A MONTH IN THE LIFE OF…booksellersinthe

A month in the life of… ABOOKSELLER

On the eve of Hay Festival, Josh and Ellen Boyd Green of Green Ink Booksellers are preparing for 120,000 bibliophiles to descend on their tiny town in Powys

Hay-on-Wyetakesitsbooksveryseriously. Just 2,000 people live here, yet we boast more than 20 bookshops. During Hay Festival, the town welcomes 120,000 visitors. It has been a strange couple of years with the festival going online. We can ’t wait for its full-scale return. We ’ rethenewkidontheblock, having opened Green Ink Booksellers in 2018, so the festival feels particularly special to us. Bunting goes up in the streets in early May and everyone is cheerful. But, as booksellers, we ’ ve been working hard for months. Wecreateeye-catchingwindowdisplaysandputfirst editionsandsignedcopiesinprideof place. It’ s an important time in the year for us. Other booksellers are more like colleagues than competitors. If we don ’t have a book, we ’ll recommend our neighbours. There ’ s a real sense of community. Asasecondhandbookshop,wesellalotof collectablesand antiquarianbooks. We ’ ve sold a set of Paul Klee prints, a first edition of MobyDick and some signed RS Thomas. We have a bigphilosophysection,butstockplentyofothersubjects,too. Daysbeginat6am. We head to our warehouse at the edge of town before opening the shop. Here, we catalogue books to sell online and post others to buyers. We wrap books in green paper and use paper tape to avoid using plastic. Lifeinabookshopisn ’tasslowasyoumightthink. During the festival, we get more than 500 customers a day. Our space is only 800 square feet, so it can feel cosy. Weembracethefestivalspirit.We ’ rerushedoffourfeetallday, shelvingbooksandchattingtocustomers,butthat’ swhatowning abookshopisabout.Manypeoplereturnyearafteryear. Wealwayskeepaneyeonthewindow. Like festival visitors, we get excited to see authors go by. They often look so familiar that we mistake them for friends. Afterclosing,wetrytoniptothefestival. This year, we ’ re looking forward to David Olusoga ’ s lecture. In 2019, we sponsored an event with the novelist Amitav Ghosh. Duringthequieterseasons,wefocusonbuyingbooks,often from private collections when people are moving or decluttering. We love searching for treasures. Once, we found a proof copy of TheFellowshipof theRing in a box. Runningabookshopisfullonbutit’ sadreamcometrue.Wemet workinginonebackin2007.Wejustwishwehadmoretimetoread. FOR MORE DETAILS about the bookshop, visit greeninkbooksellers.co.uk. Hay Festival runs from 26 May to 5 June (hayfestival.com). Follow Josh and Ellen on Instagram @greeninkbooksellers.

Living OUTDOOR

THE COUNTRY LIVING COLLECTION AT HOMEBASE

An exclusive range of premium cottage-style summerhouses and greenhouses

The Country Living range of garden buildings is ideal for bringing a touch of rural charm to any outdoor space.

GREEN CREDENTIALS Every Country Living outdoor garden building is hand-built in the UK from sustainable materials

FLINTHAM SUMMERHOUSE IN AURORA GREEN TUXFORD SUMMERHOUSE IN THORPE GREY

Selected by the magazine’s style team to deliver incomparable eco-friendly design alongside perfect practicality, this premium range includes traditional summerhouses, greenhouses, playhouses and arbour seats, and this year there are lots of new options. Each building comes pretreated and painted to order in a choice of two beautiful heritage shades – Thorpe Grey (above) and Aurora Green (left) – chosen to look wonderfully natural and blend in seamlessly with the surroundings. There’s also a one-litre tin of top-up paint included for maintenance, if needed. Each Country Living outdoor garden building is delivered and installed by trusted suppliers. Each comes with a three-year paint guarantee and up to 15 years anti-rot warranty as standard, so they’re sure to stand the test of time.

GARDEN COLLECTION Visit homebase.co.uk to see the full range online

Devisedandcompiledby Alaina Binks Writtenby Caroline Atkins Editor-in-chief Louise Pearce Executiveeditor Vicky Carlisle Creativedirector Lindsey Jordan Arteditor Roger Browning Designer Leo Terry Chiefsub-editor Michele Jameson Picturedirector Patricia Taylor Pictureresearcher Charlie Hedges PhotographsbySussieBell; SimonBevan;LaurenBinks; MarkBolton;AlunCallender; CameraPress;BrentDarby; PollyFarquharson;FloraPress/ CarolineBureck/ MelliFreudenberg/Karin Goldbach/MintImages/Helga Noack/KatharinaPasternak/ SylviaSchwarz/GeorgieSteeds; CatherineGratwicke;Mina Hesse/TheGardenCollection; HouseofPictures/Tia Borgsmidt/KarinFoberg/ NicolineOlsen/Pernilla Wästberg;EmmaLee;Lisa Linder;Living4Media;Loupe Images;Narratives/KristyNoble; CliveNichols;Nassima Rothacker;MarkScott; Stockfood;PaulViant StylingbyCarolynBailey; CharlotteBoyd;SophieConran; JackyHobbs;NickandBella Ivins;BenKendrick;Susannah LeMesurier;SarahMoore; CarolineReeves;LauraVine; SianWilliams;CatherineWoram Coverphotographby Simon Bevan

PublishedwiththeMay2022 issueofCountryLivingMagazine

© The National Magazine Company Ltd trading as Hearst UK 2022 Published by Hearst UK, 30 Panton Street, London SW1Y 4AJ (Regno112955).Allrightsreserved.Nopartofthisbookmaybe reproduced,storedinaretrievalsystemortransmittedinanyform, orbyanymeans,withoutthepriorwrittenpermissionofthecopyright holders.PrintedandboundbyWalsteadPeterborough

Living OUTDOOR

There ’ slittletotopawalkonasummer ’ sdayinmyview.I’ mneverhappierthanwhenIsetoff intotheLeicestershirecountrysidewitharucksackandapairofbinoculars–readytofollow publicfootpathsandclimboverstiles.Ijustlovethesimplepleasuresofwalkingandwatching wildlife,andtheneatingintheopenair.WhereverIlaymyrugbecomesmy ‘ garden ’fortheday. Inthisbook,you ’llfindlotsofinspirationforalfrescoadventureslikethese–whetherornotyou haveanoutdoorspaceofyourown.Wehopeitinspiresyoutosavourthejoysofoutdoorliving. AlainaBinks,homeandcraftseditor

CONTENTS

NOSTALGIC CHARM page 4

Rusticmeetsvintageinacottagegarden THE OUTDOOR ROOM page 12

Allthecomfortsofinsideoutside

CHARM Nostalgic

BASKETS AND HAMPERS are the traditional way to transport picnicware: wrap breakables and sandwiches in napkins and tea towels and pad with rugs to carry them safely. Countrygardenshavealwaysbeentheplacewheretherusticmeetsthedainty.Forevery weatheredwoodengateorwovenwillowhurdle,thereareelegantwrought-ironrosearches, neatlyclippedhedgesandaready-madecolourschemeofclimbingwisteria,tallmeadow flowersanddaisy-strewnlawns.Itallcreatestheperfectbackgroundforafternoonteasand romanticdinnerparties.Embracethenostalgiaandsetthetablewithprettychina,aclassic patternedclothandelegantglassware,thenfinishwithsparklingcandlelight.Linewicker trayswithfloralnapkinsandserveaspreadofclassictreats–cucumbersandwiches, jam-ladensconesandcream,pluslittleicedbunsonathree-tieredcakestand.

A SUMMER TABLE set in a traditional style captures all the delights of eating alfresco. Spread a wooden table with a gingham or ticking runner and add cushions to turn garden furniture into comfortable dining chairs. A rose-smothered wall provides a scented backdrop, with a rose at each place for a touch of romance.

FLORAL DECKCHAIRS make a pretty, garden-inspired alternative to classic seaside stripes, with vintage flowers matching the weathered wood of chairs that have seen their share of summers.

MICHELE JAMESON GROUP CHIEF SUB-EDITOR

Iliketodecoratemyoutdoorspacewithsimpleposies,jollybunting, fairylightsandcandlesinlanterns,whichinstantlygivemoreofa celebratoryfeelandseamlesslytakethefestivitiesfromdaytonight.

GARDEN FLOWERS and grasses – even weeds – make simple decorations for outdoor dining. Milk bottles provide quick and easy containers: with twine strung around the neck, they can also be hung from a garden post or bracket.

PRETTY CHINA makes it feel as though you are having afternoon tea in an elegant outdoor sitting room. Serve dainty fairy cakes, iced biscuits, Battenberg slices and teatime classics such as Victoria sponge.

RUSTLE UP A FEW hearty favourites that are simple to make, such as a classic potato salad. Add cooked potatoes to sautéed shallots and spring onions with a little white wine vinegar, crème fraîche, Dijon mustard and extra-virgin olive oil* .

SOFT ROSE PINKS will coordinate different patterns in a gentle, unified colour scheme: use stripes, checks and florals of varying scale to make tablecloths, awnings and cushion covers, and set out china and glassware in similar shades.

GIANT CUSHIONS make sitting on a picnic rug or cloth much more comfortable. These contrast-fabric cushions have an underside made from oilcloth, to keep them damp- and stain-resistant for outdoor use.

NO-SEW BUNTING is quick to make and creates a joyous, multicoloured swag to help you celebrate special occasions. Lengths of gingham ribbon and short strips of floral fabric have been tied onto a cord and strung between trees to hang above a party table. SUMMER FRAGRANCE is easy to supply in a garden full of aromatic flowers and blossom. Cut handfuls of fresh sweet peas and arrange in pretty containers for irresistible scent and colour: the amazing range of reds, pinks and purples provided by these quintessentially summer blooms are an instant colour scheme in a jug.

PICNIC CLOTHS ARE EASY to supplement with fabric remnants. Hem squares in complementary colours to make a matching collection of napkins and cloths – perfect for packing picnic food into easy-to-carry bundles.

PARTY FLOWERS need not be elaborate. Practical containers from the kitchen and dining room can be pressed into service for garden use. Line up milk jugs and coffee pots to create relaxed flower arrangements down the length of the table. TEACUP LANTERNS, bound with wire and hung at varying heights from a pergola or overhead branch, will create a pretty display and a romantic glow on summer nights. Display as a dainty alternative to tealights in glass jars.

SERVE FRESH WILD STRAWBERRIES, complete with a spray of flowers as the perfect garnish in individual ramekins. Keeping summer party food simple gives you more time to focus on enjoying the outdoor setting.

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1 Tin plate with 1780 ‘Duke of Gloucester’ design, £7 (rajtentclub.com) 2 Floral fabric bunting, £27/ten metres (cottonbunting.co.uk) 3 Gingham cupcake cases, £2 per pack (hedgehogshop.co.uk) 4 Hand-decorated Rosie Posie milk jug, £24 (robturner.co.uk) 5 Willow picnic basket with Nancy Rose frilled cotton lining, £138 (mrsalice.com) 6 Morris & Co print tiered cake stand by Spode, £57.50 (spode.co.uk)

The outdoor

ROOM

PURPOSE-BUILT SUMMERHOUSES can be transformed into outdoor rooms if you tackle the design like other furnishing projects, painted or papered and accessorised with plants and shelves. Outdoorlivingiseasierwhenyoucancreatearoominyourgarden–somewherethatcombines thecomfortsofaninteriorspacewiththefreedomofthenaturalworld.Youmaybeluckyenough tohavealoggiaextendingyourhouseintothefreshair,orasummerhousesanctuarycomplete withitsowndoorandfurnishings.Ifnot,youcansimulatethesenseofseclusionwithcarefully positionedfurniture,cushionsandblanketsfromindoorsandcleverplanting.Trees,shrubs andhedgescanprovidenaturalshelterfromsunandwind,aswellasaspotofprivacy.Trellises andscreenssmotheredwithroses,jasmineandhoneysucklewillformascentedbackdropto youroutdoor

ELEGANT SEATING can range from Lutyens-style benches to classic steamer chairs – you don ’t need a matching set of conventional outdoor furniture. A terrace of mellow old bricks provides an attractive floor to set them on. If you haven ’t a suitable table, improvise. For example, a giant cable reel is used here.

A RUG SPREAD WIDE under a tree provides you with both a floor and an overhead canopy like a proper room. Complete the setting with a couple of Scandinavian-style bamboo outdoor sofas (or a woven one from Lloyd Loom) and a few chunky tree stumps positioned as ‘ coffee ’ or occasional tables.

LAURAN ELSDEN COMMISSIONING EDITOR

Nothingbeats asiestaona gardenbench layeredwith cushions–or inahammock strung betweenthe cherrytrees –whenI’ m inmy boyfriend’ s parents ’ garden.Ilove relaxingin thedappled shade, listeningto thebeesbuzz aroundthe buddleia.

OUTDOOR STORAGE is a practical extra. A waterproof-lined chest will hold cushions, chairs and picnic rugs, and also serve as a seat. Cushions with strap handles can be hung behind, acting as back-rests.

A GARDEN KITCHEN or dining room can make eating out so much easier. Folding tables provide surfaces for both eating and cooking, plain linen sheets make improvised tablecloths and canopies, and storm lanterns light the scene.

VERANDAS AND LOGGIAS are a glorious way to make the most of summer in all weather, extending the house under full cover and providing a stable floor on which to set a long table and chairs for a celebratory meal.

PARASOLS AND GAZEBOS will protect you from the sun – and also help in traditional British showers. Pots and planters are handy for defining the area, and furniture from the conservatory can be moved outdoors for the day.

A PRETTY GREENHOUSE is a conservatory by another name if not needed for planting and propagating. Incorporate the area immediately outside it as well, setting a table with a decorative cloth and folding chairs that can be stowed easily inside when not in use.

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1 Herringbone stripe wool throw, £65, Country Living Collection at Homebase (homebase.co.uk) 2 Handwoven raffia placemat, £24 (rowenandwren.co.uk) 3 Galvanized-metal milk churn planter, £45 (coxandcox.co.uk) 4 The 7679 Well frosted glass wall light by Davey, £399 (originalbtc.com) 5 Teak Burnham steamer chair, £1,310 (indian-ocean.co.uk) 6 Delta cotton floor cushion, £98 (designvintage.co.uk) 7 Sakura linen frilled cushion in Soft Sky, £145 (inchyra.com)

Bold

& BRIGHT

GARDEN GAMES, such as skittles and a tin can stack, help set the tone for old-fashioned fun. Many of these, in particular traditional and vintage versions, will be decorated in eye-catching colours. The joyous and uplifting colours of summer – from the zingy yellows, pinks and oranges of sweet-smelling roses to the juicy coral red of a watermelon and the mouthwatering pastels of ice cream – will bring cheer to any alfresco celebration. Use a clash of colours, where soft and pretty pastels (think pistachio and coconut ice) sit alongside stronger, punchier tones (thinklemonandraspberry)incontrasttotheverdantbackdropofyourgarden.Laythe tablewithcolourfulflowerarrangements,brightlinensandplentyofjollydecorations.Team block colours with playful patterns, such as checks, chevrons and stripes on tablecloths, cushions and party ware. And don ’t forget to line up the old-fashioned garden games…

PAPER DECORATIONS that fold out into elaborate honeycomb balls sing of a celebration. Mix together an array of colours and sizes – you ’ll only need a handful for an effective look. Ensure they ’ re re-useable, too, by using a paper clip to hold the edges together instead of tape. Find these at The Danes (thedanes.co.uk).

FOLDING FURNITURE with striped slings are great for a party or picnic. There ’ s a wide variety of options available these days, from two-tone classics to contemporary multicoloured designs. Try Ian Mankin (ianmankin.co.uk), The Stripes Company (thestripescompany.com) and RE (re-foundobjects.com).

SIMPLE CERAMICS, mixed and matched from what you use indoors, help set a relaxed tone at an alfresco lunch. Load up a jug with flowers snipped from the garden and layer cloths or lengths of fabric as a tablecloth.

TRADITIONAL SWING-TOP bottles work beautifully when filled with refreshing pink lemonade or homemade cordials in fruity colours. Add some colourful patterned ribbon as a finishing touch with a paper label.

SUMMERY FABRICS can be rigged up to make an awning with garden canes and string. Or you can turn them into colourful seat cushions. This Scandi stripe fabric is by Vanessa Arbuthnott (vanessaarbuthnott. co.uk).

PAINTING STRIPES on the boards of sheds, or individual stakes of a picket fence, can spruce up your garden for summer parties. Find a selection of outdoor coloured paints – from cornflower to sweet pea – at Cuprinol (cuprinol.co.uk).

A MIX OF ICE CREAM and sorbet shades – from rich raspberry and cherry to the softer hues of pistachio green – is a classic summer palette. Combine the sweeter and brighter shades together on decorations, cloths and picnicware.

MATTRESSES AND CUSHIONS can be moved around the garden to follow or avoid the sun. Choose classic prints that never go out of fashion. For similar mats, try Bill Brown (bill-brown.com), Rowen & Wren (rowenandwren. co.uk) and Graham & Green (grahamandgreen.co.uk).

BEN KENDRICK HOMES & STYLE DIRECTOR

I’ vepainted partof my gardenfence inuplifting stripesto brightena darkcorner inthereturn betweenmy houseand aneighbour ’ s. Chooseafew shadesthat aretoningbut withsome contrastfor ajauntybeach huteffect.Pair withstripy accessories.

PAPER PARTYWARE and re-useable bamboo pieces aren ’t just for the children –adults will dive in for a paper straw, too. Try Meri Meri (merimeri. co.uk), Ginger Ray (gingerray.co.uk) and Sainsbury ’ s (sainsburys.co.uk).

UPLIFTING SHADES combined with romantic florals and white metal furniture creates a fresh and sophisticated look.

STRONG BLOCK COLOURS – think of a line of terraced houses in the Med – look refreshingly modern on a tabletop. Fill colourful jugs with seasonal cocktails or spritzer mocktails. For similar jugs, try Arran St East (arranstreeteast.ie).

CLASHING COLOURS take their cue from summer borders. Think fuchsia pink flowers with zingy yellow centres.

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1 Bamboo stripe cup, £24 (six) (merimeri.co.uk) 2 Poppy bicycle in Peppermint, from £745 (pashley.co.uk) 3 Pink and white striped linen napkin, £27.50 (summerillandbishop.com) 4 Striped fan decoration (40cm) by Paper Dreams, £12.50 (theconscious.co.uk) 5 Medley stripe folding stool, £60 (thestripescompany.com) 6 Rive Droite power-coated steel folding bistro set in Lulworth blue, £160 (gardentrading.co.uk)

WILD On the SIDE

HOMEMADE OILS, vinegars and chutneys are a delicious accompaniment to picnics, especially when made with homegrown produce and flavoured with herbs from your own garden. The call of the wild is stronger than ever after two years of enforced lockdowns. What a joy now to cook, eat and sleep in the open air, to forage for your own supplies, to re-attune yourself to the rhythms of the natural world and generally relish living more freely. Whether you find your personal wilderness in your garden or further afield, immersing yourself in these simpler routines is both satisfying and uplifting. And as you enjoy the aromatic flavours (as well as the light and warmth) of the barbecue or firepit, remember that, as Enid Blyton always pointed out, food simply tastes better when eaten out of doors…

A BASE CAMP should offer good natural shelter for eating, cooking and sleeping. Keep blankets and other fabrics dry when not in use by tying them in handy bundles with cords so they can be hung from tree branches.

FORAGED FOODS can make alfresco meals taste even better. Get to know your mushrooms, as some can cause serious food poisoning. You can use a book to help, but it’ s best to get personal tuition from an expert and don ’t eat a mushroom unless you ’ re sure it’ s safe. Use them along with freshly picked herbs in salads and sauces, and fried or grilled on crispy bread.

DAISY BENDALL HOMES AND STYLE ASSISTANT

Atreestumpmakesanimpromptutablebutyouneedastoolfor sittingon.IlearntthisthehardwaywhenIlastwentcamping –perchinguncomfortablyonaknobblylogatmealtimes!

OUTDOOR GAMES will bring traditional playtime out into the fresh air. In addition to classics such as rounders and croquet, look for updated originals such as giant dominoes made from recycled wood.

CAMPFIRE KETTLES are a practical investment if you want to make the most of the outdoor life. A traditional kettle that can be suspended over a wood fire is a good investment to help with cooking and washing-up.

UPTURNED CRATES and packing cases provide impromptu rustic tables –especially useful where the ground is uneven and a standard table might be unsteady. Simple linens add a homely feel, along with pretty glassware.

FRESHLY MADE SANDWICHES – with healthy fillings – don ’t need plastic packaging to keep them soft and tasty. Wrap them in baking parchment or reusable beeswax wraps, or in big linen squares that can double as napkins.

TRESTLE TABLES made from a few rugged planks supported on freestanding legs are easy to assemble wherever you need them. A cordless hot plate will turn the table into a cooking station as well as a place to eat.

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1 The Bothy Tin ramblers roll, from £73 (moorswood.com) 2 Linen napkin in mint green check, £10 (daylesford.com) 3 Large fire pit in mild steel with stainless-steel cooking set, £1,495 (thewoodee.com) 4 Bucket barbecue, £55 (gardentrading.co.uk) 5 Flecked enamel mug, £9 (blackbough.co.uk) 6 Bento lunch set, £39 (toa.st) 7 Recycled wool picnic blanket in rainbow herringbone check with waterproof backing and carrying strap, £103 (tartanblanketco.com)