Say 'hola' to Spanish olla

If you are going on holiday or don’t have the time to water every day during hot weather and want to avoid thirsty plants, try the traditional Spanish ‘olla’ method of watering. 

Olla, pronounced ‘oya’, means pot. It is simply the practice of burying an unglazed pot next to a large plant so only the rim is in the open and then filling it with water. 

This will slowly leach into the soil, keeping your plant hydrated. You can make your own DIY version by filling the hole in a terracotta plant pot with cork, half-burying it, pouring in water and putting a clay tile or brick on top to prevent evaporation. 

This is also more economical and sustainable method of watering, as the pots will only require refilling every two to five days and there is less water wasted because it is being released into the soil so gradually. 

This technique encourages the roots to reach out into the soil in search of water, leading to healthier plants. 

It also avoids splashing water onto the leaves, which can make them more prone to fungal infection. 

Posh pad for bugs 

The Finnish city of Lahti has commissioned five ‘designer apartments’ for pollinating insects. 

Top interior designer Tapio Anttila made the shoebox-sized bug hotels to hang in a lakeside park. 

It is part of a campaign called ‘Without Pollinators We Cannot Survive’. 

You can make your own posh pad for bugs using old pallets filled with natural materials such as bark.

Amalfi vibe

Get your garden ready for summer entertaining by adding an outdoor rug to your patio. 

Designer Anne Haimes recommends buying two for larger patios, one for under seating and another to anchor your dining table. 

Embrace this summer’s Amalficore aesthetic by picking designs with blues, oranges and yellows. 

Add to the coastal vibe by choosing natural materials such as hessian, and wicker for furniture.