Fastest Lawnmower in the World

A British lawnmower has cut the world land speed record by reaching a new top speed of more than 86mph. Rider Don Wales took the petrol driven mower into the record books at Pendine Sands in Carmarthenshire.

The previous lawnmower land speed record was 80.792mph set in the US - Mr Wales was recorded as reaching 86.069mph. His team are now due to return to the same spot on Sunday in a bid to break the 100mph barrier.

Any of the motorised grass cutters taking part must also be built primarily from lawnmower parts.

Mr Wales's grandfather was Sir Malcolm Campbell who broke the world land speed record, in a car, at the same venue in 1924.

American Bob Cleveland set the previous land speed record on a lawn-mower at Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah, and was present at Saturday's run in Wales.

Water Lily Saved From Extinction by Kew Gardens

Horticulturalists at Kew Gardens have saved the rare African water lily "nymphaea thermarum" from possible extinction.

The lily — believed to be the world's smallest — was found in just one location in Rwanda, but disappeared about two years ago as water feeding its habitat was diverted for farming. Its pad can be just one centimeter in diameter.

Through the efforts of specialists at Kew there are now more than 30 baby water lilies.

Lancashire orchid bud gets police protection

Hundreds of people visit the orchid on Silverdale Golf Course each year

Britain's rarest wild flower will receive police protection from thieves when it blooms later this month at a Lancashire golf course.

The single Lady's Slipper orchid is due to flower on Silverdale Golf Course, Carnforth, where it is visited by hundreds of enthusiasts each year.
Police are setting up extra patrols to try to prevent damage and theft.
They may also install CCTV and tag it with a dye to deter thieves intent on stealing cuttings worth up to £5,000.
The protected orchid, whose Latin name is Cypripedium calceolus, has been illegally cut twice in the past six years.
It is believed to have been planted on the course in the 1800s, and is thought to be from central Europe.

Therapy of Gardening

Gardening can be hard work, it can be back breaking, it can be extremely frustrating. But, it must be said, gardening can also be very therapeutic.

On a nice summer's day what better than to be out in the garden? Yes, I know that gardens are meant to be looked at, and the lawns sat on. But still, if you want a nice looking garden you have to work at it (or, if can afford it, pay someone else to do it for you).

When you see the fruits of your labour and the plants grow and the flowers are out that is so rewarding. And, if you like your own company then an hour or so outdoors on your own can be just what the doctor ordered.

Now, if the weather was warm enough I'd be in the garden myself, but, this is England after all. It's raining, and a bit cool. Still, looking through the window the garden does look nice...