3 weeks agoBlogsComments Off on How to watch Love Island 2025 abroad – stream outside the UK
LOVE ISLAND fans, rejoice! The smash TV show is now in full swing.
If you’re outside the UK, no need to worry: here’s how to watch Series 12 of Love Island abroad.
The glorious Maya Jama is back on hosting duties as TV’s sexiest reality show is back for – gasp – a twelfth series.
As always, Casa Amor is a whirlwind of hormones and shifting alliances – and in the last couple of days we’ve seen four new bombshells enter the villa.
If you’re jetting abroad soon, you’ll likely know that watching Love Island overseas can be tricky.
That’s because streaming ITVX outside the UK is blocked -luckily, there’s a simple (and legal) solution.
You can use a VPN, such as ExpressVPN or NordVPN, to stream ITV content from overseas.
Read on to learn how to use a VPN to access Love Island abroad.
How to watch Love Island 2025 abroad with a VPN
The whole process for watching Love Island 2025 while you’re outside the UK is actually pretty simple.
VPNs are online tools that can simulate a UK-based IP address, allowing you to bypass content restrictions.
Here’s what you need to do:
Download a VPN like ExpressVPN or NordVPN to whatever device you use to stream content.
Load the VPN app on that device, and select a UK server.
Head to ITVX, and search for Love Island. Play, sit back and enjoy!
ITVX is where you can catch up on episodes that are already live.
You can also use a VPN to watch Love Island live on ITV2, but remember: you need to have a TV license to watch any live UK television from overseas.
When does Love Island Series 12 2025 start?
It’s already started! Did you not get the memo?
Luckily, you haven’t missed much.
The latest series of Love Island kicked off on Monday 9th June at 9pm, so it’s barely been a week.
As ever, it’s available to watch on ITV2.
How many Love Islands will there be in 2025?
Unless there’s a surprise instalment later this year (unlikely), there will almost definitely be two seasons of Love Islands this year.
Back at the beginning of 2025, we had the All Stars edition of Love Island, bringing some sunny fun to the gloom of the New Year.
And now we’ve got the Series 12 Summer Edition to look forward to. Yay!
If we hear any more news about forthcoming series, we’ll keep you posted on this page.
Can you watch Love Island in the US?
We’re thrilled that Love Island has been a hit across the pond, and American fans can access this year’s season using a VPN, as outlined earlier in this article.
For more information and streaming options, check out our how to Watch Love Island in the US explainer.
We’ve actually tested several VPNs – you can check out our favourites in our best VPN service and best VPN for Netflix round-ups.
For an in-depth guide, visit our what is a VPN and are they legal? explainer.
3 weeks agoBlogsComments Off on The B&Q buy that stopped nosy neighbours peeking into my garden – took minutes to fit & £1.5k cheaper than a new fence
A SMALL rotten picket fence, that is suffocating under the weight of unruly ivy and bindweed sits between myself and my neighbours.
We both have 80ft gardens, but the evening sun lands on my side of their fence.
RM The picket fence offered no privacy for either garden[/caption]
RMThe bamboo screen came rolled up (left) and was easy to install with screws and mushroom caps (right)[/caption]
And of course, they want to enjoy the sun too, so they sit as close as possible to the fence, meaning we have nothing but a few pieces of wood separating us.
It’s as uncomfortable and awkward as you can imagine.
But privacy isn’t an issue solely related to topping up our Vitamin D; I can’t potter around my garden, watering my plants, without feeling my neighbour’s eyes burning into the back of my head, or enjoy the morning sun with a cup of coffee in my pyjamas.
In an ideal world, we’d put up a new fence. But according to Land Registry, the fence on the right side of our garden is our neighbours’ responsibility – or more specifically, the landlord who owns the house and rents it out. And they have no intention to spend any money on erecting a new one.
A basic 6ft high wooden fence could cost anywhere from £1,600 to £3,000 for one side of my garden and across the back – that’s if the cheapest fence panels are chosen.
That’s a lot of money to spend on a fence that isn’t yours…
So a privacy fence would have to do in the meantime, until our budget allows for a brand new fence.
With the permission of the landlord, we were allowed to attach a bamboo screen to our side of the neighbours fence to offer instant privacy.
The privacy screen is 4m long, but comes in a variety of heights, making it suitable for all gardens.
As for the price, they start at £24.99.
4mx1m – £24.99
4mx1.2m – £29.99
4mx1.5m – £36.99
4mx1.8m – was £46.99, currently on offer for £42.99
4mx2m – was £49.99, currently on offer for £44.99
Standing at two metres, or 6″6 tall and four metres long, we needed two screens to cover the exposed area of the fence. So in total, it cost under £100 – a whopping £1,500 cheaper than getting a new fence.
The online product description for the screen reads: “This robust and eco-friendly bamboo slat fencing screening roll will make a perfect practical addition to your garden.
“It is popular as a way to improve existing fencing and frame flower beds.
“The bamboo is strong enough to increase the height of existing fences. It can be used on its own or attached to an existing fence.. These bamboo slat fencing screening rolls can be attached to existing garden fences, stone walls, chain link wire fencing, arbours and many other areas the garden which requires screening or shade.
“It can be easily attached to wooden garden fences by the use of galvanised garden staples securing top and bottom of the bamboo slat fencing screening.”
RMThe privacy screen stood at two metres tall (legally allowed without permission)[/caption]
RMThe finished result! Now I can potter around my garden freely without my neighbours looking[/caption]
Using long screws and mushroom caps, we attached the screen to the existing picket fence every foot or so along, and it stood proudly.
It’s a two person job; one to screw and one to roll it out and hold it tight. But after 10 minutes, both screens were up!
As for how it looks…the screen isn’t entirely opaque; there are tiny gaps between the bamboo rods that let some light through. So unless you and your neighbour have a staring competition, you can’t see them.
Plus, when the sun hits it, it leaves a beautiful dappled effect across the grass. I was pleasantly surprised at how good it looks.
And I wasn’t the only happy customer. One left a review which read: “These fences are so nice, they really brightened our garden and covered our older looking fences. My husband just screwed them into our existing fences. Hope they last throughout the winter season.”
Another said: “Bought this to cover an unsightly pebble dashed garage. It looks great, is really strong and will also act as a climbing frame for my plants too!”
A third wrote: “We’ve just used this to cover a wall in bad condition. Very pleased with the look of it.”
What are your rights over a fence row?
IT'S very important to know your rights if you are embroiled in a fence row with a neighbour.
How do I know which side I own?
A boundary feature can be a fence, wall, hedge, ditch, piece of wire, or sometimes even just the edge of a driveway.
The only way to know for certain who owns what side and to avoid any neighbour disputes, is to refer to the title plan or Land Registry.
In this, the T mark is used to indicate who the boundary belongs to and therefore who is responsible for its upkeep, say pros at Jacksons Fencing.
Larger developments tend to have some indication provided by the builder, but there are no hard and fast rules
People often think they are responsible for the left (or right) hand boundary wherever they live, but there isn’t any legal basis for this.
You can check with HM Land Registry to see which boundary feature you are responsible for.
Often households can’t get hold of the paperwork but experts say they shouldn’t panic.
Homeowners can guess who owns the fence by checking where the rails are.
Pros say: “The fence is typically facing away from their property so that their neighbour gets the ‘good’ side.
“This is the most secure way of facing fencing so there are no rails for anyone to use to climb into your garden.
“This is then repeated with the neighbour on the other side to ensure that each home has both a ‘good’ and ‘bad’ fence side.”
Walls and fences are often built on the land of the boundary’s owner with the edge of the wall marking the limit.
While professionals agree a glimpse at the fence can give you a hint, it’s not foolproof – so you can’t be certain.
Fines and punishment
It is recommended to always check legal documents before making changes to avoid hefty fines.
There is no law that the neighbour has to get the good side of the fence, so it’s completely up to whoever owns the fence.
Fencing pros have suggested: “It may be worth selecting a double-sided panel with no ‘bad’ side as both sides look the same and rails are concealed within the fence panel.”
If one boundary backs onto a road or footpath you can install the panels with the rails on the inside
But if it’s installed on the outside, it can provide an “easy ladder for burglars to enter your garden”.
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Property Litigation Association have created a mediation service to help neighbours resolve disputes over their property boundaries without resorting to court action.
RICS also provides a list of surveyors who could assist in boundary disputes.
If a dispute continues, it is ultimately a court that makes decisions, but they do not like such disputes being put before them.
Changing a boundary
If you want to change an existing boundary, such as replacing an old fence with a new one, we always recommend discussing with your neighbour first and making sure it is all agreed.
The registered titles can help you to reach an agreement, but only if this information has been added.
In terms of decorations on a fence legal advisers recommended asking around over who actually first installed it.
But they also urged caution before getting to work on amending the fence without getting more certainty yourself – since there is a danger of actually being prosecuted for criminal damage.
How high can a garden fence be?
The height of the fence is measured from your ground level, this can have an impact when, due to slopes in the ground, your garden may be at a higher level than your neighbours’.
A garden fence can be as high as 100m but you need to get planning permission if it’s over than 2m.
However, there are some complications to this.
If you are thinking about front garden fences, restrictions state that fences alongside a driveway can be a maximum of 1m or 3ft.
You would need to get planning permission for putting a trellis on a fence of 2m.
But, if any plant that you grow on that trellis exceeds 2m, you do not need to obtain a permit for the growing plant.
One other review read: “Sturdy bamboo screening, not the cheapest but worth it compared to others I have seen. Very easy to install. And lovely when it’s up. Going to order some more. Really quick delivery. Great buy.”
As for whether it holds up in extreme weather, two days later, the weather turned, and winds whipped around the garden, but because of the small gaps between the bamboo, it was more resistant and allowed the wind to pass through.
But the real test will be the great British winter…
With a year warranty, it gives us enough time to save up for a brand new fence.
3 weeks agoBlogsComments Off on Fire engulfs Chon Buri shop, owner leaps from second floor
A fire engulfed a fresh produce shop in Chon Buri‘s Bang Lamung district early today prompting the owner to leap from the second floor in panic. Residents helped extinguish the flames, fearing they might spread to a nearby stockpile of fireworks. The Nong Prue subdistrict’s municipal emergency radio centre received reports of the fire at …
GettyReal Madrid have reportedly named their price for Rodrygo[/caption]
The Brazilian winger struggled for game time towards the back end of the season at Madrid, playing just 17 minutes across Madrid’s last six La Liga matches of the campaign.
While he has also left on the bench for the entirety of Los Blancos 3-1 Club World Cup win over Mexican side Pachuca at the weekend.
New boss Xabi Alonso put those absences down to taking “some time that was good for him”.
Swirling rumours suggest that the 33-time Brazil cap could be looking for a way out, with Madrid open to letting him go for the right price.
And Spanish outlet Cadena SER have claimed that the Champions League giants will ask for around £77million to sanction a sale.
It’s thought that Madrid would want to reinvest that cash in a new midfielder, having already brought in Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen in the early stages of the window.
The Athletic report that Arsenal are convinced they can offer Rodrygo an attractive sporting project that would allow him to play in his preferred position of left wing more regularly.
While they also claim the Gunners are prepared to wait and see if he is definitely open to leaving Real Madrid, but won’t wait too long with other targets for that position on the radar at the Emirates Stadium.
Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates
Mikel Arteta and Co had been looking at a possible deal for Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams, but the Spanish forward now looks set for a switch to Barcelona after agreeing personal terms with the Catalan club.
While it’s widely understood that Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon is also on Arsenal’s list of potential targets.
While it’s also been claimed that Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, who Arsenal failed to sign in January, is still admired and could return to the frame should they fail to land one of Sesko or Gyokeres.
Inside Arsenal's frustrating striker transfer saga
By Jordan Davies
ARSENAL’S never-ending hunt for a world-class striker is in turmoil as deals for Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres stall.
The Gunners were confident of doing their business quickly this summer after months of preparation by boss Mikel Arteta and new sporting director Andrea Berta.
But inflated asking prices and broken gentlemen’s agreements have derailed those plans and left Arsenal frustrated.
Sesko believed he would be allowed to leave RB Leipzig for around £60million, while SunSport understands Gyokeres was told £59m would be enough to seal his own exit.
But those price-tags have gone up, leaving Arsenal debating whether they represent value for money.
While the players’ camps are also growing restless, knowing the Gunners can only sign one of them.
So what next? Will Arsenal keep waiting in the hope of fees eventually going down? Or turn to other targets, like Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike?
Whatever they decide, with pre-season looming and the fixtures already out, Arteta will be desperate for them to move quickly to avoid another nearly season.
3 weeks agoBlogsComments Off on NetBet Casino review: Up to 500 free spins throughout your first week after sign-up
ESTABLISHED in 2001, NetBet Casino is one of the oldest online casinos offering online gambling services in Ireland. The operator stands out from other Irish online casinos with its exciting games from leading software providers.
Also, NetBet is licensed and regulated by the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) and in the Republic of Ireland, making it a safe platform.
But how does NetBet rate when compared to other top Irish online casinos? Keep reading our detailed NetBet Casino review to find out more about the site’s games, bonuses and top features.
The Irish Sun verdict – Rating 4.68/5
During our NetBet review, we discovered that the operator offers various perks, including access to the best online casino games. Its library ranks among the biggest in Ireland, with thousands of games across slots, crash games, jackpots, game shows, table games and live casino games.
Additionally, NetBet stands out with its extensive range of bonuses and promotions for new and existing players. The NetBet Casino welcome bonus of up to 500 free spins gives players a good start, allowing them to play their favourite casino games without risking their capital. However, the absence of a standard deposit match offer with bonus cash rewards is worth considering before joining NetBet.
NetBet Casino quick facts
Let’s take a glance at NetBet Casino and its essential details in the table below:
One of the factors that places NetBet IE among the best online gaming platforms is its massive collection of bonuses and promotions for new and existing players. Here’s a breakdown of the biggest offers at NetBet:
Welcome free spins
New Irish players on NetBet can unlock the site’s welcome bonus, which rewards them with up to 500 free spins. This is a deposit offer, so a minimum initial deposit of €10 is required to activate the bonus. However, deposits via Skrill, Neteller and prepaid cards don’t qualify.
When making the deposit, you must enter the NetBet bonus code NBWELCOME500, after which the 500 bonus spins will be activated. There’s a catch, though – NetBet disburses the free spins in batches. First, 50 free spins are immediately added to your account, while the remaining 450 are disbursed in batches of 75 free spins daily for the next 6 days.
Additionally, you must have the operator’s marketing communications enabled to receive the notifications of the remaining free spins. There’s also a 40x wagering requirement, and the bonus expires 7 days after activation.
Daily deals
Every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday is a bonus day on NetBet. On these days, you can unlock free spins, deposit bonuses, special drops and player boosts, depending on what you get and the day of the week. Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
Monday Vault: Rewards you with up to 50 vault tokens every Monday, with a minimum deposit of €10.
Midweek Treasure Hunt: Win up to 30 free spins every Wednesday, with a bet of at least €10.
Thursday Gods and Prizes Pantheon: Bet with at least €20 on any Age of the Gods slots and win guaranteed prizes up to 500 free spins.
Mystery Friday: Play Playtech slots and claim a mystery prize instantly. This includes free spins on Playtech games and Golden Chips.
Monthly special
You can participate in various monthly promotions, including drops and wins, jackpot prize drops, race tournaments and more. These promotions offer opportunities to win bonus cash from prize pools.
Loyalty rewards
NetBet has a loyalty program called Players Club. Once you create an account, you are eligible to join the club and enjoy various bonuses, including Netpoints, priority support and free spins.
With over 4,000 games, NetBet entertains players with a wide range. This includes online slots, drops and wins, crash games, Megaways, jackpots, blackjack, roulette, video poker, scratch cards and live casino games.
There’s also a “NetBet Selection” section containing less popular games exclusive to the online casino. The casino games at NetBet are also from tested and trusted developers, including top names like Evolution Gaming, Play’n GO, Amusnet, Playson, Pragmatic Play, Hacksaw Gaming and Wazdan, to name a few. In total, NetBet collaborates with over 80 software providers, ensuring a rich and varied game library.
Top 3 highest RTP slots at NetBet
Among the thousands of slot games on NetBet, here are the three with the highest RTPs:
Big Bass Bonanza – Fishing slot game.
Mega Fortune – Classic slot game.
The Dog House Megaways – Dog-themed online slot .
Slot name
Big Bass Bonanza
Mega Fortune
The Dog House Megaways
RTP
96.71%
96.60%
96.55%
Software provider
Pragmatic Play
NetEnt
Pragmatic Play
Theme
Fishing
Luxury
Classic slot
Reels
5
5
6
Paylines
10
25
Up to 117,649
Volatility
Medium-high
Medium
High
Year released
2020
2009
2020
Payment methods available at NetBet
NetBet IE offers flexible and Ireland-friendly payment methods that make deposits and withdrawals smooth, fast and secure. Whether you’re funding your account or cashing out winnings, you have diverse options, including Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, Neteller, PayPal, Trustly, bank transfer and wire transfer.
Deposits and withdrawals at NetBet are processed immediately, especially if requested through e-wallets like Skrill, Neteller or PayPal. However, debit/credit card transactions may take up to 3 working days, while bank and wire transfers can take up to 7 working days to be processed. Withdrawals up to €500 are free, while a 1.5% fee applies for transactions above €500.
Payment method
Min. deposit
Min. withdrawal
Processing time
E-wallets
€10
€10
24 to 48 hours
Visa/Mastercard
€10
€10
Up to 3 business days
Bank/wire transfer
€10
€10
Up to 7 working days
Responsible gambling & tools at NetBet
Top online casinos like NetBet take responsible gaming seriously and encourage players to protect themselves against potential gambling issues. The following tools are available to support responsible play:
Self-exclusion – Block your account for a longer break.
Session time limit – Control how long you stay logged in.
Deposit limit – Set daily, weekly or monthly caps to manage spending.
Cool-off period – Take short-term breaks without full exclusion.
Reality checks – Pop-up reminders showing your session length.
Underage gambling restriction – Strict age verification to protect minors.
Self-assessment test – Evaluate your gambling habits privately.
NetBet also links to trusted organisations like GambleAware and GamCare. Its responsible gambling policy reflects guidelines from the MGA and promotes player wellbeing.
NetBet’s customer support info
If you encounter any issues while using NetBet, you can reach out to its 24/7 support team for assistance via live chat and email. You can also submit a ticket using the “Contact Us” page. Here are the main ways to get help:
Live chat – Available directly via the Help Centre for quick responses.
Submit a request – Use the Contact Us form for detailed queries.
Help Centre/FAQs – Covers common topics like account, deposits, withdrawals and responsible gambling.
We recommend going through the operator’s FAQ section for self-service options before contacting support.
Security, license, reputation and trustworthiness
During our NetBet review, we discovered that the gambling site prioritises security and safety using various measures. First, the operator is licensed in Malta and the Republic of Ireland. This means it complies strictly with regulatory guidelines and is regularly audited.
Additionally, NetBet works with reputable and safe payment providers, such as Visa, Mastercard and PayPal. NetBet also has a long-standing history of operating in Europe, since 2001, boosting its reputation.
Security features like identity and phone number verification also reinforce the brand’s dedication to ensuring its platform is safe and trustworthy. Plus, NetBet IE has an above-average rating of 3.0/5.0 on Trustpilot.
How to sign up at NetBet Ireland
Getting started on NetBet Casino is straightforward using the following steps:
Visit the official NetBet Casino site using this link.
Click the “Register” button at the top-right corner of the screen.
Enter your email address and phone number, then create a new username.
Provide your personal information, including date of birth and residential address.
Agree to the terms and conditions to complete the registration. Don’t forget to enter the promo code NBWELCOME500 when making your first deposit.
Expert’s verdict about NetBet
Overall, NetBet Casino stands out as a trusted and well-rounded platform for Irish players. With over 4,000 casino games, a variety of promotions for new and existing players, and fast payments via e-wallets, the online casino is worth considering. However, if you’re particular about getting a standard cash welcome offer, you may consider NetBet alternatives with deposit-match bonuses.
This NetBet review has outlined exactly what to expect from the platform. However, here is a recap of some of the most commonly asked questions:
1. Is NetBet legit?
Yes, NetBet is a legitimate and reputable online casino operating in Ireland. The online casino is licensed in the Republic of Ireland, making its operations legitimate.
2. How long do NetBet Casino withdrawals take?
Funds withdrawals from NetBet Casino can take from 24 to 48 hours or up to 7 business days, depending on the payment method. For the fastest payments, we recommend e-wallets like Skrill, Neteller and PayPal.
3. Where is NetBet located?
NetBet Casino is owned and operated by NetBet Enterprises Ltd., a company registered in Malta with a registered office at Ewropa Business Centre, Malta. The online casino is licensed and regulated by the Malta Gaming Authority, and NetBet Enterprises Ltd. is licensed in the Republic of Ireland.
4. How do you get free spins on NetBet?
The easiest way to get free spins on NetBet is through the welcome bonus. This offers 500 bonus spins. However, you can unlock additional bonus spins through daily deals, monthly specials and loyalty rewards.
James Anderson is a Betting & Gaming Writer at The Sun. He is an expert in sports betting and online casinos, and joined the company in November 2020 to work closely with leading bookmakers and online gaming companies to curate content in all areas of sports betting. He previously worked as a Digital Sports Reporter and Head of Live Blogs/Events at the Daily Express and Daily Star, covering football, cricket, snooker, F1 and horse racing.
If you have a problem with gambling, or you know someone who does, help is out there. Extern Problem Gambling is the leading provider of information, treatment, advice, and support for anyone affected by gambling harms across Ireland.
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3 weeks agoBlogsComments Off on Six easy ways to add privacy to your garden with clever planting and the shrubs that’ll even stay full in winter
SUMMER is great for being out in the garden, but it’s not ideal when you don’t have any privacy in your outdoor space.
To prevent neighbours peeking into your garden or to just create your own private sanctuary of peace, an expert has shared six plants which can help.
GettyThere are a number of ways to create privacy in your garden, and a pergola can help[/caption]
Paul Parker, CEO of plants and perennials specialists J. Parker’s, said privacy can be achieved using plants.
From plant variety recommendations to practical seasonal considerations, his advice will help transform overlooked gardens into peaceful green retreats…
Block sight lines
An arbour, pergola or gazebo are all easy ways of increasing privacy if you’re overlooked by upper windows.
Cover any of these structures with beautiful climbing perennials or trailing plants to truly create your own natural private space.
Varieties such as clematis, climbing hydrangea, and wisteria, are great for adding privacy to your garden, also these climbing perennials are flowering vines that will come back year after year.
Cover up fences with evergreen climbers
If you want to disguise fences, balcony railings or rooftop spaces, evergreen climbers are a fantastic solution.
Star Jasmine would be my top choice, it’s a hardy, vigorous grower with glossy evergreen foliage, so it’s the perfect all-year-round cover.
In summer, it bursts into fragrant, star-shaped flowers that fill your garden with an enticing scent.
If you don’t have a surface to grow against, create a living fence by planting shrubs or small trees close together to make a natural wall of privacy.
Varieties like golden privet hedging or, for a shorter screen, Salix (like Flamingo Willow) are trendy options that work well to cordon off designated areas in your garden.
Fill in gaps with bright annuals
If you are looking for a quick fix and want help filling the gaps in while your perennials and shrubs take their time to establish, planting colourful annuals will provide you with the privacy you need this summer.
You can use taller annual varieties such as sunflowers, foxgloves or sweet peas to create temporary screens or brighten up existing screens.
Simply plant them into a row and consider adding a trellis or fence to give them extra support as they grow.
Add bushy potted plants
Growing bushy potted plants helps give you the cover you need, and they’re mobile so you can move them around whenever you like.
It’s an easy way to improve privacy that also adds a good dose of foliage to your outdoor space.
Choose plants that have a good width spread to grow a privacy wall of foliage.
Create bamboo screens
GettyBamboo can be useful – but be careful it doesn’t grow out of control[/caption]
Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants out there, making it perfect for creating a natural privacy screen.
Just be careful because some varieties can spread fast and take over your garden if left unchecked.
To keep things under control, grow bamboo in large, heavy pots to stop it from spreading and also to keep it stable in windy spots.
You’ll still get those tall, dense canes that are ideal for blocking out a peaceful corner in your garden.
Include fast-growing ornamental grasses
GettyPampas grass can help conceal your outdoor space[/caption]
Grasses can be used easily to create internal screens or hedges that flower beautifully, move in the slightest breeze, and need little care during the summer months.
I recommend silvergrass or pampas grass to not only conceal your garden, but to introduce interesting textures.
Their fast growth rate makes ornamental grasses ideal for privacy hedges because new plants can rapidly fill in any gaps.
Top gardening trends of 2025
Gardening experts at Barnsdale Gardens has shared the top gardening trends of 2025.
Matrix planting
It seems that a top planting trend for this year is going to be Matrix Planting.
In essence, planting in groups or blocks to give an effect of being wild whilst actually being carefully managed.
Selection of the plants is essential, to give year-round interest either with flowers, seed heads or frosted/snowy spent flower heads. Some recommend using plants that seed around, but this could make managing your matrix planting harder to keep under control.
Chrysanthemum comeback
I hope that the humble Chrysanthemum makes as much of a comeback this year as Dahlias have over recent years, because the simple single flowered types, such as ‘Innocence’ and ‘Cottage Apricot’ would be spectacular within a matrix scheme.
The hardy varieties are so easy to grow in a sunny spot and give such a valuable burst of late summer and autumn colour that would lift any dull- looking border.
Blended borders
For some time now we have been promoting the growing of veg within ornamental borders and I think this could really take off this year.
The choice of ornamental-looking varieties available in seed catalogues is phenomenal and, if managed correctly, visitors to your garden will not even realise that you have veg growing!
Must-have tool
My secret is out. I discovered the Hori Hori a couple of years ago and now it seems so is everyone else.
It is such a well-made, adaptable tool that can be used as a trowel or weeding tool in the garden that and everyone I speak to who have used it absolutely would not now be without it. Enough said!
3 weeks agoBlogsComments Off on 2026 World Cup stripped from ‘Must-Have’ TV broadcast list
The Royal Gazette published a new announcement from the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), removing the highly anticipated 2026 World Cup from the list of “Must-Have” sports for free TV broadcasting. The update signals a shift in television regulations that will impact how key events, including major international sports, are accessible to Thai viewers. …
3 weeks agoBlogsComments Off on LTO summons SUV owner, driver with 307 traffic violations
MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has issued a show cause order against the owner and driver of the sports utility vehicle (SUV) allegedly involved in illegally using the Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (Edsa) Busway 307 times since 2022. In a statement on Tuesday, LTO chief assistant secretary Vigor Mendoza II said they
3 weeks agoBlogsComments Off on Brawl, two red cards and late drama as Sligo Rovers defeat Galway United in a fiery derby
FRANCELY Lomboto struck a glorious winner as Sligo Rovers beat his old club Galway United at the Showgrounds.
Both sides had men sent off in a second half which saw the visitors strike the woodwork twice late on, while the Tribesmen had three efforts cleared off the line.
Moses Dyer (left) was sent off just minutes after scoringSligo Rovers got the winning goal in the derby despite being without their skipper
Jad Hakiki gave Rovers the lead before the break, but league top scorer Moses Dyer levelled early in the second half.
Dyer was sent off after a flashpoint with Sligo captain John Mahon before Lomboto hit the winner on 73 minutes. Galway’s direct style provided chances from set-pieces.
Patrick Hickey’s volley was repelled by Sligo keeper Sam Sargeant after a long-throw in from Ed McCarthy, while Sargeant tipped over a Cian Byrne free-kick soon after.
Rovers’ rearguard held out at the break but the visitors could have gone ahead 60 seconds from the interval.
McCarthy and David Hurley had chances cleared off the Sligo line by Mahon and McDonagh.
Sargeant then pulled off a wonder save to keep Hurley at bay. John Russell’s men finished the half the happier.
Owen Elding provided a through ball for Hakiki, who placed his effort beyond Galway keeper Evan Watts.
Home smiles turned to frowns upon the restart when Dyer guided Byrne’s free-kick beyond Sargeant.
Both camps were reduced to ten on 53 minutes when Mahon and Dyer clashed after the Rovers skipper had hit the Kiwi with a late challenge.
Lomboto then scored an audacious winner against his former employers after another crazy scrap.
He initially struck the bottom of a post, before Hakiki had a shot saved by Watts. The ball landed to Lomboto, who back-heeled it between the legs of the stunned keeper.
Rovers lived dangerously in the closing stages, but held on.
3 weeks agoBlogsComments Off on Plans for Queen Elizabeth’s memorial unveiled – with bridge inspired by her tiara & touching nod to Prince Philip
RENOWNED architect Lord Foster has won the bid to design the national memorial to Queen Elizabeth II.
He will transform St James’s Park, outside Buckingham Palace, with the tribute, which will include a statue of her at Marlborough Gate.
PAAn early artist’s impression of the memorial shows the late Queen on horseback[/caption]
PALord Foster has won the bid to design the national memorial to Queen Elizabeth II[/caption]
PAThe glass Unity Bridge inspired by Queen Elizabeth’s wedding day tiara[/caption]
GettyLord Foster described it as an honour to be awarded the project[/caption]
An early artist’s impression shows her on horseback, but it is not known if it will make the final designs, due next year.
There will also be a statue of the late Duke of Edinburgh on the other side of the park and a glass Unity Bridge inspired by Queen Elizabeth’s wedding day tiara.
A “family of gardens” and a contemporary wind sculpture by artist Yinka Shonibare are included in Lord Foster’s plan.
He described it as an honour to be awarded the project.
Lord Foster, who was the brains behind The Gherkin, the renovated Reichstag in Berlin, and Swindon’s Renault distribution centre, beat four other shortlisted designs.
The world famous architect said his tiara-style bridge was symbolic of the Queen as a “unifying force”.
He said: “I knew the Queen on formal occasions but also enjoyed her informality when attending events as a member of the Order of Merit.
“We have sought to reflect these qualities of the formal and informal in our design, with an appeal across a wide range of ages and interests.
“To these ends, we have discreetly stretched the boundaries of art and technology with a deliberately gentle intervention.
“Our design will have the minimum impact on the nature and biodiversity of the park and it will be phased to ensure that the precious route across it will never be closed.
“At the heart of our masterplan is a translucent bridge symbolic of Her Majesty as a unifying force, bringing together nations, countries, the Commonwealth, charities and the armed forces.”
There will now be talks with potential sculptors to create two new statues for the national memorial.
It is expected to be finished and unveiled in 2026 when the late Queen would have turned 100-years-old.
PAPlans for the transformation of St James’s Park[/caption]
PAA contemporary wind sculpture by artist Yinka Shonibare is included in the plans[/caption]
PAMembers of the public will be able to enjoy the gardens[/caption]
The Irish Sun verdict – Rating 4.68/5
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