Irish Sunday Mirror

GADGET

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heavy clay, can be worse as there is more water in them to cause issues.

An easy way to avoid frost heave is with a thick layer of mulch, providing a barrier to insulate roots and protect plants from temperatur­e fluctuatio­ns.

Biodegrada­ble mulches include bark chippings, straw and compost. These also improve the soil as they break down. Non-biodegrada­ble alternativ­es such as slate chips, pebbles or decorative aggregates offer a smart-looking

Plants from warmer climates, like tree ferns and outdoor palms, as well as

you thought on-trend fire pits were out of your league this Christmas, think again. This cast iron fire pit is ideal for intimate garden gatherings. Use it to toast marshmallo­ws beneath the stars or go all out and rustle up a couple of decent ribeye steaks in the great outdoors. It’s easy to move and its tubular legs make it great in any garden, however big or small. wayfair. co.uk

XKeep exotic houseplant­s happy in style with this highsheen, pump-action mist sprayer. Available in finishes from star of Bethlehem silver to contempora­ry copper and gleaming gold, it will ornament shelves in between lifting orchids, palms and peace lilies. haws.co.uk But layer of beauty can be devastatin­g Make frost-proofing smaller shrubs easy with these insulating jackets, complete with drawstring­s to secure them.

Simply pop the jacket over the top of the plant and tighten around the stem or base. The fleece keeps them warm while allowing moisture and light through the fabric.

They are 120cm wide by 180 cm tall, and come in a packet of two via primrose.co.uk.

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