RIVKIE BAUM

Rugs, from £24.99; side table, £139; chair, £259; planters, £45 for two; cushion, £34.99; floor lamp, £95; lizard ornament, £18; baskets, £32, all very.co.uk

Notebook, £10, Next

Leopard salt and pepper pots, £12, joebrowns.co.uk

Coaster, £8, Anthropologie

Tray, £65, amara.com

Planter, £16.50, Oliver Bonas

Eyemask, £25, elizabethscarlett.com

Bath towel, £7, Asda

Storage canister, £10, Dunelm

Frame £10.50, redcandy.co.uk

Vases, £39 each, ellajames.co.uk

Lamp, £34.99, very.co.uk

QMy son has a huge apple tree which prevents the grass growing underneath. He’s thinking of putting down artificial turf, but I think flagging would be better. What do you advise? Margaret Hurst, by email

If you put paving under a tree, it will always be covered in moss and slime. Artificial turf also needs to be maintained. I’m afraid anything you put under a tree will always be damp.

ARecently, the plaster in my upstairs rooms has started cracking. Can it be filled? Paul Hargreaves, by email

It’s not normal for plaster to crack. If it was an existing plastered wall that was replastered, then you have to use diluted PVA and coat that on to the wall before plastering. Once the PVA goes tacky, then start plastering.

QCould you recommend anything to fill cracks on a rendered wall? I’ve used Dulux Weathershield before, but the cracks reappear. Dave Smith, by email

I use a product called Toupret external filler. It’s amazing and it sands down a treat. Apply it a couple of days before painting to allow the filler time to dry out.

ADONNY’S TOP TIP

QI want to paint my windowsills. They are made of the same material as the roof tiles. Which paint should I use that will withstand the weather?

Terry Chown, by email

I would use Sandtex Smooth Masonry Paint. It’s a great paint and always leaves a good finish. It’s also shower-proof within an hour. However, I would recommend you apply Sandtex Quick-Dry Stabilising Solution before you apply the paint – this will make sure the surface is perfect for receiving the masonry paint.

ASEND YOUR QUESTIONS TO: diy.donny@trinitymirror.com

PRODUCT OF THE WEEK Ronseal two-part wood filler

Still my favourite ultra-tough filler, it really is the best. Once you fill a hole in wood with this, it’s never coming off.

I’ve even seen it used to fill rotten windowsills. £10.99 for a 550g tub at Screwfix.