Gardening and Home Tips

Plantable Packaging | Turn your waste into wildflowers

turning-packaging-into-wildflowers-for-the-garden

How to turn your gift cards into wildflower gardens

Simply place your birthday, get well soon, new home congratulations cards into the soil of your garden. Place the card under a thin layer of soil, keep moist for 10 days and watch it sprout into a beautiful wildflower meadow.


Seed Card FAQs

Can I plant my card anywhere?

Any soil will do. In fact, wildflowers love low-quality soil, so save your high-quality compost and rich peat for your more demanding plants. Wildflowers will thrive in good draining soil with low nutrients to deter any grass seed or invasive plants that may want to suck up some free nutrition.

Will my seed card grow in clay soil?

With the correct care, keeping moist for 10 days, clay soil will be able to support wildflowers. Things to note about clay soil is their water retention during wetter seasons and ability to dry out and crack in prolonged heat periods. So during high-heat months ensure consistent watering during the initial phase to keep plants happy.

What wildflowers grow in clay soil?

Expect to see Yarrow, Dusk Mallow, Cowslip, Ragged Robin, Red Clover, Teasel, Meadow buttercup and more.

Can you turn packaging into plants?

Yes. It is becoming a common eco-friendly practice to embed wildflower seeds into the packaging to help beautify the world and boost the natural ecological system. Examples can be seen in brown paper packaging even with linings such as those used for coffee packets. Simply add the packaging to your garden and watch it grow into a new meadow for your home. 

Seeded paper is made from recycled paper and 100% compostable. 

Can I scatter my wildflower seeds on the ground?

This can work, but the best way is to place into a soil layer, kept moist and weed free. 

When should I plant wildflower seeds (what month)?

Spring is ideal and most seeds will last for enough months to see the next planting season. However, September/October is the second best time in autumn when conditions can be ideal with a mix of warmth, sun and rainfall.

Do wildflower plants come back every year?

Annual wildflowers bloom the first year they are sown and die back in winter after producing seeds to grow into new plants. This cycle can continue forever. Some biennial plants won't flower or produce seed until their second year.

What is the most eco-friendly packaging?

Compostable packaging will fully degrade in soil often made from a mix of corn, beets, and sugar cane. This is more common now to help reduce waste in the environment. The next step of this is not only compostable packaging but seeded packaging that will break down and plant wildflower seeds to attract and encourage the growth of wildlife such as bees and bugs to enhance the green spaces and boost nitrogenation of soil.


Plantable Gift Cards and Biodegradable Wrapping Paper

Perfect for your eco-conscious friend or family, giving the gift of wildflowers is an added bonus to the stylish cute designs of our plantable cards.

  • Zero plastic
  • Vegan-friendly ink
  • Post-consumer waste envelope & card 

Mix and Match to Save 10%

Rewilding your Garden 101

rewilding-your-garden-natural-wildflowers

A New Homeowner's Guide to Rewilding Your Garden

Tame Your Lawn, Unleash the Wild

Congratulations on your new home! Now comes the exciting (and maybe slightly daunting) task of making the garden your own. But before you rush out and stock up on perfectly pruned shrubs and colour-coordinated flowers, consider this: what if you could create a thriving garden that's not only beautiful but also benefits the environment? Enter the concept of rewilding your garden.

Rewilding isn't about letting your entire garden become a jungle (although, wouldn't that be something?). It's about finding a balance between the cultivated and the wild. Here's how rewilding can be the perfect choice for new homeowners who want a sustainable, organic, and low-maintenance garden:


Embrace the Natives:

Ditch the high-maintenance, non-native plants and opt for local heroes. Native wildflowers, shrubs, and trees are perfectly adapted to your climate, meaning they'll thrive with minimal water and effort. This translates to less time weeding and watering, and more time enjoying your green haven. Plus, native plants provide essential food and shelter for pollinators like bees and butterflies, promoting a healthy ecosystem in your very own garden.

Let Nature Take the Lead:

Remember those perfectly manicured lawns? They may look tidy, but they often require a lot of mowing, fertilising, and weed control. With rewilding, you can ditch the chemicals and embrace a more natural aesthetic. Let native grasses and wildflowers take centre stage, creating a low-maintenance meadow that's bursting with life. You'll be surprised by the beauty and biodiversity it attracts!

Embrace the Mess (Kind Of):

We all love a tidy garden, but sometimes a little mess is a good thing. Fallen leaves, twigs, and dead plant material can decompose naturally, enriching your soil and providing a haven for beneficial insects like ladybugs and earthworms. These little critters will help keep your garden healthy and balanced, reducing the need for pesticides.

A Haven for Wildlife:

Rewilding isn't just about plants; it's about creating a wildlife haven. Install a bird feeder or a bat box to attract these natural pest controllers. Build a simple bug hotel from old branches and sticks to provide shelter for beneficial insects. You'll be surprised by the fascinating creatures that make your garden their home!

Start Small, Grow Big:

Rewilding your entire garden might seem overwhelming, especially for new homeowners. But don't worry, you can start small! Choose a neglected corner or a patch of boring lawn and transform it into a mini-rewilding zone. Witness the positive changes it brings, and soon you'll be itching to rewild more and more of your garden.

Rewilding your garden is a journey, not a destination. It's about creating a space that's beautiful, sustainable, and full of life. By embracing native plants, letting nature take its course, and creating a haven for wildlife, you'll be creating a garden that's not only good for you, but good for the planet too. So, what are you waiting for? Unleash the wild in your new garden and watch it bloom!

Beat the Heat: Top Tips for Thriving Gardens in Summer Sizzle

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Top Tips for Thriving Gardens in Summer Sizzle


  • Watering Wisdom

  • Mulch Magic

  • Planting Power

  • Beat the Midday Heat

Summer sunshine brings vibrant blooms and bountiful harvests, but scorching temperatures can also stress your precious plants. Fear not, fellow green thumbs! By implementing a few strategic adjustments, your garden can flourish even in the hottest months.

Watering Wisdom

Water is life, especially during a heatwave. Here's how to ensure your plants stay hydrated:

Deep Soaking is Key:

Ditch the daily spray. Instead, water thoroughly 2-3 times a week, reaching deep into the root zone. This encourages roots to grow deeper, making plants more resilient to drought.

Early Bird Gets the Water:

Water in the cool mornings or evenings to minimise evaporation. Avoid mid-day watering, as the sun can scorch leaves. There is some debate over this old wives tale, but it's not worth the risk if you can avoid it. 

Know Your Plants:

Different plants have varying water needs. Sun-loving vegetables like tomatoes and peppers require more frequent watering than shade-tolerant ferns or hostas.


Mulch Magic

Mulch is your garden's superhero in hot weather. A 2-4 inch layer of organic mulch, like wood chips or shredded bark, offers a wealth of benefits:

Moisture Retention:

Mulch acts like a blanket, suppressing soil evaporation and keeping precious moisture locked in.

Temperature Regulation:

Mulch insulates the soil, keeping it cool and preventing scorching.

Weed Suppression:

It discourages pesky weeds that compete with your plants for water and nutrients.


Planting Power

Make smart choices when planting during the summer heat:

Heat-Loving Heroes:

Opt for plants known to thrive in hot weather, like ornamental grasses, lavender, zinnias, and marigolds.

Shade Seekers:

Group heat-sensitive plants together for mutual shade and consider adding shade covers during peak sun hours.

Succession Planting:

Plant cool-season crops like lettuce and spinach in succession for a continuous harvest throughout the summer.


Beat the Heat for Yourself

Gardening under the summer sun requires you to stay cool and hydrated as well:

Hydration Hero:

Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don't feel thirsty.

Sun Safety Savvy:

Wear protective clothing, including a hat, sunglasses, and long sleeves to shield yourself from UV rays.

Schedule Strategically:

Tackle the most demanding gardening tasks during cooler morning or evening hours. Take breaks in shaded areas to avoid overexertion.


Bonus Tips

Group Plants Wisely:

Strategically position plants to maximise shade. Taller plants can provide shade for heat-sensitive ones.

Container Care:

Container plants dry out faster than those in the ground. Check them daily and water as needed.

Harvest Regularly:

Picking ripe fruits and vegetables encourages continued growth and prevents them from rotting on the vine in the heat.

By following these tips, you can create a thriving summer oasis, no matter how hot it gets. Remember, a little planning and care go a long way in ensuring your garden flourishes throughout the entire season. So, grab your hat, water your plants, and enjoy the beauty of your summer garden!

Three signs you’ve got unwanted pests in your home

Three signs you’ve got unwanted pests in your home

Three signs you’ve got unwanted pests in your home

Top Signs to look out for

 

  1. Droppings
  2. Scratches, tracks and other marks
  3. Noises and smells

Pests can be problematic when they venture inside our homes. A large influx of creatures will be obvious, but it’s best to learn to spot the signs of a small infestation so you can crack down on the issue before it jeopardises your health or property..


If you’re not sure what you should be looking out for, here are three signs you’ve got unwanted pests in your home.

Droppings

Pest droppings are perhaps one of the most obvious indicators of critters beginning to share your home, so long as you know how to identify them. They can be easily mistaken for other things at first if they’re not accompanied by other signs.


Droppings tend to look like small pieces of dirt, and it’s usually the location they’re found in that helps us to identify them – while you may find dirt near entrances to your home, droppings can occur all over the house and are often found in unfrequented areas such as behind furniture or in cupboards.

 

Scratches, tracks and other marks

Unfortunately for homeowners, pests can cause a lot of damage. For example, many of us have experienced the holes left in clothes by moths and in furniture by woodworm beetles. You may also spot scratches on furniture that have been left by bigger animals such as mice or rats.


Similarly, you’ll want to be on the lookout for animal tracks and other signs that a pest has been scurrying around, like grease marks from small insects or footprints from larger mammals.

 

Noises and smells

Unusual noises and odours are commonly experienced with a pest infestation. You may hear scratching and scuttling sounds, indicative of rodents being present, or the rustling of smaller insects like cockroaches and termites. 


Many pests also give off certain smells. In fact, this can be a really useful way of identifying the species that might be present in your home. For example, bed bugs are known for having a musky, sweet smell, while cockroaches are often described as smelling ‘oily’. Similarly, mice and rats can be recognised by their distinct smell of ammonia.


How can you keep pests out of your home?

It can be tough to eliminate a pest infestation. For this reason, most people try to prevent animals and insects from entering their homes in the first place.


Start by sealing any cracks or holes through which pests could enter your home, such as gaps in floorboards and doorways, or windows that don’t shut properly. It doesn’t take long for pests to seek out an entrance to your home, particularly if they pick up on the scent of food nearby – so be sure to dispose of perishable items immediately after use to avoid tempting animals and insects into your home.


Remember to keep on top of the cleaning to avoid mould growth which could attract insects – you’ll need to keep your house dry to ensure your living areas don’t become too humid. Ultimately, your goal should be to make your home as uninhabitable as possible for common pests. If you’re struggling to keep any small creature at bay, be sure to reach out to an expert for advice on eliminating the infestation.

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