Page 2 - News

Person adjusting white curtain while holding potted orchid on sunlit windowsill with other plants and a small bottle.

Why an Orchid With Healthy Leaves May Not Flower

Gareth Whitcombe • September 16, 2026

An orchid can have green, firm, apparently healthy leaves yet go for months without producing flowers. This does not automatically...

Hands planting seedlings in a plastic container on a wooden table with seed packets and gardening supplies nearby

How to Reuse Margarine Tubs for Home Gardening

Gareth Whitcombe • September 16, 2026

Once empty, margarine tubs can take on a useful role for people growing plants at home. When properly cleaned and...

Hands arranging white plant markers in a raised garden bed with green lettuce and seedlings in sunlight.

Why Put Plastic Forks in Garden Soil?

Gareth Whitcombe • September 16, 2026

Pushing plastic forks into garden soil may initially seem unusual, yet the practice has a practical purpose. Some people place...

Person arranging lucky bamboo plant in glass vase on wooden table in a sunlit living room.

Lucky bamboo: symbolism, benefits and care at home

Gareth Whitcombe • September 16, 2026

Lucky bamboo is among the plants most commonly found in homes and offices, combining symbolic meaning, a light appearance and...

Person winding green garden hose on wooden fence hose holder in sunny backyard.

How to Make a Wooden Hose Holder for the Garden

Gareth Whitcombe • September 16, 2026

A hose left across the garden can take up room, develop kinks and make the outdoor area look untidy. An...

Hands cleaning a large green monstera leaf with a cloth over a bowl of water on a wooden table.

Water with Milk: How to Restore the Natural Shine of Houseplant Leaves

Gareth Whitcombe • September 16, 2026

Looking after houseplants can feel much like caring for a pet: you check on them every day, notice every small...

Hands holding ripe purple jaboticaba berries from a small potted tree on a wooden table outdoors.

Sabará Jabuticaba Tree for Compact Gardens: Growing and Care Guide

Gareth Whitcombe • September 16, 2026

The Sabará jabuticaba tree is a compelling choice for compact gardens: it tolerates formative pruning, adapts successfully to different parts...

Person wearing yellow gloves scrubbing a wet garden patio with a broom in the sunlight.

How to Remove Green Slime from Pavements Safely

Gareth Whitcombe • September 16, 2026

The green slime on pavements is usually a biofilm made up of algae, cyanobacteria, moisture and organic debris that has...

Person planting seeds into a clay pot on a wooden table with gardening tools and soil nearby.

Why Drainage Holes Matter for Vegetables in Pots

Gareth Whitcombe • September 16, 2026

Growing vegetables in containers calls for essential care to ensure plants develop fully. Understanding the purpose of the drainage hole...

Woman organising books and plants on a wooden ladder shelf in a bright, minimalist living room.

How to Repurpose an Old Wooden Ladder at Home

Gareth Whitcombe • September 16, 2026

An old wooden ladder that is no longer safe or suitable for climbing can be given a new purpose indoors....

Person examining tree bark with a magnifying glass in a sunlit garden with an open notebook and gloves on the grass.

Tree Trunk Signs to Watch Before Leaf Changes Appear

Gareth Whitcombe • September 16, 2026

The tree trunk can show important signs before more obvious changes become visible in the leaves. Alterations to the bark,...

Person cleaning a window with a cloth and natural cleaning spray with lemon slices on a wooden surface.

How to Use Vinegar on Windows Safely and Effectively

Gareth Whitcombe • September 16, 2026

Using vinegar on windows is no longer just a “grandma’s little secret”; it has become a popular household trick. With...

Hands planting basil and thyme seedlings in a wooden planter box on a balcony table in sunlight.

How to Turn an Old Drawer for Growing Herbs into a Planter

Gareth Whitcombe • September 16, 2026

An old drawer for growing herbs can be given a fresh purpose as a planter, making use of a piece...

Person rinsing a white powder substance over a kitchen sink with a box and measuring cup nearby.

Putting Bicarbonate of Soda Down the Kitchen Drain Before Bed: What It Does

Gareth Whitcombe • September 16, 2026

Putting bicarbonate of soda down the kitchen drain before going to bed is a household tip mainly used to reduce...

Person kneeling by a potted plant with yellow leaves, inspecting it near a window with a smartphone and notebook on the floor

Tree with Too Little Light: Signs to Watch For

Gareth Whitcombe • September 16, 2026

A tree with too little light may remain alive and continue producing leaves, yet certain growth changes can suggest that...

Woman wearing yellow gloves cleaning a mouldy spot on a white wall with a spray bottle and cloth.

How to Remove Mould from a Wall and Stop It Returning

Gareth Whitcombe • September 16, 2026

Removing mould from a wall takes more than scrubbing the dark patch until it disappears. Fungi grow wherever moisture remains...

Hand using vacuum cleaner attachment to clean window ledge with cleaning brush, cloth, and spray bottle nearby.

How to Clean a Window Track Properly

Gareth Whitcombe • September 16, 2026

At first glance, a window track may look clean, yet its channels and corners often hold dust, sand, pet hair...

Man kneeling and planting soil around a tree base in a garden with flowers in the background.

Mulch Around the Trunk: Leave 10 cm Clear, Says the Royal Horticultural Society

Gareth Whitcombe • September 16, 2026

Mulch helps retain moisture in the soil and limits competition from weeds, but the way it is applied matters too....

Person brushing a wooden ladder holding beige towels beside a plant and grooming tools in warm natural light.

How to Repurpose an Old Wooden Ladder for Sustainable Decoration

Gareth Whitcombe • September 16, 2026

An item left forgotten in a corner, such as an old wooden ladder marked by scratches, splinters or rust on...

Hands cleaning hair from a sink strainer in a modern bathroom sink.

Two-Piece Bathroom Drain Protector for Hair

Gareth Whitcombe • September 16, 2026

Hair collecting in bathroom pipework causes repeated blockages and reduces water flow while showering. Using a suitable accessory helps prevent...

Person relaxing on a sofa surrounded by various indoor plants in a bright, cosy living room.

University of Surrey Study Shows Indoor Plants Improve Air Quality and Comfort

Gareth Whitcombe • September 16, 2026

Most people spend the majority of their waking time inside buildings, often without considering how strongly indoor surroundings influence everyday...