Recycle this
Many plastic garden pots end up in landfill, as not all councils recycle them. But some garden centres now accept plastic pots as part of a UK-wide recycling scheme, which turns old pots into plant labels or bird feeders. Find out more at pottoproduct.co.uk.
Try this
If brown patches are ruining your lawn, train your dog to wee in one spot. You can buy a pheromone-laced Pee Post, but it’s cheaper and more effective to use a wooden stake (lace it with your dog’s wee first, if you can bear to). Take the dog on a lead to their special spot, and when they wee, say your chosen command (many dog trainers use “hurry up”) and praise them with a treat or some playtime. Be consistent: it takes time, but it works.
Plant this
Hardy perennial penstemon ‘Blackberry’ will flower from June to October and rub along nicely in any regular garden soil in sun or part shade. Height and spread: 75cm x 40cm. Order three plug plants for £9.99 (including free p&p). To order, call 0330 333 6856, quoting ref GU391. Or shop online at theguardian.com/offers/plants. Dispatched in October.
