Gardening

YOU can spend hundreds, if not thousands, of pounds trying to make a small garden look bigger.

But a plant expert has insisted you don’t need to shell out to give the illusion of more space, as you can get the same results with a 48p buy.

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The bargain in question is from Shein – a macrame plant hanger.

“Hanging planters are a brilliant way to add layers to a small garden without cluttering the ground,” Beards & Daisies‘ lead horticulturalist Connor Towning explained.

“Use them for trailing plants like English ivy, boston fern, or even strawberries if you want to grow fruit.”

They also work well on a balcony, as hanging planters make them “feel like little hideaway – kind of like having your own mini garden retreat in the middle of the city,” the company’s founder Jo Lambell added.

Another way to maximise a garden with limited ground space is with a vertical planting wall.

“Think herbs, trailing plants, or colourful bedding in planters attached to trellises or wooden pallets,” Jo suggested.

“It’s a high-impact look that also smells incredible when you include rosemary, mint or thyme.”

You can even try making one yourself, just by mounting an old metal shoe rack to a wall.

Tilt it, and make sure it’s properly secured so that you can sit small potted plants on it at an angle – creating an “eye-catching, space-saving solution that turns clutter into a garden feature”.

It’s also worth looking at furniture with a dual purpose – such as a planter that doubles as a storage bench – to “maximise functionality while keeping your garden clutter-free”.

Make the most of the corners in your garden too.

You can turn one into a mini wildflower garden, using seeds such as a mix of cornflowers, poppies and cosmos.

“Sowing a small patch of wildflower seeds in a deep planter can support bees and butterflies,” Connor added.

“It’s one of the most rewarding things you can do for wildlife, and it adds a beautiful texture.”

Another option is to create a corner seating area – which you can do for less with reclaimed wooden pallets.

Add some weatherproof cushions to make a “snug lounge area that’s both budget-friendly and space-efficient”.

How To Make Your Small Garden Look Bigger

Garden design expert Fiona Jenkins from MyJobQuote.co.uk has created a guide on how to make your small garden look larger.

Add shelves – for additional storage and place to hold more plants. 

Use foldaway furniture – to take up less space when not in use. 

Add privacy – with fencing, trellis, brick walls or hedging. 

Add a water feature – to make your garden seem like a natural retreat. 

Go bright – when choosing plants, opt for bold colours to make the space pop. 

Use large planters – to get more plants in less space. 

Plant vertically – add plants upwards to make your garden seem fuller, and therefore, bigger.

Use blue flowers at the edges – blue flowers and plants recede into the distance and make the garden appear bigger. 

Grow tall plants – it’s better to think big when it comes to a small garden.   

Keep clutter a minimum – as it can give the illusion of less space than there actually is.

Lastly, there are some other illusions you can create with light and space, such as placing a mirror on a wall or fence to “visually double” the space.

Consider planting pale coloured flowers and plants such as white petunias, pale pink geraniums, or daisies to reflect light and make the space look bigger.

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A “CRUEL” Royal Mail postie has been caught on camera KICKING a customer’s “attention-loving” puppy in the face.

Nikki Walker, 49, was working from home last month when cockapoo Bella heard the garden gate open and jumped out of a ground floor window.

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Moments later Nicki heard the one-year-old pup yelp in pain and rushed to the front door to question a Royal Mail postman who had just delivered some letters.

She says the rude worker denied kicking Bella and told her to “do what the f**k she wants” when she threatened to check her doorcam footage.

Nikki was appalled to discover footage on the doorcam of the Royal Mail postie booting her pooch in the face.

The shocking video shows Bella run over to the postman who turns around and kicks the rescue dog in the face with his right boot.

Squealing, Bella is launched backwards in mid-air and runs off a couple of seconds before Nikki appears at the front door.

Nikki claims the postie told her he simply “put my leg up to stop Bella from jumping” but she believes he was lying.

The mum-of-four says she was “absolutely fuming” while reviewing the footage and has complained to Royal Mail.

She says they offered her £100 and a home visit from a staff member to apologise, but she rejected the latter as she wanted all correspondence in writing.

Nikki claims Royal Mail have since threatened to suspend deliveries to her address unless she ensures the dog is kept away from staff.

She describes Bella as a “faithful, cuddle-loving” puppy who has never bitten anyone and posted the video to Facebook where users branded the postie a “scumbag” and called for him to be sacked.

Royal Mail claim two other posties have reported Bella growling at them and insisted their “first priority as an employer is to ensure the welfare and safety” of staff.

The postman has now been removed from the round and won’t be delivering to the address on Nikki’s request.

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Nikki, from Leeds, West Yorkshire, said: “When I heard yelping I quickly ran outside the front door.

“When I asked what she’s yelping at he said he didn’t know. I asked if he’d kicked the dog and he said ‘no, I put my leg up to stop her from jumping’.

“That won’t be the case because he put his leg back and kicked. I knew he was lying to me.

“I told him I’d check the camera then he said ‘do what the f**k you want.

“Bella ran into the house, curled and cowered on the sofa and that’s not like her. I knew something had happened.

“I sat next to her to watch the video and when I did I was absolutely fuming.

“She was wagging her tail. She wasn’t aggressive or barking.

“She’s a faithful puppy. She loves cuddles, attention and she’d sit on your knee for hours.

“If he’d have done that to my last dog he’d have killed her.

“My daughter watched the video and she was absolutely mortified.”

Nikki says it will cost her around £80 to build new fencing so Royal Mail will agree to deliver to her address.

She feels the delivery giants are treating her puppy like a “dangerous” dog despite her claiming she’s never bitten anyone.

Nikki said: “They sent this via a letter, which is quite ironic. You couldn’t make it up.

“We’ve had to go out, buy some wood and build and new fence and gate so she can be secured in the back garden

“It’s as if my dog is dangerous. It’s really annoyed me. She’s not a rottweiler or a big alsatian and she’s never bit anybody.”

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Nikki’s Facebook post has more than 200 comments, shares and reactions.

The post said: “This is absolutely disgusting behaviour kicking my one-year-old puppy in the face. She’s wagging her tail.

“The yelps coming out of her are distressing so be mindful if watching, please.”

One commented: “Disgusting behaviour. Report him and push for an outcome.”

A second said: “I hope he gets sacked, he wouldn’t be kicking a rottweiler.”

A third agreed and said: “Sack the scumbag.”

However one said: “Should keep your dog under control at all times.”

Nikki hit back: “She was in her own garden not running wild in the streets. it’s the postman who was out of control.”

A Royal Mail spokesperson said: “We are aware of an incident involving one of our postmen and a dog in Leeds.

“Our first priority as an employer is to ensure the welfare and safety of our people who provide a valuable service to our customers.

The vast majority of dog owners are very responsible and keep their pets under control, However, last year, there were over 2,200 dog attacks on postmen and women in the UK – some resulting in life-changing injuries.

“We continue to appeal to dog owners to secure their pets when the postie arrives to help reduce the number of attacks, particularly at the door and in the garden.”

WHILE we all enjoy getting on with our neighbours, there’s nothing wrong with wanting some privacy.

And one woman has shared the easy and cheap buy to keep neighbours from looking into your garden.

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Taking to social media, Steph Varnie decided to fence off her outdoor space.

Her wooden panelled fence had large spaces in between them, which she wanted to cover up.

So, she decided to head to B&M to solve the problem.

Steph bought the Split Bamboo Screening for just £18 from the budget retailer.

She wrote: “Let’s get some screening up,” with the hashtag privacy screen.

In the clip, she showed herself putting it up along her fence to create more privacy.

It was clearly an easy DIY task to do as Steph was able to do it alone with a staple gun to secure it in place.

The bamboo screen was 2 metres in length, which meant Steph still had a small gap that went uncovered.

“Shame I was just out… Need to think what to do with that little section at the end,” she said.

She went on to ask others how to cover the gap and many suggested buying another screen to cover it and make it thicker for more privacy.

The clip was posted to her TikTok account @steph_varnie with over 162k views and 300 likes.

One person wrote: “Ours lasted years, we put one lot up and then added another on top for extra privacy.”

Another commented: “We’ve done the same. 3 rolls deep to block out the neighbours, made a beautiful border now we have a private garden.”

“You did an amazing job,” penned a third.

Meanwhile a fourth said: “Double it up for more privacy.”

“Should have started from that end more privacy from neighbours,” claimed a fifth.

Fabulous will pay for your exclusive stories. Just email: [email protected] and pop EXCLUSIVE in the subject line.

IF you’re prepping your outdoor area for the relaxing summer ahead, a budget buy can level it up.

Lidl shoppers can elevate their garden or balcony’s privacy with this simple addition.

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Whether you’re lying back and soaking up the sun or enjoying a meal al fresco, you don’t want to feel as though you’re on display to everyone in your neighbourhood.

If your outdoor area is a little too exposed for your liking, there’s no need to write it off.

You can now shield yourself from nosy neighbours with this colourful item.

As well as shielding you from prying eyes, this Lidl buy can also help to brighten up your garden.

Shoppers can pick up a Large Hanging Planter for just £6.99 from the middle aisle.

Customers can “choose from a wide range of colours to brighten up their outdoor space”.

According to the experts at Monrovia, staggering your hanging planters at different levels can help to create a natural separation from the outside world.

And it does so without adding an unsightly privacy fence or screen to your space.

“It creates the sense of separation without shouting ‘keep out,'” they explained.

But the gardening pros highlighted the importance of taking care of your planters.

They recommended watering your natural barrier regularly, especially in the hot weather.

Or you can opt for a more classic privacy product to shield your garden from public view.

Amazon also has a £14 privacy buy that is described as “perfect” for summer.

Another privacy fence is also available from Amazon, for just £5.

B&Q has an affordable privacy fence currently on sale, and you can put it up yourself.

And a £10 B&M product adds inches to your fence, elevating your garden’s privacy.

You can also add a stylish touch to your privacy fence with another B&M buy.

A £3 buy from B&M is can also help to add privacy to your garden this summer.

And its not just fences that can help give you privacy in your garden, one B&M item can help shield you from nosy neighbours and the sun.

Meanwhile, a Home Bargains buy is said to add a touch of glamour to your garden.

Another item from the bargain retailer is perfect for attracting birds to your space.

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SHOPPING experts have revealed when is the ideal time to stock up on major garden essentials to make huge savings.

Three of the key items should be bought this month in order to make the biggest savings.

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Boffins at comparison site Idealo have done the hard work for us and worked out that shoppers could save £183.84 if they purchase a gazebo this month, rather than in November, when they are at its worst price.

One shopper recently bragged about picking up a “huge” gazebo from her local Morrisons for just £20.

May is also your month for hedge trimmer shopping and you could save £12.80 as opposed to buying in August as their most expensive month.

As most parents will know, tearing kids away from screens can sometimes be a challenge, making garden toys a lifeline in the summer months.

If you’re after something that will keep your little ones entertained for hours, what about the trusty pogo stick?

May is the best month to pick one up, creating a saving of £1.24 rather than in December.

For your other green-fingered needs, June has been officially crowned as the cheapest month of the year to buy garden bits in the UK, with the greatest deals on offer.

While June is ideal, buying garden goodies any time between the end of May and August is also promised to save you cash.

Idealo found that savings of up to £649 can be made by buying each item at the right time.

Katy Phillips, senior brand and communications manager at idealo tells The Sun: “Our data shows that a little patience can go a long way when it comes to saving money on garden essentials this year.

“Holding off until the right month could save shoppers hundreds of pounds on big-ticket items like sun loungers, tables and fire pits.

“We’d always recommend comparing prices across multiple retailers before committing to a purchase. With a bit of planning, and by using apps with tools like price alerts, you can enjoy your garden for less and make your money stretch further this summer.”

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How to save money on garden furniture

Opting to buy your new garden furniture or items on sale could save you a lot of money.

Most retailers start discounting garden items after summer and will run promotions over the winter, but be aware stock can be far more limited during this time.

Retailers will start reintroducing more to their garden ranges during spring and may run limited promotions over bank holidays, for example.

You are unlikely to get a great deal just before or in the height of summer, but some retailers offer mid-summer clearance sales to get rid of old stock, so keep an eye out.

Remember to always shop around when making a big purchase, as even if one store has a sale on, you may be able to get a better deal elsewhere.

You can use websites like Price Spy to compare the prices of items across multiple retailers and see how the prices have changed over time.

Remember, you may not need to buy you furniture – you could save a fortune by up-cycling old items instead.

Giving dirty pieces a good wash and a lick of fresh paint can make them look brand new.

You can also pick up perfectly good items second-hand.

Try platforms like Facebook Marketplace or eBay to see if anyone near you is getting rid of old items – you may even be able to pick them up for free.

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A HOMEOWNER was left stunned after her neighbour took matters into their own hands with their DIY project.

She took to Reddit to explain what happened, and people were left divided on it all.

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The problem started when her neighbours decided to add a small building to the back of their garden.

Initially, the project made no difference to the homeowner and she thought nothing of it.

That is until she came home from work one day to discover they had replaced their shared fence for their benefit.

It turned out the small outbuilding had a small window on the wall next to the shared fence, but because of the normal fence panels no light could get into the window.

That’s when the neighbours decided to take matters into their own hands.

The homeowner explained: “I came home from work today and this is how the fence looks, the neighbour has had a building built at the bottom of the garden and a window on the building just the other side of that fence.

“I understand it’s to allow light to pass through the window bit it looks white and why should my privacy be invaded for their benefit?”

Alongside the post, the homeowner shared a picture of the new fence, which had large holes in the design to allow light through.

However, as well as letting light into her neighbour’s new space, the new fence allowed them to peek right into her garden.

After sharing the post on Reddit users were left divided over how the homeowner should go about the problem.

One said: “That is certainly one of the most moronic things I’ve ever seen.”

Meanwhile, a second suggested adding plants to the area to solve the problem.

They explained: “You can buy laurel trees that are already a couple of metres high to give a hedge a head start.

“This is what I did last year. I planted 10 two metre high laurels last spring and they are doing really well.”

And while someone else suggested adding another shed on their side of the fence, another person had an easier plan.

They said: “Instead of a shed, just put two garden chairs directly facing it, then sit there and look in through their window.

“Privacy works both ways and when they don’t have it, they will want it back.”

IF you’re setting your patio up ahead of the summer, B&M may have just the thing to level up your space.

This decor buy will help turn your garden into a paradise without breaking the budget.

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From hosting barbecues to enjoying relaxing evenings in the setting sun, who doesn’t plan to make the most of the good weather this summer?

And adding an extra touch to your outdoor set up can help create a cosy atmosphere into the night.

B&M is currently selling outdoor candles for just £2, reduced from £4.

These outdoor candles come in two seaside-themed shapes: shell and starfish.

“This shaped candle will make a beautiful addition to your garden,” the product description reads.

Manufacturers added that this item is “perfect for some ambient outdoor lighting”.

It can help turn your outdoor space into a “coastal paradise” this summer.

After transforming her own patio, one woman shared her top tips on Maison de Cinq.

She recommended placing “candles on the table for added ambience”.

Certain outdoor candles also have a practical purpose in your garden during the summer.

You can pick up a £3 citronella candle for repelling pests from Home Bargains.

And one Home Bargains buy is said to add a touch of glamour to your garden.

Another item from the bargain retailer is perfect for attracting birds to your space.

You can also pick up a B&Q buy that creates a “tranquil atmosphere” in your garden.

A £3 garden decoration from Aldi that turns your outdoor space into a “lush oasis”.

And the Aldi outdoor patio furniture, including a rattan effect corner sofa.

Home Bargains also has a £5 decor buy that turns your patio into an “outdoor living room”.

Plus, a 79p Home Bargains item that will instantly level up your outdoor space.

A £10 B&M product adds inches to your fence, elevating your garden’s privacy.

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Garden owners are flocking online to pick up a ‘brilliant’ and ‘powerful’ gadget that’s 47% cheaper right now.

Amazon has slashed the cost of a hugely popular garden paint sprayer from £94.49 to £49.99.

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Wagner Fence & Decking Paint Sprayer, £49.99 (was £94.49)

The sun’s out, the weather is glorious, and summer is nearly here.

The UK is currently basking in a glorious heatwave, with temperatures soaring and some Brits being hit with a drought warning.

With all this extra time being spent outdoors, it’s no wonder Brits want to give their gardens a bit of a spruce-up.

And if your decking or fence is looking a little ragged, it’s Amazon you need to head to.

The Wagner Fence & Decking Paint Sprayer, now 47% cheaper in this May deal, is Amazon’s number one best-selling paint sprayer.

This sprayer is made for small to medium jobs like fences, sheds, decking, and garden furniture.

You don’t need any fancy sprayable paint either – it works with normal fence paint, oil, varnish, stains, and wood treatments.

It’s got some cracking features to make the job easier.

You can adjust the paint flow for precise painting and switch the paint jet to suit what you’re working on.

The gun’s detachable, so it’s dead easy to clean, refill, or swap attachments, and has a decent 1.4-litre capacity.

It can reportedly spray a whole fence panel in under two minutes.

We’ve not tried it ourselves, but over 4,300 people on Amazon have, and they’ve left it with an average 4.5 out of 5-star rating.

“Wish I’d purchased this sooner!” one happy shopper writes. “If you’re looking for a fence/decking sprayer to do the job – this thing is more than adequate!

“Best £50 I’ve spent in a LONG time!! Fantastic product, easy to use and most importantly – a major time saver!!!”

Another said: “Excellent coverage. Powerful and lightweight. Totally impressed with this machine.

“I still can’t believe how good it paints and how fast. In no time we have garden benches and fence panels that look as good as new.”

One more added, “Works like a dream… Brilliant!

“I was dubious about getting this as I had tried pump-type sprayers before, but they were useless. The results were brilliant, quick and easy.”

If your shed, fences, or garden furniture need sprucing up, now’s the time to sort it out – ahead of the summer months.

Wagner Fence & Decking Paint Sprayer, £49.99 (was £94.49)

Shoppers looking for other gardening items should check out these tried and tested round-ups of the best chainsaws and best solar lights for the garden.

Green-fingered shoppers who love gardening might also want to snap up this deal on a summer flowering bulb collection, which is half the usual price.

SHOPPERS are hot footing it down to B&M to buy pretty and on-trend garden plants scanning for just £10 at the checkout.

The bargain shop is selling the social media garden must-have just in time for summer.

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People couldn’t believe their eyes after a fellow Flamingo Tree fan let everyone know in a Facebook group, Bargain Lovers, they were being sold for the cheapest price yet.

Delighted users started commenting and tagging their friends in.

One person wrote: “That’s a great price they are lovely shrubs so pretty.”

Meanwhile, another added: “Love these, £10, right bargain.”

Another let her friend know about the deal and simply said “quick”.

The pink Salix Flamingo Trees, known for their brightly-coloured foliage, are just £10.

They are also selling small hedge plants which were being sold for £4 last year.

They’re the cheapest on the market right now, with B&Q selling its 17cm trees for a pricier £24.99.

If you can’t find the Flamingo Tree in B&M, The Range is also selling them for £15.

Wilko‘s deal on the plant, like B&Q, is also more expensive than The Range, charging £17 for a 40cm tree.

On eBay you would have to pay £9.95 for a mini plant – an amount which could almost get you three when shopping at B&M.

It comes as a reminder to always compare prices before buying a product, which you can do through websites like Trolley.

The flamingo plants are currently unavailable to view online – meaning you’ll have to visit your local store to see if they stock it.

It’s important to bear in mind that prices may vary between locations.

If you want to find your nearest B&M store, you can use the Store Finder tool on its website.

They have 280 outdoor plants and trees to browse online, such as a rose bush for £23.99.

You can also buy a Malus Golden Delicious apple tree for £44.99, or lemon trees for £25.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for indoor plants for your home, you could save money in the long run by knowing what to buy.

Ways to save money at B&M

One of the best ways to save money at B&M is by using the retailer’s Scanner App.

It is free to download onto your smartphone via the Apple App Store or Google Play.

Once downloaded, you can use the camera on your phone to scan product barcodes around stores.

The app then tells you the true price of that product, which is sometimes much lower than the price tag says it is.

One shopper used the app to get a £10 long hot water bottle for just 10p, while other customers have found a host of other 10p bargains.

Another quick way to cut costs is by visiting at the right time.

One ex-manager told The Sun this is around 10am on a Wednesday, when staff slash the price of items to as little as 10p to clear excess stock and make way for new products.

Deals expert Tom Church said to keep an eye out for red sticker products as well.

It’s worth signing up to Facebook pages dedicated to hunting for bargains from B&M and other discounters too.

Two worth joining are B&M Bargains, Extreme Money Saving Deals and More and Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK group.

Garden features that add the most value to a house

A well-kept garden can add anywhere between 5-20% to the value of a property.

Sellhousefast.uk carried out a study and consulted 36 estate agents, garden designers and property professionals from across the UK.

And the experts revealed the garden feature which adds the most value to a property is a shed. 

1. Shed – 82%
2. Patio or paving – 76%
3. Secure fencing, walls or gates – 72%
4. Outdoor lighting – 66%
5. Sturdy decking – 62%
6. Water features eg. fountain or pond – 58%
7. Modern garden furniture – 54%
8. Artificial lawn/grass – 40%

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].

Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories

ENGLAND’S Phil Foden says he shuns the nightlife to relax with board games and nature.

The Manchester City ace, 24, relishes home life at his country mansion and fishing lake.

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He said: “I love sitting in my garden and looking at all the wildlife.”

Winding down allows him to go fishing with son Ronnie, six.

He said: “I started with my dad, so it’s nice to pass it on.”

And Phil’s private chef cooks for fiancée Rebecca Cooke, mum to their three kids.

Friends join them some evenings.

The midfielder added: “We love to play Ludo and board games.

“I like to chill and relax really.”

He said the family enjoy zoo trips and hiring bouncy castles.

Instead of a footballer off-season trip to Marbella or Ibiza, Phil will be in France “where the fish are a little bigger”.

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