Tricks of the trade

By Zena Alli & Adrienne Wild 4/05/2008

Please, let us spray

Q. Where can we buy a vinegar and cooking oil spray canister? – William Oldham, Poulton-Le-Flyde, Lancs

A Zena says: There are two options here. The first is a Pump’n’

Spray canister for £4.99, which will direct a fine mist of oil on to your food and cookware. When empty, simply refill with your favourite oil. Or there is this stainless steel oil mister (above left) £6.99

– simply fill, press and go! It can be used for grilling, roasting or frying. You could use vinegar in either of them.

Both are available from

Lakeland (www.lakeland. co.uk, 015394 88100).

Bring dead wood back to life again

Q. My wooden garden furniture has gone grey over the years. How can I rejuvenate it? – Barbara Matthews, Perranporth, Cornwall

A. Zena says: Try Ecolibrium Garden Furniture Nourishing Oil from Blackfriar Paints (www.ecolibriumpaints.com) which promises to penetrate deep in to wood grain, replenishing natural oils. It also provides UV and weather protection. It contains 90 per cent natural ingredients. Using a bristle brush or lint-free cloth, all you need to do is apply two coats – it’s touch-dry in an hour. Available in Clear and Honey Glow finishes from £9.99 for 500ml from selected Wyevale garden centres and garden/diy/hard-ware stockists nationwide.

Create stairway to heaven scent

Q. How do I create a scented path? – Sara Grayson, Cottenham, Cambs

A. Adrienne says: Plant lavender, catmint or Nepeta x faassenii “Six Hills Giant”, clary sage and lemon balm, which all release scent when brushed against. Plant small patches of scented camomile or thyme, which release perfumes when walked on. Or lift paving and replace with non-flowering apple-scented camomile.

No-hassle auctions? Go online

Q . I have inherited some antiques which I’d like to sell. I’m tempted by eBay, but I don’t know what value to put on the items. – Sandra Montague, Chester

A. Zena says: Auctioneers are a good place as they can value your pieces appropriately – you can even do this online. Luckners (www.luckners.com) is one such website – you don’t even have to take the pieces in to their London showroom. Simply email them pictures and their experts will give you their valuations – free of charge. If you do decide to sell through them, they take a 15 per cent commission and they will arrange the transport of the item to the new owner.

A wallflower which dances all summer

Q I have been asked to buy a friend a perennial wallflower. Is there such a plant? – Nicky Simpson, Barnstaple, Devon

A Adrienne says: Yes there is... the perennial wallflower Erysium Bowles Mauve is a superb border or container plant, which flowers from late spring right through until the autumn, provided it is deadheaded periodically. It is generally short-lived but is easily rooted from summer cuttings.

Small beds for a mini-veg patch

Q. We want to grow our own vegetables but don’t have much room. What should we do? – Jack Whinfield, London

A. Adrienne says: Raised beds are the best solution for small gardens. They are easily constructed and can be made rectangular, square or even curved if that suits your garden. An ideal width is 4ft, which allows the bed to be worked on from the path. The sides of the bed should be 12in above ground level – use timber or cement blocks to make the walls. Fill the beds with good quality soil enriched with organic matter. Paths between the beds should be at least 18in to allow for easy access. Growing mini vegetable varieties will allow you to pack in more choice.

* Need expert advice on your home or garden? Email homes@sundaymirror.co.uk or write to Tricks of the Trade at Homes & Holidays, 1 Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London E14 5AP. Sorry we can’t reply personally.