March and September, handful in and water in, all you need to do, as it's a slow-release feed that's perfect for acers," he quickly adds.

Now, you might still not want to buy every single feed mentioned here, but at least now you know which ones you actually need and why.

If you have your own homemade compost heap, then you'll know the nutrients in this can also be a great way to feed your plants, just be sure to check it's properly broken down before adding it anywhere.

What better time to take a trip, albeit virtually, around the Murray's breathtaking Scottish hotel Cromlix, than on the final day of the iconic Wimbledon tournament?

Complete with a bar, restaurant, billiards room, and of course numerous tennis courts, the Cromlix hotel is perfectly located in the rural, secluded woodland near Dunblane, Scotland. And if you've ever wondered how to add personality to your home, then simply looking at every room in this refurbished Victorian country house will give you more than enough inspiration.

Sharing the space with The Sunday Times Style YouTube channel, Kim Murray welcomes us to walk around the property, visiting her favourite spaces and gives us a little behind-the-scenes of the interior choices in each room.

Unsurprisingly, the entire family home turned hotel oozes luxury and warmth, and whilst we might expect celebrities to prioritise their own tastes within a space, it's clear the Murrays have incorporated Scotland's heritage as well as the timeless interiors pre-existing in the property.

It's safe to say the Murrays and their interior expert, Suzanne Garuda, have mastered how to make a space look expensive without taking away the comfort or homely feel. Kim herself says, "It's family owned now, and that's really important to us. I've always wanted it to feel first and foremost like a home as opposed to a hotel."

One of the most bewitching spaces is the drawing room with its baby blue walls and light lemon ceiling, a choice that Kim says was quite the rogue concept. However, the bold floral furniture dotted around the room, some new and some refurbished from before, really ties the pastel colour palette together, making a cohesive, relaxing space perfect for a spot of afternoon tea.

This charming butter yellow and powder blue scheme is also featured in Kim's favourite bedroom and suite. She walks us through, describing the design process and why she loves the space so much.

"So this is Hyssa, one of our lovely turret suites, it's got it's own sitting room there and then this amazing interior corridor, which I love we went really dark on the wall colour which is probably quite unusual for a space where you've got kind of one window," says Kim.

"Through to this lovely bedroom, which has got the amazing aspect out over the grounds and the tennis court. This is one of my favourite bedrooms. I think it's got a real princessy feel to it and you feel like you're sitting atop a castle and the view is amazing. You've just this tree line and the mountains beyond," she continues.

The space, as well as the other bathrooms and bedrooms, is a lesson in sophisticated dopamine decor. They envelop you in personality and charm without being overwhelming or taking away from the serene feel of the hotel.

"Every time people walk through the door of it, it's like, 'Oh wow, is this all mine'. One of my favourite things in this room is the two window seats that we've created," Kim starts.

"There was just a chest of drawers in this one, and we've obviously built it in, furnished it, and I just think it's a lovely place to sit and enjoy the surroundings. The light pours in, and you've got amazing views of the grounds and the woodland," she adds.

Finishing the tour in Andy's favourite room, the billiards room, Kim points out all the fun, rather quirky additions in the space, as well as the inherited, refurbished billiards table. We might have to agree with Andy; this is undoubtedly our favourite room.

Were you expecting something a little more on the nose from the iconic tennis couple? Whilst there isn't much tenniscore interiors in the hotel, we're certainly not surprised to hear that there are multiple tennis courts on the 34-acre property. We'll see you there for a game, Andy!

Enjoying time out in the garden between Wimbledon matches this month? With the final ahead of us today, we've got tennis on our minds, and this rather ingenious trick is just the thing to get us ready for the championship's climax.

It may have been a challenge trying to sort your garden out this month without missing the thrilling Wimbledon matches. But there's nothing like having the right essential gardening tools to make your life easier, and more importantly, make your July gardening jobs list go quicker.

Which is why this trick from gardening expert Simon Akeroyd (@simonakeroydgardenwriter on Instagram) immediately caught our eye. Not only does it help get a particularly frustrating job in the garden done quicker and easier, but it's also got a Wimbledon-esque twist to it.

If you're a proud owner of your own homemade compost heap, you'll be more than aware of how clumpy it can get. And if you're using it to plant up patio container plants, these lumps need to go for the best results.

"When you make homemade compost, it is often very lumpy. This is fine if you just need bulky material for mulching or filling raised beds in the garden," starts Simon.

"But ideally, you want a nice, fine compost for seed sowing and potting on plants. For this reason, I sieve my garden compost. You can use a specific garden composting sieve (a riddle). But an old tennis racquet works just as well!" he continues.

Not only is this a great sustainable garden idea for keeping your compost performing at its best, but reusing old things in this way is a fantastic way to keep costs down in the garden.

"Instead of buying a compost sieve for removing the lumps in your homemade compost, repurpose your old tennis racquet instead. Your old racquet has a perfectly weighted handle, and the racquet holes are the perfect size for removing lumps," Simon points out.

"Gardeners call the process of sieving compost ‘riddling’, and a compost sieve is known as a riddle," Simon explains.

So whether you're a beginner vegetable gardener or are trying to waste less, this is a fantastic new trick to add to your gardening repertoire and a brilliant new use for your beloved tennis racquet.

Looking to waste less in the garden? There are so many ways to reuse household waste through your gardening, it's sustainable and will save you heaps of money in the process too.

Warm temperatures are great for helping your plants thrive and grow, but they also, unfortunately, create a welcoming environment for pests to move in. And right now, it's aphid season.

If you've been a gardener for a short time or for years, you'll have no doubt come across aphids in your garden. They're minute insects that enjoy feasting on your plants and can become a big issue rather quickly. Whilst there's a common flower that can help repel pests like aphids, there's another natural option to help keep your plants safe.

Although there are plenty of garden plants to grow that provide food for birds, there are a couple of species that will also feast on aphids, acting as a natural pest control.

Secret to preparing your garden for aphids this season

Whilst you've been sorting out your garden this month, you may have found some rather gross-looking insects taking over the leaves of your plants. These are aphids, also known as greenfly, and now is the time they arrive in gardens in swarms.

"With peak aphid season taking place across June and July, gardens across the UK can expect surging numbers of the pests. Aphids – or greenflies – are sap-sucking bugs, which feed on plants including ornamentals, vegetables, fruits, greenhouse plants and houseplants," says Ark Wildlife's wildlife expert, Sean McMenemy.

"Aphid populations can double every three days during their annual peak, with large numbers damaging plants by weakening new growth and spreading disease," he adds.

In the same way you'd attract birds to your garden to help with slugs, they can also be recruited for your aphid problem.

"Fortunately, some of Britain's garden birds act as highly effective natural pest control. Blue tits and long-tailed tits rely heavily on insects during the breeding season, with aphids forming a key part of their diet," continues Sean.

"Parent birds can collect hundreds of insects every day while feeding their young, making them valuable allies for gardeners looking to support wildlife and maintain a healthy garden naturally," explains Sean.

So if you do want to attract birds to your garden to help with your aphid problem, here are a few ways Sean says you can invite your feathered friends.

Along with following the latest guidance on summer bird feeding, you can also choose specific plants to help encourage these birds to your outdoor space

"Blue tits and long-tailed tits spend much of the breeding season searching for insects to feed their young, including aphids, caterpillars and other soft-bodied invertebrates. Gardens with a healthy mix of flowering plants, trees and shrubs provide valuable foraging opportunities, encouraging birds to visit regularly throughout spring and summer," he recommends.

"Allowing sections of the garden to grow more naturally can make it far more attractive to wildlife. Longer grass, wildflowers and undisturbed corners support a wider range of insects while providing additional cover for birds moving around the garden," Sean suggests.

Should you find that you're still dealing with aphids, and on a large scale, other garden experts recommend using a homemade natural garlic spray to keep the pests away.

It's not just your outdoor plants you'll want to keep an eye on this season; aphids are also a common pest found on houseplants and will need to be treated to keep your plants healthy.

If you're anything like us, you'll be an absolute sucker for a stylish home accessory, and with our current love of wireless rechargeable lamps only growing by the day, the news that this Next sell-out marble lamp is back had us jumping for joy.

When it comes to rechargeable lamps, this particular model is not the first one to catch our eyes and, quite frankly, our hearts. Next's chic set of two brass table lamps has become a strong favourite in our Homes Editor Tamara Kelly's home. Not only are they perfect for light layering, but they're also a great way to make your hallway look more welcoming to guests.

So when we heard that this utterly chic rechargeable bookcase lamp was finally back in stock at Next, we couldn't stop ourselves from sharing the news.

Sell out: Next's chic rechargeable bookcase lamp

You might've noticed that rechargeable, wireless lamps are dominating this year's lighting trends. And it's for good reason: they're incredibly convenient, can be placed pretty much anywhere in your home and look fantastic.

Whilst some can be surprisingly cheap, they are a product that we recommend investing a little more money into, as the higher quality versions tend to have much more charge and give off a considerable amount more light too.

Having already tried some of Next's rechargeable lamps and compared them to cheaper alternatives, we can confidently say it's well worth going for the slightly pricier choice. And this lamp is certainly worth that extra splurge.

With a chunky, sturdy real marble base and timeless brushed brass accents, this isn't a lamp that's going to simply last you a year or so. As is true with most Next products, this is a luxurious piece that's made to last in your home.

If you're looking to make your home look expensive without blowing your budget or want to add a little quiet luxury style to your space, adding high-quality lighting pieces is certainly the way to go.

Not only do they improve a room's ambience and help you get the right light colour temperature in every space, but they elevate the style of your home, too.

So, if you're ready to ditch the big light and liven up your bookcases, we suggest you act quickly to snap up this sell-out lamp.

Shop lamp alternatives

Trying to make a dark room brighter without turning on the somewhat overwhelming big light can be a real challenge. But finding these small yet mighty lamps and accent lights can be just the solution you need.

These heatwaves are certainly taking their toll on our plants and lawns. Even when you're keeping up with watering, they still seem to be wilting away. Luckily, one of our favourite garden influencers has shared his hot weather essential for keeping plants hydrated and happy.

If you've been out in the garden this month, ticking off your July essential jobs, you'll probably have noticed just how harsh the weather is being on your poor plants. And while it's helpful to know the best time of day to water your garden as well as what to do to prepare your plants for a heatwave, sometimes the temperatures just get the best of us.

However, garden design expert and influencer Ish (@gardening.with.ish on Instagram) has discovered a rather nifty way to help your plants retain moisture as well as keep pests and sun rays at bay. It's a heatwave miracle!

You might feel like you've only just helped your garden recover from the last heatwave, but with no signs of the hot weather letting up, you'll probably need further help keeping your plants happy.

"I have made an accidental gardening discovery which will actually help save your potted plants from drying out," starts Ish.

"Now, if you've never heard of them before, I got myself some wool pellets, and this was actually for something completely different. It was to protect my plants from slugs," he adds.

"Because if you don't know what wool pellets are, effectively they are just wool that's been crushed up into pellets, and because it soaks in moisture so easily, when a slug goes on top of it, it soaks that moisture from the slug; it doesn't like it as a result and stays away from it," continues Ish.

Aside from stopping your garden from filling with slugs, these wool pellets can be made into a heatwave saviour for your potted plants and hanging baskets.

"But add it to a tub of water or some really wet compost, and all of a sudden it makes this fantastic little slurry, which is soaking in the moisture really, really well," explains Ish.

"So I've been mixing this in with my multi-purpose compost or peat-free compost, which is not very good at retaining moisture anyway, and putting this in my potted plants," he shares.

"And as a result, it's been holding onto that moisture just a little bit longer, meaning that I don't have to worry about my plants drying out so quickly," Ish adds.

Also a great thing to do if you're worried about taking care of your garden whilst you're on holiday this summer.

Similar to your garden tool essentials, wool pellets are helpful for various reasons and ideal to have on hand year-round.

"Now it's not just good for that. Obviously, it's good for keeping slugs out, and if you place it on top, it also works as a really good mulch layer. So any sun rays coming on a heatwave are reflected off of this too, which means soil is drying out more slowly as well. So, all around a really good," Ish says.

"And a double bonus is that sheep's wool is naturally full of nitrogen, meaning when this breaks down, it's also a slow-release food," he finishes.

You can also use coffee grounds in your garden to add nitrogen to the compost; however, wool does have way more benefits for your plants to enjoy.

Wool is also a great way to protect your plants from frost when the winter months come around; it provides a blanket-like cover to keep your hardy perennials safe.

Please tell me I'm not the only one who's noticed how dirty their window tracks are since throwing the windows and doors open to air the house?

In truth, it's because it's too easy to forget to clean window tracks until the heat suddenly hits and you reach for the windows to let the hot air out or create a cross-breeze to help keep a room cool.

I was actually pretty horrified by how filthy my window tracks were, in my otherwise clean home. I have a regular window cleaner to wash the outside and I ensure the inside panes are always gleaming, but somehow cleaning the tracks has been completely neglected. Until I saw Lynsey's time-saving cleaning trick and felt inspired to clean them immediately.

"Drench a piece of kitchen roll with white vinegar, place it into the window track, then simply swipe it along to lift dirt and debris in one go," says Lynsey in her helpful tutorial video on her Instagram @lynsey_queen of clean.

To get into the tight grooves, on both window and door tracks, she suggests using the back of a spoon to push the kitchen towel into every possible crack.

"No fiddly brushes. No chasing dust around. Cleans and lifts debris at the same time." Lynsey declares it one of her favourite expert cleaning hacks because it takes mere seconds, involves no harsh chemicals, and "leaves your window tracks looking so much fresher".

Trying Lynsey Crombies window track cleaning hack

It really is as simple as it looks. You tear off a sheet of kitchen towel; I recommend doubling over two sheets to make it more robust when wet. Spritz the paper towel with white vinegar and place it along the window track.

I used a silicone cooking spoon (to avoid the scratchy sounds of a metal one) to drag the sheet along the length of the track, applying light pressure to wipe into the creases to ensure every bit of grime is picked up.

The dirt from the track transfers onto the paper towel as you wipe. Full disclosure, I did have to repeat the process because the tracks on my French doors were particularly dirty. Nevertheless, this trick worked an absolute treat.

As always, the professional cleaner is keen to encourage her fans to give it a try and let her know how they get on – and they didn't disappoint with this window cleaning task.

"So helpful. Thank you," wrote one, "Definitely trying this," enthused another. "I hate this job, thanks for the tip," said another more directly.

Here at w&h, we are always on the lookout for simple cleaning hacks that save us time but still produce great results without harsh chemicals or too much elbow grease. Cleaning with vinegar is always up there for some of the most effective ways of removing dirt, as this simple window track method has demonstrated.

Lynsey also attributes her trick of using a vinegar-soaked kitchen towel as the easiest way to deep-clean a mouldy washing machine seal – another cleaning trick we now use regularly.

It happens every year, but we don't think we'll ever get used to the sudden swarms of flying ants taking over our outdoor spaces. This year, they're earlier than usual, so you'll want to start preparing now.

Whether or not you've had to learn how to get rid of flying ants before, there's a pretty inevitable pest that comes into gardens and homes during mid to late summer. Of course, they're a little harder to eradicate than normal ants due to their aerial capabilities, which means they can get into your home much more easily.

To add insult to injury, experts have recently revealed that the dreaded flying ant season is starting earlier this year, so now is the time to take action and prepare your home to keep the pesky pests away.

Flying ant season is early and here's why

There's no hiding from insects during the summer months. Whether you welcome them with plants for pollinators or ward them off with citronella, chances are they'll be visiting your garden.

However, there are some bugs you'd really rather not welcome in or around your home, and one of these is flying ants. You might have been lucky to have missed them last year; however, thanks to high temperatures and consecutive heatwaves, they're back early and with a vengeance.

"Our data from the last 24 years shows 90% of nuptial flights happened in July, but as experts in myrmecology (the study of ants) now predict, the peak for 2026 will hit between July 20 and 25," explain ant experts Best Ants UK.

If you were busy with your gardening jobs in June, you may have noticed the first wave of flying ants. "The first heatwave hit in the last week of May, priming colonies early; this second spike is what finally pushes the queens into the air," says Best Ants UK. "We expect between 11% and 17% of the UK's Lasius niger (black garden ant) queens to take to the skies in this early surge, well ahead of the main swarm."

No, the days you might want to avoid sorting your garden out are between 20 and 25 July, when the primary swarm are expected to arrive. They do, however, warn that a smaller follow-up swarm will be expected around 2 August.

"It is an early advance flight triggered by back-to-back heat waves — the late-May spike followed by this second, more intense surge. The remaining 83–89% of queens will hold back for the main peak between 20 and 25 July, with a smaller second swarm expected around 2 August," echoes Best Ants UK.

So what can you do to keep the swarms away? Along with the solutions we've provided above, we'd suggest prepping the home like you would when getting rid of flies.

However, we'd also recommend taking more precautions with keeping your outdoor spaces clean, bins emptied and sealed, plus ensuring you keep windows shut, particularly during the predicted swarm days.

Don't be too worried about the flying ant swarms to keep completing your July gardening jobs. Luckily, the season doesn't last long, and you'll be back to only seeing normal ants soon enough.

Whether you're avoiding your gardening jobs at all costs during the heatwave or making the most of the dry days, there's one job you can't forget to get out there and do.

With so many tasks to tick off your July gardening jobs list, it's all too easy to forget about commonly overlooked tasks like caring for wildlife. It's especially important when the hot weather arrives that we take a little more time to help our feathered and winged friends get through.

If you already attract birds to your garden, you may already have a bath filled with water out, but there's the matter of the much smaller members of wildlife that also need a little helping hand quenching their thirst. Luckily, BBC Gardeners' World have just the advice you need to help keep your garden's ecosystem thriving and hydrated.

Important 'wildlife welfare' job to do in a heatwave

Whilst you may already know how to help birds during the heatwaves this summer, some other animals need support and may not have the wings to reach your elevated bird bath.

"Birds, hedgehogs and even insects need a regular supply of water. And in hot weather, this is even more important," explains Adam Frost, professional gardener and Gardeners' World presenter.

"To give them a helping hand, I like to fill a shallow tray with a few rocks and stones from the garden. Place it somewhere cool, out of the way, and keep it topped up with water if the weather stays dry," Adam instructs.

It's also recommended that you replace the water frequently, as stagnant water can quickly encourage unwanted insect visitors like mosquitoes and midges. The last thing you want to start worrying about is how to get rid of mosquitoes in your garden during a heatwave.

Along with providing water, it's also key to introduce some garden shade ideas and ensure you're up to date with the latest bird feeding guidance.

If you really want to welcome wildlife into your garden this summer, we'd suggest trying out the rewilding trend. Your local environment will thank you for it.

If you don't want to completely redesign your garden to keep your local wildlife happy, simply letting some wildlife-friendly weeds grow can be the assistance they need through the warmer seasons.