Innholdsfortegnelse for 19-Apr-2022 i Woman's Weekly

Fit to inspire During the first COVID-19 lockdown, my wife and daughter began doing the morning PE with Joe exercises together, streamed by the fitness coach Joe Wicks. They ended up having great fun, and were not alone – so much so that Joe achieved a Guinness World Record for the most viewers of a fitness workout live-streamed on YouTube. He is an inspirational figure in other ways too, harnessing his challenging childhood experiences, with parents suffering mental health and drug problems, to forge an empathy with the problems of others and build a drive to help them. Read more about Joe on page 29.…

1 Summer salad Now is a great time to plant lettuce seeds. Why not try something different this year? The bright flowers of Scorzonera make a delicious addition to a salad. 2 Trim tomatoes Pot up tomato seedlings when they develop their ‘true’ leaves, just above their seed leaves. The small leaves below the true leaves can be removed. 3 Prune buddleia Cut buddleia back down to a woody framework about a foot high above ground. You may find it easier to use loppers rather than secateurs.…

Get on your bike Before reaching for your car keys, consider whether two wheels might be better for your journey. It will help save petrol money for longer distances, while keeping you active too. Avoid supermarket sweep We’ve all gone to the shop with only three things on the list but left with a full trolley. Avoid this trap by setting yourself a price limit. Try withdrawing the cash you want to spend first and leave your card at home. Go own brand Next time you tackle a big shop, swap big-label products for some of the store’s own-brand items. You might even find that the house brand is the exact same product anyway. Give it a go! Maximise receipts Keep yourself accountable when spending on day-to-day items by reading…

Loop this string of battery-powered fairy lights over an arch or shrub for a magical effect. There are 10 LED lights, and a timer illuminates the strand for six hours. Gold bee fairy lights, £19.99, lights4fun.co.uk Make a striking focal point on a wall or fence with this decorative metal panel. It’s solar-powered with LED lights. Solar-lit outdoor panel, £35, Cox and Cox This metal light is topped with 90 LED warm lights for a stunning effect. The solar lights automatically turn on at dusk and turn off six hours later. Starburst solar light, £24.95, Sparkle Lighting This rechargeable LED solar hurricane lamp gives a flickering glow, like a real candle flame. Solar hurricane lantern, £21.99 for one or £32.99 for two, gardenesque.com Add a dash of colour with these…

A garden that’s rich in scented plants adds a wonderful sensory dimension to your outdoor space. It’s not only perfumed flowers that will delight – many plants have foliage that also releases aromatic oils when rubbed between your fingers, walked on or even brushed past. Scent is linked to mood and memory, and plants that smell as good as they look are sure to give you an emotional boost too. Paths and planters Containers spilling over with fragrant plants are perfect when space is tight, or if you want plants within sniffing distance of a bench or doorstep. Try aromatic herbs, such as marjoram, lemon balm and lemon verbena, and scented-leaf pelargoniums such as Pelargonium tomentosum, which smells of mint. For something a little sweeter, P. ‘Cola Bottles’ has the…

There’s nothing quite as lovely as a summer meadow – so it’s no wonder that meadow-style planting in domestic gardens has enjoyed a surge in popularity in recent years. Thankfully, you don’t need acres of ground to grow native wild flowers – you can create a mini-meadow in a patch as small as 1sq m. Sowing success For a successful meadow, there are a couple of things to consider. First, aim for diversity. Even in a tiny meadow you can attract a surprising number of different insects – the secret is to choose a mix with a large number of flowering plants. A ratio of around 80:20 grass to wild flowers is normal, but some mixes feature more blooms. Knowing when and how to cut it back is also important.…

✣ Summer bedding tends to be refreshingly low-maintenance. Once established, beds and borders should only need watering during dry weather, although plants in containers may need daily watering. ✣ Newly purchased plants should have enough nutrients for the first six weeks. After that, a weekly feed with a potassium-rich fertiliser will keep them bright and perky. A tomato fertiliser is ideal, or you can use a general-purpose feed, but avoid nitrogen-rich feeds, which may produce plenty of leaf, but it will be at the expense of flower. ✣ With a little TLC, bedding plants will flower right into autumn. However, it’s vital to keep snipping off spent blooms. Deadheading prevents plants from setting seed, forcing them to flower again… and again. ✣ All good things must come to an end,…

Plants perform different roles in the garden – some are shapely, others have lovely flowers or interesting foliage, or are useful in the kitchen. Then there are those that are designed to bask in the spotlight, with a presence that gives your garden instant class. We’ve rounded up the best ‘wow-sers’ to make your garden really shine. For a touch of the exotic, choose the bright Agapanthus ’Brilliant Blue’. Its rich blue flowers with deep purple stripes stand out above its green strappy leaves. Grow in a sunny, sheltered spot in moist, well-drained soil, or in pots. H&S: 50cm For adding a vertical accent, Veronicastrum virginicum ‘Fascination’ has long spikes of tiny pretty lilac flowers and candelabra-like side shoots that reach up to 2 metres. Plant in moist but well-drained…

BANANA Musa basjoo is the hardiest banana species, so it’s great for a UK garden. Grown for its dramatic, arching, paddle-shaped leaves, plant out in a sheltered spot and protect in the winter. H: 2m RED HOT POKER Hailing from South Africa, the evergreen Kniphofia combines well with the canna lily and banana. K. caulescens has the familiar red/orange hue poker flower. H: 2m PINEAPPLE FLOWER The spikes of the borderline hardy Eucomis ‘Sparkling Burgundy’ are studded with tiny flowers and topped by a tuft of purple leaves. H: 75cm CANNA LILY A reliable perennial with vibrant, exotic flowers above big, bold fresh-green leaves. In cold regions, it is best to lift, dry off and overwinter the rhizomes in a shed. H: 1.8m MEXICAN SUNFLOWER The bright-orange half-hardy annual Tithonia…

Rhodes Best for HISTORY BUFFS Rhodes is the biggest island of the Dodecanese archipelago. A massive statue of the god Helios once straddled Rhodes’ harbour, and was one of the world’s ancient wonders. There’s no trace of it today but there’s still plenty for history lovers to enjoy. The ruins of 3,000 year-old Kamiros, the walls and cobbled streets of Rhodes Town (one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe), and the acropolis at Lindos are just a handful of reminders of the island’s colourful past. Santorini Best for BEAUTIFUL VIEWS From the island’s summit, the pretty village capital of Fira, you’ll look down on an inspiring sight – the boats look like mere specks against the inky blue sea. Fira is where you’ll find most of the shops, cool…

ARIES 21 Mar – 20 Apr You have everything you need. It’s time to act, even if it’s a baby step. Physical movement and exercise will be more beneficial than ever. TAURUS 21 Apr – 21 May Just see how far you’ve come. You’re stronger than you think and you have great resilience. Others are inspired by your actions. GEMINI 22 May – 21 Jun You may be looking for more meaning in your life. Decide what‘s most important to you and go from there. CANCER 22 Jun – 23 Jul Financially, this can be a productive time if you’re willing to take the initiative. There are many opportunities waiting out there for you. LEO 24 Jul – 23 Aug Be the star in your own show. Don’t allow yourself…

ST MARTIN’S The women living in remote spots on page 20 made me think of islands I’d choose. St Martin’s in the Isles of Scilly is heavenly. LINDISFARNE OK, so it does connect to the mainland by a tidal causeway but this historic centre for the early church is great for birdwatching. BARRA At the southern end of the Outer Hebrides, the air service to this beautiful island lands on the beach, only at low tide.…

South African memories I saw your recipe for Durban bunny chow with prawns in a recent issue [11 January 2022]. It brought back lovely memories of my husband and I with our two children, relaxing on the beach in Durban, South Africa, and having curry beef bunny chow for lunch. Later in the afternoon, we would swim in the lovely warm Indian Ocean. I will certainly try your recipe with the prawns. Jackie Hyland, Wiltshire Look what I made I thought I’d try out this cross-stitch robin, from the knitted cushion that you featured [23 November 2021]. I made it for my friend, whose bungalow is named ‘Robin Hill’ – very fitting, I think. Joan Jones, Manchester Paws for thought This is Leia, who is 16 months old. As you…

‘It’s been wonderful raising our children here’ Rona Amiss, 54, is a farmer from The Lizard, Cornwall, where she lives with husband Nevil, 55, and children Elsa, 23, Alfred, 21, Dora, 19, Harold and Percy, both 17. We run Tregullas Farm, a 250-acre tenanted farm at the most southerly point of mainland Britain, The Lizard. ‘The weather is changeable, which makes it exciting!’ Most people think Land’s End is furthest south, but it’s not – it’s the most westerly, and very different. The Lizard is rugged, windy and stunning. The coast has been developed but we are still the forgotten part of Cornwall, as it’s a bit of a trip to get here! There are no trees, so we’re quite exposed. We have lots of rare plants and wildlife on…

ROSE ‘BLUE MOON’ This is probably the best ‘blue’ large-flowered rose yet introduced. Officially described as ‘silvery lilac’, the flowers are large, full and sweetly scented. The foliage is a verdant green, growth vigorous and reasonably healthy. H: 91cm HYDRANGEA MACROPHYLLA Mop-head hydrangeas look great dried. Pick them in autumn, when the flower colour has deepened and the white centres have disappeared. Leave in a vase – no need for water – and they’ll dry out. H&S: 90cm-1.8m ALCHEMILLA MOLLIS Furry, frilly-edged foliage and masses of tiny star-like, green flowers in late spring/early summer. Cut back hard after flowering for a second flush of blooms in late summer. Cutting will prevent it self-seeding everywhere. H&S: 50cm LAGURUS OVATUS A hardy annual with thin, grassy leaves and soft, silver-grey flowers –…

JUNE Border boost Boost summer borders and containers with smatterings of cheerful osteospermum (African daisies). Sow now for quick-growing, pollinator-friendly displays lasting well into the autumn. ✣ Pest control June is party season for all things slimy. Hold back on toxic slug pellets and try natural alternatives – nematodes (tiny slug predators) are widely available, easy to apply and won’t harm the ecosystem. Divide bulbs Lift and divide snowdrops, bluebells and spring bulbs to boost next season’s display. Now that their leaves have died back, you can safely divide and replant them, giving plenty of extra space to grow. ✣ Tender plants It’s time to plant out those tender flowering seedlings as well as veg – tomatoes, courgette, squash and sweetcorn can all be happily placed outdoors. JULY ✣ Perennial…

KNAUTIA ARVENSIS Perennial, H1.2m With lilac-blue, pincushion-style flower heads, field scabious is a perfect pick to attract bees butterflies, moths and hoverflies. The flowers will keep appearing for months. DAUCUS CAROTA Biennial, H75cm Not suitable for eating, the wild carrot has lacy white umbels tinged with pink when in bud. After flowering, the dried bracts turn inwards to create a basket-like effect. TRIFOLIUM PRATENSE Perennial, H30cm Bumblebees love these pinkish-red clover flowers, which appear from May to September. They’re vigorous, so remove surplus growth to give others a chance. LOTUS CORNICULATUS Perennial, H30cm A food source for bees and caterpillars, the pea-like bright yellow blooms are followed by seed pods that resemble the feet of birds (hence its common name, bird’s-foot trefoil). CENTAUREA NIGRA Perennial, H75cm Features thistle-like purple flower…

Keep it simple Whatever palette you choose, the secret is not to overdo it. ✣ To look less like a municipal bedding scheme, steer clear of regimented rows and rigid, repeating colour patterns. Plant in drifts and blocks for a more naturalistic look. ✣ For a minimalist look with maximum impact, opt for a narrow range of plant species. ✣ Want an artistic display? Mix things up by combining clouds of bedding plants with hardy shrubs, perennials and ornamental grasses. Using different heights and textures adds visual interest.…

The first flush of summer is always a delight in the garden – everything looks green, lush and bursting with blooms. Then, around July, borders and pots can start looking past their best – flowers are fewer, they fade quickly and, unless you’re quick to deadhead, they run to seed. That’s when you come to appreciate the late-summer stars – those perennials that just hit their stride when others are flagging. All the plants featured here are easy to grow, and give abundant colour and structure right up to early autumn. RED-HOT GLAMOUR Pelargonium ‘Mystery’ Conjure up a flavour of the Med with this plant. Keep deadheading and you can expect deep-red blooms all summer long. Team with dark-leaved ipomoea ‘Black Tone’. H&S: 40cm Lobelia cardinalis ‘Queen Victoria’…

She turns off the ignition and checks her watch. She should have finished her shift half an hour ago, but the police said the lady, Mrs Brewer, lived on her own and couldn’t fix the window until Jane had been. There’s no way she can leave the woman overnight with a broken window. In any case, she still has plenty of time to get to Beth’s school. She’s never seen her daughter perform on stage before and she can’t wait. Jane collects her silver case from the back of the van and approaches the house. A well-dressed lady in a work suit opens the door to her. ‘Good evening, Mrs Brewer, I’m Jane Halliwell, the crime scene investigator. I’ve come to examine the burglary.’ The lady smiles. ‘Thank you for…

The Queen’s Green Canopy As part of its goal to plant 20 million trees by 2030, the National Trust has announced 70 projects as part of The Queen’s Green Canopy for the Platinum Jubilee. At Dyrham Park in South Gloucestershire (pictured), it will plant an 80-tree avenue this autumn. Stretching 480 metres, it will be a fantastic legacy for future generations to enjoy. Want to do your bit? A £5 donation at nationaltrust.org.uk will pay for a sapling to be planted and you will receive an email certificate. PAW INVESTMENT? Pets are raking it in on social media! Pop singer Justin Bieber and his wife Hailey’s pooch, Oskie the Poskie, is a huge hit on Instagram. According to a survey* , posts from pets such as Oskie can potentially earn…

STONEHENGE SUNSEEKERS I read your article by Jean Grey about Stonehenge [8 February]. I also have fond memories of it, as I was born in Durrington, another historic place [and the site of a neolithic settlement], about four miles away. From the age of 10 to 15, every solstice I used to stay with my grandmother overnight. We’d be up at 4am to cycle to Stonehenge with my auntie and my friend who lived next door to see the sunrise – though we never quite got there on time! The real highlight was sitting on the bank, drinking tea from a flask and eating sandwiches, then cycling back to get ready for school. Doreen Fay, Salisbury…

Throughout history, numerous gifted women have had an impact in science. This fact alone is remarkable, given the lack of encouragement, until relatively recently , for women to study science, technology , engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects. But now , there are more than a million women in such careers in the UK, making up almost a quar ter of the STEM workforce*. Here n-day , we look at three pioneers of science, plus some brilliant moder scientists who are encouraging more girls to follow in their footsteps. CELEBRATIONS To mark the achievements of women in STEM careers worldwide, the second Tuesday of every October is Ada Lovelace Day. And in 2015, the United Nations declared 11 February the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. Ada Lovelace Born…

1 WASH THEM DAILY Use an antibacterial soap and foot powder or an antiperspirant. Remove hard skin with a file and keep nails short and clean. Change your socks every day. 2 BE SHOE SMART Choose footwear made from breathable and natural fabrics. Clean them when they start to smell, making sure you dry them thoroughly before wearing them again. 3 TREAT INFECTIONS A common cause is a fungal infection, such as athlete’s foot. Speak to your GP, who can prescribe stronger antifungal treatments to help.…

✢ Shady secrets In hot, dry weather, stop potted plants from drying out and wilting by moving them to a shady spot. If you can’t move them, cover them with shade netting or some fleece. ✢ Say no to the mow Leave some grassy areas unmown to attract bugs, birds and mammals. If you’re short on space, even a container sown with meadow seeds can lure helpful visitors. ✢ First drink of the day Water plants in the cool hours of early morning, to ensure that every drop reaches the roots without evaporating.…

Nothing says summer in your garden quite like a tapestry of cheerful ornamental plants. Summer bedding was popularised by the Victorians, but it can look fabulous in modern gardens too, transforming formerly dreary spaces into swathes of colour. It’s easy too – multipacks of young seedlings (plugs) can be planted into beds, borders, containers or baskets for an instant seasonal display. They can also be used to plug gaps among perennials. Although they are on sale now, most are not hardy, so if there is still any risk of frost where you are, resist the urge to stick them straight in the ground – keep them undercover until May. Start with a theme From old favourites like petunias and marigolds to glamorous gazanias and vibrant verbenas, there is a dazzling…

Josh and I lay side by side on our backs, stiffly, not touching. How had things got so bad between us? My left hand reached out across the mattress towards him, and I could almost feel my wedding ring burning, urging me on, yet I stopped short of actually touching his fingers. We were nearly 10 years married and had shared so many memories – lots of them happy, or so I had believed. Now, even though we were inches apart, the distance between us felt so achingly wide. ‘What are you thinking?’ I asked softly. ‘Nothing that would interest you,’ Josh replied, staring at the ceiling. ‘Try me,’ I coaxed. There had been much too much living in our separate worlds, lately. That was part of the problem. I…

THE STORY SO FAR: Between jobs in Manchester, domestic servant Sarah Morton is helping out on her parents’ small hill farm and meets Guy, the visiting nephew of the childless, wealthy widow Mrs Bradshaw of Hollybank House. Sarah’s former sweetheart, Davey Stokes, tries to warn her off the raffish Guy, but Sarah is captivated, and is further drawn in when Guy has her family’s horse re-shod at his own expense. Sarah insists she’ll pay him back somehow and Guy hints at payment in kind, a reference which is lost on the innocent Sarah. Next day, Davey believes Guy’s dog, Caspar, is responsible for the death of one of his sheep overnight and, in front of Sarah, picks a fight with Guy. Sarah threw herself between the two men, reaching up…