What’s the problem?My philodendron has long, white, string-like growths coming out of the stems. Is my plant OK and can I cut them off? DiagnosisThese curious structures are known as aerial roots, and are completely natural. Philodendrons originate from tropical rainforests, where they climb trees. These aerial roots help it anchor itself, absorb moisture and … Read more
For years I had coveted having an allotment. I pictured myself being practical and resourceful, growing vegetables and cycling home with them in my wicker basket. I imagined pickling produce like my grandmother had done and becoming outdoorsy and calm – not the hot mess I usually felt. An allotment, I believed, would make me … Read more
For Gen Z, ‘Little Treats’ Are Worth Going Over Budget
‘I’m an Essex convert,” says interior designer Fiona Duke. “We moved here from London, having been to a funeral nearby, and fell for the fabulous community vibe.” Duke and her husband’s first purchase was a Victorian terrace, but even then she had her eye on the big, detached Edwardian house up the road: “I made it … Read more
One of the things that makes gardening so perpetually, addictively interesting to me is how it challenges beliefs I’d previously held about myself – often on an annual basis. Some beliefs are big, others are smaller, such as my dislike of asters. The Guardian’s journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something … Read more
Why Hands-Off Investing Pays Off
It appears that successive governments are able only to formulate key policies in the form of three-word phrases, usually absent of an executive subject. While I welcome the shift in focus represented by the switch from boats to gangs, it is surely evident that this is still only addressing the symptom, not the cause. Most … Read more
Can This New ‘Elite’ Travel Card Compete With Amex and Chase?
What’s the problem?My Swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa) has survived for years, but recently the leaves have become dull and lost their gloss. DiagnosisSwiss cheese plants are renowned for their lush, naturally glossy leaves. However, they can lose their sheen because of dust accumulation, unsuitable potting conditions, or stress, often linked to watering habits or inadequate nutrients. … Read more
Many fruit trees are pruned in winter when they are dormant, in anticipation of the burst of energy that comes with spring. Yet established stone-fruit trees – plums, cherries, apricots and others in the Prunus family – should be pruned now to prevent them contracting silver leaf disease. Transmitted by spores active in the autumn and winter, and which … Read more