Home and Garden
lifestyle
3 ways to cut your water bill With Thames Water slowly making the change to water meters over the next few years, it makes sense to start thinking of ways to reduce your water usage. • • •
Choose water efficient sanitary ware where possible in bathrooms. There’s so much choice – from dual-flush toilets to flow meters and aerated showerheads. Every time you run the dishwasher or washing machine, make sure it’s full or use the ‘half load’ or ‘eco’ option if you’ve got a dishwasher that allows that option. Avoid pre-rinsing if possible. Install a water butt in the garden and use the water collected for watering plants and flowers. Alternatively, rather than use a hose, use a watering can. Consider using bath water in the garden – but not on fruit or vegetable plants.
National Children’s Gardening Week takes place from 23rd-31st May.
The aim of NCGW is to get as many schools, children and their families involved, gardening and having fun in their gardens. For activity sheets, craft projects and fun ideas see childrensgardeningweek.co.uk
THE TOP 20 MOST SATISFYING DIY JOBS
1. Planting seeds, bulbs or plants 2. Mowing the lawn 3. When flatpack furniture slots perfectly into place 4. Weeding 5. Jet washing the patio 6. Painting with a roller 7. Hanging up a picture perfectly 8. Painting a fence 9. Painting the final layer of paint 10. Oiling a noisy hinge 11. Stripping wallpaper 12. Filling in holes with polyfilla 13. Polishing surfaces until they shine 14. Fixing something with glue 15. 'Cutting in' - perfect lines when painting 16. Getting wallpaper perfectly lined up 17. Trimming a hedge perfectly 18. Getting a shelf perfectly lined up 19. Hammering nails into wood 20. Smashing down walls
DREAM PROPERTY WISH-LIST • A front garden with a neatly mown lawn • An attractive front door and porch • Extra space to build an extension • A decent drive with off-street parking What’s on your wish-list? Email us at hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk or tag us on social @lifeinmags Research by TSB
HERB GARDEN IDEAS Don’t have room for a vegetable patch? Why not create a herb garden instead? Plus you can spruce up your homemade meals too. Opt for perennial herbs for longevity including oregano, rosemary, chives and mint. Keep your herbs well watered in a sunny location. Complete the look by opting for pretty pots and containers.
Draper Tools commissioned the research of 2,000 adults
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May 2020 Life in... Orpington 39