My New, Easy Way to Get Soft, Smooth Heels and Feet Overnight

In October 2023 I wrote a post sharing the method I was using to soften dry, callused, cracked heels and feet. Since then, however, I have discovered an even faster, easier, and less messy way, thanks to the Serum Doctor Flawless Feet System. Here is my product review of this fantastic, convenient system that will especially appeal to those of you who don't like to wear socks over foot cream to bed.

A Quick, Easy and Elegant Upgrade to My Foot Care Routine

I’ve always believed that caring for our skin shouldn’t stop at our faces. As we get older, our feet need a little extra TLC, especially if we want to keep them looking soft, smooth, and healthy. When my heels became dry, calloused and cracked, I used to use a diamond foot rasp, then soak them in warm, soapy water for 20 minutes, dry them, apply a healing ointment or foot cream, and cover them with socks just before going to bed. That method is still very effective, but it's time-consuming and messy, and I don't love wearing socks to bed.

Fortunately, I have discovered a new way to smooth and soften my calloused feet and heal my cracked heels that takes just a few minutes and is easy and mess-free: The Serum Doctor Flawless Feet System. It's definitely an upgrade to the method I used to use!

A Review of the Serum Doctor Flawless Feet System

The Serum Doctor Flawless Feet System consists of a diamond foot file and a serum in a green glass bottle with a rollerball applicator. After using it for the past year, I can honestly say this is the easiest, most convenient foot care routine I’ve ever used, and surprisingly effective, considering how fast and simple it is. If you struggle with dry, cracked heels or stubborn calluses, this little duo could become your new best friend.

What’s Included in the System

The Flawless Feet System includes two products that work together beautifully:

Step 1: Serum Doctor Flawless Foot File

This isn’t your average foot file. It’s lightweight but sturdy and designed to be used on dry skin only. I use the file either just before my shower or just before bed to gently smooth away rough spots on my heels, the balls of my feet, and anywhere else that needs a little help.

Unlike other files I’ve tried, this one doesn’t feel flimsy or harsh. The grit is just right—it removes dead, dry skin effectively without feeling scratchy or leaving your feet irritated, the way coarser diamond file or "cheese grater"-style foot files can. In fact, even after just one use, my heels immediately looked smoother and felt softer to the touch. I usually use it about once a week to maintain smooth, soft, crack- and callus-free heels.

Step 2: Serum Doctor Flawless Feet Serum

Once your feet are freshly filed and prepped, it’s time for the star of the show, the Flawless Feet Serum. Unlike typical thick, greasy foot creams, this is a lightweight, fast-absorbing roll-on serum that hydrates, softens, and gently exfoliates at the same time. 

Key Ingredients

• Tea Tree Oil: Naturally deodorizes and keeps feet feeling fresh.
• Sodium Hyaluronate: A form of hyaluronic acid that deeply hydrates and plumps up dry, rough skin.
• Fruit Acid Complex (apple, lemon, orange, sugar cane): Provides gentle, natural exfoliation to smooth and brighten skin texture.

I love the mess-free rollerball applicator! Because it’s in a glass roll-on bottle, it’s easy to apply without getting the foot serum all over your hands or wasting the serum. The formula absorbs very quickly (within a minute), so your feet don’t feel slippery or sticky afterward. That also means you don't have to wear socks over this serum, the way you would with most foot care creams or ointments.

My Experience Using the System

The first time I used the Serum Doctor Flawless Feet System, I noticed an immediate difference in how soft my heels felt. But where this duo really shines is with consistent use. After a couple of weeks, the rough patches and cracks on my heels and the dry skin around my toes were significantly softer and smoother, and my feet looked healthier overall.

I especially appreciate how fast and easy this foot care system is to use:

1. File the bottoms of your dry feet with the Serum Doctor Flawless Foot File. Gently wipe away any residue (I use a paper towel). As I mentioned, you can file your feet either just before a shower or just before bed.
2. Roll on the Serum Doctor Flawless Feet Serum on clean, dry feet and let it absorb (it only takes a minute or so).

I’ve used plenty of foot creams over the years, but they all leave behind a greasy film that makes it impossible to put on socks or slippers right away. This serum is different—it delivers intense hydration without the mess.

Pros and Cons

What I Love

• Simple, quick, and effective two-step system that takes just a few minutes
• Hands-free, mess-free serum in a roll-on applicator bottle
• Deep hydration without greasiness
• No need to cover with socks
• Gentle exfoliation that smooths rough patches over time
• Subtle, fresh, herbal scent, thanks to the tea tree oil
• Works beautifully for maintaining results between pedicures

Considerations

The price is definitely higher than more mainstream foot care products you buy in the drugstore or on Amazon. The complete Serum Doctor Flawless Feet System (diamond file and foot serum), which is sold at stores like Nordstrom and Anthropologie, among others, costs $56 for the set at the time of this post's publication, but you use so little product each time that it lasts for months. The Flawless Feet Serum in the glass rollerball applicator bottle can be repurchased as needed for $42 (as of this post's publication date). The diamond Flawless Foot File has lasted me for more than a year so far and shows no signs of needing to be replaced. However, replacement files are available for $20 (as of this post's publication date).

If you don't mind using greasy foot creams or ointments and wearing socks over them, the products I shared in my post on How to Soften Dry, Callused, Cracked Heels the Easy Way are less expensive. The choice is yours.

Not Just For Women

After watching my husband use a cheese grater-style foot file, I bought a second Serum Doctor Flawless Feet System for him. He loves how fast and easy it is to use, how quickly the serum absorbs, and how smooth the diamond foot file and serum leave his feet. 

Final Thoughts

The Serum Doctor Flawless Feet System has earned a permanent spot in my self-care routine. I love that it combines gentle exfoliation with deep, lasting hydration, all without leaving my feet greasy or slippery or having to wear socks over a cream or ointment.

If you’ve been frustrated by rough, dry heels or just want to keep your feet looking their best year-round, I highly recommend giving this system a try. It’s an easy, at-home solution that actually delivers visible results, especially if you stick with it consistently.

Your feet will thank you!

My New, Easy Way to Get Soft, Smooth Heels and Feet Overnight by Margaret Schindel

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Vintage Play-Doh Count Creepyhead & Friends Playset Review

If you've always loved Play-Doh, monsters and/or Halloween, Kenner's Count Creepyhead and Friends Play-Doh set is one you should own. It allows you to create your favorite monster faces and includes four masks representing Dracula or a vampire, a werewolf or the wolfman, a mummy and an evil countess, villain or queen.

The set includes the figure or body, his hair, a cape and the four masks referenced above. It is recommended for individuals aged 3 and up and is marked set number 24210 with the UPC code 076281242101. 

Here's the original television commercial for the set:

And here's a review by Mike Mozart from The Toy Channel on YouTube. Mike does a great job of reviewing the toy in action and of making you want to own the set.

Unfortunately, it is a vintage 1984 playset, which means it is retired, rare and expensive. What is it worth today? The price does vary and I have seen a new set sell for $399 but today's results are somewhat lower than that and, of course, you can find used sets for considerably less. See for yourself what the Count Creepyhead and Friends Play-Doh set is valued at today by clicking here to eBay.

What an great addition to a Play-doh or Halloween-themed toy collection!

Happy Haunting!

Brenda

Treasures By Brenda

MORE PLAY-DOH:

Play-Doh in my eBay store.

You never know what sets and or accessories I might have in store for you!

Play-Doh's Jake and the Never Land Pirates Playset Reviewed.

Know a fan of Jake and the Never Land Pirates? You might want to check out this set.

Play-Doh Airplane Explorer Starter Set Review.

Perfect for airplane fans or anyone who works in the airline industry. Don't miss this set!

Play-Doh's Medical Doctor or Operation-Themed Set.

Finally, this set is perfect for anyone who works in the medical world.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Two-Bite Cupcakes - Book Review

 The cupcakes may be small, but in Two-Bite Cupcakes by Viola Goren, they pack a big punch of flavor and creativity. This cookbook is dedicated entirely to the art of making bite-sized cupcakes.

Every summer, our granddaughters spend a week at our house before school starts. We always enjoy planning fun activities during the week. This year, our youngest granddaughter, Guiliana, brought her Two-Bite Cupcakes book with her. The book is filled with over 50 recipes for delicious bite-sized cupcakes, ranging from classics to imaginative creations.

Guiliana found the recipe on page 24 that she wanted to bake, Strawberry Surprise Cupcakes. So, Fran and Guiliana got busy making these for all of us to enjoy.

Now, for the strawberry surprise. Add half of the batter to the cupcake tin, and then add a teaspoon of strawberry jam. Finish adding the batter and bake. Now you have strawberry-filled cupcakes.

Here are the finished cupcakes, ready to enjoy. I have to say they didn't last long, and were delicious.

The photos in the book are bright and inviting, and make you want to head straight to the kitchen. The directions are clear and suitable for beginners and more experienced bakers.

Two-Bite Cupcakes by Viola Goren is a delightful addition to any baker's kitchen. These treats are perfect for parties, entertaining, or simply enjoying a sweet treat.

More book Reviews on ReviewThis Here:

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You will find Two-Bite Cupcakes by Viola Goren on Amazon.

Two-Bite Cupcakes (Imagine Book)

 

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The Perfect Affordable Fanny Pack for Travel and Everyday Use

 

A Very Affordable Travel Fanny Pack – Check This Out!

When we planned our recent trip, I knew I needed a compact crossbody bag that could still hold all the essentials we tend to carry, and would also need direct access to on the airplane. 

After spending a considerable amount of time researching, comparing styles, and reading reviews, I finally settled on a fanny pack that ticked all the boxes for both my husband and me. The best feature was that it was very reasonably priced. I wasn't looking for something expensive!

We ended up buying two—one for each of us.

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Why I Chose This Fanny Pack

The first thing that drew me in was the shape. Many fanny packs available are the typical triangle shape—bulky in the middle and then tapering off.

This one features a rectangular design, measuring approximately 4.7 inches tall by 8.7 inches wide, with a depth of around 1.7 inches. It feels sleeker against the body and more practical for our preferred travel style.

I also loved that it wasn't large. It still feels compact when you're using it, but it surprised me with how much I could actually fit inside.

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What I Carry Inside

We used these for travel, so I had a little mental checklist of everything I needed to bring along on the airplane:

• My passport

• A small wallet

• Headphones

• Phone charger

• Our Phone

• Some over-the-counter meds

And guess what? Everything fit—neatly. 

Inside the main compartment, there are mesh pockets that help organize your essentials so you're not constantly fishing around. I loved that. 

My passport had its own spot. My headphones didn't tangle with other things. And there was still room to spare.

These are just the items I prioritized, but there's still space for quite a bit more if you need it.

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How We Wore It

Another big plus: this fanny pack isn't just for the waist. It has a wide, adjustable strap that makes it easy to wear crossbody.

And it's not just for travel either. This is one of those bags you could use every day—for running errands, walking the dog, going for a casual hike, or even heading to a concert where you want your hands free.

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The Look and Feel

The material is sturdy yet not stiff or floppy. It holds its shape nicely, which makes it look more polished than some of the casual nylon options. It's water-resistant, which comes in handy if you get caught in the rain!

The zippers are smooth, the buckle is strong, and the strap feels durable. All in all, it feels like a much more expensive bag than it actually is.

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Color Options and Style

We chose the blue version and are happy with the look. 

They come in other colors—some bolder and some more neutral—but I noticed that some of the color options are slightly more expensive. Still, even at the higher end, it's reasonably affordable.

The overall style is simple and modern, so it doesn't clash with your outfit. Whether you're wearing jeans and a t-shirt or something a little more sporty, it blends right in.

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Would I Recommend It?

Absolutely. Whether you're going out of town or just need something lightweight and convenient for everyday use, this fanny pack is a resounding yes for me. It checks all the boxes—affordable, practical, stylish, and roomy without being bulky.

I'm glad I found it—and even happier that it turned out to be as functional as I'd hoped. 

If you're looking for a crossbody or waist bag that actually holds what you need and keeps it organized, check this one out.

You can find this Fanny Pack on Amazon, where available.

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Book Reviews of the Three-Book Instinct Series by James Patterson

James Patterson has created a suspenseful trilogy of novels in the Instinct Series, which inspired the hit CBS TV series starring Alan Cumming. This series of novels begins with Murder Games (now called ‘Instinct’); continues on in Killer Instinct, and concludes in Steal.  Following is a brief synopsis of each. 

There are two main characters in this 3-book series.

• Dr. Dylan Reinhart, a psychology professor at Yale, who wrote what has become a definitive book on criminal behavior. 
• Elizabeth Needham, a brilliant NYPD Detective.

Instinct (Murder Games)

As Book One begins, we learn that a copy of Dylan’s book has turned up at the scene of a gruesome murder, along with a threatening message from the killer. Detective Needham recruits Dr. Reinhart to help with the investigation, as well as helping to interpret another souvenir left at the scene: a playing card. This is followed by another murder…. and another card.

Dylan begins to suspect that the cards are not the killer’s signature, but actually a deadly hint pointing toward the next victim.

Can a criminal behavior expert and an NYPD detective track down a criminal the media is calling “The Dealer” before New York City completely descends into panic?  A shocking novel of suspense.

Killer Instinct

Dr. Dylan Reinhart reunites with Detective Elizabeth Needham to find a killer when an Ivy League professor is murdered. 

As the duo begin their investigation, suddenly there is a terrifying attack at Times Square in New York, sending the city into chaos. A name on the casualty list rocks Dylan’s world as it brings back a long-buried secret from his past that could possibly threaten his current life.

Then, Elizabeth performs a courageous act that makes her a reluctant hero. The resultant attention also makes her a prime target for the ruthless murderer behind the attack. 

Dylan, who wrote the book on the psychology of murder, and Elizabeth have solved cases that have baffled conventional detectives. But now they face a sociopath unlike any other. With threats of another attack looming, failure is not an option.

 

STEAL

A student in Dr. Dylan Reinhart’s Abnormal Psychology class, who happens to be the son of the extremely wealthy hedge fund CEO, posts on Instagram he plans to kill himself. When his sailboat returns without him, a massive search begins. Did Carter really kill himself, or is something else going on? 

Carter’s father doesn’t believe his son is dead. There is also the matter of an extremely valuable painting that represents a dangerous secret and has gone missing at the same time that Carter disappeared. He cannot go to the police without revealing the secret, so he convinces Dylan to look for him.

Wrapped up in multi-million-dollar secrets and danger, Dylan is going to need every bit of his wit and the help of his headstrong and brilliant friend, NYPC Detective Elizabeth Needham, to stay ahead of both his enemy … and his employer.

Summary

A trio of thrillers introduces two fascinating new characters to James Patterson’s  suspense novels. The first book in the series (Instinct ~ formerly Murder Games) also became the basis for a hit TV series starring Alan Cummings as Dr. Dylan Reinhart. It ran for two seasons and is now available on DVD. I truly enjoyed this trilogy of novels by James Patterson.

*Book Reviews of the Instinct Series by James Patterson, written by Wednesday Elf

The 'Instinct' Triology and the "Instinct" TV Series: 

Instinct (previously published as Murder Games)

Killer Instinct

Steal

Instinct: Season One

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To Hunt an Heiress by Martha Keyes - Book Reviewed

I have recently been reading the Bachelors of Blackstone's book series.  The series is a collaboration between several of my favorite authors and each book has been great.  I just finished the book, "To Hunt an Heiress" by Martha Keyes, and found it quite humorous and entertaining.  Therefore, I definitely wanted to review and recommend it to anyone who enjoys clean historical romance with a touch of humor.

It is not necessary to read every book in the series and it is not necessary to read them in a specific order.  The series does have a few characters, like Sir William Blackstone, shared by all of them, but the the books don't have a timeline that must be rigidly followed. 

To Hunt an Heiress was actually unique and funny enough that it had me telling my husband, who does not read romantic fiction, some of the mischievous antics of one of the characters in the book.  It's makes me grateful that the only pets we have ever entertained in our home were dogs and cats.

Aside from the borrowed pet in the story, the plot was still unique enough and the banter between the main characters was still funny enough, to recommend the book.  

 

To Hunt an Heiress Book Synopsis

 To Hunt an HeiressCheck PriceSebastian Drake needs money quick in order to get custody of his half-brothers and sister.  They are currently living with their uncle who has a hot temper, especially when he has been drinking, which is most often.  Sebastian could not originally get the custody because he was not 21.  Now that he is old enough, he must find a way to show the courts that he is financially capable of providing for his siblings.  Unfortunately, his own father's wealth was "assumed" and spent by his step-father.  Plus, the family estate has been left to him in deep debt.

With the help of two friends, he sets out to meet, court and marry an heiress quickly.  However, when he asks one heiress to marry him after courting her for a week, that heiress' uncle is quick to share with the all of society that Sebastian is an heiress hunter.  That shared knowledge makes Sebastian's plight much harder.

Upon hearing the gossip about the heiress hunter in their midst, Selina Lawrence sets out to teach the fortune hunter a lesson and employs some very interesting tactics.  Since she is a wealthy widow, society does not frown on her for not walking the proper line like they would a vulnerable debutante. 

The challenges between Sebastian and Selina make for a very entertaining game for readers to observe. 

 

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More Reviews of Books by Martha Keyes 

Review of Reputation at Risk: A Chronicle of Misadventures

A Suitable Arrangement  

Secrets of a Duke: A Chronicle of Misadventures  

The Widow and the Highlander (Tales from the Highlands Book1)  

The Enemy and Miss Innes (Tales from the Highlands Book 2)   

The Innkeeper and the Fugitive (Tales from the Highlands Book 3) 

A Reckless Courtship: A Chronicle of Misadventures 

 

More Great Books Reviewed

 

Read More Book Reviews at
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To Hunt an Heiress by Martha Keyes by:

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Reviewing My Steps Log Poster from Zazzle

The Rock, My Newest Favorite Pot ~ A Product Review

Well I have to share my newest, favorite pot with you!  Just writing that statement makes me laugh because 3 years ago I gave up the cooking at our home and now it's my other half's job to keep me well fed.

But I guess after 50 + years of cooking, you never really lose that need to wander into the pots and pans isle of your favorite store just to see what's new and exciting for the kitchen.

Lo and behold, I found a new pot that I just love!  So does the cook in my house.  He loves it because he can make just about anything in it and I love it because while I gave up the cooking part, the clean up is my job forever.  And this pot cleans up so easy!

So this new Pot is part of  "The Rock" Soho Series    This pot is the ultimate in versatility.  We have used it to make one pot dinners, and even used it to make popcorn!  The glass lid makes it fun to watch while the popcorn is popping!

While most frying pans are shallow this one is deep with sides that are not tapered but rather straight up. We use this pot almost everyday and my other frypans have been gathering dust now.   

I was amazed at how nicely it browns onions, peppers and even potatoes.  They don't stick to the bottom at all!  Even when we used non-stick "Teflon coated" pans we would have something sticking to the bottom.  Not so with this Rock Pot!  It's even Gordon Ramsey approved!

It is available in 4 sizes in the USA and 3 sizes in Canada!  Why the difference I will never know and it really doesn't bother me.  We have the largest one and even though there are only two of us, we cook extra so that my "chef" can take a day or two off .  

What I love is that it is durable, won't warp (as my teflon pot did), it's non-toxic and oven and dishwasher safe,  That non-stick interior makes it really easy to clean anyway.  Ours has never gone in the dishwasher because when my chef is done, I just use my little Scrub Daddy and some warm soapy water and swish it out.  Clean as a whistle with little or no effort at all.

It can be used with electric, gas or ceramic top stoves and can even be used when cooking on the stove top and later in the oven without having to change up the pot!  Versatility plus in my books.

I am so impressed with this pot that now I find myself wishing my other pots would break so I can replace them with a set from The Rock!  And my Chef agrees!

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Reviewing Shading and Shielding Garden Plants From The Sun

This summer we have had a total of four heatwaves, this is really unusual for where I live. Generally, most of my life, we have been fortunate to get a few sunny warm weeks, often having cloudier days and rainy times in the summer. However this year has been very dry with hardly any rain since early spring and fierce heat during the heatwaves for this part of the world. If this is a trend that is developing I am thinking that long term my gardening will need to change and short term I need strategies to get plants thought the summers with shading.

Many of my beautiful plants are ones that are suited to mild summers with some sun but not intense sun. This year they have really suffered. The scorching rays of the sun has burned their leaves and I have noticed that even the a few days after I watered them they are wilting again. Many have not grown this year as they should and the stunted growth has been noticeable. 

Shade really matters in a garden and I am lucky to have one side of the garden that faces north so this year I crammed all the plants that could be moved and those in pots into this shady area. However there were many plants that could not be moved or I did not have room for  or where too big or heavy to move at this stage so they had to be in the south or west facing areas that were getting the most intense sunshine for weeks on end. 

I tried all the usual tricks to make shade which are still very valid tips.

• Grouping the plants together in pots all together so that they would help each other with humidity and shade.
• Putting the bigger sturdier leafier ones at the front and the more delicate smaller ones at the back to protect them more.
• Water deeply so the water gets to the roots. This is better strategy than little and often, though a hosepipe ban did not help this situation.
• Use saucers under as many pots as possible to give a water resevoir
• Moving plants under the shade of trees or large shrubs or to a north facing area.

However this year none of this was enough and I started looking into alternative shading devices and products. 

Why Does Shade Matter To Plants?

Some plants adore the sunshine while others can take it in small doses or for half a day while others hate it.

They are very much like people in that respect ! However in a heatwave situation, especially if it goes on for more than a day or two even all but the most resilient sun lovers need a respite. 

Shading helps plants in the following ways:

• It helps reduce or prevent sun scorching of their leaves and reduces the leaf temperature
• Lowers the stress on the plants
• Keeps them flowering a little longer. many of my sun stressed plants flowered and went to seed much more quickly than normal. 
• Helps conserve water loss, no matter how much you water if they are in full sun and heat it evaporates quicker.

Here Are The Shading Materials I Tried

Old bedding sheets - I found these quite useful and for this purpose and free as I already had them. They were not too bad, but were not UV resistant and the airflow was not great, so did not work as well as I had hoped. 

It also felt a little strange and a bit messy laying out sheets in the front garden where passers by and neighbours were looking on. Also not really easy to clean in the garden, I sponged off any bird droppings etc but they really needed a wash after a couple weeks. Still it was better than nothing and was Ok in the back garden. 

White Fleece- this is the fleece I usually use in winter to wrap terracotta plant pots and very cold hating plants up in for a winter blanket. It did work quite well wrapping it around some black pots I had as now the pots looked white and I hoped more heat resistant as black generally absorbs heat, while white deflects it more. 

I wrapped it around some of the plants foliage as well and it worked fairly well to shade the plants but I did worry that they were getting too hot, so spent quite a lot of time wrapping and unwrapping them to give them good enough ventilation. Also I had to wrap very loose around the plant to allow better airflow. So really I found it good for wrapping the black plant pots themselves, but less so for wrapping the plants. 

Umbrellas! Yes this was one of my more inventive ideas I think. I used several large umbrellas we have in the extreme heat to shade out delicate  plants. I have to say it did work very well at shading although it was not easy when there was a breeze as well to keep it in the right place, but if total shade is what required this can be a possible option. They were also easy to clean. 

They certainly reduced water evaporation and no leaves got scorched so I would say really quite successful. I only used umbrellas when the sun was at its height though as I wanted the plants to have some light. They will only work for one plant at a time though, not bigger beds.   

I think the neighbours thought it slightly odd, but were too polite to say anything !! I do think that the UV sun umbrellas would have worked even better. 

If you only have one special plant that you need to shield from the sun and don't mind being a little quirky in the garden and can find a way to hold it down in a breeze, then maybe a sun umbrella will suffice! 

 G4Free UPF 50+ UV Protection Large Travel Umbrella 42/46 Inch Auto Open Close Windproof Sun Blocking UmbrellaCheck Price

Shade Netting or Cloth 

This is specialised netting, very dense tight netting or cloth that gives really good shade, many around 40% to 90% shade and is UV resistant and has good airflow. It is this UV resistance and airflow that differentiates this from all the other shade materials I tried. My plants seemed really happy with this one. 

I went for a higher percentage shade as I really needed to protect the plants from the strong, intense sunshine we were getting but still to allow some light through to them.

It was easy to lay over the plants and easy to work with. I simply secured it via bamboo stakes. As I take it off every evening I don't want it as a permanent structure. 

The airflow was better using this than with the other shading methods and the plants felt cooler underneath it.

For cleaning I just rinsed it with a watering can, or a hosepipe would be fine. It didn't really get very dirty. 

Some shade cloths or mesh are better quality than others and some more sturdy than others. I did not leave mine out in very windy conditions but in a breeze it was fine. If you intend to leave it out in windy weather then you will need to buy a more sturdy version. For my needs a more simple option was fine. I have included a variety below for you to  consider.  

 JOJOLEE 70% Sun Shade Cloth, 10x20FT Shade Net Mesh Tarp with GrommetsCheck Price 90% Shade Cloth for Garden -12 x 20 FT Durable Mesh Tarp with GrommetsCheck Price QLOFEI Shade Cloth for Garden, 70% Sun Screens for Patio Pergola OutdoorCheck Price

How To Use Shading Materials 

Know where the sun is strongest in your garden at what time of day. Unless you have a lot of shading materials you may need to move it around during the day. We have one area that is south facing all day it is hot so the shading stays there. However I move the East and West facing shading around the garden as needed just once a day as the sun moves around. I also take it all off at night.

We have a lot of birds in our garden and one of my concerns was that they might get trapped in the material  so I checked it regularly and took it off at night.

I secured the material as much as possible and as taught as possible, so that it did not flap about in any breeze  or allow spaces birds could get into it easily

I did my best to keep it away from the plants by using bamboo poles and sticks or hoops just to raise it above the foliage. This allows better airflow around the plants and keeps it off the leaves and flowers. 

I didn't do this, but you can make retractable awnings which are very useful for raised beds or larger containers or make a more permanent structure by hanging it and then rolling up and down as you need it.

Although I love the long days and light nights this summer has been challenging as a gardener. At times I have felt like it is more simply keeping the plants alive rather than helping them to thrive. If we are going to get more summers like this one I know that my gardening strategies, habits and routines are going to have to change including what I grow and how to best shade my plants. 

I do think that of all the shading I tried for plants that cannot be moved into the shade of a tree or shrub, the Shade netting is the best due the the UV protection, airflow and ease of cleaning.  For now I am glad we are reaching autumn soon and can look forward to cooler days and hopefully some rain!!

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Reviewing Shading and Shielding Garden Plants From The Sun by Raintree Annie

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