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Thought-provoking culture, insightful science and inspirational snippets to bring you up to date on all things uplifting, hopeful and happy-making
COMPILED BY ALEX LLOYD
IMAGES: SHUTTERSTOCK
Power plants
Once the bane of a gardener’s life, weeds have been re-branded as ‘hero plants’ for 2023.
Four of the 12 gardens at the prestigious RHS Chelsea Flower Show contained plants traditionally referred to as weeds, to show the beauty of species such as brambles, thistles and knapweed.
RHS garden manager Sheila Das says protecting them is vital in a world where biodiversity and green space is declining.
‘We used to call them plants in the wrong place. They are not; they are plants in the right place. It’s telling you what’s going on underground. It’s your advisor.’
Experts say nettles can show your soil is nitrogen rich, while dandelions provide nectar for insects.
3 of the best… HOLIDAY READS
1 The House In The Olive Grove by Emma Cowell (HarperCollins, £8.99). A chef, food writer and jeweller spend a life-changing week in Greece in this escapist tale.
2 The Guest Room by Tasha Sylva (Welbeck, £14.99). When a bereaved woman rents out her late sister’s room, she finds distraction – and secrets – in her guests’ possessions.
3All About Evie by Matson Taylor (Simon & Schuster, £8.99). Evie Epworth returns, ten years older, for another witty comingof-age adventure, this time in 1970s London.