Lifestyle
Ready set grow for a Summer in full bloom

Experts in making your garden blooming marvellous from Swansea’s Dobbies Garden Centre give us their hot tips on making the most of your Summer garden.
The warmth of the Summer sunshine makes it the ideal time to enjoy your garden. Officially starting on Monday 21 June, the long-awaited season of longer lighter days is when many gardens look their best, filled with colour and fragrance.
Whether you planted young seedlings in Spring and can now enjoy seeing your efforts burst into bloom, or you’re looking for fast floral additions, the experts at Dobbies have shared their top tips to get gardens looking their best.
Dobbies Horticultural Director, Marcus Eyles, said: “Summer is a busy time in the garden, with plenty to do but equally lots to enjoy as nature puts on its best sensory display of the year. As temperatures rise, it’s a time of exuberant growth, with potential dry spells meaning a little extra TLC needed to give your garden a healthy boost.
“Just as plants and lawns need some protection from the sunshine, don’t forget to regularly top up the sunscreen when working outside, stay hydrated and avoid spending too much time gardening when the sun is at its strongest. I tend to do watering, pruning, mowing and any extra planting first thing in the morning or in the late afternoon to early evening – the same applies if you’re working in the greenhouse. I find the cooler temperatures make it a much more enjoyable time of day to be pottering outside!”

Early summer gardening action plan…
Planting out
Once bedding plants raised from seed or young plants have been hardened off in a cold frame over a period of 7 to 10 days, they can now be planted out. More tropical feature plants such as Canna and ornamental bananas can also be planted.
You should remain vigilant of any late frosts or cold snaps and protect plants accordingly. In colder areas of the country, it may be wise to wait until early to mid-June.
Smart watering
Watering is key during peak summer months when your garden is less likely to get what it needs naturally from rainwater. Early morning is the optimal time to water plants, avoiding the hottest part of the day when this will quickly evaporate and allowing a chance for plant roots to take in what they need.
Late afternoon or early evening is ok for watering, so that the plants have time to drink up the water before the heat of the following day but avoid watering too late at night as this can lead to fungus growth.
Make sure water is directed at the base of plants, rather than over the top, to ensure the water gets to where it is needed.
Water newly planted shrubs and perennials in dry periods, mulching well to help retain moisture. Adding liquid fertiliser, as per the manufacturer’s instructions, every fortnight to feed plants grown in containers and hanging baskets will help for healthy growth.
Light work of weeding
Warmer temperatures will herald the appearance of weeds in flower beds and borders. The quickest and easiest way to control them is to hoe them off before they get chance to get established, applying a thick layer of mulch over the soil surface to help keep any further weeds at bay. Mulching with organic matter, such as garden compost, also locks in moisture and, over time, helps to improve your soil, whilst giving plants a well-needed boost.
Practical pruning
Regularly dead-heading flower borders will extend the flowering season well into autumn, particularly for Dahlias, Roses and cottage garden Perennials.
Any early flowering herbaceous plants that have already died back can be cut back and tidied, whilst some will grow back with a second flush of foliage and flower for a late season display, such as Geraniums and Delphiniums. Spring flowering annuals, such as Forget-me-nots, will have faded now and should be lifted to make way for later summer plantings. Fill gaps with fast growing high summer bedding plants such as Dahlia, Cosmos and Nicotiana.
Prune Wisteria cutting whippy side shoots back to around five leaves to 20cm in length. Prune spring flowering shrubs, such as Deutzia and Weigela soon after flowering has faded to prevent them becoming overgrown. Remove spent branches with secateurs or loppers to allow new growth to develop as this will carry next Spring’s display.
Cottage garden plant support
In cottage gardens, make sure plant supports are in place and they’ll soon be disguised by fresh new growth. Sweet Peas should be growing strongly now. Use garden twine to tie-in growths to their supports. Once established, they will climb happily by themselves.
Take action to protect susceptible lush foliage of prized herbaceous plants, such as Delphinium and Hosta, from slug damage.
Early season herbaceous plants, such as Hardy Geranium and Oriental Poppies can be cut back after flowering to encourage re-growth of tidy, fresh new foliage. Geraniums will often put on a second, late season flower display. Mulch and feed for an extra boost. Clematis montana can be cut back after flowering to control growth if required. Also, tie in new growth on summer flowering Clematis and Honeysuckle.
Dead-head Roses to encourage repeat flowering. Feed them with Rose fertiliser and add a layer of mulch for an extra boost to support strong growth and a floriferous display. Roses are at their peak in June, making it the perfect time to choose new varieties to add to your summer display. We have a vast range of our new own brand roses now in store.
Show lawns some love
Lawns are put under extra pressure during high summer months, but established lawns that dry out and have brown patches will recover with some TLC and when rain returns – so don’t panic if they do.
Regular mowing is best for a healthy lawn, reducing the cutting height to help prevent drying out and when the grass is growing more strongly. Keeping the blades slightly higher will also help the grass resist the extra summer wear from garden games and stay at home picnics. For a lovely, lush green lawn, apply a high nitrogen summer feed.
Why not leave some areas of grass to grow to allow wildflowers to flourish, supporting wildlife and pollinating insects.
Wildlife wellbeing
According to a recent survey by UK charity RSPB, more than half of Brits said that spending more time at home over the last year has made them more aware of nature around them. The warmer months are a brilliant time for some garden wildlife spotting and to do your bit to protect the nature that lives on your doorstep.
Provide a wildlife haven with the addition of bird feeders, bird baths topped up regularly with fresh clean water and shady shelter. Encourage bees and butterflies with plenty of plants that will attract pollinators, such as Aster, Cosmos, Verbena and herbs like Sage, Mint, Rosemary and Thyme will also attract Bees. There are top tips with on the Dobbies Gardening Podcast.

Quick fix colour – Summer bedding plants
You can’t beat summer bedding plants for a colour burst and fast results. There are so many varieties to choose from, you can have beautiful flowers from late spring through till autumn. Whether you’ve got a large garden to co-ordinate, or just need a few pots to add colour to your balcony or windowsill, there are endless ways to use bedding plants, making them one of the most popular additions to any summer garden.
- Plant up some pots: Spruce up your patio or balcony with a few planted containers. Choose your plants and pots at the same time for a coordinated feel. Create a statement with several identical pots. Or go for an eclectic mix showcasing different varieties and colours. Terracotta pots or wooden containers will give you a traditional look, while eco-friendly plastics and bright colours will bring a contemporary feel.
- Try a hanging basket: Mix and match bedding plants in a hanging basket to create a high impact feature to liven up a doorway, wall or fence. For best results, pack in as many bedding plants as you can. Position upright varieties like petunias or begonias in the centre, with trailing plants like lobelia or bacopa around the edges to create fullness and a waterfall effect. Remember to water the basket every day and you’ll get months of lovely flowers.
- Brighten a windowsill: No garden? No problem. Bedding plants can help you make the most of whatever outdoor space you have. Choose a size and shape of container to suit and you can transform your windowsill or doorstep with beautiful blooms. Geraniums are always a good choice if your windowsills are exposed.
Know Your Bedding Plants
Impatiens: Busy Lizzies thrive in shade, so they’re a top choice if you want to brighten a shady spot. In pretty shades of pinks, reds, oranges, purples and white, this variety is ideal for bringing together lots of different colour schemes.
Begonias: Begonias are happy to grow in most conditions, making them perfect for all kinds of spaces. This pretty variety has small red, pink, and white flowers, contrasting with shiny, rounded, succulent leaves in bronze or green.
Trailing Petunia: You can’t beat Trailing Petunias for a spectacular hanging basket. Just a few plants create an enormous display, making them real value for money. This striking variety has blooms in vivid shades of pink, purple, blue, white and red.
Summer colour in the garden…
To find out more about seasonal jobs and gardening advice, visit: www.dobbies.com/ideas-advice
Listen to the Dobbies gardening podcast for more expert advice and trend insights: www.dobbies.com/content/podcast.html
For information on virtual events hosted by Marcus Eyles, with his gardening tips and advice, visit:www.dobbies.com/content/events.html
Education
“Stuck in a catch-22”: parents drive their children to school because they are concerned about traffic

New polling data released for Living Streets’ Walk to School Week (16-20 May 2022) finds that traffic is one of the biggest barriers to children walking to school, with 17 per cent of parents in Wales naming it as a reason their child doesn’t walk.
With over 460,000 pupils in Wales, it would mean tens of thousands of them are being denied the physical and social health benefits of being more active.
Schools being too far away from home (18%) and cars parked on pavements (17%) were also barriers for Welsh parents.
The latest data suggests just 50 per cent of primary school aged children in Wales walk to school.
Stephen Edwards, Chief Executive, Living Streets said: “We’re stuck in a catch-22 where families see driving to school as the safest way to protect their children from traffic.
“Leaving the car at home will reduce chaos and road danger around the school gates. It’s also a great way for children to learn about road safety in a real life setting and build their confidence in managing risk.
“Walk to School Week is an excellent opportunity for families to give walking to school a go and reap the health and social benefits of moving more.”
Living Streets works with schools, local authorities and parent groups to help improve the walk to school.
Stephen Edwards continues: “We want to enable as well as encourage more families to walk to school. We’re here to help parents who are worried about safety around their child’s school. Car-free zones, 20mph limits and better crossings can all help make the walk to school safer and we’re here to help people campaign for them in their area.”
For more information on Living Streets’ walk to school campaign, visit livingstreets.org.uk/WalkToSchool
(Lead image: Shutterstock)
Food & Drink
Chicken products recalled at a dozen national retailers due to salmonella fears

The Food Safety Authority (FSA) has issued a recall notice for cooked chicken sandwiches, wraps and other products sold at TWELVE major retailers due to salmonella fears.
The products were supplied by food producer Cranswick Country Foods who manufacture own-brand products for a number of supermarkets and food outlets.
In a statement the FSA said: “Cranswick Country Foods are recalling several products containing chicken because salmonella has been found in some of the chicken used to manufacture these products.
“As a precaution additional products are also being recalled whilst investigations continue.”
Products sold by Aldi, Waitrose, Amazon, Sainsbury’s, Co-op, Costa, Cafe Nero, M&S, Starbucks, Shell, One Stop and Tesco are all affected by the warning.
Aldi Chicken & Stuffing Sandwich Use by All use by dates up to and including 15 May 2022 Aldi Chicken & Sweetcorn Sandwich Use by All use by dates up to and including 15 May 2022 Aldi Chicken and Bacon Caesar Wraps Mixed Use by All use by dates up to and including 15 May 2022 Waitrose Chicken & Bacon Caesar Wrap Use by All use by dates up to and including 14 May 2022 Waitrose Deep Filled Roast Chicken & Bacon Sandwich Use by All use by dates up to and including 14 May 2022 Waitrose Deep Filled Roast Chicken & Stuffing Sandwich Use by All use by dates up to and including 14 May 2022 Waitrose Entertaining Meat Roulade Wrap Selection Use by All use by dates up to and including 14 May 2022 Waitrose Essential Chicken Mayo Sandwich Use by All use by dates up to and including 14 May 2022 Waitrose Roast Chicken & Bacon Sandwich Use by All use by dates up to and including 14 May 2022 Waitrose Roast Chicken & Stuffing Sandwich Use by All use by dates up to and including 14 May 2022 Waitrose Roast Chicken & Sweetcorn Sandwich Use by All use by dates up to and including 14 May 2022 Waitrose Roast Chicken Salad with Salad Cream Sandwich Use by All use by dates up to and including 14 May 2022 Aldi Chicken and Bacon Caesar Wrap Triple Wrap Use by All use by dates up to and including 15 May 2022 Use by Amazon Arabiatta Chicken Pasta Salad Use by All use by dates up to and including 12 May 2022 Amazon BBQ Chicken Hot wrap Use by All use by dates up to and including 12 May 2022 Amazon Chicken and Bacon Caesar Baguette Use by All use by dates up to and including 12 May 2022 Amazon Chicken and Spinach Protein Pot Use by All use by dates up to and including 12 May 2022 Amazon Chicken Caesar Wrap Use by All use by dates up to and including 12 May 2022 Amazon Chicken Tikka Bites Use by All use by dates up to and including 12 May 2022 Amazon Chicken Triple Sandwich Use by All use by dates up to and including 12 May 2022 Amazon Harissa Chicken and Grain Salad Use by All use by dates up to and including 12 May 2022 Aldi Chicken Fajita Triple Wrap Use by All use by dates up to and including 15 May 2022 Amazon Katsu Chicken and Coconut Slaw Use by All use by dates up to and including 12 May 2022 Amazon Lemongrass Chicken Grain Salad Use by All use by dates up to and including 12 May 2022 Amazon Mexican Chicken Mini Salad Use by All use by dates up to and including 12 May 2022 Amazon Sweet Chilli Chicken Noodle Salad Use by All use by dates up to and including 12 May 2022 Amazon Thai Chicken Hot Box Use by All use by dates up to and including 12 May 2022 Amazon Tikka Chicken & Masala Potato Use by All use by dates up to and including 12 May 2022 By Sainsbury’s Sage & Onion Chicken Breast Slice 180g Use by All use by dates from 3 May up to and including 20 May 2022 By Sainsbury’s Café Chicken & Bacon Topped Toastie Use by All use by dates from 3 May up to and including 14 May 2022 By Sainsbury’s Cajun Chicken Grills 180g Use by All use by dates from 3 May up to and including 20 May 2022 By Sainsbury’s Chargrilled Chicken Slices 160g Use by All use by dates from 3 May up to and including 20 May 2022 Aldi Chicken Beechwood Smoked Bacon and Stuffing Sandwich Use by All use by dates up to and including 15 May 2022 By Sainsbury’s Chargrilled Chicken Slices 300g Use by All use by dates from 3 May up to and including 20 May 2022 By Sainsbury’s Chargrilled Salt & Chilli Thigh Fillets 150g Use by All use by dates from 3 May up to and including 20 May 2022 By Sainsbury’s Chicken & Sweetcorn Sandwich Use by All use by dates from 3 May up to and including 14 May 2022 By Sainsbury’s Chicken and Bacon Sub Roll Use by All use by dates from 3 May up to and including 14 May 2022 By Sainsbury’s Chicken Fajita Triple Wrap Use by All use by dates from 3 May up to and including 14 May 2022 By Sainsbury’s Chicken Salad Sandwich Use by All use by dates from 3 May up to and including 14 May 2022 By Sainsbury’s Chicken Triple Sandwich Use by All use by dates from 3 May up to and including 14 May 2022 By Sainsbury’s Chicken with Pork, Sage & Onion Stuffing Sandwich Use by All use by dates from 3 May up to and including 14 May 2022 By Sainsbury’s Chicken, Bacon & Caesar Wrap Use by All use by dates from 3 May up to and including 14 May 2022 By Sainsbury’s Classic Sandwich Platter Use by All use by dates from 3 May up to and including 12 May 2022 Aldi Eat & Go Chicken and Bacon Club with Mayo Use by All use by dates up to and including 15 May 2022 By Sainsbury’s Classic Triple Sandwich Use by All use by dates from 3 May up to and including 14 May 2022 By Sainsbury’s Coronation Chicken Sandwich Use by All use by dates from 3 May up to and including 14 May 2022 By Sainsbury’s Firecracker Chicken Slices 160g Use by All use by dates from 3 May up to and including 20 May 2022 By Sainsbury’s Flamegrilled Chicken Grills 180g Use by All use by dates from 3 May up to and including 20 May 2022 By Sainsbury’s Flamegrilled Chicken Mini Fillets 170g Use by All use by dates from 3 May up to and including 20 May 2022 By Sainsbury’s Garlic & Herb Chicken Breast Slices 180g Use by All use by dates from 3 May up to and including 20 May 2022 By Sainsbury’s Gluten Free Chicken Caesar Wrap Use by All use by dates from 3 May up to and including 14 May 2022 By Sainsbury’s Gluten Free Sandwich Platter Use by All use by dates from 3 May up to and including 12 May 2022 By Sainsbury’s Grilled Tandoori Chicken Thigh Fillets 150g Use by All use by dates from 3 May up to and including 20 May 2022 By Sainsbury’s Jerk Chicken Wrap Use by All use by dates from 3 May up to and including 14 May 2022 Aldi Eat & Go Classic Selection Chicken Salad, Bacon, Lettuce & Tomato Prawn Mayonnaise Sandwiches Use by All use by dates up to and including 15 May 2022 By Sainsbury’s Kansas City BBQ Wings 486g Use by All use by dates from 3 May up to and including 20 May 2022 By Sainsbury’s Meat Sandwich Platter Use by All use by dates from 3 May up to and including 12 May 2022 By Sainsbury’s Mexican Chicken Mini Fillets 170g Use by All use by dates from 3 May up to and including 20 May 2022 By Sainsbury’s Piri Piri Chicken Mini Fillets 170g Use by All use by dates from 3 May up to and including 20 May 2022 By Sainsbury’s Spring on the Lemon Chicken Sandwich Use by All use by dates from 3 May up to and including 14 May 2022 By Sainsbury’s Thai Red Chicken Sandwich Use by All use by dates from 3 May up to and including 14 May 2022 By Sainsbury’s Wrap Platter Use by All use by dates from 3 May up to and including 12 May 2022 By Sainsburys Chicken & Bacon Sandwich Use by All use by dates from 3 May up to and including 14 May 2022 By Sainsbury’s TTD Greek Chicken & Tzatziki Premium Wrap Use by All use by dates from 3 May up to and including 14 May 2022 Caffé Nero Chargrilled Chicken Salad Sandwich Use by All use by dates up to and including 13 May 2022 Aldi Flavoured Mini Chicken Fillets; Mango Curry & Shwarma Use by All use by dates up to and including 19 May 2022 Co-op Chicken & Bacon Caesar Wrap Use by All use by dates up to and including 14 May 2022 Co-op Chicken & Sweetcorn Sandwich Use by All use by dates up to and including 14 May 2022 Co-op Chicken and Stuffing Sandwich Use by All use by dates up to and including 14 May 2022 Co-op Chicken Mayo Sandwich Use by All use by dates up to and including 14 May 2022 Co-op Coronation Chicken Sandwich Use by All use by dates up to and including 14 May 2022 Co-op Oriental Chicken Curry with Egg Fried Rice 400g Use by All use by dates up to and including 20 May 2022 Co-op Oriental Chow Mein 375g Use by All use by dates up to and including 20 May 2022 Co-op Oriental Sweet and Sour Chicken with Egg Fried Rice 400g Use by All use by dates up to and including 20 May 2022 Costa British Chicken Fajita Wrap Use by All use by dates up to and including 15 May 2022 Costa British Roast Chicken & Bacon Classic Toastie Use by All use by dates up to and including 15 May 2022 Aldi Roast Chicken & Bacon Sandwich Use by All use by dates up to and including 15 May 2022 Costa Chicken & Chorizo Stonebaked Panini Use by All use by dates up to and including 15 May 2022 ‘Jamie Oliver deli by Shell’ Spicy Chipotle BBQ Chicken Wrap Use by All use by dates up to and including 13 May 2022 M&S 14 Piece Classic Sandwich Platter Use by All use by dates up to and including 13 May 2022 M&S Chicken & Bacon Caesar Wrap Use by All use by dates up to and including 12 May 2022 M&S Classic Mini Roll Selection Use by All use by dates up to and including 12 May 2022 M&S Deli Filler Coronation Chicken Use by All use by dates up to and including 17 May 2022 M&S Made Without Wheat Gluten Free Chicken & Bacon Sandwich Use by All use by dates up to and including 13 May 2022 M&S Roast Chicken & Bacon Sandwich Use by All use by dates up to and including 13 May 2022 M&S Roast Chicken & Salad Sandwich Use by All use by dates up to and including 13 May 2022 M&S The Café Classic Selection Use by All use by dates up to and including 13 May 2022 Aldi Roast Chicken Salad Sandwich Use by All use by dates up to and including 15 May 2022 M&S The Café Gluten Free Chicken Salad Use by All use by dates up to and including 13 May 2022 M&S Honey and Mustard Chicken Pasta Salad Use by All use by dates up to and including 15 May 2022 M&S Chicken and Bacon Layered Salad Use by All use by dates up to and including 15 May 2022 M&S Chicken Caesar Salad Use by All use by dates up to and including 15 May 2022 One Stop BBQ Chicken Chunks 180g Use by All use by dates up to and including 19 May 2022 One Stop Sliced Roast Chicken Breast 180g Use by All use by dates up to and including 19 May 2022 Starbucks Coronation Chicken Sandwich Use by All use by dates up to and including 13 May 2022 Tesco BBQ Chicken Breast Pieces 180g Use by All use by dates up to and including 19 May 2022 Tesco Chicken Breast Slices 180g Use by All use by dates up to and including 20 May 2022 Tesco Chicken Breast Slices 180g (Express) Use by All use by dates up to and including 19 May 2022 Aldi Sweet Chilli Chicken Triple Wrap Use by All use by dates up to and including 15 May 2022 Tesco Chicken Breast Slices 360g Use by All use by dates up to and including 20 May 2022 Tesco Coronation Chicken Pieces 180g Use by All use by dates up to and including 18 May 2022 Tesco Fajita Chicken Breast Mini Fillets 170g Use by All use by dates up to and including 18 May 2022 Tesco Flame Grilled Chicken Breast Mini Fillets 170g Use by All use by dates up to and including 20 May 2022 Tesco Flame Grilled Chicken Thins 180g Use by All use by dates up to and including 18 May 2022 Tesco Garlic & Herb Chicken Breast Mini Fillets 170g Use by All use by dates up to and including 19 May 2022 Tesco Piri Piri Chicken Breast Mini Fillets 170g Use by All use by dates up to and including 18 May 2022 Tesco Piri Piri Chicken Breast Pieces 180g Use by All use by dates up to and including 19 May 2022 Tesco Sliced Chicken Breast with Sage & Onion 180g Use by All use by dates up to and including 19 May 2022 Tesco Tandoori Chicken Pieces 180g Use by All use by dates up to and including 19 May 2022
A full list of products affected is available on the FSA website.
The FSA added: “Our advice to consumers If you have bought the above products, do not eat them. Instead, return them to the store from where they were bought for a full refund.”
(Lead image: Lara604 / CC BY-SA 2.0)
Food & Drink
Supermarket Aldi to stock Ukrainian beer with profits going to humanitarian relief

Supermarket Aldi has announced it will sell Chernigivske, Ukraine’s most popular beer brand, in stores nationwide.
Priced at £9.99 for a pack of ten 440ml cans, all profits from sales will go towards humanitarian relief in Ukraine.
Brand-owner AB InBev is guaranteeing at least $5m from the initiative, with funds distributed across designated NGOs.
Chernigivske, also known locally as “Che”, is considered a national treasure in Ukraine.
Originally brewed as a gift to celebrate the 1,300-year anniversary of the city from which it got its name, Chernigiv, it remains the number one beer brand in Ukraine.

Like many Ukrainian businesses, the Chernigiv brewery closed its doors at the end of February. However, the brand has since started producing its lager in three breweries across Europe, with plans to open additional locations across the globe. Aldi proudly stands in partnership with Chernigivske, stocking the beer across stores nationwide, making every can count.
“Che” is a crisp and refreshing lager, originally brewed with character that perfectly balances strength and spirit; fruity aromas highlighted with light hoppy notes. It is a traditional Ukrainian lager loved and shared by generations of Ukrainians.
Chernigivske lager is available in Aldi stores from 1st May, £9.99 for 10 x440ml and available as a pack of 4 from mid-May, while stocks last.
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