The right kit can make or break a camping trip or festival. But what’s the secret to testing it? If Filter writers Sian Lewis and Linda Geddes are anything to go by, a love of the outdoors, willing helpers (including a friend with a field) – and some extremely creative testing scenarios. The Guardian’s journalism … Read more
A ghost tree shines silver against the greenery of the hillside wood. Sheathed in silk from its trunk to the tips of its branches, this bird cherry has been completely defoliated by caterpillars. These are the overwintered larvae of bird cherry ermine moths, Yponomeuta evonymella, which, having spun their protective webbing, can devour the leaves, … Read more
Social Security Email Says Policy Bill Eliminates Tax on Benefits. Does It?
If you came across our school garden, you might walk past without giving it much thought. On the surface, we don’t have anything that would warrant a visit from Gardening Australia: no kitchen garden or water feature or “reflection space”. But we do have something else you might not see at first glance – something … Read more
They have been invading the UK for years; small mucus-covered animals which hunt in gardens, allotments and greenhouses. The number of sightings of non-native flatworms has risen sharply over the past few years, and experts have warned they can decimate earthworm populations and degrade soil quality. Land flatworms are non-segmented worms, which feed on a … Read more
My partner and I have a ritual that makes an appearance at this time of year. When we sit down for dinner, we count up how many crops from the garden we’ve managed to incorporate into our meal. As I’ve said in previous columns, I’m not having the best growing season despite the abundance of sunshine, so … Read more
Leaving your lawn to develop naturally into a meadow of pollinator-friendly wild flowers is the best option from an ecological perspective, but many of us still like to have at least a small area of grass, whether it’s to break up your flower beds or provide a space for the kids to play. And every … Read more
What’s the problem?Some sources recommend misting houseplants, while others strongly advise against it. Now I’m confused. DiagnosisMisting is a common practice intended to increase humidity, replicating the rainforest environments from where many of our houseplants originate. While this is beneficial, misting is not a one-spray-fits-all solution. PrescriptionIf your houseplant thrives in high humidity (such as … Read more
Mini-gardens that fit inside a parking space have been presented by a council at Hampton Court flower show as part of a drive to make public spaces less car-focused. Three gardens created by Surrey county council are on display at the show to demonstrate that areas used as parking spaces can give far more benefit … Read more
The previous night’s heavy rainstorm had brought down several large trees in the forest and broken branches were strewn about the ground. Walking through the felled trees, Laly Joseph spotted an orchid clinging to one of the snapped boughs. She gently secured the plant and carefully transplanted it on to a standing tree. At the … Read more