Solihull Living Nov - Dec 2023
Wonderful Winter... NOTES FROM THE GARDEN For many people, winter in the garden just means getting your feet wet when you go to put out the bins or hang out the washing, but with a little careful planning, winter in the garden can be a wonderful, colourful place – and somewhere for the birds and insects to enjoy too. If you have so far failed to plant for winter colour, then a few well placed pots can provide the extra colour to ensure that when you look out of your window there is something lovely to enjoy. Heathers are a great choice, make sure they have ericaceous compost, pansies pack a punch and don’t forget to pop some spring bulbs in too – guaranteed to cheer up a grey day. Winter flowering Clematis, winter Honeysuckle Lonicera fragrantissima and the stately Mahonia will all give a splash of colour and as bees are increasingly to be found looking for food during the colder months you will be giving them a helping hand too. The Christmas rose Helleborus niger flowers usually in January and bees love them and the cheery yellow winter Aconite is another winner. It is also an idea to leave a few of your perennials standing rather than chopping them back – the frost on fennel and ornamental grasses looks wonderful and a little untidiness is great for overwintering insects too. Finally, for your gardening mad friends and relatives don’t forget that a thoughtful Christmas present can be a subscription to a great gardening magazine, gift vouchers to spend at the local nursery or garden centre and for housebound relatives a bird feeder strategically placed to be seen from an armchair and easy to refill will give hours of pleasure. Whatever your winter plans are, don’t leave your garden out of them! For more advice, visit Matt Bigg’s website: www.matthewbiggs.com BRITISH GARDEN CENTRES GUIDE Mood-boosting plants to enhance your wellbeing Plants have a remarkable ability to enhance our surroundings and positively impact our overall mental health and wellbeing. The British Garden Centres team explore some beautiful plants known for their mood-enhancing properties. LAVENDER Lavender, with its enchanting fragrance and vibrant purple blooms, is renowned for its calming effects. This versatile plant is often used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety. WINTER JASMINE Winter Jasmine, with its intoxicating fragrance, is renowned for its mood-enhancing properties. This flowering plant has a long history of being used in traditional medicine to alleviate stress and improve sleep quality. CHOCOLATE COSMOS The chocolate cosmos boasts a luxurious, smooth brown blossom with a captivating fragrance reminiscent of vanilla and cocoa. Rest assured; the waft of chocolate scent carried by the wind will convert your garden into a serene sanctuary. Chocolate is associated with serotonin, a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation, as well as the release of endorphins in our brains, fostering feelings of joy. BASIL Basil is a plant that can be grown both indoors and outdoors and has the ability to improve your mood. This herb contains a compound known as linalool, which helps to decrease our stress levels. It is particularly effective in reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of calm, and it possesses a delightful floral fragrance. SNAKE PLANT If you’re looking for a low-maintenance plant that also improves air quality, the snake plant is an excellent choice. Its unique vertical leaves and ability to convert carbon dioxide into oxygen make it a natural air purifier. By eliminating harmful toxins, this resilient plant can contribute to a healthier indoor environment, leading to an uplifted mood and increased productivity. PEACE LILY The peace lily is not only a beautiful addition to any room with its elegant white flowers, but it also acts as a natural air purifier. It effectively removes pollutants such as benzene and formaldehyde, commonly found in cleaning products and household items. ALOE VERA The aloe vera plant is a popular choice for both its soothing properties and decorative appeal in the home and garden. With its succulent leaves containing a gel-like substance, aloe vera is a natural remedy for minor burns and skin irritations. 50 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
TOUCHWOODSOLIHULL.CO.UK He's heRE Santa is back in residence this year at his enchanted Christmas grotto. He’s eagerly waiting to receive wish lists and will even have an early gift for your little ones. Be sure to book online so the elves can reserve your space. Magical Moments at Touchwood. BOOK TICKETS NOW CHRISTMASATTOUCHWOOD.CO.UK
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TOUCHWOODSOLIHULL.CO.UK<br />
He's<br />
heRE<br />
Santa is back in residence this<br />
year at his enchanted Christmas<br />
grotto. He’s eagerly waiting to<br />
receive wish lists and will even<br />
have an early gift for your little<br />
ones. Be sure to book online<br />
so the elves can reserve<br />
your space.<br />
Magical Moments<br />
at Touchwood.<br />
BOOK TICKETS NOW<br />
CHRISTMASATTOUCHWOOD.CO.UK
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