Wanda Sachs
Multiplatform Writer
Wanda Sachs is the Multiplatform Writer for Country Living and House Beautiful, exploring the latest in gardening, wildlife and sustainable living alongside interiors and property. She is particularly interested in human-interest stories, the intersection of design and pop culture, and the evolving relationship between urban and rural life. Previously, she served as Associate Editor at The Berliner in Berlin, where she reported on culture and fashion. Wanda studied English and German at the Goethe University Frankfurt and Exeter University.

The 20 essential gardening tools every outdoor space needs this summer
Everything you need to get your garden into shape

What do to with bedding after a heatwave: the right way to wash, store and protect it
Why proper care is paramount during periods of extreme heat

Want drainage holes in a ceramic pot? Here's how the 'Rehbinder effect' can help
This clever science trick helps you put holes into pots and vases without breaking them

'Your lawn will go brown, it's fine': The gardening tasks to triage in a heatwave — and which are essential
Everything to do (and not to do) during periods of extreme heat

Monty Don reveals which plants need watering most as June temperature records are forecast to break
Protect your plants in the record-breaking June heat

What to do with delphiniums after flowering for a second burst of towering blooms in September
Thought the show was over? Far from it

Forget bird baths, 'bee drinkers' might be the most charming garden upgrade of the summer
These quaint watering station are great for birds, bees and butterflies

Clematis heatwave care: How to keep the 'queen of climbers' thriving in extreme heat
How to spot signs of heat stress and what you can do to keep your plant happy this summer

I wanted to curl up and die — my assistance dog gave me my life back
After an earth-shattering diagnosis, Mary Lamb found purpose again through her devoted dogs

Britain's world-famous Robin Hood oak tree has died — what happens next?
The death of Sherwood Forest's legendary Major Oak marks the end of an era, while offering important lessons for the future protection of the UK's trees

When is the first day of summer? The meaning behind the summer solstice and longest day of the year
Plus, why it’s known as the longest day of the year and how astronomers determine the official start of the season

Help house sparrows thrive in summer with this overlooked garden feature
You've already got a feeder and a bird bath – here's a detail you haven't thought of yet

How to water properly before a heatwave to keep flowers blooming
Think frequent showers are enough to keep your plants happy? Think again

20 clever trellis ideas to maximise growing space in your garden
Make the most of your green space with these pretty and practical solutions for plant support

What to do with your clematis after flowering — the simple guide to all 3 pruning groups
Reaching for your secateurs? Here's everything you need to know

How to sharpen secateur blades for effortless and precise pruning
Even the best pair of garden scissors needs regular maintenance

Is it safe to sleep with a fan on all night? Experts reveal who should avoid it
These breezy gadgets can come in handy when temperatures soar, but should we leave them on overnight?

Help robins survive summer heatwaves with this one simple garden addition
Hot weather takes its toll on all creatures – here's what you can do to offer support

These dog breeds are at higher risk of heatstroke – here's how to keep them cool
Including the flat-faced French Bulldog and thick coated Golden Retriever

The wetter, the better: These 8 flowering shrubs flourish in damp soil and heavy rain
Wetter winters are coming – climate-proof your garden with these beautiful bushes

England's new coastal path unlocks beaches and clifftops most have never seen – 4 highlights to visit first
The scenic landmarks, hidden histories and cultural references walkers can now explore along the coast

What to do with alliums after flowering: 3 simple jobs for bigger, frothier blooms next year
These bulbous blooms are easy to care for, but there's one crucial mistake to avoid

7 popular perennials to prune now to encourage a second flush of blooms later this summer
Keep your garden colour going

The garden accessory outshining parasols this summer, offering more space, shade and privacy
Think garden brollies levelled up

16 vegetables to sow in June for bumper harvests — from speedy salad leaves to autumn pumpkins
There's plenty to grow this month

The best green paint colours for small spaces — from calming sage to deep 'Hunter boots' green
These hues – from bright to barely there – are a ideal for a hallway, boot room or guest toilet

Could seaweed be the secret to a greener, healthier garden? How it benefits lawns, vegetables and more
A natural and highly effective substitute for synthetic fertiliser

7 dog breeds that struggle to cope in hot weather — and how to keep them cool
If you thought only thick-coated breeds were affected, think again

This Chelsea garden is packed with 'rare, underused' plants and flowers you’ve probably never seen before
Want to go against the grain? These cultivars are dangerously out of fashion

5 practical small garden ideas to take home from Chelsea Flower Show, including the 70% rule
Why Chelsea's compact spaces are the real stars of the show

The 7 colours taking over the Chelsea Flower Show 2026 — including the combination of the year
These hues and pairings feature in a vast majority of show gardens

How to care for magnolias post-flowering: 3 vital steps for bigger blooms next year
Help your ornamental tree through the coming months and prepare it for next year's flowering season

Chelsea Flower Show visitors face Tube strike disruption – what to know and alternative routes
Heading to the botanical blowout? TfL strikes will affect journeys from Tuesday to Friday

Stop ants invading your patio this summer with an 85p spice rack staple
It works as a natural repellent by interfering with the insects' navigation system

RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026: Full list of presenters, including Monty Don and Mary Berry
Who are the presenters, contributors and special guests guiding viewers through the floral extravaganza this year?

The colourful, fragrant flower 'no garden is complete without', according to Alan Titchmarsh
The celebrated gardener on a timeless classic

This bold colour pairing is everywhere at RHS Malvern — and it's the secret to brighter summer borders
Festival season has officially begun, and trends are starting to emerge

Weeds taking over your patio? Try this expert-approved fix for long-lasting results
How to keep those pesky plants away long-term

5 pollinator-friendly flowers to plant in May for a humming cottage garden full of life
These blooms guarantee a steady stream of winged visitors

What to do with wisteria after flowering — and the one thing to avoid
It's not yet time for pruning, but there are other ways you can help this purple plant flourish

Neighbours’ pets ruining your garden? 5 easy ways to stop them
These tricks will help you keep unwanted visitors at bay

10 vibrant flowers to plant in May for a summer garden full for colour, including sunflowers
Garden experts share their best-loved blooms for low-maintenance summer planting

Blue tit chicks eat 100 caterpillars a day — here's why you should leave them in your garden
The wriggling insects are "the bedrock of the garden," says RHS ambassador Kate Bradbury

King Charles' former Highgrove gardener reveals his unusual carrot rule — and the vegetables he banned
The monarch is very particular about his five-a-day

Decluttering this spring? 24 items you can't put in your recycling bin under the new UK rules
The government has rolled out new waste sorting rules, effective from 31 March

How to clean a greasy oven using aluminium foil in 5 easy steps
Tackle this tedious task with our helpful tips

How to grow cosmos this April and May for a stunning summer garden year after year
A 5-step spring growing guide, from seed to flower

Clarkson's Farm's Lisa Hogan announced as host of Farming for Love
The partner of Jeremy Clarkson has been named the new presenter of the cult dating show, which is returning in 2026

How to grow a thick, green lawn with Epsom salt – and when to avoid it
Learn how to put the natural minerals in this bathroom staple to another use

Queen Elizabeth II's 100th birthday: The special symbolism of her favourite flower, lily of the valley
On what would've been the late Queen's centenary, we dive into the meaning behind her best-loved blooms

16 cosy guest bedroom ideas that make visitors feel at home
Your company might never want to leave

'Take one and you've broken the law': Monty Don warns you should never dig up bluebells — and what happens if you do
It's tempting to bring the magic of wild bluebells into your own garden, but it's an itch best left unscratched

Experts warn against flat feeders — here's the one vital food that keeps robins coming back all year
The RSPB has issued updated feeding guidance that affects robins differently to most other birds

How to clear slippery patio moss in minutes with white vinegar – no pressure washer needed
How the £1.40 kitchen staple can clear moss from patios... fast

Is your dog suddenly acting up on walks? 'Spring fever' could be to blame
What to do if you notice a change in behaviour

4 gentle ways to keep pigeons away from bird feeders, seeds and saplings in your garden
How to coo-coo-keep these grey birds at bay

RSPB urges homeowners to stop using this unsafe bird feeder type immediately
The warning comes as Big Garden Birdwatch results highlight the spread of a fatal disease linked to feeders

16 small garden design ideas that make the most of every inch
Maximise your outdoor space with these clever ideas

Plant these 8 fast-growing flowers now for a bright garden in weeks – including bold snapdragons
It's not too late: these fast-growing flowers are easy to care for and will transform your garden

4 lesser-known vegetables to sow now for a better summer harvest, including glass gem corn
Move over, peas and beans! These spring edibles don't feature in every growing guide

4 kitchen jobs to tackle this weekend to kickstart your spring cleaning
Get through these tasks for a spotless kitchen and a real sense of satisfaction

Own a dog? 3 toxic spring flowers to avoid – and the lookalikes to grow instead
Discover brilliant pollinator-friendly alternatives to toxic blooms

The 6 UK soil types explained – and the plants that thrive in each
How to make sense of the UK's six soil types

These 5 rugs could help you sleep better — and the science explains why
Trick your brain into thinking it's time for bed