Tag: gardens

MSPs see first-hand the importance of gardens for health and wellbeing

On Tuesday, 12 March, the charity Trellis and the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) arranged for politicians and their staff to visit organisations that demonstrate how horticulture can deliver health and wellbeing benefits to vulnerable people and their communities.

These visits were organised in conjunction with the HTA’s Scottish Environmental Horticulture Growth Strategy, which highlights the link between health and horticulture.

The visits focused on the power of the natural environment as a health-promoting asset and how domestic gardens can provide significant physical and mental health benefits. The benefits of horticulture include recovery from illness, physical activity, weight impact, birth outcomes, and cardiovascular, mental and social health consequences.

After the visits, the HTA hosted the Cross Party Group (CPG) for Gardening and Horticulture for their Annual General Meeting at Holyrood on the same day.

The discussions centred on the health and wellbeing benefits of green spaces and the role of social and therapeutic horticulture in reducing pressure on the NHS.

Trellis discussed the benefits delivered and challenges faced by many practitioners and shared their work to create the UK Professional Association for Social & Therapeutic Horticulture and the UK’s very first accredited qualification for practitioners, developed with Scottish colleges.

Commenting on the programme of visits: 

Stan Green, Chair of HTA Scottish Policy Group and Trellis Board member: “It was incredibly powerful to see the work that is going on across Edinburgh that uses the value of plants and gardening to make a difference to so many lives.

“For MSPs and CPG members to learn more about the work of these organisations is an invaluable step in increasing awareness of the tangible benefits horticulture offers.  All of the discussions were underpinned by the shared acknowledgement that the benefits of the environmental horticulture sector must be recognised and utilised by policymakers to deliver health, wellbeing, climate, and social objectives.”

Fiona Thackeray, CEO of Trellis: “Trellis supports therapeutic horticulture projects across Scotland to thrive in all public spaces through supporting practitioners.

“These visits allowed us to showcase a small selection of the 500 gardens we work with and some of the incredible work going on in communities.

“It was also an opportunity to highlight to MSPs and CPG members some of the difficulties that are being experienced by organisations who are largely privately funded and whose value is under-recognised by policymakers.”  

Rachael Hamilton, MSP, Convenor of the Gardening and Horticulture CPG: “It was a privilege to spend time in the gardens with the staff who work so hard for communities across Scotland.

“The visits made it abundantly clear that access to green space and engagement with nature through horticulture can have a positive impact on mental health and wellbeing, as well as physical health.

“By incorporating horticulture into healthcare, social care, and education, the sector can help to reduce pressure on the NHS and contribute to a more sustainable future.  The CPG for Gardening and Horticulture is committed to advocating for greater recognition of the benefits of the sector.”

The places visited included the Royal Edinburgh Infirmary Garden and Midlothian Community Hospital Garden, both managed by Cyrenians; Seaview Respite Care Centre, Redhall Walled Garden, managed by Scottish Action for Mental Health; Green Walls at the Roslin Innovation Centre and Pentland Garden Centre.

Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre: Remembering Dawn

A MEMORIAL BENCH – WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM OUR FRIENDS

Last Thursday, we were delighted to welcome a group of volunteers from Natwest Bank NatWest to Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre. The volunteers, who were organised by The Conservation Volunteers TCV Scotland, spent the day helping us in the gardens and preparing the area for a Memorial Bench.

The volunteers worked hard to prepare an area at the rear of the centre and plant new flowers. They also helped us to install the Memorial Bench, which was built by Penny and Andrzej in memory of a much-loved member of our staff and community,

Dawn Taylor will always be remembered for the amazing impact she had on so many young lives. The materials for the bench were donated by North Edinburgh Arts – Shed Project. If not for their help, this would not have been possible.

We are very grateful to Natwest Bank and The Conservation Volunteers for their support. Their hard work has made a real difference to our gardens, and we are sure that the Memorial Bench will be a popular spot for people to come and reflect and remember.

Thank you!

Barking mad: Half of Britons riled by noisy dogs next door

  • 61 per cent of Brits have garden-related issues with neighbours with a quarter relating to boundary disputes
  • Almost half (49 per cent) are annoyed by neighbours’ garden habits at least once a week
  • Over half of neighbours have been successful in tackling their neighbours irritating behaviour
unhappy black couple sitting on bed after having argument
Photo by Alex Green on Pexels.com

Noise is the biggest issue Brits have with their neighbours’, with nearly half (44 per cent) complaining about the amount of noise they make in the garden, according to new research from Churchill Home Insurance. The top causes of noise complaints are pet-related (such as dogs barking), playing loud music and drilling.

When it comes to their neighbours’ garden habits, 61 per cent of Brits have problems with their behaviour. Those in London have the most issues; there are an estimated nine million people living in London and 80 per cent of those admit to having garden gripes. Only 52 per cent of those in Wales are irritated by neighbourly behaviour – the lowest of any area.

People in the West Midlands are the most likely to speak directly to their neighbours about their annoying habits (31 per cent), while people in Yorkshire and Humberside are the least likely (16 per cent). Londoners are the most likely to report disturbances to their local council (18 per cent).

Almost half (49 per cent) of those with garden gripes are annoyed at least once a week. To try to resolve these issues, more than one in four (26 per cent) approached their neighbour directly to talk about it, 11 per cent reported the disturbance to their local council, and six per cent were forced to call the police.

Of those who decided to act, 52 per cent were successful in reducing the irritating behaviour, leaving 48 per cent with unresolved complaints. As a result of fallouts between neighbours, more than half (51 per cent) think local councils and the police should more strictly enforce rules and regulations around gardens.

Having noisy neighbours is a common issue across the UK. London received the most noise complaints in the UK, recording nearly 152,000 complaints last year and accounting for a third (34 per cent) of the total.

The research also shows that nearly a quarter (24 per cent) have had a boundary dispute with a neighbour. Despite this, only 54 boundary dispute cases have appeared before the Land Registration Division of the First Tier Tribunal in the past five years, suggesting most neighbours tend to settle disagreements before going to a tribunal.

Other frustrations cited by those surveyed include leaving rubbish in their garden (11 per cent), lighting bonfires (9 per cent), and leaving food out that attracts rodents or pests (8 per cent). Neighbours participating in naturism or sunbathing with too few clothes on is also an issue for two per cent of people.

Table one: Biggest Garden Gripes with Neighbours

ComplaintProportion
Making too much noise in the garden44 per cent
Boundary disputes24 per cent
Smoking in the garden11 per cent
Leaving rubbish in their garden11 per cent
Lighting bonfires9 per cent

Source: Churchill Home Insurance

Sarah Khan, Head of Churchill Home Insurance, said: “Unfortunately, high numbers of us end up falling out with our neighbours because of their noisy habits, something that has become even more heightened given the increased numbers of us who now work from home. 

“We recommend that people try to speak to their neighbours first to find a solution to these problems, saving time, money, and relationships, but we know this is not always possible. If individuals are not able to come to an amicable resolution with their neighbour, our Churchill Home Insurance Policy offers added Family Legal Protection, which gives access to a 24-hour legal advice helpline and covers up to £100,000 of legal costs.”

Separate Churchill research found there were nearly 450,000 noise complaints made to councils in the financial year 2021/225. This equates to 1,229 every day, or one every 70 seconds.

Table two: Regions that have the most garden gripes with neighbours

RegionProportion with garden gripes
London80%
West Midlands63%
South East61%
North West58%
East Midlands58%
East of England57%
North East57%
South West57%
Yorkshire and Humberside56%
Northern Ireland55%
Scotland55%
Wales52%

Source: Churchill Home Insurance

unrecognizable woman having dispute with crop person
Photo by Liza Summer on Pexels.com

Tips for dealing with neighbourhood disputes

  • Try to solve the problem informally by having a reasonable conversation with your neighbour
  • If your neighbour rents their property, try and speak to the landlord or managing agent
  • If raising the issue informally doesn’t work, consider a mediation service (often supplied by your local council)
  • If the complaint involves a statutory nuisance, like a build-up of rubbish, consider making an official complaint to the local council
  • Only contact the police if the neighbour is breaking the law
  • You can take legal action through the courts, but this should be considered a last resort

Five ways to keep your furry friends safe from unexpected dangers in your garden

As we approach the last week of summer, many people are still enjoying the warmer weather and spending some much-needed time outdoors with our furry friends.

For those lucky to have one, we might like to think of our gardens as our own little haven – but the same doesn’t always apply for our pets.

PDSA Vet Nurse Nina Downing shares her five top tips for protecting your pets from hidden hazards:  

1. Avoid poisonous plants

“Though they might be beautiful to look at, some plants and flowers are best kept well away from our pets. It’s shocking to know that common garden flowers like hydrangea, foxgloves, lily of the valley and geraniums contain toxins that can be very dangerous for our curious companions if they decide to try and eat them. It’s always worthwhile to check that any plants you’re about to pot are pet-safe – so that your borders are both a beautiful sight and a safe environment.

2. Switch to natural pest control

“Although slugs and snails are the bane of a gardener’s life, before reaching for the chemicals, remember that pesticides can be equally harmful to your pets as they can be to the pests. Instead, encourage natural predators like hedgehogs, frogs and toads to keep unwanted diners away. Try planting sacrificial plants to keep insects away from your prized bloomers and vegetables or just simply rely on birds to gobble up pests, by making your garden bird friendly. These are all safer options for you and your pet but it’s a good idea to keep your furry friends away from the helpful wildlife! 

3. Pet-friendly resting spots

“Four-legged family members can easily overheat on warmer days, so make sure there are plenty of shady spots where they can relax. Trees and large shrubs create great shade, but you can also set up shelters or drape sheets over the end of an exercise run for smaller pets. If your pet enjoys sunbathing on the lawn, don’t forget that they might be at risk of sunburn and you might need to apply pet-safe suncream, especially to areas with thin or light coloured fur. If your garden is more of a wildflower meadow, be careful to direct your dog away from those long grasses. Long grass can attract lots of wildlife which means your pet could come into contact with ticks, and long eared grass seeds which can work their way into places where they shouldn’t be, which might result in vet help to get them removed.

4. A protected pond

“Ponds are great for wildlife and can transform your garden into a haven for frogs, newts and all kinds of insects. Despite this, they can sometimes be a hazard for curious cats, dogs and rabbits. It’s a good idea to fence around the area or fit a guard on top or maybe have multiple shallower, small ponds that are great for wildlife and safer for your pets to be around. These handy protections will prevent any unexpected guests from falling in the water, especially those furry friends who may be too curious for their own good. Don’t forget to give your pet another source of fresh water instead!

5. Secure the perimeter

“A sturdy fence will help prevent pets from being able to squeeze through any gaps or holes and go on an unplanned adventure. Don’t forget that small gaps in damaged fencing could trap your pet’s foot or nose if they start to get curious and small pets can dig and create their own holes if they don’t have a safe outlet for their behaviour, such as a dig box.

As well as keeping your pet safely inside the garden, a secure fence will also assist in keeping out predators like foxes, allowing smaller pets to roam safely. Ensuring that a fence is tall enough is equally important, as it will prevent any curious four-legged friends from attempting a great escape.”

PDSA is the UK’s largest vet charity. We’re on a mission to improve pet wellbeing through prevention, education and treatment.

Support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery helps us reach even more pet owners with vital advice and information. 

www.pdsa.org.uk

How to kickstart your garden into Spring and create the ideal space

The grey days of winter have faded away and we’ve stepped into the glorious and much-needed sunshine of spring.

Many of us will be taking a proper look at our gardens for the first time in months, and perhaps realising there’s a bit of work needed on a few areas. If you’re wondering how to get started with turning a blank canvas into a thriving space for entertaining, spending time with family, planting and more, the experts at Hayter and Toro are here to help.

Post winter tidy up

A bit like people after a long winter (and an indulgent Christmas), your garden is also in need of some TLC. Rake up dead leaves and toss fallen branches, dig out any plants that didn’t survive the cold temperatures, trim your hedges and most importantly, cut your grass! Not only will your garden look neat and ready for whatever you’ve got planned, but you’ll be helping encourage new growth. Choose a mower that makes dealing with overgrown winter grass a breeze – like the 60V battery powered Hayter© Harrier© mower. For hedges that look neat enough for Hampton Court, choose the Toro© Flex-Force Cordless Hedge trimmer.

Watch out for birds!

Be careful of trimming your hedges too late in spring. Many garden birds nest in hedges and trimming at nesting time can cause disruption. Listen out for cheeping and keep an eye out to see if there are birds coming and going before you whip out the trimmers.

Wildflower power

If you’re not the most green-fingered person, you might feel a bit daunted by the idea of planting. Don’t be discouraged! A great way to get started is with wildflowers – and spring is the best time of year to plant them.

If you’ve got an empty flower bed, a spare pot or even a rather patchy bit of lawn, you can sow wildflower seeds from pre-mix packets or buy ‘seed bombs’ with ease. It’s a great activity to do with kids as it requires no special skills and you can scatter them far and wide for maximum effect. Plus, you’ll be helping out bees and butterflies – what’s not to like?

Grow your greens

Spring is the perfect time of year to get stuck into growing your own food. Planting now guarantees delicious home-grown food in just a few months. Impress friends and family by serving up potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers and spring onions grown in your own back garden. It’s easy to dig a small vegetable patch and get started – why not grab some volunteers to help with the digging and reward them later down the line with fresh greens from the garden?

Breaking out the barbecue

Ah, the great British barbecue. We’re not put off by a stiff breeze or the chance of showers! Whether you go all-out with a bells and whistles model or have a more modest set up, as we’re all spending more time outdoors to stay safe, there’s never been a better time to try your hand at barbecuing. You might want to bring a blanket or umbrella though – just in case.

Come outside

If you’ve got kids, you’re probably desperate to get them out of the house and into the fresh air. Between home schooling and screen time, the better weather in spring is a perfect chance to encourage them outdoors and from under your feet.

But don’t just leave them standing on the lawn. Set up a basketball hoop, a badminton net, a football goal. If they’re less sporty, why not get them mini beast hunting, den building or set up a paddling pool?

However you choose to style your garden, make sure you’re using the best tools from Hayter and Toro to make it happen. Whether you end up with a space worthy of the Chelsea Flower Show or a family-friendly garden that’s rough around the edges, the most important thing is making the most of the space – and enjoying it.

For more information please visit www.toro.com/en-gb and www.hayter.co.uk

Getting the most of your garden space this Spring

If you’ve recently moved into a new-build home, you’ll have a garden that is a completely blank canvas for you to create your idyllic outdoor space. With spring finally here and with many people still based at home for the next little while, it’s the perfect time to start!

You may already have newly laid lawn or some paving and have started to think about the type of plants or trees you would like for your dream garden. But there’s also plenty of other issues to consider.

Giles Wilson, Standards and Policy Manager, at NHBC, the UK’s leading warranty and insurance provider for new homes explains: “We know that despite the continued impact of the pandemic, confidence in the housing market, particularly for newly-built homes, has remained strong.

“With many people deciding now is the time for a new home and in a lot of cases relocating to somewhere more rural, it’s wise to think about the small steps that could make a big difference to your outside area if you are planning on, or have just moved.”

Read on for some practical tips to help you make the most of your new garden at your new home:

  • With remote working now more common-place, most of us are all looking for ways to get some much-needed peace and quiet – or a change of scene – when working from home. A garden office provides a dedicated space to concentrate on work in a productive and inspiring setting, while also providing outdoor space for family and friends, so take extra care examining garden / outdoor dimensions and sightlines.
  • In clay soil, plant trees well away from your home.  Find out how tall the mature tree will be and make sure it is positioned at least three quarters of this distance from the house.
  • The level of soil around your home should be kept below the damp proof course (generally 150mm or two brick courses). Paths should also generally be kept around 150mm or two brick courses below the damp proof course, except where these have been designed to provide level access into the home. If you are not sure where the damp proof course is, ask your builder to show you. Where air bricks, permanent ventilators or perpend vents are provided, they should not be blocked or covered by soil or paving.
  • If you’re planning to grow your own fruit – a favourite lockdown pastime of course, order your fruit trees as soon as you can to plant before summer, and continue planting trees and shrubs while they are still dormant.
  • High water demand trees should be planted no closer to the home than one-and-a-quarter times the mature height. High water demand trees include elm, eucalyptus, oak, poplar, willow and some common cypress species.
  • Avoid planting climbers such as Ivy and Virginia Creeper against house walls, as they hold on using suckers, twining tendrils or aerial roots which could damage mortar and may cause damp. Plant these at least three metres away from your home.
  • Allow enough room for trunks and large roots to grow safely. Be particularly careful if planting near drains or lightweight structures.
  • Although you do not need to, when planting new trees in your garden that will also be near you neighbour’s house, be considerate and ask your neighbour if this is ok. As you could be liable for the cost of repair if the trees you plant cause damage to their home.
  • Regular pruning of fast growing, thirsty trees such as Cypress Leyland, will help to reduce the amount of water taken from the soil.
  • Inspection chambers and rodding eyes are there to provide access the drainage system below ground so that blockages can be cleared. It’s important these are not covered by soil, turf or paving. Ask your builder for further information regarding this.
  • And last of all, although the UK is fortunate to have plenty of rain, do ensure trees and shrubs are watered sufficiently to give them a good start in life especially those that maybe sheltered by other structures. If you haven’t got one already, consider purchasing a water butt ready for the summer. Rainwater is particularly useful for watering acid-loving, ericaceous plants as opposed to tap water which is often slightly alkaline.

Further advice for homeowners on property maintenance and other issues can be found in NHBC’s useful publication, A Guide to your new home – a practical guide to looking after your new home, freely available at www.nhbc.co.uk/homeowners.

Dobbies teams up with the RSPB for latest podcast episode

Edinburgh residents encouraged to protect local garden wildlife

Dobbies Garden Centres has teamed up with the UK’s largest nature conservation charity, the RSPB, to release its latest podcast episode. The podcast is available to listen to now (Wednesday 24 March) and takes a look at how we can all protect and care for our local garden wildlife.

In the latest episode, podcast host and gardening writer Louise Midgley is joined by RSPB Conservation Officer, Ally Lemon, with the pair discussing how we can all make small changes to protect our garden wildlife. As well as practical advice on caring for our birds, insects and pollinators, the episode also has some handy tips on how to make a welcoming habitat for local species.

Marcus Eyles, Horticultural Director at Dobbies, said: “With spring just around the corner a lot of us will be preparing our gardens for the warmer months, and we can all do our bit to make our outdoor spaces more wildlife friendly.

“Helping nature starts at home, and no matter how big or small your garden, we can all create a suitable home for garden wildlife. We hope people across Edinburgh will welcome local wildlife into their gardens.”

The RSPB is inspiring everyone to give nature a home, and with just a little planning we can all provide safe havens for local wildlife to feed, breed and hibernate in our gardens. Following the charity’s Big Garden Birdwatch initiative in January, this year the RSPB are looking to inspire more and more people to garden for nature on their doorstep and engage in more wildlife-friendly practices in their garden, balconies and local communities

Ally Lemon, Conservation Officer at the RSPB, said: “No matter the size or type of outdoor space you have, whether it is a rural garden or a city balcony, everyone can help wildlife in their local area.

“There are loads of things people can do to invite wildlife into their outdoor spaces, from planting some wildflowers in flowerpots, putting up some bird boxes or creating a pond. Small steps can give nature a helping hand.”

So far, Dobbies’ podcast series has covered a host of topics, with everything from seasonal spring gardening tips and practical advice for beginners, to growing your own produce and caring for houseplants.

Dobbies products to make your garden wildlife friendly:

Henry Bell Heritage Fat Ball Feeder, £14.99; Henry Bell Decorative Stake Feeder, £19.99; Henry Bell Elegance Nesting Box, £14.99.

For more ideas: https://www.dobbies.com/gardening/wildlife

Dobbies’ podcast is available to listen to and download now via iTunes and Spotify https://www.dobbies.com/content/podcast.html

To learn more about the RSPB and its work, visit rspb.org.uk

For more information visit dobbies.com

Zoning your garden on a budget

As Brits start getting their outdoor spaces ready for summer, garden lovers have been offered five creative ways to zone their space on a budget.

The experts at GardeningExpress.co.uk have collated some top tips on making the garden work for every member of the household.

Zoning your garden will make the space feel bigger and gives everyone their own space in nature. Relax and unwind in a chill zone, whilst the kids play in theirs.

Dividing the garden up into different areas, with different purposes can make the space feel more organized and is a simple way to make the most of every inch of green space.

Chris Bonnett from GardeningExpress.co.uk said: “There are loads of creative ways to break up your plot with recycled materials, screens and new plants.

“Seeing your garden as another room of your home is helpful when zoning. Think about what you would like closest to the house. Maybe the kid’s area to keep an eye on them, or the dining area so you can get food straight out of the kitchen.

“Whether you need a relaxing spot to read the newspaper, or a play area for burning off steam, these tips will help you achieve it on a budget.”

Zoning ideas

1. Dining

Carving some space in the garden for an area to eat alfresco will be appreciated in the summer months. Place the area where you have existing hedgerows as they are great at absorbing noise, so you can enjoy dinner without interruption from the outside world. Patio sets are costly but can be found cheap on local community online selling sites, especially during the spring and autumn.

2. Privacy

Creating a privacy screen is the ultimate easy garden DIY project to gain a concealed area. Apart from nails and a hammer, the quirky yet functional partition can be made solely out of out of old doors or wooden pallets. Another alternative is wire fencing, as it is a quick to install and unbelievably cheap. Growing climbing plants like a colourful clematis or ivy up the wire will create a private space and a great place to nature spot.

3. Game zone

Creating an area where kids can let off steam is ideal for those will little ones. Move old outdoor toys into this space to declutter the rest of the garden. Those tight on space could repurpose a pop-up tent as a magical play area or transform an old work surface into a pool table or table tennis.

4. A pause

When zoning your garden, think about where an extra space could be added to relax in. There are nooks of space in most gardens to create a small relaxation area. Hang a hammock in between a pair of trees to unwind in privacy or place an arbour over an existing seating area to create more shelter. Solid wood arbours are quite expensive, so for a cheaper aesthetically pleasing arbour, cover a plastic arch in jasmine, or evergreen honeysuckle climbers.

5. Tidy space

Toys, tools and bikes all make a garden look messy when strewn around. Dedicate a zone to clutter, so it doesn’t interrupt the other areas. Make some extra shelves out of old wood and put them up to keep the shed organised. If the lawn is still covered in items, consider purchasing an external storage box to keep your belongings safe and tucked out of the way.

First Minister announces cautious easing of Level 4 restrictions

More people will be able to socialise outdoors following good progress in suppressing Coronavirus (COVID-19), the First Minister has announced.

Up to four adults from two households will be able to meet locally in any outdoor space, including in private gardens, for social and recreational purposes as well as exercise from Friday 12 March. People should only go indoors if it is essential in order to reach a back garden, or to go to the toilet.

Outdoor non-contact sports and group exercise will also resume for adults in groups of up to to 15 people from this date.

Young people aged 12 to 17 will be able to meet outdoors in groups of up to four people from four different households, participate in outdoor non-contact sports, and other organised activities in groups of up to 15 and travel across local authority boundaries to participate in such activities.

Should progress suppressing the virus continue, the Scottish Government intends to reopen places of worship with attendance limits increased from 20 to 50 where there is space for social distancing on Friday 26 March.

A final decision will be taken on Tuesday 23 March ahead of Passover, Easter, Ramadan and Vaisakhi.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “In recent weeks, we have seen a significant fall in new cases, deaths and hospital admissions, and the vaccination programme is progressing beyond our initial expectations. All of this is excellent news, and provides strong grounds for hope, but that hope must also be balanced by caution.

“The changes announced today, while modest, are important, and are designed to help people’s health and well-being by enabling group exercise and allowing more social interaction. They will also let children see more of their friends, and exercise and play more normally.

“With continued progress, we believe the reopening of places of worship can be achieved relatively safely, and will hopefully enable more people to draw strength, comfort and inspiration from acts of collective worship.

“I expect that further, more substantial changes will be possible in the weeks ahead, and I will set out as much detail as I can about that in Parliament next week. If the data allows us to relax more restrictions more quickly than we have previously indicated, we will not hesitate to do so.

“We all have a part to play in keeping case numbers down while the vaccinators do their work, children get back to school and we all take tentative but firm steps back to life as we once knew it, so please continue to stay within the rules and follow the FACTS advice.”

The easing has been welcomed by council leaders. Council Leader Adam McVey said: “This latest announcement is a clear sign that positive progress is being made in the fight against Covid.

“More people will be able to mix outdoors from Friday including young people meeting their friends, outdoor non-contact sport and organised group exercise, which will be allowed for 15 people, and up to 50 will be allowed to take part in communal worship.

“The First Minister announced that further easing of restrictions to help Scotland’s economy sector will be made public next week. It’s essential that our businesses are able to safely open again to resume a more normal version of trading and we very much hope that circumstances allow that to happen. We will of course make sure that we continue to support our local traders, as we have done since the start of this pandemic.

“It is critical that we all continue to follow the national guidance to keep our communities safe. There’s no doubt that by sticking to the rules we have all played our part in driving down infections with the numbers for Edinburgh at one of the lowest levels since Spring last year.

“We can’t afford to let our guard slip and start ignoring all the precautions we’ve been following so carefully in the past few months. It’s important to continue observing the restrictions that are still in place and all work together to follow this path out of lockdown safely.

Depute Leader Cammy Day said: “Today’s update for the latest lifting of restrictions is another positive step forward as we look to move out of lockdown towards some semblance of normality.

“Increasing the number of people who can meet up outdoors allows us to spend more time with loved ones and friends. It’s really good news that groups of four young people from different households will be able to meet as their wellbeing is so important. All our primary school pupils will be back next week and our high schools are preparing to welcome back pupils for face-to-face teaching as well.

“It’s essential that we observe this gradual, phased approach if we are to protect people’s health and safety while working towards the city’s successful recovery from the pandemic. We all want to keep the virus under control and everyone safe. The successful roll out of the vaccine programme and the fall in positive cases in Edinburgh is really welcome. However, right now our advice remains the same – stay at home and help to protect lives.”

The First Minister also announced a national silence on 23 March to mark the first anniversary of lockdown to remember all those who have lost their lives during the pandemic.

Further plans for easing restrictions on the economy and tourism industry will be announced next week.

Top tips to help your garden stay healthy this autumn

As autumn continues and winter approaches, our gardens may be starting to suffer from less TLC than during the summer months.

Toro, a global leader in turf and landscape equipment and Hayter, a premium British lawnmower manufacturer, have got some great tips to keep your garden looking lush this autumn:

Time for a tidy up

Now is the perfect time to tidy up the garden and prepare it for the colder weather, while also giving the lawn, plants and soil a head start for spring. Start by raking away dead grass and leaves from the lawn so that a thick blanket isn’t created, blocking out any sunlight or air as this can damage the grass underneath and create bare patches on the lawn, requiring reseeding or resodding in the spring.

Get the job done quicker by using Toro’s Flex-Force Power System® Leaf Blower with 2.5Ah 60V battery, especially if the weather isn’t great and the temptation to leave it a day is strong. NOTE: Other excellent leaf blowers are also available!

Keep your borders clear too, as too many dead leaves can encourage snails and slugs to gather, and in turn can begin to rot many of the plants in your borders. Also consider pulling up any annual plants that have had their time, and replant with varieties that will start to flower in spring, such as wallflowers or pansies.

Next, trim the edges of your borders to finish tidying them and be sure to use the Toro Flex-Force Power System® Cordless String Trimmer with a 2.5Ah 60V battery. Battery-powered and easy to use, the Flex-Force Power System® String Trimmer is the ideal option for a quick and easy tidy up of the border edges. NOTE: Other good strimmers are available!

Don’t forget wildlife

While you may not be in the garden as much over the autumn months, don’t forget about any wildlife that may still be visiting your garden. Leave out seeds, nuts and water for birds to enjoy, which can also be lifesaving during winter when food can be much more scarce. You could also try creating bug homes and leaving out suitable leftovers for wildlife you want to encourage to visit your outdoor space.

Take care of the lawn

Give your lawn a good cut before the cold and wet weather really begins to set in. When mowing in autumn, consider raising the mower blades a little, as slightly longer grass copes better with cooler conditions. Also, be sure to keep the mower blades sharp, as a clean cut to a blade of grass will help it heal quicker and prevent disease spores from infecting the grass.

Consider using the Hayter® Osprey 46 Cordless mower to help tidy up the lawn this autumn. Part of the Hayter GreenSeries® Power System, this mower provides the same power and convenience as your petrol mower, without emitting any exhaust fumes by running on a battery. Sharing the same battery as Toro’s Flex-Force Power System® String Trimmer, both ranges provide ultimate flexibility when it comes to tending to the garden. NOTE: Other good mowers are available!

Protect your plants

Autumn is the perfect time to start prepping your plants for winter and making sure they are protected from water logging and the cold.

If you have plants that are more susceptible to the cold weather, be sure to store then in the greenhouse or even a conservatory.

For those planted in the garden, try covering them with fleece or hessian to keep their temperature up. The first frost of the year can arrive during the coming months without warning and kill off your favourite plants, so be sure to get prepared now to keep your plants healthy and safe.

For more information please visit www.toro.com/en and www.hayter.co.uk