local government code cockfighting

In a letter to the Prime Minister, shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel and shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick claimed the decision by the International Criminal Court (ICC) had “no proper basis in international law”. They said the UK’s refusal to explicitly say whether or not the Israeli premier would be detained if he arrived in the country “opens the farcical spectre of your Government trying to sanction the arrest” of an ally to Britain. Criticising the ICC warrant, the shadow ministers said: “It is hard to escape the conclusion this is an activist decision, motivated by politics and not the law.” They argued the court was established to pursue cases in instances where countries do not have robust and independent judiciaries, which could not be said of Israel. “The UK Government’s response to the decision has been nonsensical,” they said. “On Friday, the Home Secretary refused to say whether Mr Netanyahu would be detained if he travelled to the UK. “This opens the farcical spectre of your Government trying to sanction the arrest on UK soil of the leader of an ally of the UK, while you continue a diplomatic charm offensive with the Chinese Communist Party leader Xi Jinping. “It falls to you to clarify the Government’s position – now. The Government must make clear that it does not support an arrest warrant being issued which has no proper basis in international law.” Downing Street on Friday indicated that Mr Netanyahu could face arrest if he entered the UK, refusing to comment on “hypotheticals” but saying Britain would always follow its “legal obligations”. The International Criminal Court Act 2001 states that a Secretary of State must, on receipt of a request for arrest from the ICC, “transmit the request and the documents accompanying it to an appropriate judicial officer”. Asked whether the UK would comply with requirements under the Act, Sir Keir’s spokesman said: “Yes, the Government would fulfil its obligations under the Act and indeed its legal obligations.” The ICC has issued a warrant for Mr Netanyahu and his former defence minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes in Gaza. Number 10 previously said the domestic process linked to ICC arrest warrants has never been used to date by the UK because no-one wanted by the international court had visited the country. It added that Israel remained a “key partner across a range of areas”. The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “It is important that we have a dialogue with Israel at all levels to reach the ceasefire that we all want to see, to bring an end to the violence, to protect civilians and ensure the release of hostages.” The ICC also issued a warrant for Mohammed Deif, head of Hamas’s armed wing, over the October 7 2023 attacks that triggered Israel’s offensive in Gaza. A domestic court process would be required before Mr Netanyahu faced arrest if he set foot in the UK. The ICC said there are “reasonable grounds to believe” Mr Netanyahu and Mr Gallant were responsible for “the war crime of starvation as a method of warfare, and the crimes against humanity of murder, persecution and other inhumane acts”. The court’s pre-trial chamber also found “reasonable grounds to believe that Mr Netanyahu and Mr Gallant each bear criminal responsibility as civilian superiors for the war crime of intentionally directing an attack against the civilian population”. The impact of the warrants is likely to be limited since Israel and its major ally, the US, are not members of the ICC.( MENAFN - Kashmir Observer) Modern housing Architecture and Chilly Winters in Kashmir By Abid Hussain Rather A house or shelter is one of the basic needs of human beings; providing safety, security, and a space for personal and communal life. It serves as a refuge from environmental elements like heat, cold, rain, and natural disasters, ensuring physical protection and comfort. Beyond its practical purpose of protecting against natural elements, it serves as a foundation for emotional and social well being. The construction and design of shelters are deeply tied to cultural identity, reflecting the traditions, beliefs, and environmental conditions of a community. For instance, indigenous structures such as igloos, mud huts, or stilt houses exhibit resourcefulness and harmony with the local climate and available materials. Additionally, cultural values of a society influence spatial arrangements, decorations, and functionality while a shelter is being constructed in a particular region. Thus, a shelter is not merely a physical structure but a manifestation of cultural heritage and human ingenuity. When we look at the old traditional house construction style in Kashmir Valley, it reflects a profound harmony between nature, culture and the environment. Our old traditional houses, which were often crafted using locally sourced materials like timber, mud, and stones, blend seamlessly with our valley's natural surroundings. The sloping roofs, designed to withstand heavy snow, and intricately carved wooden panels show the ingenuity and artistic heritage of Kashmiri culture. Such architectural choices ensure thermal insulation, reducing dependence on artificial heating, and highlight an eco-friendly approach. The design and architecture of our old houses was rooted in our cultural values and environmental sustainability; depicting a symbiotic relationship between the people of Kashmir and their unique ecosystem. Their architecture was not only aesthetically pleasing but also meticulously designed to adapt to the region's climatic extremes. In the biting winters, these homes provided warmth through their efficient use of deodar wood and unbaked clay bricks; which used to work as excellent insulators from the scorching heat of summer and biting cold of winter. The sloping roofs allowed heavy snow to slide off effortlessly, preventing structural damage. The use of natural materials such as mud, stone, and timber ensured that the homes were eco-friendly and blended harmoniously with their surroundings. In our old houses, the inner rooms were often adorned with walnut woodwork. Since this wood is soft, it allows for exquisite carving. This craftsmanship reflected the aesthetic taste of the Kashmiris. All things considered, it can be said that our old traditional homes were more than mere shelters; they were cultural artefacts, embodying centuries of wisdom, craftsmanship, and environmental adaptation. From the last one or two decades, the construction landscape of Kashmir has undergone a dramatic transformation. The advent of concrete and steel structures with flat roofs, large glass windows, and minimalist designs reflects a deep taste for modernity. This shift is driven by several factors, including increased access to technology, the aspiration to emulate urban lifestyles, and the perception that traditional designs are outdated or inefficient. Unfortunately, this trend has come at a significant cost. Modern houses in Kashmir often ignore the region's climatic requirements. Flat roofs, for example, are unsuitable for the heavy snowfall that is a hallmark of winters in Kashmir, leading to water leakage and structural vulnerabilities. The excessive use of glass, iron and steel contributes to poor thermal insulation, making these homes harder to heat during the winter months and less energy efficient overall. The severe cold climatic conditions of Kashmir valley demand architectural solutions that respect its unique conditions. Traditional houses, with their thick mud walls and small windows, were naturally insulated and reduced the reliance on external heating systems. Modern houses, in contrast, require extensive energy consumption (excessive use of electric room heaters, LPG heaters, Hamaam system etc.) to maintain warmth during winters. Besides the environmental implications, the loss of traditional architecture represents a profound erosion of cultural identity. Houses are often seen as extensions of one's heritage, and in our Kashmir valley, the architecture was a visual reminder of the valley's unique history and traditions. The complex designs of Khatamband ceilings and Pinjrakari windows in our old houses were displaying the skilled craftsmanship passed down through generations. But these elements are now being replaced in modern houses by sterile designs that could belong to any generic cityscape. This architectural shift alienates our younger generations from their cultural roots. With the disappearance of traditional houses, the stories, values, and skills associated with them are also vanishing, creating a cultural void that cannot easily be filled. The traditional architecture of Kashmir not only connected us to the past but also served as a significant defence against earthquakes. It has been observed that during earthquakes, modern concrete houses collapse, while centuries old houses remain intact. The reason is that after the tremors, the traditional structures return to their original position, whereas concrete structures lack the flexibility to do so. The need for modernization is undeniable, but it must not come at the expense of cultural identity and environmental harmony. To preserve Kashmir's architectural heritage, it is essential to rethink our approach to construction and ensure that future developments are sustainable and reflective of the region's unique culture and environment. We should incorporate elements such as sloping roofs, natural insulation, and intricate woodwork into modern designs while constructing our houses. Further, we must use locally sourced, sustainable materials to reduce the ecological imbalance. It is essential to merge traditional aesthetics with contemporary functionality while designing our houses, such as energy efficient windows with Pinjrakari designs. It is pertinent to mention here that in our valley most individuals in the field of engineering are primarily learning concrete based designs. This approach needs a reconsideration and revision. The government has also not taken significant steps to promote the education and innovation of traditional architecture. The misleading notion of modernity has overshadowed traditional knowledge and sciences. The government and private stakeholders must play a proactive role in promoting architectural policies that respect local traditions. The charisma of modernity is undeniable, but Kashmir must not lose sight of what makes it unique. We must keep in mind that the construction of houses that ignore cultural identity and climatic realities may offer short term convenience, but the long term consequences are far reaching. Views expressed in the article are the author's own and do not necessarily represent the editorial stance of Kashmir Observer MENAFN26122024000215011059ID1109033289 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.By JESSICA DAMIANO Some homeowners gaze out their windows and see lush and beautiful gardens . Others would like to see lush and beautiful gardens but instead are greeted by overgrown, dead or otherwise messy landscapes. Related Articles Things To Do | Exhausted by political news? TV ratings and new poll say you’re not alone Things To Do | Free Daily Horoscope for December 26 Things To Do | A preview of some stunning hotels and resorts opening in 2025 Things To Do | 12 sexy Christmas movies to stream this ho-ho-holiday season Things To Do | This condiment is the only sauce you’ll need to hack the holidays Whether you’ve inherited a neglected garden from a previous homeowner or have been too busy to keep on top of maintenance, don’t despair: Devising a game plan now can set you up for a much better view by next winter. As with most seemingly hopeless tasks, breaking the process down into small steps performed over time will help make the project manageable. Decide what to clear away First, grab a notepad and take a walk around the garden. Assess each section, determining which plants can be saved, which need to go and which require attention. Make a list now. Dead and invasive plants , as well as weeds , should be first on the chopping block. If the weather allows, dig them out, removing as much of their root systems as possible. Otherwise, tackle this first in spring. Next, remove and give away otherwise-healthy plants that you don’t want. Online buy-nothing groups and neighborhood pages are great places to find takers . Many will even be willing to do the digging if it means getting a free plant. If the property has been overrun with a thicket of plants, shrubs, trees and vines that have grown wild, a chainsaw, brush mower or brush grubber may be in order. Define any new beds If you’re dealing with a lot of weeds or want to create new garden beds in a lawn, you can smother the existing vegetation rather than dig it up. Determine the shape and size of the bed or border, and cover that area with cardboard or thick layers of newspaper. This can be done now, topped with 3 inches of compost and 2 inches of mulch, and left to sit over winter. It can also wait until planting time. When you’re ready to plant, you’ll be cutting root-size holes in the cardboard for your plants. Most weeds will be suppressed, but some may sneak through and require pulling or more cardboard. How and when to prune Healthy but overgrown or unproductive deciduous shrubs (the types that lose their leaves) can be rejuvenated by pruning . Do this when branches are bare in late winter. Choosing a method will require weighing aesthetics against rebound time and deciding which is right for you. The fastest (but most severe) method would be to cut the whole plant down just above ground level. It’s scary, but most shrubs can handle this and will bounce back stronger. If retaining height in the garden is important, you can opt to prune each branch or stem individually at uneven heights. Or cut back one-third of the plant’s branches each year for three years. The latter would have the least drastic effect but require the most patience. Evergreen trees and shrubs should only undergo selective pruning (the shortening of individual branches). Take care to avoid over-shearing or creating holes in needled evergreen plants and trees; with the exception of yews, they won’t fill back in . Looking to the dirt Now that you have a clean canvas, turn your attention to the soil. Test the soil’s pH to ensure it’s within range for the plants you plan to add. Test kits are available at local and online garden retailers. Your local cooperative extension service may provide testing and soil-amendment advice for a nominal fee. If indicated, incorporate lime or elemental sulfur into the soil to raise or lower its pH, following package instructions. If the soil is hard and compacted, use a core aerator or long-handled garden fork to create 2-3-inch holes through which air and water can enter. Finally, spread a 2-to-3-inch layer of compost or well-rotted manure over the area. As it decomposes, nutrients will work their way into the soil. Planting considerations After completing the above steps, it will be time to plant your new garden. If by summer you’re not yet ready to plant, apply mulch or use annuals to protect the bare soil. When you’re ready to plant new trees , shrubs and/or perennials, carefully select varieties that will not run rampant. Dig holes just as deep as their roots but twice as wide and space them appropriately to allow for their mature sizes. For the lowest maintenance going forward, consider hardy, pollinator-friendly , drought-tolerant native plants. Incorporate non-invasive groundcovers into beds to serve as a natural mulch and discourage weeds – remember, if you don’t plant something in bare spots, God will. While you wait for groundcovers to fill in, apply 2-to-3 inches of mulch between and around plants to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, keep soil temperatures even and protect tender roots. It might take a year or two — or longer, depending on your schedule and ability, but a step-by-step approach will avoid overwhelm and provide a steady stream of small wins as you approach your goal. Jessica Damiano writes weekly gardening columns for the AP and publishes the award-winning Weekly Dirt Newsletter. You can sign up here for weekly gardening tips and advice. For her favorite tools and gear of the past year, see her 2024 gardening gift guide. For more AP gardening stories, go to https://apnews.com/hub/gardening .local government code cockfighting 。

"Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum." Section 1.10.32 of "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum", written by Cicero in 45 BC "Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" Thanks for your interest in Kalkine Media's content! To continue reading, please log in to your account or create your free account with us.Sustainability Don't miss out on the headlines from Sustainability. Followed categories will be added to My News. Peter Dutton is again defending his plan to take Australia nuclear after the national science agency estimated it could cost at least twice as much as Labor’s renewables plan. In its latest modelling, the CSIRO put the cost of a regular large-scale nuclear plant operating 90 per cent of the time at $155 a megawatt hour. But that could blow out to $252 a megawatt hour if only used 53 per cent of the time, according to the findings. Asked about the modelling on Monday, the Opposition Leader lashed out at the independent government agency and accused Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen of meddling with it. “They haven’t even seen our plan yet, and yet they’re out bagging it,” he told reporters. Peter Dutton is defending his nuclear plan after the national science agency released damning findings about its cost. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman “It just looks to me like there’s a heavy hand of Chris Bowen in all this, and I don’t think people want to see that. “What they know about Chris Bowen at the moment is he’s wrecking the energy system, and that’s wrecking the economy. “That’s why families are facing food inflation and higher prices when they go to the supermarket.” The CSIRO’s modelling in its latest GenCost report, which it produces in partnership with the national energy operator, estimated that wind farms would produce electricity at $56 to $96 a megawatt hour, while solar farms offered an even better result at $35 and $62 a megawatt hour. Mr Dutton has not yet provided costings for his nuclear plan despite announcing it nearly six months ago. He has promised to release the figures this week, but in the absence of a figure, third party estimations have attempted to attach a price tag. The science is in Experts agree Nuclear only getting more expensive and slower for Australia’s energy needs pic.twitter.com/MbNEwL4XTj — Chris Bowen (@Bowenchris) December 8, 2024 The Smart Energy Council has estimated it would cost between $116n-$600bn and only provide 3.7 per cent of Australia’s energy mix in 2050, based on experiences overseas and data from the CSIRO and the energy operator. It worked out at about the same cost as delivering a near 100 per cent renewables mix by 2050. Mr Bowen said in a video on social media the latest modelling “shows that the cheapest form of new energy is renewables and the most expensive form is nuclear”. “This report is crystal clear and it shows yet again renewables, even including the cost of batteries and transmission, is the best, cheapest and fastest solution for Australia’s energy challenge,” he said. Originally published as Peter Dutton accuses CSIRO of ‘bagging’ nuclear plan after costly findings Read related topics: Climate Change Join the conversation Add your comment to this story To join the conversation, please log in. Don't have an account? Register Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout More related stories Sustainability Aussies urged to avoid $1bn Christmas trap Australia’s love of gift giving has gone too far, and the unnecessary Christmas extravagance is costing us $1bn, new research reveals. Read more Environment ‘Unreliable’: Dire blackout warning Aussies are being warned they will swelter through one of the hottest summers on record, with power blackouts on the cards due to a surprising culprit. Read moreFormer Prime Minister of India, Manmohan Singh , left for his heavenly abode on December 26, 2024. He was admitted to AIIMS hospital in Delhi. He was 92-year-old. Manmohan Singh was India's third-longest serving Prime Minister. He also served as finance minister and was known for bringing economic reforms. As the political icon breathed his last, may Bollywood celebrities took to their respective social media accounts to mourn the loss. Also Read - Manmohan Singh Death: When Anupam Kher revealed why it was tough to play the politician icon in The Accidental Prime Minister Among the first ones to post was Kapil Sharma. On X (formerly known as Twitter), Kapil Sharma wrote, "India has lost one of its finest leaders today. Dr. Manmohan Singh, the architect of India’s economic reforms and a symbol of integrity and humility, leaves behind a legacy of progress and hope." Others who also expressed grief over Manmohan Singh's demise are Sunny Deol , Sanjay Dutt , Riteish Deshmukh, Genelia Dsouza, Randeep Hooda, Manoj Bajpayee and many more. Also Read - The Accidental Prime Minister: See who will play former PM Manmohan Singh's wife role Check out tweets of celebrities mourning Manmohan Singh's demise below: I’m deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Manmohan Singh, a visionary leader who played a pivotal role in shaping India’s economic liberalization. His wisdom, integrity& contributions to the nation’s growth will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences. #RIPDrManmohanSingh pic.twitter.com/Y5lybTCmTv — Sunny Deol (@iamsunnydeol) December 26, 2024 Deeply saddened by the loss of Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji. His contributions to India will never be forgotten ?? pic.twitter.com/WFflqY8eMo — Sanjay Dutt (@duttsanjay) December 26, 2024 Deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Manmohan Singh, former Prime Minister of India, whose dignified leadership and pivotal role in India’s economic liberalization transformed the nation. His wisdom and integrity will be remembered forever. My heartfelt condolences to his... pic.twitter.com/I70YrvnqrR — Randeep Hooda (@RandeepHooda) December 26, 2024 “India has lost one of its finest leaders today. Dr. Manmohan Singh, the architect of India’s economic reforms and a symbol of integrity and humility, leaves behind a legacy of progress and hope. His wisdom, dedication, and vision transformed our nation. Rest in peace, Dr.... pic.twitter.com/BsSKsclbeK — Kapil Sharma (@KapilSharmaK9) December 26, 2024 Today we have lost one of India’s finest Prime Ministers. The man who propelled India’s economic growth. He epitomised dignity and humility. We will forever be indebted to his legacy. May his soul rest in eternal glory. Thank you Shri Manmohan Singh ji ?? pic.twitter.com/dLWMyk5STc — Riteish Deshmukh (@Riteishd) December 26, 2024 Deeply saddened to hear about the demise of our former PM, Shri Manmohan Singh ji. A statesman, economist & a true patriot, he leaves behind a legacy of integrity, wisdom & selfless service to the nation. May his soul rest in peace pic.twitter.com/SIjTRL2OWm — Genelia Deshmukh (@geneliad) December 26, 2024 Saddened by the passing of our former Prime Minister. A statesman whose contributions in every aspect of our nation’s growth will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his family. #RIPDrManmohanSingh ?? pic.twitter.com/9wandeOHjJ — manoj bajpayee (@BajpayeeManoj) December 26, 2024 A lot of other celebrities from fields of business, sports and politics are also tweeting and mourning demise of Manmohan Singh. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also took to his social media to pen a note expressing grief over Manmohan Singh's death. Also Read - Akshaye Khanna and Anupam Kher to start shooting for The Accidental Prime Minister from March 31WA’s regional housing market is once again outperforming its capital city counterpart, leading the way in value growth, rents and rental yields. The latest CoreLogic Regional Market Update found while the pace of growth has slowed since earlier in the year, WA and Queensland regions continued to dominate the top-performing lists, taking out the top eight spots for quarterly value growth areas. CoreLogic Australia economist Kaytlin Ezzy said Geraldton recorded the strongest annual increase with dwelling values up 28.7 per cent over the year to October, adding more than $100,000 to the median value. She said the lifestyle appeal, relative affordability and favourable conditions for investors were driving buyer confidence in these regions. “Regions like Mackay, Geraldton and Townsville are seeing exceptional growth, driven by affordability advantages compared to our major cities, as well as lifestyle appeal,” she said. “This will have contributed to the strong demand but even with the impressive growth, for those with the capacity to service a mortgage, they still remain attainable with medians less than $600,000.” Conversely, across Australia’s largest 50 non-capital city Significant Urban Areas, seven out of eight Victorian and 10 out of 21 NSW areas saw values fall over the three months to October. KPMG regional economist Terry Rawnsley said WA’s economy was running hot and drawing more people to the state. He said when homebuyers were priced out of the Perth housing market they moved further into the regions. “During the pandemic Perth was the first port of call, and then you got pushed down to Mandurah and then if you get priced out of that market, you end up in Busselton, for example,” he said. “There’s been such a huge inflow of people in a short period of time and that ripple effect’s really heading on out into the different regional areas. “So it’s no surprise that the regional markets are rising as Perth boom continues while back on the east coast, markets are softening with vendors discounting.” Regional rental markets have also continued to outperform their capital city counterparts with Albany the strongest regional rental market in the nation, with a 3 per cent quarterly increase in rent. Geraldton recorded a 14.6 per cent lift in annual rent, equivalent to a $66 per week rental increase – illustrative of strong rental demand, a shortage of available stock and possibly investor appeal, Ezzy said. “Rental markets where there have been strong quarterly increases are experiencing a combination of strong tenant demand and constrained supply,” she said. Regional WA also delivered the highest gross rental yields, with Kalgoorlie-Boulder recording a yield of 8.8 per cent for the quarter. Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter .

By JESSICA DAMIANO Some homeowners gaze out their windows and see lush and beautiful gardens . Others would like to see lush and beautiful gardens but instead are greeted by overgrown, dead or otherwise messy landscapes. Related Articles Things To Do | Exhausted by political news? TV ratings and new poll say you’re not alone Things To Do | Free Daily Horoscope for December 26 Things To Do | A preview of some stunning hotels and resorts opening in 2025 Things To Do | 12 sexy Christmas movies to stream this ho-ho-holiday season Things To Do | This condiment is the only sauce you’ll need to hack the holidays Whether you’ve inherited a neglected garden from a previous homeowner or have been too busy to keep on top of maintenance, don’t despair: Devising a game plan now can set you up for a much better view by next winter. As with most seemingly hopeless tasks, breaking the process down into small steps performed over time will help make the project manageable. Decide what to clear away First, grab a notepad and take a walk around the garden. Assess each section, determining which plants can be saved, which need to go and which require attention. Make a list now. Dead and invasive plants , as well as weeds , should be first on the chopping block. If the weather allows, dig them out, removing as much of their root systems as possible. Otherwise, tackle this first in spring. Next, remove and give away otherwise-healthy plants that you don’t want. Online buy-nothing groups and neighborhood pages are great places to find takers . Many will even be willing to do the digging if it means getting a free plant. If the property has been overrun with a thicket of plants, shrubs, trees and vines that have grown wild, a chainsaw, brush mower or brush grubber may be in order. Define any new beds If you’re dealing with a lot of weeds or want to create new garden beds in a lawn, you can smother the existing vegetation rather than dig it up. Determine the shape and size of the bed or border, and cover that area with cardboard or thick layers of newspaper. This can be done now, topped with 3 inches of compost and 2 inches of mulch, and left to sit over winter. It can also wait until planting time. When you’re ready to plant, you’ll be cutting root-size holes in the cardboard for your plants. Most weeds will be suppressed, but some may sneak through and require pulling or more cardboard. How and when to prune Healthy but overgrown or unproductive deciduous shrubs (the types that lose their leaves) can be rejuvenated by pruning . Do this when branches are bare in late winter. Choosing a method will require weighing aesthetics against rebound time and deciding which is right for you. The fastest (but most severe) method would be to cut the whole plant down just above ground level. It’s scary, but most shrubs can handle this and will bounce back stronger. If retaining height in the garden is important, you can opt to prune each branch or stem individually at uneven heights. Or cut back one-third of the plant’s branches each year for three years. The latter would have the least drastic effect but require the most patience. Evergreen trees and shrubs should only undergo selective pruning (the shortening of individual branches). Take care to avoid over-shearing or creating holes in needled evergreen plants and trees; with the exception of yews, they won’t fill back in . Looking to the dirt Now that you have a clean canvas, turn your attention to the soil. Test the soil’s pH to ensure it’s within range for the plants you plan to add. Test kits are available at local and online garden retailers. Your local cooperative extension service may provide testing and soil-amendment advice for a nominal fee. If indicated, incorporate lime or elemental sulfur into the soil to raise or lower its pH, following package instructions. If the soil is hard and compacted, use a core aerator or long-handled garden fork to create 2-3-inch holes through which air and water can enter. Finally, spread a 2-to-3-inch layer of compost or well-rotted manure over the area. As it decomposes, nutrients will work their way into the soil. Planting considerations After completing the above steps, it will be time to plant your new garden. If by summer you’re not yet ready to plant, apply mulch or use annuals to protect the bare soil. When you’re ready to plant new trees , shrubs and/or perennials, carefully select varieties that will not run rampant. Dig holes just as deep as their roots but twice as wide and space them appropriately to allow for their mature sizes. For the lowest maintenance going forward, consider hardy, pollinator-friendly , drought-tolerant native plants. Incorporate non-invasive groundcovers into beds to serve as a natural mulch and discourage weeds – remember, if you don’t plant something in bare spots, God will. While you wait for groundcovers to fill in, apply 2-to-3 inches of mulch between and around plants to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, keep soil temperatures even and protect tender roots. It might take a year or two — or longer, depending on your schedule and ability, but a step-by-step approach will avoid overwhelm and provide a steady stream of small wins as you approach your goal. Jessica Damiano writes weekly gardening columns for the AP and publishes the award-winning Weekly Dirt Newsletter. You can sign up here for weekly gardening tips and advice. For her favorite tools and gear of the past year, see her 2024 gardening gift guide. For more AP gardening stories, go to https://apnews.com/hub/gardening .

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Trailblazers of change: How these MSMEs are making a significant impact in their industriesOur community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Gogglebox 's Stephen Webb and his estranged Daniel Lustig-Webb are mourning the loss of their cherished dog. The pair, who were married in 2018 and surprised fans with news of their split earlier this year , have been co-parenting their adorable brood of dogs amidst their separation. Despite going their separate ways, they've been lauded for their commitment to their furry friends. However, a touching Instagram post on Sunday, 24 November, the former couple announced the sad passing of one of their beloved pets. They posted an image of their dog donning a vibrant orange collar against a blustery backdrop. Alongside the photo, they penned a heartfelt tribute: "Today we said goodbye to the kindest little girl, our princess RIP @lustig75." Their followers flooded the comments with messages of condolence, with one fan commenting: "Sending you the biggest love the paw print they leave on our hearts stay forever." Another shared: "I'm sorry for your loss," reports the Mirror . Meanwhile another added: "Run free sweetheart." The tragic news comes seven months after the pair shocked fans by revealing their plan to divorce following six years of marriage. In a candid interview, Daniel told The Sun on Sunday in April their plans to divorce. "It's with much sadness Daniel and I have decided to divorce. There is, and always will be, a lot of love there but we've unfortunately grown apart and made the decision to part ways," he said. He continued by stating, "We've made the decision with a very heavy heart to confirm our marriage has come to an end. I'm sure we will forever be friends." Despite their split, Daniel and Stephen earned admiration for still teaming up to take care of their pets. Just weeks following their unexpected separation, Stephen shared snaps of Daniel with their treasured dogs on Instagram, captioning them: "Co parenting and shopping with the poodles [heart emoji] @lustig75." Their supportive followers flooded the comments with positive messages, praising the mature handling of their breakup. Fans were quick to express their adoration for the duo's friendship, with heartfelt comments like "You guys [heart emoji] - you could teach many divorced couples a thing or two." Another said: "Love that you are both still good friends. Some people need to take a leaf out of your book xx Have the best day." Others added their personal experiences, saying, "I love this, me and my ex-husband are best friends, we speak every day! Good luck to both of you," while another stated, "Inspirational breakup behaviour. So many could learn from you guys." Stephen and Daniel were a staple on Gogglebox from 2018 to 2023, before making the shocking decision to leave the show. Prior to this, Stephen had been a regular face on the programme alongside his ex-boyfriend Christopher Steed, with their stint running from 2013 to 2017.