December 2018
How to celebrate Christmas? Well, ‘tis the season to be jolly so we can begin by rejoicing the fact that we’ve all made it through yet another successful year and are now looking forward to a relaxing, joyful festive season with family and friends. The tree’s been decorated and our letters have been sent to
November 2018
Wood burning stoves have become incredibly popular these last few years with 200,000 sold annually in the UK. in order to keep them efficient as well as safe, it’s worth remembering that when burning timber, they emit tiny particles known as PM2.5 which is the most harmful type of air pollution and is linked to
July 2018
Refresh and revive How are this year’s garden schemes taking shape? At time of writing (the start of the summer school holidays) the usually lush, green gardens of England are limping a little in the midst of a lengthy summer heatwave. We don’t yet have a hosepipe ban in place in the South West near
June 2018
Wildlife & micro-climate Friends recently came across an aerial image of their 18th century cottage garden in the 1970’s and were slightly surprised to see that their now teeming, modest patch had temporarily been a featureless bare lawn with no borders or hedges, just low link fencing. Even when they moved in a few years
May 2018
Release the flower shows! RHS flower show season is here! At time of writing, the RHS Malvern Spring Festival is just a day away and the RHS Chelsea Flower Show is opening on 22nd May in a couple of weeks’ time – buzzing honeypots for those seeking ideas and inspiration for this year’s fresh
April 2018
A well designed welcome Through the noise of the clattering spring rains against the conservatory, the doorbell rings. By the time you reach the front door, your visitor is found shaking off the shower, looking grateful for the spatial oasis of shelter formed by a smart metal porch canopy. Come on in you say,
March 2018
It’s springtime in England and thawed ground in still-bare gardens is ready to erupt, dotted with splashes of yellow daffs and Forsythia, with the promise of much-welcomed warmer winds, rainbow waves of Tulips and shooting perennials. In a few weeks, the green will be knee high but, for the moment, we can still visualise more
February 2018
Planning summer trellis projects Although wintry winds and the occasional snow storm still whistle through, warmer days are only a few weeks away and any stirring kernels of early spring hopes and visions for that possibly pretty bleak patch of garden can take hold. For many, planting plans are mentally taking shape as we can
January 2018
The Ivy, Tower Bridge Table for four? On our outdoor terrace? Yes, of course this way… The Ivy Brasserie, currently sweeping the land as its iconic, in-crowd honeypots pop up in hot property spots, is synonymous with classic British/European all-day dining, sophisticated and super stylish as well as being magically relaxed and welcoming. Just the
