26 free garden ideas – simple ways to improve gardens without spending a penny

TAMARA KELLY

These free garden ideas will enhance any outdoor space at zero cost to you

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  • "I Never Interview Applicants Who Do It": 16 Extremely Useful Hiring Tips For 2025 From People Who Work In HR And Management

    "I know it's a hassle, but it's worth it."

  • ‘I’m 28 and earn £130k, but live a cash-poor life in London’

    On the surface, my finances are looking very healthy. I have a relatively high income for my age and free meals at work, which help me save on the typical office worker’s expenses.

  • I retired early after becoming managing director at a big bank. People should think twice before chasing the FIRE lifestyle.

    Eric Sim, 54, spent more than 20 years in banking. Sim says he isn't a fan of the Financial Independence Retire Early (FIRE) lifestyle.

  • Masters graduate moans claiming benefits feels like 'full-time job'

    A masters graduate said he gets £400 per month benefit payments and a council flat

  • Apple fights $1.8 billion App Store lawsuit in UK class action

    STORY: Apple has abused its dominant position and cost British consumers up to $1.8 billion.That was what a London tribunal heard on Monday (Jan 13).The U.S. tech giant is accused of charging app developers an unfair 30% commission through its App Store.Apple faces a mass lawsuit brought on behalf of around 20 million iPhone and iPad users in the UK.They were allegedly overcharged for app purchases.Apple argues the case is meritless.The firm also believes it overlooks the benefits to consumers of the integrated approach of its iOS operating system - which prioritizes security and privacy.It is the first mass lawsuit against a tech giant to come to trial under Britain's growing class action-style regime.Many other cases are waiting to move forward against the likes of Google, Meta and Amazon.Rachael Kent is a British academic bringing the case.She argues Apple has made "exorbitant profits" by excluding all competition for the distribution of apps and in-app purchases.Her lawyers argue this dominant position allows the company to impose restrictive terms on app developers.They say it also allows them to charge excessive commission, which they believe is taken on by consumers.Apple has faced pressure from regulators in the U.S. and Europe over the fees it charges third-party developers,The firm argues 85% of developers do not pay any commission at all.The trial is due to last seven-weeks and expected to hear evidence from Apple's chief financial officer later this week.

  • Meta's 'pay or consent' policy breaks the Digital Markets Act, says Brussels

    Meta's 'pay or consent' model asks users to enable the processing of their personal data or pay a monthly fee.View on euronews

  • Find out how long it can take to renew a British passport (it won't take months)

    This is how long it can take to renew a British passport online and how to apply for a new one online or by post.

  • Hanging out at Starbucks will cost you as company reverses its open-door policy

    If you want to hang out or use the restroom at Starbucks, you’re going to have to buy something. Starbucks on Monday said it was reversing a policy that invited everyone into its stores. Starbucks spokesperson Jaci Anderson said the new rules are designed to help prioritize paying customers.

  • LVMH says 'impossible' to control final sales point after report of champagne shipments to Russia

    LVMH said on Tuesday it was "impossible" to control the final destination of products sold by third-party distributors after a report said the French luxury group's champagne reached Russia even after it halted business there. French investigative media La Lettre on Tuesday reported the group's beverages branch Moet Hennessy worked with two third-party duty-free distributors in the United States on shipments ultimately headed for the Russian market. LVMH, which also owns Christian Dior, Givenchy and Bulgari among other brands, said in March 2022 it would close its boutiques in Russia and halt business operations there following the country's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

  • Four-day week council refuses to monitor staff using time off for second job

    A council which introduced a four-day working week has rejected a move to monitor staff working second jobs on their paid day off.

  • Boeing stock slides on declining full-year aircraft deliveries

    Aerospace manufacturer Boeing (BA) is seeing shares decline after reporting that both its fourth quarter and full-year 2024 aircraft deliveries fell year-over-year. Wealth host Brad Smith explains the latest. To watch more expert insights and analysis on the latest market action, check out more Wealth here. This post was written by Luke Carberry Mogan.

  • Vacant Island hotel ravaged by fire could be demolished and replaced with flats

    Farid Barsoum has submitted an application to the Isle of Wight Council for the demolition of a fire-damaged part of the Tarvic 2 Hotel on Culver Parade.

  • Indian car makers' annual sales growth screeches to a four-year low

    Sales of passenger vehicles, which include small cars, sedans and sport utility vehicles (SUV), rose to a record 4.27 million units from January to December last year, compared to 4.11 million units in 2023, according to the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers, an industry body. However, sales of small cars dipped 14.4% as their prices exceeded the income levels of their target customers, car manufacturers said. Sales of SUVs and large cars, on the other hand, grew 16.8% last year, albeit slower than the 22% jump they clocked in 2023.

  • Google faces more scrutiny as UK watchdog flexes new digital competition powers

    Britain's competition watchdog flexed new digital market powers on Monday for the first time with an investigation into Google's search and search ad businesses. Under beefed-up rules that took effect this month designed to protect consumers and businesses from unfair practices by Big Tech companies, the Competition and Markets Authority said it would determine whether Google should be given “strategic market status” that would require imposing changes to the company's behavior. The investigation adds to global scrutiny that the U.S. tech giant is facing.

  • India to promote its textiles as political crisis hits Bangladesh's exports, say sources

    India aims to boost its textile and garments industry in next month's budget with financial support, tariff cuts on key inputs and incentives to produce locally, two government sources said. An ongoing political crisis in neighbouring Bangladesh has prompted global retailers to explore alternatives, including India, for garment imports, exporters told Reuters. "Indian exporters are finding it difficult to meet the rush of export orders in last few months as many U.S. companies are looking for alternative suppliers," said Mithileshwar Thakur, secretary general at India's Apparel Export Promotion Council.

  • Hundreds of staff at Dudley Group hospital trust off sick over Christmas

    HUNDREDS of staff at the Dudley Group hospital trust were off sick during Christmas week, new figures show.

  • The chart that proves Boeing has lost its battle with Airbus

    Boeing has fallen far behind Airbus in its long-running battle to be the world’s biggest plane-maker after a year of setbacks and crises.

  • Sussex companies warned as COVID loans could see directors disqualified

    Sussex directors face disqualification risks if COVID loans remain unpaid. R3’s Mike Pavitt urges struggling businesses to seek professional advice early.

  • Island broadband provider WightFibre repeats customer service award success

    WightFibre has been awarded the Institute of Customer Service's ServiceMark with Distinction for the second time.

  • Poole trade park home to tyre shop bought for nearly £4million

    A prime trade park on the south coast has been acquired by a private property company, advised by property consultancy Vail Williams.