Jane Lavender

The Hedgehog Preservation Society urges gardeners to avoid leaving milk outside, warning it can harm hedgehogs during hot weather. The charity advises against using metaldehyde slug pellets, highlights safer feeding practices including meat‑based pet food and clean bowls, and stresses the importance of providing water. Additional guidance includes raising or removing garden netting, checking garden debris for nests, and disposing of litter properly to prevent injuries or fatalities among hedgehogs.

Slugs and snails pose a major threat to homegrown vegetables and strawberries, but several natural methods can help protect vulnerable plants. Crushed eggshells can be placed around crops to deter slugs, though their effectiveness may decline after rain. The Royal Horticultural Society recommends fruit‑skin traps or beer traps to draw pests away, and a biological control product, Nemaslug, introduces nematodes that infect and kill slugs without harming other wildlife.

Supermarket own‑label cheddar cheeses outperformed major brands in a Which? blind taste test, with Tesco Finest Mature English Cheddar topping the rankings with a 78% score for flavour and texture. Davidstow Classic Cheddar placed second, followed by cheeses from M&S and Castello. Cathedral City ranked joint‑fifth. Further tests on instant coffee showed supermarket brands M&S and Waitrose outperforming well‑known brands including Nescafé, Kenco and Douwe Egberts on flavour, aroma and appearance.

Slugs and snails frequently damage vegetables and fruit, but gardeners can deter them using natural methods such as crushed eggshell barriers, citrus or beer traps recommended by the Royal Horticultural Society, or the biological control product Nemaslug, which uses nematodes to eliminate slugs without harming other wildlife.

The Pursuit of Love, a three‑part BBC adaptation of Nancy Mitford’s 1945 novel, has become available to stream for free on U, offering period‑drama fans a follow‑up to BBC’s hit The Other Bennet Sister. Starring Emily Beecham, Lily James and a strong supporting cast, the series received critical acclaim on release and continues to attract positive audience reviews praising its performances, style and modern soundtrack.

A six‑part Western drama, The English, starring Emily Blunt and Chaske Spencer, has gained renewed attention as it becomes available on BBC iPlayer. The series follows a Pawnee former Army scout and an Englishwoman on a journey driven by land claims and revenge, earning strong praise for performances, cinematography and storytelling. Despite earlier limited recognition compared to recent Western hits like Yellowstone and American Primeval, it has attracted enthusiastic reviews, award nominations and admiration from Western communities on platforms such as Reddit.

LA Confidential, the acclaimed 1997 neo-noir crime thriller starring Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce, Kim Basinger and Kevin Spacey, is now available to stream on Amazon Prime. Adapted from James Ellroy’s novel and directed by Curtis Hanson, the film follows three LAPD officers entangled in corruption and a downtown murder investigation. Widely praised for its ensemble cast, screenplay and direction, the film earned major awards including an Oscar and holds a 99% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics and viewers describe it as a modern classic distinguished by sharp storytelling, rich characterisation and standout performances.

Experts advise providing fresh water, planting food-bearing and protective vegetation, and adding birdhouses to help garden birds access food, shelter and hydration during warm weather. Dense shrubs such as holly and yew offer refuge, while seeds, nuts and dried insects supplement natural food sources in dry conditions.

David Attenborough urges people to leave a spoonful of sugar mixed with water in their gardens during hot weather to revive exhausted bees whose populations are declining due to pesticides, climate change and urban development. The simple mixture provides energy to bees that lack the strength to return to their hives, supporting a species vital to global food production.

Adding used coffee grounds to soil can help peace lilies grow by providing nitrogen, improving soil pH, enhancing water retention, and deterring pests. Horticulturist David Denyer recommends mixing a spoonful of spent grounds with cold water and applying it monthly, cautioning that overuse or using fresh grounds could harm the plants due to excess acidity or caffeine.

A viral TikTok cleaning hack shows that adding table salt to the bottom of clean wheelie bins helps absorb leaked fluids and kill flies and maggots. Shared by user @sisterpledgecleans, the method has gained nearly four million views and widespread positive feedback from users who praised its simplicity and effectiveness, with some offering additional suggestions like baking powder to control odours or puppy pads to prevent infestation.

Guidance is provided on the causes of moss growth on lawns and tarmac surfaces, with emphasis on poor growing conditions such as shade, worn turf and damp soil. The Royal Horticultural Society outlines removal methods including iron‑based mosskillers, scarification and non‑chemical, bacteria‑based lawn products that break down moss without the need for raking. For tarmac surfaces, commercially available treatments should be applied after thorough scrubbing and by following manufacturer instructions. Addressing underlying lawn conditions is highlighted as essential for preventing future moss growth.

Gardeners struggling with slug damage are turning to a popular low-cost remedy championed by followers of influencer Mrs Hinch, who recommend garlic water as a natural deterrent. Multiple users shared methods for boiling or steeping garlic to create sprays or watering solutions that repel slugs through their strong smell. Additional suggestions included coffee grounds, salt, tea bags, eggshells, baking soda and beer traps. Prices for garlic across several supermarkets highlight its affordability as an accessible solution.

Monty Don outlines natural methods to protect plants from slugs and snails, advising against chemical pellets and recommending raising young plants in slug‑free frames, limiting excess feeding, and encouraging natural predators such as frogs and hedgehogs. He highlights using crushed eggshells or gravel as barriers and suggests planting slug‑resistant species or aromatic herbs for companion planting to reduce damage in gardens.

The classic 1954 Alfred Hitchcock thriller Rear Window, starring James Stewart and Grace Kelly, is now available to stream on BBC iPlayer. Widely acclaimed by critics and audiences, the film has earned major accolades, including Academy Award nominations, inclusion in AFI rankings, and preservation in the U.S. National Film Registry. Reviews from outlets such as The New York Times and Variety praise its craftsmanship and suspense, while modern viewers continue to commend its storytelling, cinematography and performances. A small number of viewers find its pacing slow, but overall reception remains overwhelmingly positive.

The first three seasons of the acclaimed drama The Affair are now available to stream for free in the UK on ITVX, with additional seasons scheduled to follow. The series, created by Sarah Treem and Hagai Levi, is praised for its multi‑perspective storytelling and strong performances, drawing enthusiastic fan reviews that label it a masterpiece and one of the best television shows made. Viewers can also watch all five seasons on Paramount.

Used coffee grounds provide nitrogen and help create an ideal acidic soil environment for peace lilies, improving growth, boosting moisture retention and deterring pests. A horticulturist advises mixing small amounts of brewed grounds with water and applying them monthly to avoid excessive acidity or nitrogen, which could harm the plants. Fresh unbrewed grounds should be avoided due to high caffeine levels that hinder plant development.

The BBC–HBO series Rome is praised for its performances, historical accuracy, and storytelling, with both seasons holding 96 percent ratings on Rotten Tomatoes. Viewers commend the portrayals of major historical figures and the show's detailed depiction of the late Roman Republic. While some criticise its explicit content and certain casting choices, negative opinions remain limited. Despite initial plans for five seasons, the series ended after two due to high production costs. It remains available for purchase on major streaming platforms.

Field of Dreams, the 1989 Kevin Costner fantasy drama adapted from W.P. Kinsella’s novel Shoeless Joe, is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video. The film, featuring Ray Liotta, James Earl Jones, Burt Lancaster and Amy Madigan, follows an Iowa farmer who builds a baseball field that attracts the spirits of legendary players. Praised for its emotional impact, cinematography and performances, it earned three Academy Award nominations and maintains high approval from critics and audiences, with many viewers still regarding it as one of the greatest films ever made.

Supermarket products outperformed major brands in recent Which? blind taste tests, with Tesco Finest Mature English Cheddar topping cheddar evaluations and Davidstow Classic Cheddar following closely. The study found own‑label instant coffees from Marks and Spencer and Waitrose surpassing established brands including Nescafé, Kenco and Douwe Egberts. Ratings were based on flavour, aroma, appearance and mouthfeel, demonstrating that higher prices and well‑known names do not necessarily guarantee better quality.

M&S and Waitrose own‑brand gold‑roast instant coffees topped a Which? blind taste test comparing 12 products, outperforming major brands including Nescafé and Kenco on taste, fragrance and presentation. Aldi’s Barissimo Gold Roast earned a Great Value recommendation for its strong performance at a lower price point. Nescafé and Kenco scored respectably but lacked intensity for some testers. M&S also distinguished itself for ethical sourcing as one of two Fairtrade‑certified coffees in the assessment.

The article highlights the acclaimed crime thriller LA Confidential, now streaming on Amazon Prime Video. Adapted from James Ellroy’s novel, the film is praised for its ensemble cast, sharp storytelling and direction under Curtis Hanson. Critics and viewers commend its performances, screenplay and near-perfect Rotten Tomatoes rating, noting its awards success, including an Oscar win for Kim Basinger. The film remains widely regarded as one of the best crime thrillers ever made.

Escape from Alcatraz, the 1979 Clint Eastwood prison thriller based on real events chronicled in John Campbell Bruce’s 1963 book, continues to receive critical and audience acclaim, including a 97 percent Rotten Tomatoes rating and recognition from prominent filmmakers. Interest in the film has recently resurfaced following Donald Trump’s stated intention to reopen Alcatraz. The movie portrays Frank Morris’s escape attempt from the high-security prison and is praised for its atmosphere, performances, and enduring relevance. It is available to rent on Amazon Prime Video.

A veterinary expert outlines nine key steps owners should follow when bringing a puppy home, emphasising early socialisation, vaccinations, registration with a vet, establishing routines and beginning basic training. Consistent toilet habits, appropriate chew toys and limited outdoor exposure before full vaccination are highlighted as essential for healthy development and confidence building.

Paul Brickhill’s experiences as a fighter pilot and prisoner of war inspired his book The Great Escape, which became the basis for the acclaimed 1963 film starring Steve McQueen and others. Despite mixed early reviews, the movie grew into a celebrated war classic with strong audience admiration and a high Rotten Tomatoes rating. Viewers continue to praise its cast, direction, and enduring impact, and the film remains widely accessible through rental platforms.