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.

Tie, don't trim: How to handle your climbing rose's long, whippy shoots to encourage more flowers next year
Plus, four more jobs to do now to keep these thorny beauties looking their best

Monty Don says it's 'now safe' to trim your hedges – here's how to do it properly
Itching to whip your topiaries into shape? Now you can

The drought-tolerant plant Alan Titchmarsh says every garden needs as UK summers become hotter and drier
Previously thought to be tender, this type of plant is actually tough as nails

5 plants that hate being moved once they are established – and what to do when you can't avoid it
These British garden staples struggle when their roots are disturbed

4 popular garden plants that are happier in pots than in the ground – including back-in-fashion pelargoniums
If you were waiting for a sign to start a container garden, this is it

The 'courtyard effect': The clever garden design trick that makes a small garden have a big impact
Create a more spacious and inviting garden

15 of the best dog-friendly Airbnbs for 2026 – including a spa retreat in the UK's only desert
Take your four-legged friend along for a holiday at the UK's top pet-friendly Airbnbs

'It will last for quite a while': How to catch 100 shooting stars an hour during August's Perseid meteor shower
Don't miss one of this year's most spectacular celestial displays

Why now is the 'absolute worst time' of year to plant a garden
Thinking of adding new flowers to your borders right now? Garden designer Pollyanna Wilkinson says why you shouldn't

From hidden pests to unrealistic expectations: 4 reasons your plants aren't flowering — and how to fix them
If your shrubs and flowers disappointed this year, here's what may be to blame

7 fruit trees to prune in August — and which types should be left until winter
From apples to apricots, many fruit trees benefit from a late-summer trim – here's what you need to know

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