

Watering your plants!
A Guide to Watering Different Types of Plants: From Calathea to Cactus
In this blog, we'll provide an overview of how to water different types of plants, ranging from moisture-loving Calatheas to water-wise cacti, resilient succulents, and unique air plants. Let's dive in and discover the best watering practices for each!
1. Calathea: Balancing Moisture and Humidity
Calatheas love slightly moist soil, but avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, ensuring proper drainage. These plants also appreciate higher humidity levels, so misting the leaves or placing a tray of water nearby can create a humid environment.
2. Cactus: Less is More
Cacti are desert plants adapted to arid conditions. They require infrequent watering to prevent waterlogged soil. Water deeply, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. During winter, reduce watering frequency quite a lot, as cacti go into dormancy.
3. Succulents: Watering with Caution
Succulents store water in their leaves, stems, or roots, making them drought-tolerant. Water succulents thoroughly but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Be cautious not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot. Adjust watering frequency based on the season and environmental conditions.
4. Air Plants: Mist and Soak
Air plants, or Tillandsias, are unique epiphytes that don't require soil. They absorb moisture and nutrients through their leaves. Mist air plants with water every few days to a week or soak them in water for 15-20 minutes every 1-2 weeks. After watering, ensure proper drying to prevent rot.
5. Ferns: Consistent Moisture
Ferns prefer consistently moist soil without becoming waterlogged. Water ferns when the top inch of soil feels slightly dry. Provide good drainage and avoid letting the soil completely dry out. Mist the fronds occasionally to maintain humidity.
Conclusion:
Watering practices play a crucial role in maintaining the health and well-being of different plant species. By understanding the specific needs of each plant type, from moisture-loving Calatheas to water-wise cacti, succulents, air plants, ferns, and orchids, you can provide the optimal amount of water and ensure their thriving growth. Remember to observe each plant's characteristics, adjust watering based on environmental factors, and always prioritize good drainage. Happy watering and watching your plants flourish!

Tips for the perfect brew
Title: Unleashing the Art of Crafting the Perfect Cup of Coffee
There's something undeniably magical about that perfect cup of coffee. The aroma, the taste, the warmth—it all comes together to create a delightful experience. If you've ever wondered how to take your coffee game to the next level and create a truly exceptional brew, you've come to the right place. In this blog, we'll delve into the art of crafting the perfect cup of coffee, exploring the key elements that contribute to its greatness.
1. Quality Beans: The Foundation of Excellence
To achieve coffee perfection, start with high-quality beans. Opt for freshly roasted beans from reputable sources. Experiment with different origins and roasting profiles to find your preferred flavor profile. Remember, freshness is key, so purchase beans in small quantities and store them properly.
2. The Grind: Finding the Sweet Spot
The grind size plays a vital role in extracting the flavors from the beans. Experiment with different grind sizes to match your brewing method. Coarser grinds work well for French press or cold brew, while finer grinds are ideal for espresso machines. Consistency is crucial, so invest in a quality burr grinder to achieve uniformity.
3. Water: The Unsung Hero
Water quality often goes overlooked, but it greatly impacts the taste of your coffee. Use filtered or spring water to ensure a clean and pure flavor. Avoid distilled or overly softened water, as they can result in a flat and dull brew. The ideal water temperature for brewing ranges between 195°F and 205°F (90°C-96°C).
4. The Brewing Method: Unlocking Flavor Profiles
The brewing method you choose can significantly influence the final taste of your coffee. Experiment with various methods like pour-over, French press, Aeropress, or espresso machines. Each method offers a unique brewing experience, unlocking different flavor profiles and intensities.
5. At the shop, we use a a ratio of 1:2. This means for every 1 gram of ground coffee, we want a yeild of 2g. So, a shot weighing 18g should yeild an expresso shot weighing close to 36g. Ratios and Measurements: Precision Matters
Achieving consistency in your coffee starts with precise measurements.
Adjust the ratio to suit your taste preferences. Use a digital scale for accuracy and consistency, ensuring your measurements are spot on.
6. Time and Patience: The Brewing Ritual
Coffee brewing is an art that requires time and patience. Allow the brewing process to unfold naturally, ensuring you follow the recommended steeping times for your chosen method. Rushing the process may lead to under-extraction or over-extraction, impacting the flavor balance.
Conclusion:
Crafting a great cup of coffee is an art form that requires attention to detail and experimentation. By starting with high-quality beans, mastering the grind, understanding water quality, and exploring various brewing methods, you'll unlock a world of flavour possibilities. Remember, precision, patience, and personalisation are key. So, roll up your sleeves, embark on this flavourful journey, and savour the joy of creating your own exceptional cup of coffee. Cheers!

Lets Talk Dogs
We are and will always be a very dog friendly space. From the smallest pups to biggest beautiful bruisers we very much encourage all dog owners to feel at home in Circle.
Lots of our plant range is also specifically pet friendly to ensure any doggies with curious minds don’t get into any trouble if they have a green appetite.
With this in mind we want to know your thoughts! So get involved and let us know what they are.
Are there any specific plants you would like or your animals would like?
Is there something we can offer to our four legged friends?
Doggie Coffee mornings?
Calm Dog Mondays?
Maybe a dog sofa.
Any idea is a good idea if it involves dogs 🐶