Phoebe Cornish

The ranking identifies the Basset Hound, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, Poodle and Border Collie as five notably intelligent dog breeds, with the Border Collie placed first. Canine intelligence is assessed through how quickly dogs learn commands and how reliably they obey them. The article also outlines each breed’s temperament, training needs, origins and suitability for different households, noting that intelligence does not necessarily eliminate stubbornness or the need for substantial exercise.

A quick, six‑ingredient Spaghetti Aglio e Olio recipe is presented with guidance from Phil Bianchi, emphasising simplicity, affordability and speed. The dish uses spaghetti, olive oil, garlic, chilli flakes, parsley and Parmesan, with tips on avoiding burnt garlic, using pasta water for moisture and finishing with cheese for balanced flavour.

A Greek family method for making tzatziki emphasizes straining full‑fat yoghurt with salt to achieve a thicker, creamier texture. Cucumber is also salted and drained to remove excess moisture before being combined with yoghurt, garlic, mint, pepper, olive oil and lemon juice. The recipe, shared by food writer Georgina Hayden, highlights the traditional techniques used by her mother and grandmother to produce a rich, flavorful dip.

Cardboard sheet mulching is highlighted as an easy, chemical‑free method to suppress garden weeds by smothering growth while enriching soil with carbon. Gardening specialist Elizabeth Florio recommends using plain, non‑glossy cardboard layered under mulch and dampened to keep it in place. Gardeners report strong results when applying cardboard with wood chips or compost, noting minimal regrowth even in heavily weeded areas. The technique suits no‑dig gardening and can be combined with planting by adding compost and soil above the cardboard layer.

Magnesium deficiency is highlighted as an overlooked cause of yellowing leaves, poor growth and reduced tomato yields, with Epsom salts recommended as a targeted supplement when deficiency is confirmed. Gardeners are advised to diagnose the issue through soil testing or visible symptoms, apply diluted Epsom salts sparingly, and avoid overuse since excess magnesium can hinder plant health. Balanced nutrient management, particularly in relation to potassium levels, is emphasised as essential for maintaining vigorous tomato plants.