The Medicine Cabinet in Your Garden

 

Written by Jenny Catton

 

Next time you’re suffering from a sniffle, indigestion or insomnia, forget taking a trip to the chemist and instead look to your own garden for a natural remedy. Many different plants, herbs and flowers have medicinal qualities and have been used for centuries to treat everyday ailments. Most are easy to grow and provide a cheaper, more natural and convenient alternative to manufactured drugs.

Of course it’s important to take precautions when creating your own treatments from the plants in your garden. If you’re in any doubt about your particular ailment, speak to your doctor to get a professional diagnosis before taking natural remedies. And always seek advice before you stop taking conventional medicine. It’s also important to be confident about what herbs or plants you are using – make sure you have correctly identified a plant before using it as a medicine as many garden plants can be poisonous. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should always be particularly careful and speak to their doctor before taking natural remediesas some herbs are known to cause miscarriage or other problems.

Here are some minor ailments that can be treated with plants that are commonly found in the garden:
Indigestion

Try making your own mint tea to ease indigestion. Pick the mint leaves and wash before infusing in hot water and then strain to make a refreshing drink. You can sweeten this with sugar or honey if you wish.
Bad Breath

Parsley is great for combatting bad breath. Chew on the leaves to neutralise nasty niffs – it’s particularly good after eating garlic.
Insomnia

You’ll probably see lots of products in your local chemist for treating insomnia and many of them contain lavender as it’s renowned for its relaxing and calming properties. Take dried lavender from your garden to make lavender sachets to pop under your pillow to encourage a restful night’s sleep.
The Common Cold

Many people believe that garlic can help reduce the symptoms of colds and flu. You could eat it raw but a more palatable way to use garlic is to make a garlic tea using two or three cloves of garlic and hot water, and then add honey or sugar to sweeten.

Another option for tackling colds is Echinacea. This flowering plant has become very popular in recent years for its alleged ability to fight off a cold if taken at the right time. In some studies, Echinacea has also been shown to reduce the length of a cold.
Puffy or tired eyes

Forget expensive eye creams; a couple of slices of cucumber from your garden provide a cheap, natural way to reduce puffy skin around your eyes. Use straight from the fridge for maximum refreshment.

 

 

Nausea

Ginger is great for treating nausea. Grate a little into hot water and strain to make a tasty tea. Add lemon and honey for extra flavour. This drink may also be useful for treating a sore throat. Ginger likes warm conditions so you may find that it grows better as an indoor plant.

For more ideas about natural remedies for minor ailments, visit: www.naturalnews.com/natural_remedies.html

The post The Medicine Cabinet in Your Garden appeared first on .

Categories: garden, garlic, Hot Water, medicine, medicine cabinet, minor ailments, Natural, natural remedies, plants

The Medicine Cabinet in Your Garden

 

Written by Jenny Catton

 

Next time you’re suffering from a sniffle, indigestion or insomnia, forget taking a trip to the chemist and instead look to your own garden for a natural remedy. Many different plants, herbs and flowers have medicinal qualities and have been used for centuries to treat everyday ailments. Most are easy to grow and provide a cheaper, more natural and convenient alternative to manufactured drugs.

Of course it’s important to take precautions when creating your own treatments from the plants in your garden. If you’re in any doubt about your particular ailment, speak to your doctor to get a professional diagnosis before taking natural remedies. And always seek advice before you stop taking conventional medicine. It’s also important to be confident about what herbs or plants you are using – make sure you have correctly identified a plant before using it as a medicine as many garden plants can be poisonous. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should always be particularly careful and speak to their doctor before taking natural remediesas some herbs are known to cause miscarriage or other problems.

Here are some minor ailments that can be treated with plants that are commonly found in the garden:
Indigestion

Try making your own mint tea to ease indigestion. Pick the mint leaves and wash before infusing in hot water and then strain to make a refreshing drink. You can sweeten this with sugar or honey if you wish.
Bad Breath

Parsley is great for combatting bad breath. Chew on the leaves to neutralise nasty niffs – it’s particularly good after eating garlic.
Insomnia

You’ll probably see lots of products in your local chemist for treating insomnia and many of them contain lavender as it’s renowned for its relaxing and calming properties. Take dried lavender from your garden to make lavender sachets to pop under your pillow to encourage a restful night’s sleep.
The Common Cold

Many people believe that garlic can help reduce the symptoms of colds and flu. You could eat it raw but a more palatable way to use garlic is to make a garlic tea using two or three cloves of garlic and hot water, and then add honey or sugar to sweeten.

Another option for tackling colds is Echinacea. This flowering plant has become very popular in recent years for its alleged ability to fight off a cold if taken at the right time. In some studies, Echinacea has also been shown to reduce the length of a cold.
Puffy or tired eyes

Forget expensive eye creams; a couple of slices of cucumber from your garden provide a cheap, natural way to reduce puffy skin around your eyes. Use straight from the fridge for maximum refreshment.

 

 

Nausea

Ginger is great for treating nausea. Grate a little into hot water and strain to make a tasty tea. Add lemon and honey for extra flavour. This drink may also be useful for treating a sore throat. Ginger likes warm conditions so you may find that it grows better as an indoor plant.

For more ideas about natural remedies for minor ailments, visit: www.naturalnews.com/natural_remedies.html

The post The Medicine Cabinet in Your Garden appeared first on .

Categories: garden, garlic, Hot Water, medicine, medicine cabinet, minor ailments, Natural, natural remedies, plants

Looking Out for Our Feathered Friends

 

Some gardeners regard birds as a pest, causing destruction by eating newly planted seeds and seedlings. But just as many see birds as a useful ally; eating slugs and snails, as well as providing a welcome sight in the garden. Whatever your view, there’s no doubt that our eco-system depends on birds; they help distribute seeds in the wild and play a crucial role in pollination, transferring pollen on their wings or body as they travel from plant to plant. So it’s important that we take steps to protect local bird life wherever we can.

 

Many bird experts believe that gardeners can help those species of birds that are in decline by making their gardens bird-friendly. Not only will you be helping the birds and the eco-system but you will be rewarded by the fantastic sight and sound of birds outside your window.

 

If you’re keen to attract birds to your garden, there are number of things you can do to encourage them to visit:

 

Feed the Birds
The best way to attract a wide variety of different birds into your garden is by providing a regular source of food. By strategically positioning bird feeders, you can enjoy a close-up view of the birds from inside. Feeding birds is a great way to help children learn about all of the different native species that visit throughout the year. You can put food on the ground but bird feeders and bird tables often provide a better way to feed the birds by ensuring that rodents and pests don’t get to the food first. Visit your local garden centre or take a look online to find a wide range of feeders and food.

 

Provide water
According to the RSPB, around half of all adults in the UK take the time to feed birds but many forget to also provide a supply of water. It is especially important to provide fresh water in winter when natural sources may be frozen over – or in hot weather when water can be more difficult for birds to find.

 

 

Bird Baths
Birds need water – not just for drinking but also for bathing. Birds must keep their feathers in good condition in order to fly and so it is essential that they have access to water in order to keep clean. Being able to dampen their feathers also makes it easier for birds to preen – when they do this they are able to spread oil from their glands in order to keep their feathers waterproof and bodies warm.

 

You can help birds stay in tip-top condition by providing a bird bath in your garden. It doesn’t need to be expensive – a simple container or dish of water will be just as appealing to the birds as an expensive version. Remember to clean the bird bath on a regular basis to help protect the birds from diseases.

 

Categories: bird, bird bath, bird feeders, birds, Food, garden, nbsp, Water

The Danger of Ponds

 

Written by Jenny Catton

 

Ponds make an attractive and interesting feature in the garden but they also pose a danger, especially to children, so it’s important to ensure your pond is safe. If you have young children it’s recommended that you don’t build a pond until they are older – at least over the age of six but it’s advisable to wait until they are a teenager.

 

If you move to a house with an existing pond and have children under the age of six, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSpa) recommends filling in a pond completely to prevent drowning. Sadly, around five children each year drown in garden ponds and even if you are supervising a child in the garden, it only takes a few minutes for a child to fall into a pond and drown.

 

Even if you don’t have children, when building a pond, it’s worth remembering that if you were to sell your house in the future, a family with children may move in. Alternatively you may have visiting grandchildren or friends with children who could be attracted to the pond. And although your own children may be aware of the dangers of a pond and behave sensibly when in the garden, they may have friends who are not used to ponds and may be tempted to explore near the water.

 

Here are some tips to ensure pond safety for children:

 

• When choosing the location for your pond, make sure it can be seen from the house so that you can see if children are playing too close to the pond. Of course, young children should never be left alone outside if you have a pond, so watching from the house isn’t advisable – instead you should go outside with them.


• Design your pond to have edges that slope gently rather than edges that drop suddenly into deep water.


• Invest in a safety grid that sits just below the surface of the water or cover a small pond with wire mesh. You can find these online or at most good garden centres.


• Consider putting a fence around your pond to prevent children from getting too close.


• If an existing pond has deep sides, grow plants around these areas to prevent children from getting close to the edge.


• Remember that the shape and features of a pond change over time so it’s important to regularly check a pond for new dangers – such as a broken fence or a hole in the safety mesh.

 

No matter how many precautions you take, ponds, water features, rain barrels and even buckets of water can all pose a risk to children so there is no substitute for supervising your child when they are in the garden. It’s also important to teach them about water safety as soon as they are old enough to understand so that they know although water can be fun, it can also be incredibly dangerous.

 

For more information about pond safety, visit: www.rospa.com

Categories: Children, existing pond, garden, nbsp, pond, pond safety, ponds, prevent children, Water, young children

A Garden for all the Senses

 

Written by Jenny Catton

 

Whether you want to create a garden that partially sighted or disabled people can enjoy or you simply want to add extra interest to your own outdoor spaces, a sensory garden is a great way to create something very special.

 

What is a Sensory Garden?

A sensory garden is an outdoor space designed to stimulate all of the senses – sight, sound, touch, smell and hearing. A sensory garden is ideal for anyone who has a physical disability which means they cannot always enjoy a traditional garden. For example, a blind person might not be able to see flowers in a traditional garden but in a sensory garden, they can use different senses such as touch or smell to enjoy the space around them.

Of course, sensory gardens aren’t just for people with a disability. With their wide range of sights, sounds, smells and textures they are a delight for everyone and can provide a range of educational benefits for children too.

You don’t need a big space to create a sensory garden. Whilst you could turn your entire garden into a sensory paradise, if space or time is limited you can just choose an area of your garden to add sensory elements to.

 

How to Create a Sensory Garden
The key to a successful sensory garden is to choose plants and garden accessories that appeal to all the different senses. For example, you could include strong smelling herbs as well as plants with interesting textures or even edible plants. You can also use materials such as gravel or a water feature to provide elements that are appealing to hear and touch.

When designing a sensory garden, think about how people will move through the garden. Try to avoid steps and make sure paths are wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair.

 

Sight
By introducing a range of different brightly coloured plants and flowers with bold shapes, even visually impaired people may be able to enjoy the overall scheme of your garden. Try and include plants of different heights so that there are interesting sights at low levels as well as higher up. This means people who use a wheelchair will still have plenty to look at. For extra visual interest, try including flowers that attract butterflies.

 

 

Sound
As well as looking attractive, water features can provide a range of interesting sounds in the garden. Attracting birds to the garden is also a good way to bring the sound of birdsong into your space. Alternatively, hang a wind chime in your garden for a musical vibe.

 

Touch
Include several plants that are interesting to touch or consider including sculpture pieces in the garden that can be touched. From timber and gravel to marble and stone – there are lots of different materials that provide a range of different sensations.

 

Smell
There are of course a wide range of strong smelling flowers you could include in your garden but another great way to introduce smell is with a herb garden – herbs such as rosemary, basil and mint all have a lovely strong scent.

 

 

Taste
By including edible plants in your scheme such as vegetables, fruit or herbs you can truly give visitors to your garden a delight for all the senses.

 

 

To find out more about enjoying sensory spaces, visit: www.sensorytrust.org.uk

The post A Garden for all the Senses appeared first on .

Categories: edible plants, garden, nbsp nbsp, senses nbsp, sensory, sensory garden, strong smelling, traditional garden, wide range

A Garden for all the Senses

 

Written by Jenny Catton

 

Whether you want to create a garden that partially sighted or disabled people can enjoy or you simply want to add extra interest to your own outdoor spaces, a sensory garden is a great way to create something very special.

 

What is a Sensory Garden?

A sensory garden is an outdoor space designed to stimulate all of the senses – sight, sound, touch, smell and hearing. A sensory garden is ideal for anyone who has a physical disability which means they cannot always enjoy a traditional garden. For example, a blind person might not be able to see flowers in a traditional garden but in a sensory garden, they can use different senses such as touch or smell to enjoy the space around them.

Of course, sensory gardens aren’t just for people with a disability. With their wide range of sights, sounds, smells and textures they are a delight for everyone and can provide a range of educational benefits for children too.

You don’t need a big space to create a sensory garden. Whilst you could turn your entire garden into a sensory paradise, if space or time is limited you can just choose an area of your garden to add sensory elements to.

 

How to Create a Sensory Garden
The key to a successful sensory garden is to choose plants and garden accessories that appeal to all the different senses. For example, you could include strong smelling herbs as well as plants with interesting textures or even edible plants. You can also use materials such as gravel or a water feature to provide elements that are appealing to hear and touch.

When designing a sensory garden, think about how people will move through the garden. Try to avoid steps and make sure paths are wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair.

 

Sight
By introducing a range of different brightly coloured plants and flowers with bold shapes, even visually impaired people may be able to enjoy the overall scheme of your garden. Try and include plants of different heights so that there are interesting sights at low levels as well as higher up. This means people who use a wheelchair will still have plenty to look at. For extra visual interest, try including flowers that attract butterflies.

 

 

Sound
As well as looking attractive, water features can provide a range of interesting sounds in the garden. Attracting birds to the garden is also a good way to bring the sound of birdsong into your space. Alternatively, hang a wind chime in your garden for a musical vibe.

 

Touch
Include several plants that are interesting to touch or consider including sculpture pieces in the garden that can be touched. From timber and gravel to marble and stone – there are lots of different materials that provide a range of different sensations.

 

Smell
There are of course a wide range of strong smelling flowers you could include in your garden but another great way to introduce smell is with a herb garden – herbs such as rosemary, basil and mint all have a lovely strong scent.

 

 

Taste
By including edible plants in your scheme such as vegetables, fruit or herbs you can truly give visitors to your garden a delight for all the senses.

 

 

To find out more about enjoying sensory spaces, visit: www.sensorytrust.org.uk

The post A Garden for all the Senses appeared first on .

Categories: edible plants, garden, nbsp nbsp, senses nbsp, sensory, sensory garden, strong smelling, traditional garden, wide range

A Garden for all the Senses

 

Written by Jenny Catton

 

Whether you want to create a garden that partially sighted or disabled people can enjoy or you simply want to add extra interest to your own outdoor spaces, a sensory garden is a great way to create something very special.

 

What is a Sensory Garden?

A sensory garden is an outdoor space designed to stimulate all of the senses – sight, sound, touch, smell and hearing. A sensory garden is ideal for anyone who has a physical disability which means they cannot always enjoy a traditional garden. For example, a blind person might not be able to see flowers in a traditional garden but in a sensory garden, they can use different senses such as touch or smell to enjoy the space around them.

Of course, sensory gardens aren’t just for people with a disability. With their wide range of sights, sounds, smells and textures they are a delight for everyone and can provide a range of educational benefits for children too.

You don’t need a big space to create a sensory garden. Whilst you could turn your entire garden into a sensory paradise, if space or time is limited you can just choose an area of your garden to add sensory elements to.

 

How to Create a Sensory Garden
The key to a successful sensory garden is to choose plants and garden accessories that appeal to all the different senses. For example, you could include strong smelling herbs as well as plants with interesting textures or even edible plants. You can also use materials such as gravel or a water feature to provide elements that are appealing to hear and touch.

When designing a sensory garden, think about how people will move through the garden. Try to avoid steps and make sure paths are wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair.

 

Sight
By introducing a range of different brightly coloured plants and flowers with bold shapes, even visually impaired people may be able to enjoy the overall scheme of your garden. Try and include plants of different heights so that there are interesting sights at low levels as well as higher up. This means people who use a wheelchair will still have plenty to look at. For extra visual interest, try including flowers that attract butterflies.

 

 

Sound
As well as looking attractive, water features can provide a range of interesting sounds in the garden. Attracting birds to the garden is also a good way to bring the sound of birdsong into your space. Alternatively, hang a wind chime in your garden for a musical vibe.

 

Touch
Include several plants that are interesting to touch or consider including sculpture pieces in the garden that can be touched. From timber and gravel to marble and stone – there are lots of different materials that provide a range of different sensations.

 

Smell
There are of course a wide range of strong smelling flowers you could include in your garden but another great way to introduce smell is with a herb garden – herbs such as rosemary, basil and mint all have a lovely strong scent.

 

 

Taste
By including edible plants in your scheme such as vegetables, fruit or herbs you can truly give visitors to your garden a delight for all the senses.

 

 

To find out more about enjoying sensory spaces, visit: www.sensorytrust.org.uk

The post A Garden for all the Senses appeared first on .

Categories: edible plants, garden, nbsp nbsp, senses nbsp, sensory, sensory garden, strong smelling, traditional garden, wide range

The Medicine Cabinet in Your Garden

 

Written by Jenny Catton

 

Next time you’re suffering from a sniffle, indigestion or insomnia, forget taking a trip to the chemist and instead look to your own garden for a natural remedy. Many different plants, herbs and flowers have medicinal qualities and have been used for centuries to treat everyday ailments. Most are easy to grow and provide a cheaper, more natural and convenient alternative to manufactured drugs.

 

Of course it’s important to take precautions when creating your own treatments from the plants in your garden. If you’re in any doubt about your particular ailment, speak to your doctor to get a professional diagnosis before taking natural remedies. And always seek advice before you stop taking conventional medicine. It’s also important to be confident about what herbs or plants you are using – make sure you have correctly identified a plant before using it as a medicine as many garden plants can be poisonous. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should always be particularly careful and speak to their doctor before taking natural remediesas some herbs are known to cause miscarriage or other problems.

 

Here are some minor ailments that can be treated with plants that are commonly found in the garden:
Indigestion

Try making your own mint tea to ease indigestion. Pick the mint leaves and wash before infusing in hot water and then strain to make a refreshing drink. You can sweeten this with sugar or honey if you wish.

 
Bad Breath

Parsley is great for combatting bad breath. Chew on the leaves to neutralise nasty niffs – it’s particularly good after eating garlic.

 
Insomnia

You’ll probably see lots of products in your local chemist for treating insomnia and many of them contain lavender as it’s renowned for its relaxing and calming properties. Take dried lavender from your garden to make lavender sachets to pop under your pillow to encourage a restful night’s sleep.

 
The Common Cold

Many people believe that garlic can help reduce the symptoms of colds and flu. You could eat it raw but a more palatable way to use garlic is to make a garlic tea using two or three cloves of garlic and hot water, and then add honey or sugar to sweeten.

Another option for tackling colds is Echinacea. This flowering plant has become very popular in recent years for its alleged ability to fight off a cold if taken at the right time. In some studies, Echinacea has also been shown to reduce the length of a cold.

 
Puffy or tired eyes

Forget expensive eye creams; a couple of slices of cucumber from your garden provide a cheap, natural way to reduce puffy skin around your eyes. Use straight from the fridge for maximum refreshment.

 

 

Nausea

Ginger is great for treating nausea. Grate a little into hot water and strain to make a tasty tea. Add lemon and honey for extra flavour. This drink may also be useful for treating a sore throat. Ginger likes warm conditions so you may find that it grows better as an indoor plant.

 

For more ideas about natural remedies for minor ailments, visit: www.naturalnews.com/natural_remedies.html

Categories: garden, garlic, Hot Water, medicine, minor ailments, Natural, natural remedies, nbsp, plants

Safe Garden Barbecues

 

Written  by Jenny Catton

 

When the sun is shining and your garden is blooming, what better way could there be to enjoy outdoor life than by inviting friends or family round to share a garden barbecue?

From the thrill of cooking on open flames to the joy of eating delicious food in the fresh air, everyone loves a barbecue. And with so many types of barbecue equipment available – from small kettle barbecues to gas-powered barbecues, it’s an easy way to cook and entertain whatever size your garden happens to be.

Of course, anything that involves heat, flames and cooking comes with risks, so it’s important to take precautions when hosting a barbecue in your garden. Here are our tips for a safe barbecue:

 

Protect yourself from scalds and burns
Make sure your barbecue is placed on sturdy ground and cannot fall over. Always use the correct implements when barbecuing and only use proper barbecue fuel to get things going – never use petrol or paraffin.

Make sure your barbecue is positioned away from garden sheds and timber structures and have a bucket of water close by in case the flames get out of control. It’s also important to keep children well away from the barbecue – they may not realise how hot it is and try to grab tempting things if they have the opportunity.

Think about what you’re wearing when barbecuing – stay clear of long sleeves or shawls which could catch fire. Always wear proper shoes – not open-toed sandals, in case hot coals or sharp utensils drop to the floor.

 

Avoid food poisoning
Keep raw meat away from other foods and use separate equipment for handling raw and cooked food to prevent cross-contamination. When barbecuing, it’s easy for things to become burnt on the outside before they are cooked in the middle so always ensure food is cooked all the way through before serving. Check meat is properly cooked either by inserting a skewer and ensuring that the juices run clear or cut things like burgers and sausages in half to check they are cooked all the way through.

If you’re planning an evening barbecue, make sure you have enough light to be able to check that food is cooked correctly. This may mean starting the cooking earlier in the day, or using bright artificial lights so that you can see what you are doing.

 

Be sun smart
When you’re relaxing in the garden it’s easy to forget about the damage that the sun can cause. Provide areas of shade for your guests and have sun hats and suntan lotion on hand to keep people protected.

 

Easy on the alcohol
For many people, outdoor entertaining means cold beers or chilled wine. But drinking alcohol in the sun can quickly lead to dehydration so make sure there are lots of alcohol-free alternatives available too. It’s probably best if the chef takes care of the food before over-indulging in alcohol to prevent accidents.

 

For more information about barbecue safety, visit: www.fireservice.co.uk

 

Categories: barbecue, cooked, easy, Food, garden

Gear Up for Gardening

 

 

When it comes to staying safe when gardening, having the right clothing is just as important as having the right tools. With the right clothes you’ll not only stay comfortable but will be protected from minor injuries and mishaps too.

So before you start any garden project, whether large or small, take a moment to think about what you are wearing. Here are some clothing items you might want to invest in:

 

Hat
A good hat is a gardener’s friend. It will keep you warm in winter and protect you from sunburn during warmer months. Choose a hat that provides good protection without obstructing your view. You might want to avoid very large brims or tassels which could get caught on twigs and branches. When undertaking larger structural jobs in the garden, it’s wise to invest in a hardhat to protect you from falling debris.

 

Gloves
Whether you are weeding, digging or pruning, a pair of gardening gloves will protect your hands not only from the elements but from scratches and scrapes as well. And when handling plants, gloves will protect you from insect bites as well as the irritation and rashes that some plants can cause. It’s a good idea to have two pairs of gardening gloves – a thicker pair for heavy duty work and a thinner pair for when you need to be more nimble fingered – such as when handling seedlings.

 

Trousers
Trousers take a lot of wear and tear when gardening so you won’t want to wear your best pair when gardening. Good gardening trousers are made from material that is easy to move around in but that also dries quickly if it gets wet. You might want to add knee protectors if you spend a lot of time kneeling in the garden. And if the weather is particularly wet, you could also wear waterproofs over the top of your trousers to keep the moisture away from your skin.

 

Layers
It’s easy to get overheated when gardening. Even on a cool day you can soon build up a sweat once you get to work. It’s therefore a good idea to wear layers when gardening so that you can add or remove a layer as you get hotter or colder. You’ll find lightweight base layers in walking and outdoor shops which are specifically designed to move sweat away from your skin, keeping you comfortable.

 

Footwear
Think carefully about footwear, even if you are only planning to do some light gardening. Every year people sustain foot injuries caused by garden tools because they weren’t wearing the correct footwear. The ideal gardening shoes are robust, waterproof and breathable and will keep sweaty, soggy feet at bay.

Keep your gardening clothes clean and dry in between gardening sessions and your gear will serve you well for many years to come.

 

For more garden advice, visit: www.bbc.co.uk/gardening

 

Categories: garden, gardening, gardening gloves, gardening nbsp, nbsp, pair, Protect

How to Create a Gardener’s First Aid Kit

 

 

Whether you’re a keen gardener or just like to potter in the garden every now and again, it’s a good idea to have a basic garden first aid kit to hand in case of small accidents. You could include this with your household first aid kit or keep a separate one in your garden shed, greenhouse or garage so that it’s close to hand should you need it. If you plan to store your first aid kit outdoors, choose a suitable container that is waterproof and rust proof so that the contents stay dry and are ready to use whenever you need them.

 

Whether you are stung by a bee, cut yourself pruning, or develop a rash;having a first aid kit close to hand will help quickly make you more comfortable.

 

Here are some of the common garden health hazards you may want to consider when putting together a garden first aid kit:

 

Sunburn – have a mini bottle of sunscreen or sunblock wipes handy for hot days. In fact, even on a cooler day it’s a good idea to protect yourself from the sun if you plan to spend several hours outdoors.

 

Backache – It’s common to suffer from backache or joint pains after a long day in the garden. Painkillers such as Paracetamol and Ibuprofen are therefore a useful addition to your first aid kit.

 

Scratches – Small scratches can be cleaned with an antiseptic wipe, then apply a plaster to keep the scratch clean.

 

Pricks and Splinters – tweezers are useful for removing small thorns and splinters.

 

Insect bites– Have an insect bite and sting product in your first aid kit such as a cream designed to take the discomfort out of insect bites. You may also want to use insect repellent wipes or ointments to keep insects at bay.

 

Rashes– Some garden plants can cause skin rashes. An antihistamine tablet could ease the inflammation, itchiness and discomfort. If the rash is more serious, seek medical advice.

 

Blisters – blisters can be common – either on your feet from your gardening shoes or on your hands from using garden tools. A blister plaster can ease the discomfort.

 

Hayfever – if you suffer from hayfever, you may find it gets worse after a day gardening. Make sure you have a good supply of your usual hayfever medication. Some people find that rubbing a small amount of Vaseline around their nostrils can help prevent hayfever symptoms.

 

Dehydration – not part of your first aid kit necessarily – but ensure you have a bottle of water to hand to keep you well hydrated when working in the garden. This is particularly important on hot days when it’s easy to fall victim to sunstroke.

 

Of course, if you suffer from a more serious gardening accident or illness, you should always seek professional medical advice straightaway.

 

For more information about preventing accidents in the home and garden, visit: www.rospa.com

 

Categories: aid kit, garden, hand, hot days, insect, insect bites, kit nbsp, medical advice, nbsp

Stay Safe - Avoiding Garden Accidents

 

Whether you use your garden as a place to relax and unwind or like being active outdoors, the garden is an enjoyable place to be. However, it can also be home to a series of hazards. Around 300,000 people each year in the UK attend their hospital’s Accident and Emergency department following an incident in the garden – over 85,000 of these sustained injuries whilst gardening.

 

There are many reasons why accidents occur in the garden – from the incorrect use of electrical equipment to injuries caused by trips or falls. The good news is that most accidents can be avoided with a little planning. Here are some common-sense tips:

 

• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using gardening equipment


• Give yourself plenty of time to complete jobs – don’t rush


• If you don’t feel confident completing larger jobs – call in a professional


• Check your garden regularly for trip hazards and remove them


• Take extra care in winter when there may be icy patches


• Never use electrical equipment in wet weather


• Be aware that some common garden plants and flowers can be poisonous

 

Protect Yourself

Wearing the correct safety gear can prevent many common garden accidents. Always wear the correct clothing when tackling a job – particularly if you are using machinery such as lawnmowers, hedge-trimmers or chainsaws. The equipment you will need will depend on the job in hand but could include steel-toe capped boots, goggles, ear-defenders or heavy duty gardening gloves.

 

Keeping Children Safe in the Garden
It’s especially important to protect children from accidents in the garden. The garden is an exciting place to be and this can cause children to take risks or injure themselves. There’s no reason children can’t enjoy time in the garden – but it’s a good idea to take additional precautions and make sure children know about the potential hazards:

 

• Never leave very young children unattended in the garden


• Do not leave sharp tools or gardening equipment laying around


• Keep pesticides and other chemicals locked away


• Avoid using electrical equipment whilst children are playing in the garden


• If you have poisonous plants in the garden make sure children know not to touch them. If children are too young to understand, you may wish to consider removing the plant entirely


• Take extra care when children are playing in paddling pools


• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using outdoor play equipment such as climbing frames or trampolines.

 

Pond Safety

A big concern for many parents when it comes to garden safety is the risk of children drowning in ponds. Small ponds can be covered with wire mesh to prevent children falling in. With larger ponds you may wish to erect a fence around the pond to keep children away from the water. When building a new pond, consider the safety implications. Choose a position where the pond can be seen from the house, create a pond with sloping edges and grow plants on the deeper edges of a pond to prevent children from getting near the edge.

 

For more information about staying safe at home or in the garden, visit: www.rospa.com

 

 

Categories: Children, common garden, electrical equipment, extra care, garden, garden accidents, gardening equipment, nbsp, prevent children

Break the Rules

 

When it comes to planning your garden, it’s easy to find advice in books and online about the rules you should follow such as how to choose colours that complement one another. The problem with rules is that they can stifle your creativity. And sometimes it can be fun to break the rules. So tear up the garden rule books, try something new and you could see unexpected and exciting results.

 

Here are some common garden rules that are worth breaking:

 

Weeds are the enemy
If you helped out in the garden when you were a child, perhaps one of your first jobs was digging up the weeds. But some weeds can be quite beautiful. If you have a particular weed in your garden that you find attractive, don’t feel you have to get rid of it.

 

Choose colours carefully

Some gardeners like to plan the colour scheme of their garden with military precision but it can be more fun to mix up colours. Why not experiment with several different colours or buy a packet of mixed wildflowers where you can never be sure exactly what you’ll get.

 

Have separate areas for flowers and vegetables

By including a mixture of flowers, vegetables and herbs in your garden, you can create a really diverse environment with plants to delight all the senses – from beautiful flowers to sweet smelling herbs and tasty veg. Some vegetables are just as pretty as flowers and can enhance the appearance of your garden. In addition, by combining flowers and vegetables together you can ward off certain garden pests – for example growing marigolds alongside tomatoes can help protect your tomato crops.

 

Use the right containers

You’ll find all the plant pots and containers you’ll ever need at a garden centre but why not be creative and seek out more interesting items?  Old jam jars, an unused wheelbarrow or a metal watering can all be used to grow plants in. And things like an old-fashioned wooden step ladder are perfect for displaying plants at different heights.

 

Gardens are for good weather
The garden is a great place to be during summer but there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy your garden during cooler months too. Keep a stack of blankets at the ready and you can make the most of fresh air at any time of year – a cup of hot chocolate and a book are a real treat in the garden during autumn and winter.

 

Stick to what grows

Some keen gardeners will advise you to grow native plants that are proven to grow well in the conditions you have. And whilst this will give you reliable results, you don’t have to stick to what you know. Why not be adventurous and try growing something new? If you live in a cool climate you might have ruled out plants like orange trees and chilli plants but if that’s what you fancy growing – why not give it a go? It might not work out first time but you’ll have fun trying.

 

For more unusual garden ideas, visit: www.edenproject.com

 

Categories: flowers, garden, nbsp, plants, rules

Be Water Smart in the Garden

 

The first rule of successful gardening is remembering to water the plants. It’s so simple that even tiny children can grasp the concept. But with something so instinctive, it’s easy to forget that there are right ways and wrong ways to water your garden. Here are some things to think about when it comes to watering:

 

Choose the right time of day
The time of day that you water your plants is important – especially in summer. When the sun is beating down, you should avoid watering your plants at the hottest part of the day as the water can simply evaporate meaning that your plants will not get the full benefit. Instead, water your plants early in the morning or in the evening. Manygardeningexperts suggest that morning watering is best as this sets up your plants with a good source of moisture to see them through the day.

 

 

Water the roots
It may sound obvious but it is the roots of the plant that need the water so if you are using a hosepipe or watering can to water your plants, make sure the water is getting to the roots and not simply hitting the foliage.

 

 

How much water?
How much water your plants need will depend on the individual species of plant and the time of year. If you are growing salad leaves and vegetables you may need to vary the amount of water you give different plants – for example, lettuces often need a lot of water whereas beans can survive with much less. Meanwhile some crops such as potatoes can suffer from too much water and may turn mouldy if they become waterlogged.

 

 

Holiday watering
Remember to plan well ahead if you are going on holiday as you may need to recruit a friend or neighbour to water your garden while you are away. After investing several months watching seedlings grow, you don’t want your good work to be undone in a week or two when you are away. If you don’t have anyone you can ask to pop in, take a look online or at your local garden centre for automatic watering devices that will help keep your plants watered.

 

 

Use the right tools
If you are watering a large area such as a lawn, you may find a hosepipe set on a sprinkler setting is the easiest way to water. However, if you are watering more delicate plants such as salad leaves or seedlings; a small watering can would be better so that the force of the water doesn’t damage the plants.

 

 

Mulch to save water
Of course, it’s important to save water wherever possible and using mulch can be a great way to make your watering routine last longer. If you’re new to gardening – mulch is simply a layer of material such as bark chippings or straw placed around the base of your plants to help lock in moisture. Mulching can also help protect plants from pests and weeds.

 

 

Invest in a water butt
A water butt is a great way to make the most of rain water and makes an ecologically-friendly alternative to taking water straight from the tap.

 

 

For more gardening tips and ways to save water in the garden, visit: www.organicgardening.com

Categories: garden, smart, Water

Wonderful World: How to Improve Your Environmental Wellness

If someone asked you about environmental wellness, what would you think of? Is it just about saving the rainforests or stopping global warming? Put it that way, and you can be put off the idea of environmental wellness altogether. It’s so intangible; how are you going to save the entire rainforest? Luckily, the reality of environmental wellness is a lot more easy to grasp.

 

According to Jessica Rhodes, of health and wellness website 123FeelBetter, ‘Environmental Wellness deals with the relationship between you and your immediate environments. It also concerns your larger connection with nature and the entire planet. Keeping a clean house, maintaining home spaces that reflect who you are, taking good care of your belongings, creating a space for private time and taking steps to enjoy and care for the natural environment are all important parts of Environmental Wellness.’ While these may seem like simple and basic things, environmental wellness encompasses all of the external factors that have an impact on your overall wellbeing.

 

As environmental wellness means taking care of your material possessions, plants, animal companions, friends and family, and surroundings, Rhodes sets out the following activity to help you get a better grip on the concept: ‘Right now, before you have time to clean, take pictures of yourself and of your surroundings,’ she instructs. ‘Don’t be shy, capture all the wonderful grime you can. Only you will see these pictures. Don’t obsess over them, simply log them in your private journal…Whether you took pictures or not, how did this make you feel? What were the emotions that came up while doing this exercise? What were your family’s rules about cleanliness? How have they affected you?’

 

Once you have a good idea of your current state of environmental wellness, you can take steps to improve the world around you and, as a result, your personal sense of wellbeing:

 

1. Plan A Garden: If you have a little piece of unused land, or even a sunny spot by a window that you could clear out, Rhodes recommends planting something! ‘Often it is easier to take on our own land and our own responsibility than to take on the global environmental crisis,’ she explains. ‘So, in lieu of developing anxiety about the ozone layer, see if you can harvest some joy in your very own backyard.’

 

2. Think About Your Fruits and Vegetables: ‘Go into your fruit and vegetables and take note of where they are from,’ Rhodes advises. So often we put foods on our plates and into our bodies without really realising the journey they have taken to get there. ‘Which countries did you rely on to get your produce?’ Rhodes asks ‘Think about how long each item took to arrive on your doorstep. Write a day in the life of your mango.’

 

3. Go to your Local Wildlife Centre: Whether this is an official centre for wildlife or something as simple as your local park, connecting to your surroundings means actually going out and connecting to your surroundings. As Rhodes puts it: ‘You can’t promote wellness only on your computer.’ So get out there and visit the world around you. If nothing else, a bit of fresh air and exercise never hurt anyone!

 

4. Sign up for an Environmental Advocacy or Exploration Group: If you’ve got the environmental wellness bug, share it with others so that they can see the benefits of environmental wellness in their own lives. However, if advocacy isn’t your thing, check out a local walking group. Rhodes explains, ‘The first step in loving and taking care of the environment is to explore it.’

Categories: advocacy, care, Environmental, Environmental Wellness, fruits and vegetables, garden, nbsp, rhodes, wellbeing nbsp, Wellness

How to Save Britain’s Withering Wildlife with Your Garden

So much of Britain’s wildlife is in decline, and combating this requires action on many fronts. Conservation charities, such as the RSPB, are fighting for environmental wellness on multiple platforms, but what can you do? Your garden has an important role to play in the wellbeing of all kinds of threatened wildlife, from hedgehogs to house sparrows to toads. That is not to say that you have to let your garden become a jungle of weeds. With care and thought, you can help wildlife without compromising everything else you want your garden to be.

 

Desert the plant desert – I guarantee that you have a “plant desert” in your garden somewhere. Do you have patio or decking? A bare fence or wall? A shed or garage roof? Go a little greener in any of those spaces and you will help wildlife to thrive.

 

Wet and wild – Getting as much water as possible into your garden will do wonders for the wildlife. Invest in a birdbath or even a pond and you will give a home or place to drink and bathe to many creatures.

 

Pick perfect plants – Plants vary in their value to wildlife, although almost all plants will at least do some good. However, the best plants to grow are the ones that just can’t stop giving, be it in pollen, nectar, seeds, berries, or tasty foliage.

 

Mix it up – Offer different rooms for different guests (which a practice is known as spatial diversity). With different trees, shrubs and flower-rich borders, you can have damp, shady retreats and sun-baked hotspots both in the same garden. Allow some of your lawn to grow longer than the rest. It may sound a little aesthetically unappealing, but you can make it look amazing if you creatively dissect and outline it with mown pathways.

 

Keep it natural – Using anything on your garden that removes links in the food chain, such as insecticides and herbicides, will have a damaging knock-on effect all along it.

 

Give good grub – Decaying plants, be they wood, bark, leaves or flowers, form the basis of garden fertility and of much of the web of life. You can provide warm, damp, food-filled hideaways for a whole host of creatures with compost heaps, log piles, leaf litter and bark mulches.

Categories: garden, Variety, wildlife

Organic Gardening in Five Easy Steps

Whether you’re a keen gardener or a novice when it comes to planting, you’ll know how much pests can ruin your produce. Weeds, fungi and bacteria live in the soil which can often lead to your plants becoming rotten or inedible. You don’t need to rely on pesticides though – there are ways to embrace the natural way and still get great looking plants and produce. Here are some reasons why pesticides might not be the best way to go when it comes to your garden.

 

1 – Not all pests are bad for your garden, which is why you should avoid even the natural options, such as garlic or cayenne to discourage them. There are helper species such as ladybirds, frogs, wasps and toads which can be beneficial, as they feast on the less desirable species.

 

2 – Weeds may look unsightly, but they aren’t necessarily something you want to avoid. Weeds make great places for insects to survive in – so while you’re not likely to leave them in those neatly arranged beds, you don’t have to worry about taking them out of the edges of your garden. If you want to see plenty of bees and butterflies in your garden, weeds are the way forward.

 

3 – Don’t separate your plants – plant things together to create a great variety in small spaces. Why? Well, not only does it make for a more visually interesting bed, but it also discourages pests, as they build up according to the quantity and availability of their favourite foods. If you plant different things together, it confuses them so they’ll be less likely to feast in your garden.

 

4 – Healthy plants don’t attract pests in the same way as unhealthy plants, so feed the soil as much as you can. Make sure you water them enough too, so that they are better equipped to fend off the enemy.

 

5 – Lastly, let some pests live. Nature dictates that for every pest, there is a predator that will keep it in check, so let the cycle run its course. After a while, you’ll notice that those pests you’ve been trying to get rid of have managed themselves.

Categories: garden, Organic, pests

Garden Favourite Pelargonium is Top Herbal Remedy

You might not have heard of pelargonium but you have probably admired them in a garden where, as a pot plant relative of the geranium, it is a pretty and colourful addition. However, this popular plant also has another use with its extract used in herbal medicine to get rid of respiratory illnesses and deal with the symptoms of the common cold.

Pelargonium sidoides is a native of South Africa – its Zulu name is “umckaluabo”, which means bad cough – and is prized for its natural antibiotic properties. Its use over centuries in Africa as a herbal medicine to treat chest infections led to it being introduced to the UK in the 19^th century when respiratory conditions such as tuberculosis were at epidemic levels.

Today pelargonium is used all over the world as a natural aid to recovery from colds and flu, and for its fast action on ear, nose and throat infections, and chest and lung infections.

Clinical trials using pelargonium have shown that the plant extract is effect in treating acute bronchitis and is, in fact, as effective as using prescribed antibiotics for this condition. Children with tonsillitis and laryngitis can also be treated using pelargonium effectively and the remedy is particularly effective in helping those who don’t respond to antibiotics to recover more quickly.

Some studies have also shown that pelargonium may have the ability to boost our immune system, helping to fight against viruses and bugs.

Take pelargonium to relieve the symptoms of the common cold, such as runny nose, earache, sore throat and a cough. It is also known to help alleviate the symptoms of sinusitis, a condition where the nasal sinuses become painfully inflamed and cause pressure and pain, headaches and a blocked nose.

Taking pelargonium can also relieve the symptoms of asthma, the most common respiratory condition affecting both adults and children. Typical symptoms of the condition are coughing, wheezing, a feeling of breathlessness and excess mucus, all of which were shown to be reduced by taking pelargonium.

Pelargonium is considered to be one of the safest and most effective herbal remedies around.

Google+
Garden Favourite Pelargonium is Top Herbal Remedy

Categories: garden, herbal, remedy