Turning over a new leaf

Hurrah! Spring has (just about) sprung, and our gardens are shaking off their winter slumber. We’re celebrating all things floral with this month’s selection of books: some classic, some new –and all perfect gifts for Mother’s Day...

“Doesn’t one always think of the past, in a garden with men and women lying under the trees?” Doesn’t one indeed! We’re kicking off this month’s picks with a real classic; Virginia Woolf’s Kew Gardens paints a picture of London’s famous botanic garden on a hazy summer afternoon. Published by the Hogarth Press (set up by Virginia and husband Leonard) in 1919, this short story follows eight characters as they wander past flower and foliage, indulging in some delightfully abstract conversation along the way. It’s Woolf at her finest. Kew Publishing, £8

Something for younger bookworms and garden enthusiasts next: Philippa Pearce’s Tom’s Midnight Garden (1958) is a delightful coming of age tale, featuring an enchanted garden that appears each night when the clock strikes thirteen (yes, thirteen). Sent to stay with Aunt Gwen and Uncle Alan, Tom is thrilled to discover the garden and those who inhabit it –particuarly Hatty, a little girl with whom Tom forms a hard and fast friendship. But when Hatty begins to age faster than he does, Tom feels left behind –and the garden begins to lose its magic. Pearce’s is a moving story for 7–12s. Oxford University Press, £6.99

Equally poignant, but far less fictional: Meadow (2022) by Iain Parkinson. Keeping things wild and free is priority number one in today’s horticultural circles, and Meadow falls happily in line, exploring the intimate and complex relationship between people, place and plants, which, over many centuries, has shaped the colour and character of the classic hay meadows of the British Isles. Meadows provide a tantalising glimpse into the past to a time long before chemical fertilisers and herbicides robbed our grasslands of all their treasures; they are biodiversity hotspots, offering home and sanctuary to flora and fauna. A timely and engaging read. Kew Publishing, £25

We can learn to cherish and protect our plants even after they’ve been picked with Bex Partridge’s Flowers Forever (2022). This gorgeous book is packed to the brim with information on dried flowers, including a section on the process of growing, drying and working with flowers that last, plus guidance on textures, tones and colours and advice on how to source materials sustainably. We think this one makes the perfect Mother’s Day gift; grab mum a bouquet and then learn how to make it last forever with Partridge’s tips and tricks. Hardie Grant Books (UK), £20

Another great option for Mother’s Day, Alice Vincent’s Why Women Grow, publishing on 2 March, throws a much-needed spotlight on female gardeners of the past who have drawn strength and power from the natural world. It explores what it is that encourages women to go out, work the soil, plant seeds and nurture them – and considers why women turn to the earth as gardeners, growers and custodians. Vincent’s is the perfect spring read, as gardeners begin to re-familiarise themselves with the soil and its potential. Canongate, £16.99

Vincent isn’t alone in her determination to uncover hiddenhorticultural-histories. Miss Willmott’s Ghosts: the extraordinary life and gardens of a forgotten genius (2022)by Sandra Lawrence is a deep dive biography of Ellen Ann Willmott: a remarkable woman whose achievements in horticulture, botany, landscape architecture, photography and more, should have made her one of the most well-known trailblazers of her age. Yet, both posthumously and within her lifetime, she instead became known as a bitter, cantankerous and eccentric miser, and her reputation has been forever stained by the image of her maliciously seeding other people’s gardens with thorns. Lawrence has been granted unparalleled access to her archives, and with it has uncovered the secrets behind the myth. This is a book with it all: gossip, sisters, rivalry, squandered inheritance, forbidden love, and trailblazing talent. Manilla, £25

Less gossip and more gardensproper, we’re rounding off the selection with a lovely little publication, Hortus. A quarterly gardening periodical published by David Wheeler and Simon Dorrell (creators of Bryan’s Ground in Herefordshire), Hortus addresses itself to intelligent and lively-minded gardeners. An excellent place to finish. Hortus, £10.50; available from magalleria.co.uk

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To smooth out lines, or not?

That is the question. The answer: when it’s the right time for you. Crystal Rose takes a visit to SAQUA in Bath

Combatting ageing using aesthetic treatments is something many of us might consider, to smooth out those unwanted lines that may have started to creep in. When looking for such treatments, do seek professional advice when you feel it may be the right time for you. And having done this, find a qualified practitioner who is properly trained. That’s where SAQUA comes in. Headed up by biologist aesthetician and beauty director Sevcan Caglar, the beauty clinic is located in the iconic historic passage The Corridor. Landing in Bath just eight months ago, Sevcan gained decades of experience in Turkey. She graduated from Uludag University Biology Department and Anadolu University Health Institutions Management before training extensively in all things professional aesthetics.

The space? It’s been recently and meticulously renovated (over a two-month period) from top to bottom. The refurbished, intimate clinic is the perfect base for your close relationship with Sevcan. Trust is one of the most important things when it comes to aesthetic treatments and you need to know that you’re in safe, skilled hands.

Offering a variety of beauty treatments, SAQUA is on a mission to help others feel better about themselves. Whether that’s through medical-grade chemical peels, B12 vitamin boosters, micro-needling or Fibroblast – think a small electric arc that’s transmitted through a small probe to effectively tighten skin and remove skin tags.

After an in-depth consultation, Sevcan and I settle on a non-invasive treatment to work on facial fine lines and deep creases, seeking a natural look: a smooth canvas that still has movement. Sevcan’s expertise instantly shines through. She assesses my face, locating the targeted muscles and walks me through every step. As well as softening fine lines, this beauty treatment reduces the formation of new creases, and it can treat areas including the forehead, brows, frown lines, crow’s feet and lines around the mouth. We opt for three areas, and Sevcan gets to work. I’m guided by Sevcan who keeps the conversation flowing as she manages the treatment.

For four hours after the treatment, there are a few key things you need to do. Stay upright – think nose to sky. Refrain from bending, laying and looking down (mobiles and laptop screens included). Move those muscles and make facial expressions to make the treatment more effective, and avoid baths/showers for the next 24 hours. There’s minimal downtime and after 20 minutes or so I’m back on the bustling streets of Bath, ready to go about my usual day.

It should take around six days for the results to make an appearance. For me, the smoothness kicks in a little earlier. My make-up sits happier and crease-free on my face and my eyes feel brighter – I have slightly hooded eyelids so this is where I see a noticeable difference.

Beauty treatments like this may not be for everyone, and that’s ok. It’s all about finding what works for you. That’s where Sevcan comes in. Her extensive knowledge of beauty and aesthetics can help you find what you’re looking for. She’s honest, professional and isn’t looking to make a quick buck. She is invested in you and wants to help you on your journey. Whether that’s through skin rejuvenation, mesotherapy or finding an at-home skin routine that works for you – did I mention she stocks the extensive ranges of Image Skin Care and DP Dermaceuticals?

There’s so much more to come from SAQUA, and the new beauty clinic in Bath is just getting started. n

SAQUA, 18 The Corridor, Bath BA1 5AP; saqua.co.uk