Brighten up your home

By Debbie Dickinson

What you need: 100g Butter or Margarine 150g Crunchy Peanut Butter (or 120g Smooth Peanut Butter plus 30g Chopped Peanuts) 175g Sugar – Caster or Light Brown 1 Egg 125g Plain Flour 1tsp Baking Powder 100g White Chocolate Chips

What to do: Preheat your oven to 150°C Fan and very lightly butter the sides of an 8” square tin.

Cream the Peanut Butter, Butter and Sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the Egg and mix well. Stir in the Chocolate Chips. Sift in the Flour and Baking Powder and fold gently – just until everything is combined.

Pour the mix into the prepared tin and smooth so its evenly spread. Bake for 20-30 minutes until golden brown, but still a little soft in the middle. Leave to cool in the tin, on a wire rack – your bake will firm up as it cools.

If you like you can decorate the top with melted chocolate. Cut into squares and serve.

Enjoy xxx

By Rebecca King Bringing home a piece of nature can be incredibly rewarding. With 21 houseplants to my name, nature adorns my previously bare shelves bringing vibrant colour, character and life to my home. Throughout lockdown watching the transition from a couple of leaves to a full-grown plant brightens my day.

Watching plants grow and change is far from the only reason to pick up a houseplant. Scientific studies show that houseplants can improve our mood and physical health. They reduce stress and anxiety as well as dust levels in the air. NASA’s 1989 study into the air filtration qualities of different houseplants concluded they can filter pollutants such as cigarette smoke and toxic substances found in manmade materials.

So what plant should a beginner owner get? Here are 3 easy starter options.

Calathea Ornata also known as the Pinstripe Plant Photo by Nina Pintar from Pexels tough as nails. This plant is very visible in its needs. It enjoys indirect sunlight and watering the soil when dried out. I often forgot to check the soil of the plant. When I saw the leaves drooping, I knew it was time to water it and the leaves that looked to be waning would perk back up in a matter of hours.

Closed Top Terrarium Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels

For those who claim to kill every plant they come into contact with I offer the humble terrarium. Its closed top allows water to circulate through evaporation and condensation. It may need a couple drops of water if the plants looks to be wilting. I have one from Christmas and have never needed to water it. Chamaedorea Elegans also known as the Parlour Palm Photo by Rebecca King

I picked up this pet safe plant from IKEA. With leaves reminiscent of rainforest greenery this plant enjoys indirect sun and watering when soil is less moist. Best of all the parlour palm is pet safe.

To anyone intrigued by these plants I would suggest visiting your local garden centre or IKEA and picking out the one you like the look of most. There are so many options from herbs to succulents to air plants. Take your pick and try your luck.

Formally known as St Albans Flowers. Same Quality customer service and flowers. Nothings changed just the name

www.dartfordflorist.co.uk All our deliveries are non contact and we are observing strict hygiene practises both instore and out. 82 St Albans Road, Dartford, Da1 1tyYou can order online at www.dartfordflorist.co.uk where you can browse through all of our designs. info@dartfordflorist.co.uk Same Day delivery available (If ordered before 12 noon Monday - Friday, before 11am Saturday) 01322 224013 Our new opening times are Monday - Friday 9am - 3pm and Saturdays 9am - 1pm. Thank you for your continued support in these uncertain times.