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.
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
Is it too late to save my lawn? 3 ways to care for it without a hosepipe as Britain moves closer to drought
Worried about your lawn? Here's what you can do to keep it hydrated
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
How keyhole gardening can help you grow your own with minimal effort
This African technique is great for gardeners short on time
The 20 essential gardening tools every outdoor space needs this summer
Everything you need to get your garden into shape
What to do with bedding after a heatwave: the right way to wash, store and protect it
Why proper care is paramount during periods of extreme heat
Want drainage holes in a ceramic pot? Here's how the 'Rehbinder effect' can help
This clever science trick helps you put holes into pots and vases without breaking them
'Your lawn will go brown, it's fine': The gardening tasks to triage in a heatwave — and which are essential
Everything to do (and not to do) during periods of extreme heat
Monty Don reveals which plants need watering most as June temperature records are forecast to break
Protect your plants in the record-breaking June heat
What to do with delphiniums after flowering for a second burst of towering blooms in September
Thought the show was over? Far from it
Forget bird baths, 'bee drinkers' might be the most charming garden upgrade of the summer
These quaint watering station are great for birds, bees and butterflies
Clematis heatwave care: How to keep the 'queen of climbers' thriving in extreme heat
How to spot signs of heat stress and what you can do to keep your plant happy this summer
Britain's world-famous Robin Hood oak tree has died — what happens next?
The death of Sherwood Forest's legendary Major Oak marks the end of an era, while offering important lessons for the future protection of the UK's trees
When is the first day of summer? The meaning behind the summer solstice and longest day of the year
Plus, why it’s known as the longest day of the year and how astronomers determine the official start of the season
Help house sparrows thrive in summer with this overlooked garden feature
You've already got a feeder and a bird bath – here's a detail you haven't thought of yet