We are preparing for the warm weather here in Spain, but to truly enjoy outdoor living we have to make sure we keep mosquitos away. Trying to keep it natural I have planted lots of geraniums, rosemary and lavender that as well as looking lovely they work as natural mosquito repellent. Another renowned natural repellent is citronella, you can buy citronella candles, burring oils and all sorts from local garden centres and even supermarkets. There are a lot of types on the market, but it is always best to read the small print because they often contain chemicals.

I have made my own citronella candles using old burned out candles, regular wax and citronella essence. The essence does not have any colour so the candles will be white unless you add colouring, I have made some white candles and attempted to make a coloured one using blue food colouring. However the food colouring is not very strong so the colouring effect is quite pale. For a more intense colour is best to use a natural ink or even old crayons.

I poured the melted wax with 4 or 5 drops of citronella essence into old mason jars, which I then decorated using string, paper and wire. Before pouring the wax into the jars make sure you attach the wick at the bottom, then hold the wick straight with a peg until the wax solidifies.