It’s common these days for people to play music in their gardens on smart speakers or smartphones. But is it fair on the neighbours? Should gardens be quiet spaces without these kinds of sounds? Graham French, Sutton Coldfield Send new questions to [email protected]. This week’s question: Are school and college reunions good for us? Or … Read more
The dance pole bang in the middle of Georgie Webster’s living room is one of its less eye-catching features. The lounge has striking pink and peach walls, a sideboard painted in cubes of purple and orange, and an olive-green sofa, all of which come together to create a kaleidoscope of colour. On paper, it really … Read more
Household Stuffed-up sievesAlways use a dishwasher. If one isn’t available, soak in the sink first, to loosen particles, then take a dish brush or nail brush to it. Rinse under a fast hot tap.Aggie MacKenzie, TV presenter and author Coffee that clogsCoffee brewed with a French press leaves behind a slurry of grounds and water, and … Read more
It feels almost illicit to admit this, but for the past few months I’ve been in two very useful WhatsApp groups that exist to serve people who live in a certain corner of London interested in home improvement and gardening. I’ve come to find the patter of insight and community feeling around matters such as … Read more
I’ve moved from the city to Melbourne’s outer east where everybody knows how to garden. Blundstoned parents swagger in for school pickup with secateurs in their belts and parsnips the size of your arm. They have wood chippers and chainsaws and trailers filled with enough mulch to cover a national park, which until yesterday I … Read more
Dads can be tricky to buy for. They often have everything already, or profess to want nothing. But beneath the smiling veneer of a man unwrapping a pair of novelty socks is someone who secretly wanted some fancy toiletries. Or a massage gun. The Guardian’s journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you … Read more
Whatever the weather, June marks the start of what we consider summer in the northern hemisphere, and many of us are seized with a frenetic desire to make the most of it. We want our homes to be light, airy and inviting and our outside spaces full of colour and scent – but if you’re … Read more
Cliodhna Dempsey’s letter (Bridal bucket is the best wedding gift, 26 May) brought back the happiest of memories. In July 1968 I was 21 years old, on the last day of my first year of teaching in Hampshire, and due to be married eight days later. My lovely class of first-year juniors, at final assembly, … Read more
What’s the problem?My daughter has a yucca plant on her landing, and while the lower side looks fine, the taller side is struggling. She suspects her partner might have overwatered it. Any advice? DiagnosisYuccas are drought-tolerant and sensitive to overwatering, and yellowing leaves, soft areas on the trunk or drooping stems are all indicators of this. … Read more
With each month that passes, we learn more and more about our readers. For one, you clearly love a bargain – the top budget choice in our group tests is often your favourite. You also love to get outdoors, whether that’s a camping trip or a walk in the local park. So it was no … Read more