The Stem launches Hydrophonic Herbs

Posted on July 3, 2021 by Catherine Balavage

The Stem launches Hydrophonic Herbs

Grow your own herbs from seed without soil, using these hydrophonic kits. Made in the UK using organic and recycled materials, this minimum waste kit contains everything you need to grow your own herbs.

These kits ensure successful growth from seed without soil – perfect for those without gardens, or those without space outside
Each kit contains step by step instructions to get growing. Seeds usually germinate within 7-10 days
Available as singles: basil, coriander, mint, rocket or thyme. Or a set of three: basil, coriander and thyme in a gift box
Previous City Worker James Folger has battled mental health challenges and set up The Stem after finding sanctuary in nature, with studies supporting the stress-busting power of plants

Each kit contains everything you need to grow your chosen herb from seed, without soil. Follow the instructions and within 7-10 days germination will begin. The herbs will need plenty of light to grow, and perhaps try giving them a few extra drops of nutrient solution to really encourage growth. Herbs should be ready to pick and add to your home-cooking after around 7-8 weeks. The plants should give you months of steady growth and the hydroponic solution should last around 2 years.

James Folger, Founder of The Stem says;

“Hydrophonics is revolutionising horticulture at home and is a fantastic option for urban living especially. The process of growing plants without soil, with roots that are directly suspended in nutrient-rich and perfectly pH-balanced water, allows those without gardens to grow food inside fuss-free, mess-free all year round. Hydroponic plants also grow faster, produce more herbs, you don’t have to worry about over or under-watering your plants: also great for those with little or no growing experience as the process is so easy.”

The delivery process is simple. Choose your preferred delivery day during the checkout process, and we will hand-deliver your order on the day you choose, to all Greater London postcodes – there is a postcode checker on site. The Stem are currently operating a contact-free delivery service. Note – AL, CM, SL postcodes are also covered. Deliveries are free (for all delivery slots) for orders over £50, and £5 on orders below £50.

Basil – £20

Coriander – £20

Mint – £20

Rocket – £20

Thyme – £20

3 pack, (Basil, Coriander, Thyme) – £50

All the parts are recycled (made with old wine bottles), recyclable or entirely biodegradable and from sustainable suppliers. The Jiffy pellets used within the kit are made of coir (ground coconut husk).

www.thestem.co.uk

Hydrophonic Herbs: https://thestem.co.uk/accessories/hydrophonic-herbs

The Stem have gorgeous plants. I want to fill my home up with them. There is even an unkillable section for those who, like me, are not green fingered.

The Unknown Health Benefits of Indoor Plants

Posted on May 6, 2020 by Frostie

Plants can certainly brighten up your living space, but did you know that they can help improve your health too? There are a multitude of different ways that indoor plants can benefit you, both physically and mentally.

Indoor plants can improve the air quality in your home by breaking down compounds from man-made fibres and absorbing nasty chemicals from the air, essentially acting like a natural air filter. They are also highly effective at balancing humidity levels in the home as plants are capable of harvesting moisture from the air and absorbing it.

Having balanced humidity levels is essential for good overall air quality but it also prevents the growth of mould and mildew which are particularly common in damp spaces like the bathroom.

Houseplants have also been proven to help alleviate stress, resulting in reducing blood pressure, fatigue and even headaches. This combined with their air purifying abilities means that houseplants can help with sleep, as they create a fresh and breathable space. Plus, they also look super stylish and can really brighten up your bedroom.

wilko’s guide to helpful houseplants, and how to look after them:

Cactus plants

Cacti help to remove carbon dioxide in the air by absorbing it and then supplying us with fresh oxygen to breathe. They are easy to care for as they require very little watering. Miniature cacti look great on a home office desk – perfect for those who like clean, contemporary living spaces.

Snake plants

Snake plants have a lot of character and resemble the skin of a reptile with long, dark green leaves with colourful yellow edges. They survive with little moisture – perfect for those who forget to give it a water! They’re usually quite large in size so would be perfect sat next to French doors or on a large table top.

Succulent plants

Succulents are the perfect companion for your home office and are very on-trend with lots of stylish options to choose from. As a rough guideline, water them every 7-14 days in the warmer months and every 3-4 weeks in winter. Make sure to let the soil dry thoroughly between watering and put them near the window for some time to get extra light.

Peace lily

If the name isn’t calming enough then the plant certainly will be. This plant purifies the air and doesn’t need a lot of light. It does however need adequate watering when the soil is dry so does require some attention but remember, too damp and it won’t flourish!

Fresh flowers

If leafy plants aren’t your thing, or you can’t get hold of any, a nice big bunch of fresh flowers in a stylish vase will do the trick. You can even look for pretty foliage and flowers from your own garden – wild flowers and lavender also produce a beautiful smell throughout the home, perfect for creating a calm, relaxed ambience.

Indoor herb garden

If you want to kill two birds with one stone, then an indoor herb garden is just the thing. Not only will the process of growing the herbs purify the air, but the end result should provide you with tasty herbs for dinner! Not to mention, growing your own herbs is a great hobby that can bring the family together. To create your own mini indoor herb garden, all you’ll need is some small plant pots, compost and seeds. Herbs thrive best when soil is moist, but not soggy. A great tip is to use separate pots for each type of herb – this means you can care for each plant individually and top up any that may need more water than others.

Peter Hardie, garden buyer at wilko, said: “Indoor plants and herb gardens are a great way to inject a touch of nature into the home, particularly as they have been proven to benefit our physical and mental health. Not only can we accessorise our homes with trendy plants and pots, we can also create a breathable and non-toxic environment in our homes, just by adding a few plants around the house.

“We recommend choosing pots and planters to suit your interior style, but bold colours and fun prints are really on-trend at the minute, and can be a great way to accentuate mantlepieces, balconies or windowsills.”

For more information on wilko’s garden and outdoor living range, please visit wilko.com.

How to Inject Colour into your Garden

Posted on May 9, 2016 by Frostie

Your garden definitely deserves some colour this spring and it’s so easy to introduce it to your outdoor space – and you don’t need to churn up your lawn or dig up the borders! Here’s how to inject some colour into your garden quickly and easily.

Introduce seasonal plants

As well as carrying out the usual seasonal tasks in your garden, introducing seasonal plants also ensures you get to enjoy colour all year round. Daffodils in spring will add a spirit lifting dash of yellow, while a butterfly bush (Buddleia) blooming in the summer will not only look stunning but attract the attention of colourful wildlife too, such as bumblebees and butterflies.

In autumn and winter either opt for bedding plants, such as pansies or sweet William that can withstand the cold, or opt for shrubbery and bushes that not only add texture but introduce gorgeous colours to the garden as their leaves change – scarlet willow is a good choice.

You can either nurture these plants from seedlings the season before, or pick up mature flowering shrubs from YouGarden to add a boost of vibrancy to your outside space.

Feature colourful planters

If your plant life isn’t as colourful as it could be, make up for it with vibrant planters instead. You can introduce any hue to a garden and you don’t need to stick to a theme. DIY stores feature hardy plastic pots in every shade of the rainbow that you can transfer plants to, or you could get crafty with some paint and a stone planter. Here are some great ideas to get you started – the brighter the better!

Revamp your furniture…

If your garden furniture is a sad brown tone or a faded version of something that was once bright and fun, book in some time this weekend to give it a revamp. Strip back a wooden bench and give it a new lease of life with a bright paint job and varnish it to seal the deal. Refrain from boring browns and blues, instead favouring an eye popping yellow or even a bold pink.

If you happen to have metal furniture, there’s paint or spray paint for such a job too, so anything can be instantly revamped after a trip to Hobbycraft or your local DIY store.

…and your shed

While you’ve got the paint out, why not give the garden shed a makeover too? Choose a colour that isn’t going to give you a headache, but still makes a statement in your garden. Why not paint the slats in different colours? Or just coat the roof trim in a neon shade?

Accessorise

Having guests over for a BBQ but haven’t had time to implement any of the above tips? Then introduce some vibrancy with your al fresco dining accessories: bright place mats, napkins and glassware will instantly add playfulness to your outdoor space.

Introducing colour to your garden needn’t be hard work… employ some of these tips and tricks and start enjoying your outdoor space now!

By Patrick Vernon.

Lechuza Delta 20 Self-Watering Planters Review | Christmas Gift Guide

Posted on November 14, 2014 by Frostie

We love Lechuza self-watering planters because they are the perfect gift for stylish, busy people. They can be used indoors and outdoors and are easy to use. They can be used for herbs or flowers and if, like us, you tend to kill anything that is green, then they are the perfect present for any plant-killing friends or family.

We reviewed the Lechuza Delta 20. An outdoor self-watering planter with rain overflow function. This complete kit is gorgeous and handy. It makes a perfect present and is so easy to use that even we managed it. It looks perfect on windowsills.

The Lechuza Delta 20 is available here.

Sky Planters: Hang Your Plants Upside Down | Cool Interior Ideas

Posted on October 29, 2014 by Frostie

We were bowled over when we saw these amazing planter that let your plants hang upside down. They look bloody awesome. Unique and stylish. Just like the ancient hanging gardens of Babylon, the Sky Planters let your favourite foliage hang from the heavens; they’re safe, stylish and save space on the sill.

Utilising a revolutionary reservoir system to save water, coupled with a sturdy installation kit (included), these upside-down-pots are an intriguing talking point for any nearby nurserymen or horticulturalists who happen by.

Choose from three sizes, and transfer your existing pot plants to the Sky Planters with a minimum of fuss. Perfect for home, work or anyone looking for a new perspective on their favourite flowers.

The Sky Planters cost from £14.99 at Firebox.com

Ruby Red Body Moisturiser Review

Posted on October 24, 2014 by Frostie

We loved this new Soothe and Nourish Hydrating Body Moisturiser from Ruby Red. It absorbed easily and was gentle on those with sensitive skin. We love natural products and this fits the bill. It has six nourishing plant oils including hydrating Babussu oil to lock in moisture all day. It left us silky smooth and moisturised. Good stuff.

The moisturiser has:

Olive Oil to moisturise and aid skin regeneration
Sweet Almond Oil an emollient to soften the skin
Grapeseed Oil a moisturiser with active antioxidant
Babassu Oil to soften the skin
Shea Butter to aid skin hydration
Jojoba Oil to condition the skin

With added actives of Aloe Vera and Glycerine to soothe and ease absorption and Vitamin B% to reinforce the hydrolipidic barrier for improved skin hydration and to even out skin tone.
Naturally fragranced with soothing oils of Jasmine, Cardamom and Ylang Ylang.

Suitable for dry and sensitive skin.

Available from Fortnum & Mason, Harvey Nichols Knightsbridge, Planet Organic, John Bell & Croyden and selected independent beauty boutiques and online at www.ethicalsuperstore.com and the Ruby Red shop – www.rubyredcosmetics.co.uk.

Frost Magazine Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Posted on March 5, 2013 by Catherine Balavage

Marc by Marc Jacobs Henry Skeleton Watch

WatchShop.com Price: £185 and free next day delivery within the UK

A beautiful timepiece with a genuine pink leather strap with a shine. The case is rose gold plated whilst the skeleton dial is protected by mineral crystal. The watch is water resistant to 50 metres.

STORM Crystin Watch

Stockist: WatchShop.com

This ladies STORM Crystin watch has a stainless steel case and is fitted with a quartz movement. It is fastened with a silver metal bracelet and has a silver dial.

Karen Millen Watch

WatchShop.com Price: £95 and free next day delivery within the UK

This ladies’ Karen Millen watch has a stainless steel case and is powered by a quartz movement. It fastens a purple leather strap and has a purple dial

Michael Kors Camille Chronograph Watch

WatchShop.com Price: £229 and free next day delivery within the UK

This ladies’ Michael Kors Camille watch has a stainless steel case and is fitted with an analogue chronograph quartz movement. It is fitted with a two tone bracelet and has a blue dial. The watch has a date function.

Springtime Planter gift set

£25 plus delivery

The perfect Mother’s Day idea for a green-fingered recipient, the Springtime Planter is a traditional wooden planter containing colourful hyacinths, primroses, cyclamen and pansies.

Every plant is carefully gift wrapped and boxed by hand in Plants4Presents’ Sussex nursery to ensure it arrives in perfect condition. Standard delivery is just £6.50 per address. Delivery is available across the UK and Ireland. For more information visit www.plants4presents.co.uk.

We love this Royal Albert Tea For One Set, £60.00 from The House of Bath

The Kobo Mini is a great present for mother’s. (the 5” eReader easily slips into a handbag or coat pocket making it great for the mum who is either always on the go or just like things a bit more compact) Highly portable Kobo Mini holds up to 1,000 eBooks.

Price £59.99

Stockist: WHSmith and all fine electronic retailers

Fulton this Mother’s Day – from Fab Florals to spectacular Spots and Stripes – there are many new beautiful designs to choose from – many of which are part of Fulton’s soon to be launched SS13 collection.

With ‘Walking’ and ‘Folding’ umbrellas, Rain Macs, Rainboots and Rain Hats from designers such as Cath Kidston and Lulu Guinness, as well as Fulton’s stunning own range, there’s a stylish shelter for every mum out there.

I don’t know about your mother but my mother’s favourite gift is spending time with me. She also loves tea so The UK’s largest afternoon tea gift site, AfternoonTeaForTwo.co.uk is perfect for her. They have a huge range of tea experiences so you can select the perfect memorable experience for your mum. On the site, you will find hundreds of afternoon tea ideas, from glamorous London hotels to relaxing country retreats. If you’re confident you know what she’ll like, you can purchase an individual experience at the click of a button.

Celebrate Mother’s Day at one of Frost’s favourite hotels, the London Marriott Hotel County Hall

Treat your mum this Mothering Sunday with a quintessential Afternoon Tea celebration set in the beautiful library of the 5* London Marriott Hotel County Hall onLondon’s South Bank.

Start with delicious hand crafted sandwiches including roast Angus beef and horseradish, Wiltshire ham with English mustard, Burford brown egg mayonnaise with cress, Forman & Son London Cure smoked salmon with caper butter and the classic cucumber with cream cheese and chive.

Savour a delectable selection of pastries with green tea drizzle cake, passion fruit and coconut crown, blackberry tart and mint surprise, pineapple and vanilla compote with mascarpone cream an Valrhona Chocolate Opera.

Sweet and savoury scones complete the menu. Choose from freshly baked golden raisin scones topped with Tiptree strawberry jam and Devonshire clotted cream or Montgomery cheddar and Hampshire watercress scones with cream cheese and watercress.

Accompanied by a choice of refreshing teas all laid out to tempt, treat and delight and served with charm and a keen attention to detail.

The Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea is available on Sunday 10^th March between 2.30pm and 4.30pm, priced at £36 per person.

Groups are welcome for Afternoon Tea, however, for parties wanting a little extra privacy, a range of private dining rooms are available. Contact us on +44 (0) 207 902 8000 to find out more about private dining.

Emma Bunton reveals her most magical moment with her children for UNICEF UK’s Mother’s Day campaign to end child malnutrition

This Mother’s Day, former Spice Girl, Emma Bunton has joined forces with UNICEF, the global leader in child malnutrition, and is sharing her most magical moment in her children’s first 1,000 days of life.

The first 1,000 days are the critical window of opportunity for children to get the right nutrients they need to develop properly. Around the world a staggering one in four children are not getting the nourishing food they need to grow up healthy and reach their potential in this first critical period.

In the run up to Mother’s Day, UNICEF UK supporter Emma Bunton is asking UK mums to give children around the world the best start in life, by supporting the campaign at www.unicef.org.uk/mothersday.

Sitting in her window seat at home, Emma Bunton said, “It’s so shocking that one in four children around the world are not getting the right nutrients they need to grow up healthy and strong in their first 1,000 days of life.

“When my boys were toddlers I’d sit here and sing ‘You are my sunshine’ to them while the light streamed in on us. When they reached the stage where they could start singing along it really was a magical moment and one I’ll always remember in those first important 1,000 days.

“Every mother should be able to enjoy these precious moments in their child’s life and development. So, please, this Mother’s Day join me and go to the UNICEF UK website to help children everywhere.”

Mums visiting the website will learn how, for £3, they can help another child by buying sprinkles to ensure that children get the vitamins and nutrients they need to grow up healthy and reach their potential.

UNICEF UK is part of the Enough Food for Everyone IF campaign, a great movement of individuals and organisations united to tackle global hunger.

Mums Show Live, the new and only show for parents of 4 – 12 year olds, is offering tickets half price with the code BESTMUM.

Mums Show Live will be taking place from 16 – 19 May at Alexandra Palace, London and will be a great day out for mum, and all the family (dad and kids go free).

Parents will get the chance to enjoy a spot of shopping, with brands including Joules, Fit Flops and Micro Scooters and also join in live conversation and inspiration theatres to get answers to challenging questions. Mums, dads and kids can also get involved in a diverse range of fun games, activities and entertainment.

For more information on the show please visit www.mumshowlive.com.

BRITS LEAVE IT LATE FOR MOTHER’S DAY

30% of Mums Left Disappointed as Last Minute Shoppers Fall Short of the Mark

Research carried out by One4all Gift Card reveals that over half of all Brits leave it late to plan their Mother’s Day treats.

As many as 54% of women and 58% of men admit to failing to plan ahead for Mother’s Day, saying that they regularly forget the date. Younger sons and daughters are the worst culprits with 72% of those aged between 18 and 24 forgetting to put Mother’s Day in their diaries.

As a result we can expect many Mums to be putting on a brave face this weekend, with 30% admitting that they are left disappointed with the thought and effort shown for them on Mother’s Day.

Men are also the biggest offenders at not making an effort to see their mums on Mother’s Day, with just 28% making a special visit compared to 43% of women. For men, it seems this weekend should be renamed Mother-in-Law’s Day.

However, it’s not all bad news with some mums receiving very fancy gifts indeed. The most extravagant gifts lavished on mums for Mother’s Day includes cars, cruises and diamond necklaces!

One solution for people not planning to be quite so generous this weekend, appears to be treating mum to a shopping trip for her to choose her own present.

Managing Director of One4all UK, Declan Byrne said, “We’ve seen our sales up 40% ahead of this weekend which is partly explained by people looking for last minute inspiration and deciding that perhaps mother knows best.

“The One4all gift card enables mum to choose a gift from 17,000 stores nationwide, so it takes the pressure off gift shopping and ensures mum gets a great gift, which she actually wants.”

If you need a last minute gift, you can purchase the One4all Gift Card from any of the 11,500 Post Office branches nationwide and at www.one4all.co.uk.

A gift card can be loaded with any amount from £10 to £400 and can be spent at 17,000 different retailer outlets nationwide including mum-favourites, House of Fraser, Debenhams and Boots.

Other points from the One4all research:

35% of our mothers rarely treat themselves

30% of mums out there still treat their grown-up kids, now full-grown adults, on a regular basis

Mums are best friends to over 30% of us

A quarter of us say our Mum is still the one person who can reduce us to feeling like a child with one look or one word

Say happy Mother’s Day on Sunday 10th March with a limited edition Emma Bridgewater bag for life, designed for this year’s Red Nose Day, available now from TK Maxx stores throughout the UK.

British pottery maker Emma Bridgewater has created the stylish bag to encourage the great British public to ‘Do Something Funny For Money’. The money donated from sales of the products will be spent by Comic Relief to help people living incredibly tough lives across Africa and here in the UK.

The bag features a specially designed feathered ‘snitch’ nose and costs £9.99 with at least £4.00 going to Comic Relief.

Red Nose Day 2013 is heading your way on Friday 15th March.

Here is a brilliant infographic of the cost of celebrating Mother’s Day from Baines & Ernst.

View full image

Drayton Manor offers the perfect gift for Mother’s Day

Every year the time comes to buy a present for Mother’s Day – but what about the Mum that has got everything? This year, give Mum the perfect gift of a fun day out to remember with the family to Drayton Manor Theme Park.

Family day pass

By purchasing a family pass, it will provide a far more exciting alternative to the usual flowers and chocolates, and instead, will offer a great day out to one of the UK’s most popular family attractions.

With Mother’s Day taking place on Sunday 10^th March, it means there is only a five day wait to celebrate this special day with Mum at the park when it opens on Friday 15^th March.

A family pass for four costs £108. However, tickets for the park are also available online at www.draytonmanor.co.uk for a reduced rate, providing a real value for money treat for the family and a well-deserved day off for Mum!

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The Stem launches Hydrophonic Herbs