Village effort saves those caught short

Public toilets | National anthem | Local poo | Comfort blanket | Overkill

The closure of public toilets has caused a panic, not least for those travelling by car (The Shewee revolution: how 2020 has changed urination, 3 September). When our parish council decided to close the village centre toilets a splendid initiative took them over. Now, they are a pristine facility, funded and run by volunteers. Significantly, they are the only roadside toilets on the 50 miles between Harrogate and Kirby Lonsdale. Closure would have been a disaster for visitors to the Dales and the Lakes.
David Handley
Gargrave, North Yorkshire

• My mother and I once went to a theatre in Altrincham that played the national anthem (Letters, 3 September). As a staunch republican, she refused to stand. In the row in front was the only other person still sitting, so my mother leant forward to express solidarity, only to discover they were in a wheelchair.
Bob Hughes
Willoughby, Warwickshire

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Tiny orchids that will dazzle all year round

These small wonders have been inexplicably overlooked

Every so often I come across a group of plants for the first time that has inexplicably escaped the attention of the gardening mainstream, despite ticking every box on the horticultural wish-list. One of these epiphanic moments happened three years ago at an RHS spring show – and ever since that day I have been evangelical about probably the best-kept secret in horticulture: miniature orchids for terrariums.

Most plants are not much larger than a 50p piece, so anyone has the space to house a collection in a few glass jars

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Tiny orchids that will dazzle all year round

These small wonders have been inexplicably overlooked

Every so often I come across a group of plants for the first time that has inexplicably escaped the attention of the gardening mainstream, despite ticking every box on the horticultural wish-list. One of these epiphanic moments happened three years ago at an RHS spring show – and ever since that day I have been evangelical about probably the best-kept secret in horticulture: miniature orchids for terrariums.

Most plants are not much larger than a 50p piece, so anyone has the space to house a collection in a few glass jars

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How to make a house safe from radon gas Nottingham Estate Agents

Radon gas is a problem you can’t see, taste or even smell but it is affecting properties across the UK, and is something that most people aren’t aware of. It is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is formed as a result of the radioactive decay of uranium that occurs naturally in all rocks and […]

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The last of summer’s garden tasks | Allan Jenkins

Autumn approaches, so harvest, save seed and give quiet thanks

OK, I am calling autumn (I am honestly not alone, whether you follow the meteorological calendar or not). There may, of course, be an Indian summer, but much of growing is more about light than heat, and some of you may see your first frost this month.

So start to cloche if you can. Sowing this month is about eking out longer life. There is time (just) to sow spinach, a last scattering of coriander if you have shelter, a few hardy salads, likely the last ‘oriental’ leaf.

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The last of summer’s garden tasks | Allan Jenkins

Autumn approaches, so harvest, save seed and give quiet thanks

OK, I am calling autumn (I am honestly not alone, whether you follow the meteorological calendar or not). There may, of course, be an Indian summer, but much of growing is more about light than heat, and some of you may see your first frost this month.

So start to cloche if you can. Sowing this month is about eking out longer life. There is time (just) to sow spinach, a last scattering of coriander if you have shelter, a few hardy salads, likely the last ‘oriental’ leaf.

Continue reading...

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How to get the hang of wallpaper – to stunning effect

Think you don’t like wallpaper? Three experts explain how to use it

Ben Pentreath, architect

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