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.

Is it too late to save my lawn? 3 ways to care for it without a hosepipe as Britain declares drought
Worried about your lawn? Here's what you can do to keep it hydrated

Staring at an empty feeder? 6 reasons birds aren't visiting your garden — and how to bring them back
From unsuitable feed to poorly placed bird feeders, many factors can cause birds to pass your garden by

6 shrubs to prune in August for healthier growth and more flowers next year
These varieties are due for a seasonal trim

1 in 5 say dogs are more expensive than expected – these 5 breeds cost the least to own
Dog-ownership is no cheap affair, but these breeds are a little easier on your wallet

What to do with lilies after flowering: 3 steps to ensure their showy blooms keep coming back
Expert guidance on how to care for lilies after they've dropped their pretty petals

Struggling with stiff, scratchy laundry? This 35p kitchen staple softens household fabrics naturally
How to perfect your washing routine to keep fabrics soft – without synthetics

6 flowering plants you should never cut back in late summer
The summer pruning list is long, but these varieties should be strictly left off

10 Mediterranean plants that thrive in UK gardens — and will cope with hotter summers
Grow a beautiful drought-tolerant garden with these varieties

Portable vs fitted air conditioning: What each really costs to buy and run
Air conditioning might soon get more common in the UK, but which is the best type?

Dogs could finally get some peace around major public holidays as the government cracks down on fireworks
New proposals announced today will see private fireworks banned

'The biggest mistake is doing too much too soon': How to revive a scorched garden after weeks of extreme heat
Prolonged periods of heat and drought take their toll on plants – here's how to revive them

10 timeless Dusk bestsellers shoppers keep coming back for – from beds to sofas
These popular pieces go with a wide variety of interior schemes

Your watering can could be putting wildlife at risk this summer – and other drowning hazards to watch for
Hidden dangers and the easy fixes that prevent animals from drowning

Thousands of British homes have built-in ventilation – but few know how to use it
This classic period feature was designed to keep homes cool during the summer

5 heat-loving lavender alternatives that bloom through the hottest months
Create a drought-tolerant garden with these lavender-like varieties

I completed the Three Peaks after I was told I’d never walk again – but it wouldn’t have happened without my assistance dog
Like Kate Middleton, Mary Lamb completed one of Britain's hardest hiking challenges in aid of the cause that saved her life

Why outdoor awnings could be the future of keeping British homes cool — not air conditioning
As the UK experiences hotter summers, researchers have discovered an effective way to keep homes cool

Try this simple fan hack to beat the heat — all you need is one frozen kitchen item
During a heatwave, a fan can only do so much – boost its cooling power with this trick

Plant these 5 autumn-flowering bulbs now for vibrant colour when summer ends
Enjoy a vibrant display long after summer blooms have faded

12 plants to prune in July for a longer-lasting summer display and a more colourful garden next year
A timely trim is as beneficial to your flowers, shrubs and trees as watering and feeding

From Peruvian lilies to phlox: 8 pretty perennials you can still plant in July for late-summer colour
Spring and autumn might be the ideal planting windows, but it's not too late to establish some perennials

How keyhole gardening can help you grow your own with minimal effort
This African technique is great for gardeners short on time

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

What to do 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

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