A quiet place When life gets demanding, retreat to a soulful space styled as a calm and cosy sanctuary from life’s stresses and strains
Styling a snug How to create a cosy spot to retreat to, where you can read, relax or watch TV
Adding accent colours Designer Sarah Ward shares her expert advice on creating a relaxed country interior In sharp focus How to use a stunning focal point to create an attentiongrabbing kitchen
Here comes a candle Spark your creativity by making your own wax melts and candles
Housekeeping checklist Keep on top of seasonal jobs
Wild brew Our pick of the latest interiors buys, slowliving ideas, sustainable products, events and more Designer of the month Liz Poole creates characterful soft furnishings for her homeware brand, Velvet Linen Paula Sutton On nourishing your soul and nurturing your space during winter’s dark days
All in good time A thoughtful renovation revived this Grade II listed Surrey gatehouse into a family home Bluebell wood Mustard yellows and chalky blue create a relaxed, warm look for this homely scheme
Bohemian rhapsody Dramatic wall treatments and modern art bring this traditional Cotswolds cottage to life Cosy bohemian to achieving this punchy and contemporary look Peaceful spirit A dreamy Scottish new build, nestled discreetly into the hillside overlooking the Sound of Mull Highland mist Cool coastal style makes this a homely scheme with a mix of textures and washed-out blue shades Safe harbour This decaying stone-built cottage in a Coastal hideaway Colour and textural layers are key for creating this cosy seaside escape
A bit on the side Let lunch stretch a little further by adding a tasty extra to a warming bowl of soup A day in the country Discover how designer Abigail Ahern likes to spend her days in Devon
Stepping out Navigate the change in height by adding carefully considered garden steps
Living architecture Introduce shapely, structural plants to add interest during the winter months
Valentine’s day border Add a touch of romance to your garden design with a pretty and perfumed pink planting scheme from Nikki Hollier
Sow grow show What to plant and do in the garden this month
Protect and serve Choose naturefriendly ways to guard your garden
Countr y Homes & Interiors 0951-3019 is published monthly by Future Publishing Limited, 121-141 Westbourne Terrace, London W2 6JR, England Distributed by MarketForce (UK), 121-141 Westbourne Terrace, London W2 6JR (020 3787 9001) Covers printed at Walstead Peterborough and text at Walstead Bicester Limited in the UK.
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FEBRUARY is a hunker down and cuddle up month, when it’s cold outside and home comforts live up to their name At this time of year, I want my interiors to give me a metaphorical hug – with soft lights, warm tones, evocative scents and comfort food on the table. We’ve covered all of that in this issue, with our A Quiet Place decorating story (page 74), Five Foundations of Styling a Snug (page 80), A Bit on the Side soups and sarnies recipes (page 126) and, possibly my favourite, our Make Yours an ‘It Always Smells So Good’ Home (page 116). We’ve even curated a reading list of beautiful books out this spring; bookmark it now on page 123
When we hibernate, we ’ re gathering our energy and making plans for the months ahead – and that might mean deciding whether to go ahead with
value is more important than ever, so we ’ ve looked at which home improvements pay back dividends and which may not be worth the cost (page 104) And if sitting indoors means you ’ ve spotted a cobweb or two, read our Housekeeping Checklist (page 98) for your seasonal to-do list Done and dusted
A D A M C A R T E R lives in Malmesbur y, in the West Countr y, and photographed our Safe Harbour house this issue ‘I enjoy meeting people and discovering how they have created their homes, or designed and crafted their artisan products. Each one is interesting and unique, and I love the challenge of capturing that ’
H E AT H E R M A R S H A L L writes our gardening pages. ‘My own garden is a work in progress, ’ she tells us ‘We want a woodland-style back garden and a cottage garden filled with roses to the front.’
A L E X A N D R A P R AT T wrote Safe Harbour and is no stranger to her own projects. ‘I’ve renovated five properties with my husband and even completed a self-build, which is something we hope to do again ’
It may feel like we ’ re still in the grips of winter, but fresh shoots are starting to appear. Nettles are easy to identify and make for a delicious brew that’s rich in nutrients. Using gloves, pick the tips and steep in a cup
Hea r tfelt gi ft s for you a nd you r home a re the way to celebrate this Va lentine’s Day 1
£36,
Ditsy, £299, Cath Kidston at DFS 3
£9.99 for two,
£13.95, Annabel James 6
£22,
£104, JJ Textile
Dress, £225; scarf, £225; mohair tank, £139: all Brora X Nick, Lily & Edie Ashley
British fashion brand Brora, best known for its luxury knits, has teamed up with designer Nick Ashley and his two daughters, Edie and Lily, to create a stunning capsule collection inspired by the legacy of their mother and grandmother, fashion icon Laura Ashley. A nod to the past is seen in vintage-style blouses, high-necked collars and Edwardian sleeves (all crafted from long-lasting, sustainable fabrics), with unexpected pattern and colour accents representing the creative trio’s modern edge. See broraonline.com
Sustainable florist Kitten Grayson has taken her first foray into fashion; a beautiful floral boot created in collaboration with renowned British shoe makers Grenson. A fan of the brand’s iconic Nanette boot, Kitten was inspired to design her own printed version, adorned with bright blooms. Handmade in Grenson’s Northamptonshire factor y, the limited-edition leather boots take eight weeks to make and cost £495, grenson.com
Having created costumes for Bridgerton and
How did Velvet Linen come about?
Do you go beyond soft furnishings?
What makes your pieces special?
What’s coming up in 2023?
Where do you draw inspiration?
Sum up your creative style in three words…
See Liz’s designs at velvetlinen.co.uk
Aga’s new Rayburn Ranger has won us over with its sleek retro styling – but it’s the brand’s most technologically advanced cooker yet. Its e-setting will save energy when not in use, and with fast heat-up times, it’s ready to cook whenever you are. Make use of two large-capacity radiant ovens plus a warming oven, a cast-iron hot plate and a two-zone induction hob. Available in two colour palettes: beautiful bolds and modern neutrals, with four shades in each, from £9,950, agaliving.com
One of the easiest eco swaps we can make is switching from shower gel to the humble soap bar. Harbour Soaps are made in small batches using skin-loving oils and butters, are naturally coloured with clays, herbs and spices, plus all the labels are made from biodegradable wildflower seeded paper. £5.99 each, harboursoap com
J A N U A R Y 1 3 – M A R C H 1 2 T he Ga rden House Snowd rop Festiva l . Open Fr iday–Su nday, ticket s £12 , the ga rden house.org.u k
2 1 F E B R U A R Y Ru n the Ol ney Pa nca ke Race i n Buck s , a t rad ition stem m i ng from the 15th cent u r y, when a housew i fe raced to chu rch , t a k i ng her pa nca ke pa n w ith her ; ol ney pa nca kerace.org
2 2 F E B R U A R Y Create a Bloomsbu r y-st yle la mpshade i n E a st Sussex , £14 0 per person (i ncludes mater ia ls a nd lu nch), cu r ioushouse. net
Whether you own a holiday home, or you just love staying in them, you’ll be thrilled to know that Unique Homestays is launching its own, in-house interior design team for 2023. Headed up by lead designer, Alex Hoda, they’ll help clients to visualise, plan and bring to life unique interiors. ‘We believe a holiday home should be treated like an individual, with its own personal style and identity,’ he says. Find out more at uniquehomestays.com
The first of the winter bulbs to bloom, the snowdrop is the focus of the exclusive RHS etched glassware collection by UK designer Emma Britton ‘I hope when people drink from the glassware it reminds them of spring,’ she says New additions include a vase, tumblers and champagne coupe, as well as these pretty wine glasses, £12 each, available at RHS shops and online, shop.rhs.org.uk
There is a distinct time of the year when the light is low, the days are short, the air outside maintains an icy chill, and it can be hard to stay motivated or feel uplifted.
It’s at this point when instincts demand us to batten down the hatches. The excitement of Christmas and New Year has passed, and now we enter the ‘ pause ’ period; that ‘hovering’ moment between the festivity of yuletide and the promise of spring It is the recharge moment; one of the most underrated and extraordinary times of the year.
Great ideas can be born in February It is often described as grey and dreary, but there is opportunity to be found in such an unassuming time. I see February as the moment where we are raised up on the ramps for our annual MOT. It’s the time to regenerate our internal batteries by nurturing ourselves and our homes
Living with the seasons means accepting that we can appreciate
of the year. Winter light is low, with occasional bursts of brightness, but that means that inside our homes we can create a warm atmosphere
I maintain a sense of cosiness by making sure that there is plenty of lamplight Overhead lighting can be quite harsh and uninviting when you just want to relax Lamplight is cosy and welcoming, and of course it also brightens up a dark corner
Smells are emotive; I use scented candles when I want to induce further feelings of warmth, but also want to be inspired and thoughtful In fact, I am a huge fan of them all
‘Februar y is the recharge moment; one of most underrated and extraordinar y times of the year ’
over the house, throughout the year During this month, when the tail end of festive cinnamon, nutmeg and clove are still lingering, I begin to add a few more subtly refreshing scents, such as lemon and rose geranium, calming sweet orange or restorative basil – all used in aromatherapy to clarify, calm the nerves, uplift the mind and fortify the spirit. Not enough to overwhelm my sense of quiet, but just enough to bridge the change in the season
At this point I am thinking of my garden and the beauty that is poised to burst forth I’m drawn to seats in my house with a window view, perhaps attracted to what little light there is, but also to the perfect place to watch the slow changes outside as we approach the brink of spring
I get comfortable, cover myself with a throw and ensure that I have several good books and magazines within arm ’ s reach A pot of hot tea constantly on the go also helps
but to lean gently into it while it battles itself out Shoots will slowly appear from the grey.
Take time to nurture your own shoots too!
Nou r ish you r sou l a nd nu r tu re you r space in Febr ua r y ’ s da rk days , adv ises ou r colu m nist
Perfectly timed for a spring refresh, interior designer Sarah Vanrenen has launched her wallpaper collection, Carnival, taking inspiration from antique textiles and beautiful hand-drawn documents discovered on her travels. ‘I like to modernise traditional patterns with vibrant colours when designing; jewel-like colours create a vibrant backdrop for any interior’, she says. Choose from eight designs, £190 a roll, sarahvanrenen com
LI S TE N T he free podca st from E nglish Herit a ge brings some of it s 4 00 historic buildings a nd monu ment s to li fe w ith fa sci nati ng ha l fhou r stories , news a nd inter v iews , englishherit a ge.org.u k
FO LLOW Ker rie-A n ne @pilatesat you rdesk for va lua ble tips on how to keep active despite being deskbou nd. Find out how movement ca n help w ith aches a nd pa ins while sat at work .
D I S COV E R Did you k now TikTok ha s a dedicated wel l ness hu b? Find adv ice a nd guida nce on how to nu r tu re body, mind a nd spirit , a nd pick up on the latest trends including sou nd bathing a nd facia l ma ssa ge.
Taking your cue from nature’s colour palette can link your decor to the landscape outside, giving your home a sense of place. Liz Hallam (see page 48) has collected feathers for years, and used them to inspire the tonal colour scheme in the house she designed and built in Arthouse White washed wood wallpaper, £11 a roll, Wickes
EXTERIOR The previous owners had the impressive gates made to match those still standing at the entrance of the long-gone estate house The stonework is snecked sandstone
nyone trying to buy a house when the market is hot will understand the pain of seeing properties snapped up in minutes In 2013, when Candice and Angus Hart decided to leave London for the Home Counties, no amount of
around location was getting them anywhere near a new home ‘I don’t think anything was on
on Haslemere in Surrey, we decided to rent,’ explains Angus It was while celebrating their daughter’s third birthday that a call came from a local estate agent to say an old gatehouse was coming on to the market but that they needed to get in early ‘Angus saw it on the Saturday morning and phoned me straight away saying, “You’d better come and look; this is the one ” I was there in 20 minutes and he was right – there was never going to be another house for us, ’ agrees Candice.
stairs might have dampened the competition. ‘It wasn’t a house to retire to and, with bedrooms at opposite ends of the property, it wasn’t really for families with small babies either,’ he says ‘There’s not a straight wall in the property but it was absolutely bursting with character and the
The house had been well cared for but it was tired Lights
toe,’ laughs Angus, but plans to renovate hit an expected obstacle. ‘A year after moving in, I got an opportunity to
Angus. ‘Luckily we found a good tenant who stayed the whole time and we were able to save a bit of money and work on plans but nothing could start until we came back in 2019 ’
The design work, planning consultations and discussions with architect Jamie Steward of Alchemy House of Design, were all done remotely from India The couple’s brief was to modernise the property and make it work for modern family life, but without losing any of the character they fell in love with.
By the time the builders moved in, in October 2020, the family was back
hill. Meanwhile, every piece of wiring and plumbing was stripped out of this
was excavated to add foundations.
‘The house is listed but we had a very positive planning experience,’ says Angus ‘Corrections and suggestions by the historic building
Making one room a bit smaller, making the extension bigger and adding timber cladding – those ideas all came from them and it has helped maintain this charming old building and make it work for us, ’ he adds
The resulting renovation now has a new extension to replace the dated 1980s one Alex Main, Director at The Main Company, created the concept for the kitchen, helping the couple with the design and visualisation of the open-plan space, suggesting materials (such as the copper) and the best appliances to include The Main Company was also responsible for the new stairs, and suggested using
and downstairs lounge, as well as the bespoke window seat in the snug
For the decor, the couple called on Jaqui Steward at Alchemy House of touches and choose suitable lighting, cushions and wallpaper
With the house now complete, the family are loving their new life. ‘One of the best things we did was to put in
with those on and it brings such a lovely feel to the house. We make the most of simple country living ’
O W N E R Candice Hart, who works for a small business, and Angus Hart, who works in financial ser vices. They have two children, Isabella, 12, and Callum, 15.
H O U S E A gate house to the former Lythe Hill Park Estate It dates back to 1860 and is Grade II listed. They bought it in 2013 and started renovations in 2019
SIT TING ROOM The house has two reception rooms – this more formal living room brings together elements of east and west. Walls painted in Light Gold, Little Greene. Wooden floors supplied by The Main Company
‘We wa nted a com mon fa m i ly l iv i ng space w ith a beauti fu l k itchen a nd d i n i ng a rea so ever y th i ng pivoted from that . T he rest of the renovation happened so we cou ld get that space right’
KITCHEN DRESSER Old pieces add a warm patina, balancing the copper panels. The cabinet was brought back from India The painting above the table was a wedding gift and is by South African artist, Kit Bottriell
KITCHEN The brushed copper finish contrasts beautifully with the inky blue cabinets. Kitchen design, The Main Company Industville pendants, Alchemy Home Design who helped create the interiors here
LOFT BATHROOM The couple’s carpenter suggested the little niches in the shower wall to create areas for display Tr y Iris for Indian furniture Bathroom fittings, City Plumbing Wall and floor tiles, Topps Tiles
S I M P L E P L E A S U R E S ‘We love that we can just stroll into the National Trust woods at Black Down, yet it’s just a 10-15 minute walk to the town and the station. It is completely quiet here, too.’
FAV O U R I T E V I E W ‘The house is set on a hill and we have great views across the Sussex Weald It’s wonderful in the morning when you can look down across the mist in the treetops.’
S H O P AT ‘Alchemy House of Design in Midhurst (alchemyhouseofdesign. co uk) They’re architects by trade and we got such a lot of help and advice from them. We also love Sass & Spirit lifestyle shop in Haslemere.’
G O F O R A M E A L AT ‘Our favourite place for Sunday lunch is Noah’s Ark in Lurgashall (noahsarkinn.co.uk). They ser ve seasonal British classics.
SPARE BEDROOM The bed is teak and the bedlinen came from India Tr y The India Shop for textiles with Indian block patterns
updated with a deep green paint
everything out,’ says Marie The couple sourced reclaimed timber
sitting room ’ s wood-burning stove ‘It’s a great focal point,’ says Marie tonic and play card games. ’
A self-confessed ‘treasure hunter’,
and contemporary art Lighting from Vinterior is juxtaposed with photography by John Swanell and Damian Lewis; a mid-centuryinspired dining table contrasts with reminiscent of Viking designs. In the bathroom, a 1920s horn-rimmed mirror from Syria shares space with Chinese pots and a botanical wallpaper by Iksel and classic stripes
traditional British design while being
meant appreciating what the local to the eclecticism that British decorating has always embraced ’
These days, thoughts of a foreign bolthole are far behind this family Instead, they have put down roots in this part of the world. ‘This cottage is more than just a weekend escape for us, ’ says Marie ‘It’s enabled us to slow our pace of life as soon as we step over the threshold For us, that’s priceless ’ See thelundcollection.com for more about the cottage and rentals.
O W N E R S Marie Soliman lives here with her husband Albin Berglund, her daughter Emma, 11, and their doberman, Brockman. They are co-founders of interior architecture firm Bergman Design House. H O U S E A one-bedroom cottage in the Cotswolds, built in the late 1800s, with a rear extension added in the 1970s
DINING CORNER The couple sourced an eighteenth-centur y marriage armoire from Alsace Lorraine, adding a strongly decorative element to this space Armoire, Streett Marburg. Dining chairs, Zanat
‘Creative stora ge, i nclud i ng mu ra lpa inted ca binetr y, a deep diva n bed a nd a generous a r moi re, ma kes the most of the compact propor tions’
KITCHEN Marie added reclaimed flooring from an old pub throughout the ground floor. Here, its patina complements the original exterior brickwork Cabinetry painted in Duck Green estate eggshell, Farrow & Ball
BEDROOM A striking mural wallpaper provides a lush contrast to the painted brickwork Bedside tables and wallcovering, Black Berg Collection French antique chandelier, circa 1940, Vinterior
BATHROOM Two rooms were knocked into one to create this generous space Xanadu wallpaper (behind washbasin), Iksel Jaspe striped wallpaper, Cole & Son. Bathroom Deluxe wall-mounted lights, Chelsom
M A R I E A N D A L B I N ’ S C O U N T R Y L I F E S I M P L E P L E A S U R E S ‘We love to get away from it all at the weekend and enjoy walking around Sudeley Castle (sudeleycastle.co.uk) admiring the gardens together ’
S H O P AT ‘We pick up our fresh vegetables and weekend food at Broadway Market (visit-broadway.co.uk). There’s a lovely selection of produce available from local farmers
G O F O R A M E A L AT ‘Our favourite local pub, The Wild Rabbit (thewildrabbit.co.uk). Excellent food with seasonal and locally sourced ingredients and a lovely year-round charming atmosphere.’
School cook Liz Hallam has built a house with outstanding views of the Sound of Mull, decorated with tranquil coastal colours that fit its dreamlike setting
LIVING ROOM Views towards the Isle of Mull are reflected inside with walls painted in Pebble Shore, Dulux Furniture upholstered in Chess Design’s Balmoral wool plaid in Heather, Fabric Design
DINING AREA Liz designed the dining area to project out from the house with windows all around to make the most of the light and views Liz uses the space for craftwork Chairs; pendants and a pair of dining tables, Ikea
O W N E R Liz Hallam is the village school cook. She built her house in June 2019, as well as a one-bed cabin, Naust, let through Airbnb
H O U S E A three-bedroom property in Kilchoan on the Ardnamurchan Peninsular.
K I T C H E N The corner window is one of Liz’s favourite features giving her a dual aspect outlook. The vintage double laundr y sink was rescued by a friend during a house renovation Nordlux pendants, Dunelm
EXTERIOR Liz’s garden slopes up towards the hillside but had a natural platform for building her new home, which is clad in Siberian larch The elevated outlook gives her widespread views towards the Isle of Mull
K I T C H E N Liz designed the open-plan layout with key areas for cooking, eating and relaxing, separating the spaces with Stovax’s double-sided log burner The chimney is painted in Craig & Rose’s Chapelle Chairs, Next
S TA I R C A S E Liz used a mix of leftover paints to paint the stair runner. She chose Krono click laminate flooring in Industrial from Leader Flooring to resemble worn grey concrete Try Rafferty’s Furniture for a similar wall clock
‘I felt inspired by the interiors at the K ilch rena n I n n nea r Oba n – the look is somewhere bet ween industria l a nd Sca ndi, mi x ing greys , woods a nd pla ids’
G U E S T B E D R O O M The glass corner cabinet adds character to the new room and came from Chesterfield Market Liz made the curtains with a French sheet that she trimmed with pompoms. Bedside table, Ikea
L A N D I N G The open landing creates a reading nook beneath the roof window. The sofa was upholstered in French linen ticking years ago Liz made cushions in a complementar y fabric Just Fabrics sells similar
L I Z ’ S C O U N T R Y L I F E
S I M P L E P L E A S U R E S ‘Ardnamurchan Lighthouse (ardnamurchan lighthouse.com) is the most western point of the UK with phenomenal seascape views of The Small Isles and The Cullins on Skye – and it’s great for whale watching. Just north of here is Sanna Bay, a white sandy beach famous for its spectacular turquoise waters ’
S H O P AT ‘Island Blue in Tobermor y on Mull (islandbluetobermor y co uk) sells beautiful homeware and gifts. I can always find a treat for myself here.’
G O F O R A M E A L AT ‘Mingar y Castle (mingar ycastle.co.uk) is just a mile outside the village and has an amazing fine dining restaurant Puffin Coffee (puffincoffee.co.uk) is a wee coffee shop selling cakes and lovely coffee, it’s a favourite with locals and holidaymakers.’
MASTER BEDROOM A splash of mustard is seen in Mulberr y Home’s Flying Ducks fabric from Graham Sanderson Interiors, which Liz used to re-upholster her parents’ Parker Knoll chair
E X T E R N A L The house faces south-east, making it the perfect place to see the sunrise, so Liz invested in Rationel doors and windows Aluminium guttering is by Lindab
Rescuing a decaying stone-built cottage in a Cornish fishing village has given Phil and Louise Smith and their family the chance to create the retreat of their dreams
K I T C H E N This space has a winning mix of style and practicality, with a compact electric Aga and marble worktops Cabinetr y, Neptune, in Stiffkey Blue, Farrow & Ball Brass wall lights, Felix Lighting
D I N I N G A R E A Tucked into one end of the kitchen, this cosy spot offers views out to sea. Table, The Rustic Table Company. Tr y eBay for church chairs Walls painted in Strong White, Farrow & Ball
rom time to time, an owner and a
AT HOME WITH O W N E R S Phil and Louise Smith, both hairdressers, their children Ellie and George, and dogs Smithy and Smudge They bought the property in 2020.
H O U S E Three-bedroom terraced cottage, around 300 years old.
L A N D S C A P E Being close to the sea was a must-have for Phil, who enjoys amazing views from his Cornish cottage
S I T T I N G R O O M Phil loves small, cosy homes and wanted a cottage with beamed ceilings and wonky walls Coffee table, The Home Barn Shop For door, tr y Coral Pink Weathershield exterior satin, Dulux Trade
S I T T I N G R O O M The woodburner is practical and adds to the intimacy of this space Armchair and kilim cushions, Kilim Furniture Aladdin lampbase in vintage brass, Pooky, has this look
‘Ever y time I come th rough the door, I smile. I feel ver y blessed that I ’ ve a beauti fu l home by the sea ’
M A I N B E D R O O M This space in the converted attic has a comforting, cocoon-like feel.
Bed, Christabelle Studded, Love Your Home Tr y Yasmin rug, Andrew Martin Throw and cushion covers, Cox & Cox
B E D R O O M The rustic feel continues here, softened by luxurious fabrics and tactile finishes. Bedding, The Linen Store. Tray mirror, Nkuku. Rug, John Lewis & Partners Chest of drawers, tr y Cotswold Luxe
S I M P L E P L E A S U R E S ... ‘I like to walk along the beach at Rock on the Camel estuar y. It was my first introduction to Cornwall and the prettiest place in the countr y ’
G O F O R A M E A L AT ‘Nathan Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen in Port Isaac (outlaws.co.uk). It’s in the oldest building in the village right on the harbour, and a real treat.’
S H O P AT ‘May Contain Nuts in Port Isaac I love to pop into this baker y and café for bread and pasties.’
Add softness to your kitchen with a cupboard skirt. Fabric is having a moment – as a drape covering a table, a valance at the bottom of a sofa, or a curtain behind the glass of a glazed cupboard. For a similar curtain fabric, try Harbour stripe cotton, £75m, Tori Murphy Carnaby Yellow satin paint, £24 95 for 1ltr; Amsterdam Green and Old Ochre chalk paint, £23 95 for 1ltr, all Annie Sloan
W hen li fe get s dema ndi ng, retreat to a sou l fu l space st yled a s a ca l m a nd cosy sa nctua r y from li fe’s stresses a nd stra i ns
Matilda armchair in Isla Grouse fabric, from £1,350; Grace cushion, £92; Chetham swingarm floor lamp, from £180; Milo stool, from £315; Hilda sheepskin rug, £210; walls and woodwork painted in Old Rose eggshell paint, £65 for 2 5ltr, all Neptune
Cu rl up a nd read, or sit at a desk to jou r na l a nd dayd rea m. Soothing colou rs a nd t actile fu r nitu re inv ite you to em brace q u iet moment s
Ceiling painted in Clean White; walls painted in Mink, both architects’ matt, £63 for 2 5ltr; window frame painted in Mink architects’ satinwood, £87.50 for 2.5ltr; kitchen cabinets painted in Scarlet ‘ n ’ Rust architects’ gloss, £41 50 for 750ml, all Paint & Paper Librar y
S E N S E O F P L A C E S E T T I N G
Stafford leather chair, £695; Arthur dining table, £3,595; Shalba rug, £1,595; Gonglin wine cabinet, £2,395, all Oka
w ith cocooning colou rs leading you up the st a ir way, a nd a velvet head boa rd that inv ites you to set tle dow n a nd rest
Ceiling painted in Salt I; walls painted in Soumak, both architects’ matt, £63 for 2.5ltr; woodwork painted in Salt III in architects’ gloss, £41 50 for 750ml; stool painted in Drakensburg architects’ satinwood, £87 50 for 2 5ltr, all Paint & Paper Librar y
E A C E K E E P I N G Bedroom, interior design project by Albion Nord
‘When selecting upholstery, think carefully about how your sofa will be used and by whom,’ explains Suzanne Musemeci, head of sales at If it’s a family space, consider a corner sofa, private reading room, then a pair of high-back armchairs or a generous loveseat might be more ‘When testing a sofa, think about how you like
A snug should feel cosy and relaxing, so your used in the evening, and as such work well with with the walls – opting for darker tones such as deep blues, forest greens or burgundy reds will set the mood for relaxation, while brighter and
lighter shades will add colour but be just as sophisticated look,’ says Emma Deterding, ‘Ultimately, it’s about creating a space that’s a
‘Snugs are generally cosy spaces that invite you in with plenty of soft fabrics, plush cushions and feel; a space in which to escape the outside when paired with deep colours, like Mouse’s
the home,’ explains Louise Wicksteed, design photographs can create a sense of personal with atmospheric candles, thick rugs underfoot,
says on the tin – the snug should be the most welcoming space in the home, and somewhere
usually achieved by breaking up a space and creating smaller, more intimate, independently
and intensity is also vital – try using a soft warm yellow or white light, rather than a stark white,
Work out your snug ’ s purpose as this will determine the look and feel of all the other
place where you enjoy reading a book? If so, then a comfy armchair and bookshelves are and listening to your favourite records, then
dark walls and blackout blinds are essential for should be a place where you want to spend time,
The country look is a precise one –typically based on natural materials and a soft or neutral colour palette. This doesn’t mean , however, that it needs to be bland and devoid of character Interior designer Sarah Ward talks us through how to add accent colours to a country interior
S TA R T W I T H T H E B A R E B O N E S
‘Look at the natural light, ceiling height, room function and access. Next, decide on the best furniture layout options and whether feature or discreet lighting should be used. After that, you can think about a scheme, starting with
artwork – and then layer it up!’
‘Always be brave with scale, pattern and colour Wall mirrors help to create a greater sense of space and decorative lights or art add a fantastic dynamic Adaptable lighting control should be considered to help with scene setting, and you can never have too many tables for drinks, laptops, etc We also recommend hiding any large TVs within panelling or behind artworks unless it is a dedicated screening room And comfort is key, so go for a sofa that invites you to sit – it should always look as though it wants to be sat on, rather than being purely decorative!’
‘The choice of colour will depend on your preference and intended use for the space, the wider local environment, the age of the property and natural light For a recent project, we chose
a deep olive green in a warm autumnal tone to reference a nearby river in a subtle way We then layered this by adding accents of more vibrant greens to add brightness and opulence to the space Alternatively, strong summer tones such as orange or turquoise work well in sunny situations Black can be very stylish, as can deep burgundy or a soft, classic teal blue.’
I
C O L O U R S ‘When bringing bold colours into a scheme, your approach will depend on whether the colour is a pattern or a solid. If it is being incorporated through a pattern, then base your design around any muted background tones that are seen in the print, and run with that as a starting point If the bold colour is solid, choose the neutrals accordingly. In a recent scheme, we started with a bright parrot fabric and selected more muted colours from within that pattern for the rest of the design.’
‘Creating a harmonious scheme is hard to do if only one item has the accent colour Layering is the answer For example, if a bold shade is seen within a cushion, that tone should reappear in a lampshade, artwork or on a cushion or rug trim to stop it looking too “dotted” ’
Interior designer Sarah Ward gave this champagne-coloured sitting room subtle depth with accent tones of old gold and touches of turquoise
Designer Sa ra h Wa rd, of Wa rd & Co I nteriors , sha res her ex per t adv ice on adding accent colou r a nd pat ter n to a rela xed cou ntr y interior
Draw the eye upwards and enhance the spacious feel of a high-ceilinged kitchen with a shelf that is suspended above the island. ‘A decorative hanging shelf, with hidden spotlights in the base, visually anchors an island in the space and gives it the gravitas it deserves,’ explains Annie Ebenston, lead designer, Blakes London ‘It also makes a
ways of displaying curated decorative objects to add extra personality and individuality to the room. ’ Annie suggests regularly changing the objects on display, in tune with the evolve the feel of the room
As well as serving a functional purpose in protecting the wall, a tiled kitchen splashback can make a stunning focal point, with almost limitless design possibilities – from highly decorative designs to simple combinations ‘A plain herringbone or square tile in a favourite colour can look
nuances of a handmade tile,’ suggests Ruth Webber, creative director at Bert & May ‘You can keep the overall feel quite uniform and regular, allowing the colours to do the talking, or create your own bespoke tessellations, perhaps with a softer palette, all depending on your personal style and the scale of your splashback area ’
Bespoke kitchen, prices from £30,000, Drew Forsyth & Co
A range cooker will always make a focal-point feature, thanks to its statement size In days gone by, range cookers were positioned in a chimney breast, designed to carry combustion gases out from the room The traditional look remains popular, now often with a faux chimney breast built to add classic character to a kitchen George Forsyth,
director of Drew Forsyth & Co, explains that an overmantel frames the range, giving the cooking area
cupboard storage for spices and condiments in its pillars, and concealing an extraction system ’
An oversized pendant or group of lights suspended over an island or dining table will immediately increase the sense of space in a kitchen and add stylish drama. ‘I’ve always thought lighting is a case of “ go big or go home”,’ says Louisa Eggleston, creative director of Humphrey Munson ‘Good-sized lanterns or pendants above an island
can really make the space sing ’ The classic look is for a line of three pendants above an island, but choose a shape, size and number that best suits the proportions of your room And don’t just focus on the centre of the kitchen –even hanging a cluster to one side, perhaps to highlight a
Milagros imports handmade tiles from Mexico in vivid colours and decorative designs; milagros co uk
Marlborough Tiles, founded more than 85 years ago, crafts handpainted ceramic tiles in timeless designs; marlboroughtiles com
Otto Tiles is known for modern rustic tiles, crafted in Turkey by skilled artisans; ottotiles.co.uk
Maitland & Poate specialises in reclaimed Spanish tiles and handmade encaustic tiles; maitlandandpoate.com
Petra Palumbo offers a selection of her own-design Delft tiles, decorated by hand in the UK; petrapalumbo.com
Fired Earth has a selection of handmade tiles, including special collaborations with tile house Bert & May and textile designer Neisha Crosland, firedearth.com
A focal point feature in your kitchen will always boost its character and elevate the impact of the room, helping to move your eye around the space and create an inviting atmosphere It can be simple – such as a group of attractive ceramics – or a bold piece, but always have an element that stands out Here, Gemma Moulton, founder of East London
Spa rk you r creativ it y by ma k ing you r ow n wa x melt s a nd ca nd les. E bi a nd E m ma nuel Sinteh show how it’s done
A wax melt is like a candle without the wick, designed to be used with an oil burner. You can control the strength of the aroma by adding or removing melts to your burner
100g soy wax flakes
1g candle dye, colour of your choice
3ml bergamot essential oil
2ml lemon essential oil
5ml mandarin essential oil
Silicon candle moulds (an ice-cube tray works too)
Metal jug or heatproof bowl
Saucepan
Digital thermometer
Glass beaker Pipette (optional)
Wooden spoon or spatula Oil burner
1 Place the metal pouring jug on your scale and tare the weight Weigh out your wax and melt using the doublewith water and heat until simmering Stir until all the wax is melted. Once the wax is completely melted, remove the jug or bowl from the heat and rest it on a heatproof surface Check the temperature and let it cool to 65 °C
2 Now it’s time to add your colour and scent. Stir in 1g of dye –a little goes a long way, so add gradually and mix until you ’ ve got your desired colour Measure out the quantities of oils into a glass beaker, using a pipette if you have one, then add to your melted wax Use a wooden spoon or spatula to stir the fragrance and wax for 2 minutes to ensure the fragrance is thoroughly incorporated
3 When the wax has cooled to between 50 –60 °C, pour the wax into the silicon mould Once you stir, the wax can cool quite quickly –don’t let it cool too much or it will become
4 Leave your wax melts to set for 2 hours, then remove them from the moulds. Once they are out of the moulds, you can use them immediately but for best results leave them to set fully for 24 –48 hours. This ensures the best, fullest aroma when you use them
5 To use your wax melts, pop one or two into the top of an oil burner, light a tea light underneath, and enjoy the fragrance that is released as the wax warms up and melts
A R O M A T H E R A P Y C A N D L E
M A K E S 2 C O N TA I N E R C A N D L E S
Aromatherapy candles are made with pure essential oils burns, the oils gently evaporate from the melting wax
530g soy wax flakes
53ml essential oil blend: 25ml lavender essential oil
22ml geranium essential oil
6ml chamomile essential oil
2 x 30cl containers, glass or ceramic
4 x wick stickers, or a glue gun
4 x ECO 6 wicks, or similar
4 x wick positioners
Metal jug
Weighing scales
Saucepan
Wooden spoon or spatula Digital thermometer Glass beaker and pipette (optional)
1 Place the metal pouring jug on your scale and tare the weight Weigh out your wax and melt using the doublewater and heat until simmering Stir until all the wax is melted
2 While the wax melts, you can prepare your containers stick it to the base of your wick, then place the wick in the securely stuck to the base.
3 Once the wax is completely melted, remove the jug or bowl from the heat and rest it on a heatproof surface Check the temperature and let it cool to 60 °C. Measure out the quantities of essential oils into a glass beaker, using a pipette if you have one, then add to your melted wax. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to stir the fragrance and wax for 2 minutes to ensure the fragrance is thoroughly incorporated.
4 Add your wick positioner to centre the wick and hold it in place Repeat for all the containers Check the temperature of the wax and when it has cooled to about 50-55 °C gently pour the wax into each container Once the containers are 24 hours. After 24 hours the wax should have set nicely. Now it’s time to remove the wick positioner and trim the wick to about 5mm.
Candles by Ebi Sinteh and Emmanuel Sinteh (£15 99, Quadrille), Photographs India Hobson
W hen pou ring the wa x , leave some room at the top of the cont a iner a nd a l low it to set for 30 minutes , then add sin k holes a nd ensu re that the ca nd les have smooth tops
Keeping on top of sea sona l jobs ma kes you r home r u n more smooth ly a nd mea ns less work in the long r u n. We a sked a professiona l housekeeper for her essentia l to-do list
Everyday chores such as laundry and vacuuming can seem to take up all our bandwidth, so bigger household jobs are left undone The answer is a seasonal checklist, says Ann Russell, author of How to Clean Everything (Headline Home, £12.99).
Lighter days and gentle breezes are the perfect conditions for giving your home a spring clean
Dust hard-to-reach areas, such as the tops of doors, cobwebbed corners and behind furniture
Clean windows and polish mirrors
Clean curtains with a vacuum attachment or wash them, following instructions on the label
Prepare your lawnmower and garden tools
Scrub the patio; repair and repaint fences
Get your roof checked for winter damage
Sort out winter coats and send to dry-cleaners
Put summer linen on beds
Make the most of the warm weather to wash soft furnishings Plus, start thinking about winter jobs so there are no surprises later in the year.
Store away winter clothes with moth pellets
Machine-wash furniture covers and cushion
Shampoo carpets and rugs
Clean or wash doormats
Clean your oven and extractor
Sweep and clean the garage
Get your chimney swept
Order logs
Get your boiler serviced
AU T U M N
organised to make your life easier next year
Get out your winter clothing Pack away summer clothes Swap out summer for winter bedding Mend or replace broken garden furniture before you pack it away Empty and clean kitchen cupboards
Clean behind the fridge Clean and bleed radiators Descale your iron Sort through paperwork and shred if it’s over seven years old
Get your home prepped and ready for festive entertaining and clean your most-used kitchen appliances.
Once the leaves have fallen, clear gutters and drains
Rake leaves in the garden and on the patio
Check and replace batteries in smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors
Clean your washing machine and microwave Deep-clean bathroom grout
Clean your dishwasher (run a cycle with a cup of white vinegar in the empty machine)
Sort out and clean your loft
Defrost and clean out freezers and fridges
Clean china, check glassware for marks and polish silver ready for Christmas
With a seasonal checklist, bigger tasks won’t be forgotten But don’t get overwhelmed by it all As Ann says, ‘A lot of housekeeping jobs are optional; we ’ re not in the 1950s!’
Claypaint, £54 for 2 5ltr; Lifestyle, £52 for 2 5ltr; Eggshell No 17, £72 for 2.5ltr; Eco Chic, £19.99 for 750ml, all Earthborn
Colours inspired by nature, and with respect for the environment at their core –this is the Modern Country Colours collection, created by Country Homes & Interiors and Earthborn.
There are 12 stunning shades, ranging from deep blue and nutty brown to the palest pink Choose from Claypaint and Lifestyle interior emulsions, Eggshell No 17 for woodwork, and
Eco Chic for wooden furniture Earthborn environmentally friendly paints are virtually VOC free, with no nasty emissions or paint smells, so they’re better for you, your home and the environment.
For stockists, online sales and more information, visit earthbornpaints.co.uk
Want to sell your home faster? Book an estate agent who takes good pictures. A property listing is your chance to main bedroom that are most wanted. Watch the birdie!
A whitewa shed, weatherboa rded a nd w ind mil l-ador ned Kentish tow n, su r rou nded by orcha rds a nd fa r m la nd
With such a pretty origin to its name – ‘brook frequented by cranes ’ –Cranbrook in Kent, surrounded remain as charming as it does today
W E A LT H O F H I S T O R Y Cranbrook’s charms include, from left, its characterful streets, Sissinghurst’s beautiful gardens nearby and towering Union Mill
at most price levels Jane Beard of Harpers and Hurlingham attributes this ‘to a healthy turnover, as families move in and out of areas to qualify for sought-after school catchments’ Expect to pay £700,000 for a four-bedroom
textile heritage Standing tall over all, and nights, is Union Mill, a 19th-century ‘smock mill’ – so-called for the resemblance to farmer’s Kentish term for sails – have begun to rotate
I N T H E E S TAT E A G E N T ’S W I N D O W in Kent, and yet there is a good supply of homes
B O U T I
U
S, B
K
R S A N D D E C O R V E N D O R S Cranbrook has never lost its village feel, to the by name A plethora of pubs and cafés help going strong. Clothing boutiques and interiors proliferate, such as Maisie K – all ribbons and rocking horses Surrounded by farmland and orchards, Cranbrook has farm shops, C O U N T R Y L I F E A N D C U LT U R E
and pilates to pickleball, all activities organised
Q
E
A
E
also songbirds in the air courtesy of Cranbrook Church. For some quiet time, visit Cranbrook Museum, set in a 15th-century manor house
here, including preps (Saint Ronan’s, and co-ed grammar Cranbrook School, are both considered good G E T A R O U N D that is slightly shorter by train – except that you
I N T H E A R E A a visit to Sissinghurst garden, famous for its outlandish aristocratic creators, although
Number six Windmill Cottages is a pretty two-bedroom Victorian cottage. It was built in 1865, on the edge of town at Waterloo Road, and is on the market for £450,000 A white picket fence borders a lawned front garden; at the rear, there’s a garden terrace and barbecue
This four-bedroom, Grade II-listed home has a bright and modern feel, yet is full of character – stand-out features include an inglenook fireplace and a partially walled garden One Wilsley Farm Cottages can be found on the outskirts of Cranbrook, with an asking price of £749,950
varying states, remaining in the UK, all stout-heartedly keeping us grounded in our earthy Chaucerian roots. Some property developers, selling to the council for a shilling on condition they preserve and repair it
village of Whitburn is one of the oldest surviving stone
Forest is the quaint village of Nutley in
Bembridge is a beautiful spot at the extreme eastern point of the Isle of
as the largest village in England. Its
Victorian townhouse Mount St Lawrence is plumb on the High Street. The £1,195,000 price tag encompasses three floors, five bedrooms and two bathrooms, with high ceilings, sash windows, bay windows and fireplaces There is also a cellar and an enclosed garden
D R E A M H O M E S I N C R A N B R O O K
W H E R E T H E W I N D B L O W S T H R E E M O R E L O V E LY L O C AT I O N S W I T H T R A D I T I O N A L W I N D M I L L S
Discover the home improvement s that bring the biggest retu r ns on you r investment , a nd the mist a kes to avoid in order to ma x imise va lue
Adding to and improving your home can give you the property you want without the cost of a move, and increase the value of your bricks and mortar in the process – an equation that looks increasingly tempting as the property market slows down. So, will it be a loft extension for your teenager or an annexe for your parents?
While family and lifestyle are often the drivers for renovating and extending your home, the decision to invest often comes down to cold hard cash and whether the building work will increase the asking price of the property ‘When we consider the cost of home improvements, we caution people to look at the true added value of the work, once the price of the job has been taken away, ’ says Ian Crawford of Alliance Real Estate Fund. ‘Underestimating costs, and not budgeting for design and labour, are common mistakes we see people make ’
Not all home improvements are created equal. A loft conversion or extension, for example, can each add 15 per cent to the value of a property, while a garage conversion will add 10 per cent, according to research from Alliance Real Estate Fund. But percentages are only one part of the picture ‘Converting a garage into an extra room costs an average of £13,750, while it might cost £40,000 to add a 20sqm extension (based on the average UK house price of £294,559) Once those costs are taken away from the added value to your property, the true premium works out at £15,706 for the garage and only £4,184 for the extension,’ explains Ian
The way we are using our homes is changing, and home improvement priorities have altered as a consequence ‘Pandemic lockdowns have
with increased demand for loft and garage conversions and outbuildings, for working from home People also want extensions to allow their families to live more comfortably in the
space, ’ says Ian He’s seeing a move towards more open-plan and multifunctional living spaces, such as blended kitchen and sitting rooms, which will add value to your home.
Some home improvements will add only a small amount to the value of your property, but they will recoup costs and save money in other ways. ‘Energy saving is very topical now, and we ’ re seeing homeowners investing in the latest
insulation,’ says Ian ‘Solar panels, ground source heat pumps and grey-water collection systems are a real turn-on for buyers now ’ New double glazing will add 3 per cent to the value of an average property, or £1,837 after costs A new boiler or central heating will add 1.9 per cent, or £1,597. And solar panels will increase a home’s value by 4 1 per cent, or £6,202 after costs The cost of heating your home will
Whatever the size of your investment, any premium may be wiped out by bad planning and poor work ‘Underestimating the time required for works to be completed; homeowners starting a job themselves and then realising they do not have the skills to complete it; and selecting tradespeople without due diligence are all mistakes
I see people make,’ says Ian
‘After that, adding space that costs less per square foot than the local property market dictates is extension that costs £200 per square foot in an area where house prices are £400 per square value. ‘It’s improvements that contribute a better quality of living, such as additional space for expanding family,’ he says. After all, the
H O M E I M P R O V E M E N T S W O R T H M A K I N G
A n ex tension ca n add 15% to you r proper t y ’ s va lue; but a conser vator y w il l add on ly 6%
Protect you r hea lth a nd that of the pla net by choosing pa int s made w ith eco ingredient s – they come in a ny colou r, a s long a s it’s green…
of household waste sites won’t take liquid paint – recycle it at community repaint.org.uk
P R O D U C T I O N VA L U E S
D I S P O S I N G O F PA I N T
E A R T H B O R N Celebrating 20 years of eco-friendly colours this year; earthbornpaints.co.uk
L I T T L E G R E E N E New range made from upcycled paint; littlegreene com
FA R R O W & B A L L Planet-friendly production; farrowandball com
V I C T O R Y C O L O U R S Vegan and virtually VOC free; victorycolours.co.uk
E D WA R D B U L M E R Paint made from earth and mineral pigments; edwardbulmerpaint co uk
Ma rk bou nda ries , protect you r proper t y a nd add a st ylish design element to you r ga rden w ith a wel l-constr ucted fence
They are essential for demarcating the boundaries of our properties, but before you build a new fence, there are a few things to consider. Are you installing it for privacy, security, to restrict children, pets or livestock, or simply to separate your space from your neighbours? ‘Being clear on this will determine the height, material, construction, and, of course, the price, of any boundary,’ says gardening expert Matt James
Picket fence A classic demarcation fence, it is typically installed around front gardens. Venetian Similar to the blinds, Venetian fences feature small gaps between the horizontals, which allow both light and air to pass through – this is ideal if zoning your garden
Hit and miss Unlike other fences, hit-and-miss fences look good from both sides, making them ideal for boundaries between properties The slatted design has small gaps that allow wind to pass through without compromising privacy They can be vertical or horizontal.
Solid panel These fences can be made of a composite material, metal, or wood, and feature no gaps Composite and metal designs tend to be solid sheets – semi-solid designs may feature decorative stenciling. Wooden solid panel designs have overlapping featherboard or tongue-and-groove panels
A classic picket fence or open fence design will mark your border without putting off visitors
Lattice fence Ideal for pairing with climbing plants, lattices are usually used to add a decorative element to the top of a more substantial fence, though you can get full-length lattice fences for an open look Woven Perfect for a cottage garden, woven fences are typically made from willow or hazel and have a rustic, handmade appearance They are less durable than traditional fencing.
The easiest way to determine which fence belongs to your property is to consult the deed plans. These plans typically feature a ‘T’ mark on one side of the boundary, identifying the owner, or an ‘H’, showing that it is a party wall, jointly owned by you and your neighbour. If you do not have a copy of your home’s deed plan, you can request one through the deeds search online or a boundary search (landregistry-titledeeds co uk) If there are no marks on your deed plans, assumed responsibility – if you or your neighbour have been maintaining a fence, this is now deemed your responsibility If both sides have been maintaining it, it is classed as a party fence
‘There have been cases in the past where one party has taken on maintenance responsibility for so long they have actually become legally responsible for the upkeep,’ says an expert from estate agent Petty Son & Prestwich
The location of your fence will determine its height Typically, fences that enclose your
privacy and protection, but will not block out any light. Opting for a lower fence may involve a discussion with your neighbours as it will
There are certain rules and regulations to follow If your fence is next to a road (or the footpath next to a road), your fence cannot exceed 1m in height from ground level If elsewhere, it should not exceed 2m in height from ground level For more details visit planningportal co uk
Despite their name, gravel boards are not made from gravel They are instead a board made from wood, concrete, or composite At around 14-15cm they elevate the fence above ground level, preventing decay from underneath and prolonging the lifespan of the fence above The next step is posts – if the fence is yours,
A solid-panel metal fence, such as these Drift Corten steel panels from Stark & Greensmith, can include striking colour and cut-out details that bring a decorative element to a plot’s perimeter
these must be on your side of the boundary. ‘If your fencing needs any type of footing to secure it, the footing is allowed to be partly beneath your neighbour’s land. According to the Party Wall etc Act 1996, this does not constitute encroachment,’ explain experts from Knight Fencing
‘Once you have chosen your panels, you need to decide on what sort of post you will use to mount them The main choice is between concrete and timber posts,’ explains Jenny Davis of Forest Garden Concrete is favoured for its longevity, though even lightweight versions are still very weighty ‘It is important to consider the size and weight of concrete posts If you are putting up 6ft high panels then the posts will need to be 8ft tall – an 8ft lightweight concrete post weighs around 28kg ’
This leads some homeowners to favour wooden posts – they are lighter and more wooden fencing There is a downside, however ‘While wooden fence posts are treated with a preservative to protect them from rotting in
the ground, they will not last as long as concrete,’ adds Jenny Davis.
‘There is skill in completing a run of fence posts and panels that is perfectly vertical and straight If posts are not set solidly in the ground, they will move around in the wind and get worse over time A poorly installed fence run is more likely to be blown over in a storm,’ explains Jenny.
‘The most common and reliable way of putting up a post is to set it in concrete in a hole in the ground An 8ft post needs to be set 2ft deep in the ground ’
If you are installing a fence onto a solid base – typically concrete – then you should instead use metal post shoes to hold the posts in place. To install these, simply mark up the position, drill holes and bolt them into place You can then install your post and tighten to secure
While your thoughts will be about retaining your privacy and keeping out intruders, you also need to consider how you can maintain a wildlife highway
‘One of the most important aspects is to ensure that hedgehogs can move freely between gardens, so leaving a gap under fences or cutting a hole (13cm square) in the base of the fence is really important,’ explains Stuart Edmunds, mammal expert at Shropshire Wildlife Trust Companies such as Jacksons Fencing and Allen Concrete have designed purpose-made hedgehog gravel boards from
A woven fence (left) or Venetian design (right) bring attractive texture and style to your garden borders
wood and concrete respectively, which are perfect for a wildlife-friendly garden.
The care that your fence requires depends on its construction and position If you have an iron or metal fence, then clean thoroughly, apply a rustproof primer and paint with a protective metal paint
To keep new wooden fencing looking its best, apply a wood preservative after installation to seal and protect it from the elements. If your fence is older, then it may need a little more TLC If your fence is still sturdy, start by powerwashing and then treat any black or green mould with bleach Once clean and dry, you can preserve it with paint. ‘A fresh coat of paint can immediately improve your home’s kerb appeal When choosing paint for your fencing, make sure it’s suitable for exterior features,’ says Kevin O’Donnell, technical consultant at Sadolin and Sandtex. ‘When decorating natural wood fencing, ensure surfaces are clean, dry and sound. New coatings only adhere to previous coatings that are in a good condition
with exterior satin and gloss paints, you would need a specialist “problem surface” primer coat to be
undercoat and topcoats, though some paints such as Sadolin Superdec have an integrated primer ’
A L L E N C O N C R E T E allenconcrete.co.uk F O R E S T G A R D E N forestgarden co uk J A C K S O N S F E N C I N G jacksons-fencing co uk
A lattice or trellisstyle fence will allow views through the garden and beyond
You could count sunrises and sunsets, but why not take a slower approach to marking time by spotting each month’s full moon? February’s is the Snow Moon, so called because this can be one of the coldest months. Each month has a moon but because the lunar cycle is 11 days shorter than a calendar year, there’s an extra moon every two and a half years. Yes, it’s the blue moon.
What to do if you love where you live but there are no jobs? Create your own, of course. This is exactly what Iseabal Hendry, crafter of beautiful accessories made from woven leather and embroidered thread, has done She has fashioned a life that enables her to live on the banks of Loch Carron on the west coast of the Scottish Highlands, just a few miles from the hamlet where she grew up
‘I feel most alive when I’m out in the hills,’ Iseabal says, gazing through the window along the glen towards a trio of Munros (Scottish mountains over 3,000 feet high) ‘But
a crofter I think the dream for me has always been to be here, doing something creative ’
The seeds of that dream can be traced back to a project during her textiles degree at Glasgow School of Art, when her class was presented with a table of high-quality leather hides and tasked with making something from them While most people made a dash for the largest pieces, Iseabal was
eventually made them into a small collection of accessories ‘Just like that, I found my thing,’ she says of what has now evolved into her signature style ‘And I’ve worked with leather ever since ’
After graduating from art school, Iseabal worked as a visual merchandiser, but spent any spare moments she
grown up with an appreciation of craft – from boat building and thatching to basket making – and really wanted my work to be the best it could be,’ she says.
could for her raw materials She uses vegetable-tanned
A B O V E The Swing Cases are perfect little bags for carr ying your smart phone and keys, available in a range of colours
B E L O W Thin leather strips go through the organic process of vegetable tanning, resulting in a unique patina, before Iseabal begins weaving by hand
Tuscany, Scottish cotton thread, and a highly skilled UK-based fabricator to make up the bags and accessories from her woven panels However, progress was slow and involved much trial and error
determined to spend more time on her passion, and then, of course, Covid struck. Searching for some semblance of structure, she made herself apply for one job or grant a week in the hope that it would support her practice
When one of these applications – to be part of a match-funding project run by Crowdfunder and exactly four weeks to launch her crowdfunding campaign
them photographed, shooting a video, building a website, writing to the press and trying to get the message out across my new business Instagram account – my personal account was mostly just pictures of hills,’ she laughs.
It was ‘exhilarating and frantic’, particularly given the
problems posed by her remote Highlands location It also money Iseabal had already ploughed into materials and research – she estimates that she had spent around £10,000 (largely funded via savings from her student loan) when she launched ‘My products are luxury items,’ she says ‘I don’t have a physical shop so the photography has to get as close as possible to the idea of seeing them in real life ’
After some close shaves – the prototypes arrived only on the morning of the shoot – she was ready, and exceeded all her expectations by smashing her £10,000 target – raising £18,000 in total. ‘It was amazing,’ she says, ‘and I really think that having professional photography and
Since then, her business has boomed In 2021 she was selected for the Craft Council’s Crafting Business mentoring programme, which covers everything from business plans to presentation skills ‘I gained so much knowledge, but I would say the biggest thing it gave me was self-belief,’ she says Also in 2021, she was approached
and is now stocked by The Fife Arms at Braemar (the luxury Highlands hotel owned by art dealers Ivan and Manuela Wirth) – just two days after she had written a
‘I guess it’s the power of manifesting, ’ she says, laughing
In 2022 Iseabal was selected as one of the Craft Council’s rising stars in its ‘10 makers to watch’ list, and this March she will be exhibiting at the leading international craft fair, Collect, where she will be showing her new collection
Her creative life is extremely busy and 16-hour days are not uncommon, but for Iseabal, it’s never arduous ‘I don’t even think of what I do as work. I’m just spending
says, pointing out that she still considers her work/life balance to be ‘amazing’
‘I run in the hills every day,’ she says, ‘and, since good weather up here is not a given, if it’s sunny and I don’t have a deadline, I have absolutely no qualms about taking
Iseabalhendry.com
‘Leatherwork is a huge field that covers a whole range of skills from saddler y and shoemaking to accessories, bookbinding, glove making or even using leather in jeweller y, ’ says Joanne Haywood, maker and education manager at the Crafts Council. Hubs of industr y around the UK, in London, the Northwest, Yorkshire, the Midlands and Scotland, mean there is a wide range of opportunities available, from degree courses to further education colleges, such as Morley College in London. ‘The boom in the experience economy is also seeing many makers delivering courses in their own studios and online,’ says Joanne, ‘which is great for beginners or those wanting to work on a specific skill.’ Whichever course you choose, she advises checking out the reviews and studying the course descriptions carefully ‘Make sure you ’ re clear on the skills you’ll cover, and what the progression routes could be afterwards.’
Former secondar y school teacher Deborette Clarke designs and makes small leather goods under her label B18 Leather – the postcode of her Birmingham studio where she runs short Introduction to Leather Craft courses. deborette.com
One to four-day courses run by master craftsman Jason Stocks-Young at his workshop in a former cotton mill on the edge of the Pennines. Options include an overnight bag, small leather goods or a backpack, and one-to-one tuition is also available. diamondawl.co.uk
Valerie Michael and Neil MacGregor have over 40 years ’ experience as designers and makers of hand-stitched leather goods. Their courses, taught from their Tetbur y workshop, are based on an awareness of both craftsmanship and design and use only hand techniques. leathercourses.co.uk
‘As w ith thatching, boat bu ilding or ba sketr y, my work is a bout t a k ing simple materia ls a nd pu l ling them together to ma ke something u niq ue ’
E nsu re you r home smel ls sweet from the moment you step th rough the door w ith these exper t tips
eradicate ‘bad’ smells The next step is to bring new, refreshing scents into your home. Think about your home holistically and create a scent journey throughout each room.
‘Consider how you might want to use fragrance as part of the welcome experience. There are areas that may need to have an instant fragrance boost, such as a bathroom, kitchen or boot room And then there are areas where you want a gentle background fragrance, such as a bedroom or dressing room, ’ says Jane Nicholson, co-founder, House of Dome. signature, background aroma in your on the scale of the room and dial up the fragrance intensity simply by turning the reeds more frequently heat sources and air currents and of the space, ’ adds Jane
The kitchen can be home to the most delicious aromas but also the least desirable. Always use your extractor fan and consider opening windows when cooking to reduce lingering of white vinegar in your kitchen overnight; the acetic acid will deodorise the room For garlic and great solution Baking soda is known
for its deodorising properties – store an open tub of baking soda in the fridge to minimise food smells.
Grease attaches to every surface in your kitchen, so when cleaning, don’t forget to wipe your lightbulbs They heat up when switched on, leading to cooking smells continuing to permeate throughout the room
Minimising the number of soft furnishings and textiles you have in
the kitchen can stop smells from
seating, opt for washable or wipeclean covers For window dressings, shutters or wipeable blinds are a good choice ‘As well as looking great in a country home, shutters are easy to maintain and keep clean, and do not trap cooking smells in the room, ’ explains Chrissie Harper from California Shutters
Your hallway establishes your essential that this space smells fresh great way to infuse your hallway with focal point Roses are the classic choice; ‘Lasting up to a week, the scent of fresh roses is the gift that keeps on giving. They have a sweet and spicy smell that has been shown
explains Dani Turner, from online with lilies, which have a fresh, can rival They also emit linalool, often more intensely in the evening, and have been found to boost mood.’
If possible, store shoes, coats and similar in a cupboard or boot room rather than out in the hallway This
will reduce the source of bad smells and visual clutter
The Buck Naked Soap Company suggests adding ‘ a sachet of broken bath bomb to the inside of a shoe The baking soda in the bath bomb helps deodorise, while the essential oils add a fresh scent. Once the odour from the shoes is taken care of, the bath bomb sachets help keep the whole room smelling fresh’
Your living room is the place where you relax and wind down after a busy day While ambient lighting,
go a long way to creating a cosy atmosphere, this will be undermined if there is a bad smell in the room
Start by cleaning all hard surfaces, then treating soft ones with a layer of baking soda – leave to sit
Curtains and rugs can be washed or dry-cleaned, or given the same baking soda treatment.
From here, you can then fragrance the room – opt for seasonal scents: orange and cinnamon evoke winter comforts, while jasmine and rose work nicely for spring These will layer well with the natural scents of the room. ‘Using materials imbued with an evocative scent such as leather will enhance the smell of a rustic interior,’ says Sarah and Sally Wilkie, founders of Home Barn
You could choose a signature scent for the room – or your entire and delivery methods to match your mood and time of day For example,
aroma; a linen spray to refresh furnishings; and a candle to bring a richer scent in the evening
Freshen your liv ing room in moment s by spritzing soft
fu r n ish i ngs w ith l i nen spray, a nd spr i n k l i ng ba k ing soda
on you r r ugs 30 -60 minutes before vacuu ming away
how you want to feel Uplifting and energising essential oils such as lemon and basil are great for the bathroom Lemon is particularly known for eliminating toxins in the air, helping to create a clean haven,’ recommends Nicola Elliott, founder and creative director at Neom.
Every product you use in your bathroom, from shampoo to shower cleaner, will add its scent to the atmosphere Choosing those made from natural ingredients will enhance the air in the room every time you use them, without toxins.
Take inspiration from spas and steam rooms and create a bath bouquet to transform your shower into a wellbeing experience Collect fresh herbs such as eucalyptus, peppermint, rosemary and lavender, gently crush them with a rolling pin, then tie their stems together Hang the bath bouquet from the showerhead and when you bathe, the heat and moisture will release the essential
Good ventilation will prevent the space from smelling damp. Open the window when you bathe, and ensure your extractor fan is powerful enough to eliminate moisture
Create a bath bouq uet from fresh mint , euca ly ptus a nd lavender, tie into a bu nch, then ha ng over the shower head
To transform your bedroom into the sanctuary of your dreams, start with a fresh, neutral base. Open windows each morning to let out the stale air and let in the fresh – even in winter; it needn’t be for long Next, air your bed by pulling back the covers, removing blankets and separating and plumping pillows Leave like this for half an hour or so, before making the bed You can apply a few sprays of
linen spray when you come to tidy the bed to reinvigorate your sheets
Once you have followed these steps, you can add a fragrance ‘A bedroom should smell lovely Scent
can easily control the scent level by adjusting how many reeds you use, ’ advises Chrissie Rucker, founder of The White Company. ‘A relaxing scent such as lavender will make the
room feel instantly more restful, candle before you go to bed.’
To retain that ‘just washed’ smell in your bedlinen, linen water is a must To make your own linen water, mix 30ml vodka and 150ml distilled water and add 12-18 drops of your chosen essential oil Spray a little linen water over the sheets while ironing to infuse them with subtle fragrance
t a ble tomes a nd st ylish reads to put on you r w ish list for spring
AT H O M E W I T H C O U N T R Y
Christina Strutt (£30, Cico); out in March
The founder of the lovely fabric brand Cabbages & Roses shares the secrets of beautiful country style. Browse a stunning gallery of Classic Country, Modern City, Island Country and Outdoor Country images and decide your favourite look What brings the book to life is the selection of stunning real homes featured, with Christina’s expert insight into what makes the décor work so beautifully. Of one space, she says: ‘The attic rooms have a dreamy, enchanting quality that makes them a tranquil haven from the bustle and energy of the rest of the house ’ The secret? Watercolours and well-loved furniture, soft tones and pretty prints Just gorgeous
Ali Heath (£30, Mitchell Beazley); out in June Pre-order this book, then spend the summer artfully layering your home with vintage and new pieces Chapters such as Establishing Your Style and Adding the Magic are provide expert insight from one of our favourite interiors stylists
Leslie Banker (£35, Rizzoli); out in March
Interior designer Leslie shares her ideas for developing the story of your space, to give your home style, depth, character and its own unique look Find your style anchors and discover the essentials of living comfortably
G
Heidi Howcraft & Marianne
Majerus (£40, Mitchell Beazley); out in March
Discover your garden style
DNA with design tools, in-depth advice from landscape architect
Heidi and more than 650 images from award-winning photographer
Marianne With inspiration for any size and style of plot, from cottage garden to modern minimalist
A
E A R F U L L O F V E G Sarah Raven (£27, Bloomsbury); out in March
The renowned plantswoman moves from her cutting garden into the veg patch With Sarah’s tips on how to plant,
crops from January to December, including her favourite veg, salads and herbs, you will always have fresh ingredients for the kitchen
Holly Farrell (£14 99, Mitchell Beazley)
If you dream
cut and arrange, this is the primer
successful, sustainable growing, guiding you towards a productive plot full of pretty blooms, from seed-sown annuals to perennials
F O R T H E H O M E B O D I E S …
C R E AT E : H O M E S
(£20, Ryland Peters & Small); out in March
Sun-drenched recipes from Southern Italy, featuring favourite
vegetable recipes Gorgeous photography and tantalising stories of the region’s food, traditions and culture give a taste of this beautiful region
R E T R E AT S F O R T H E S O U L Sara Bird and Dan Duchars (£25, Ryland Peters & Small); out in April
Longtime Country Homes & Interiors contributors (they write, style and photograph many of our reader homes and decorating shoot features), Sara and Dan have curated an eclectic, escapist and thoroughly romantic collection of boltholes, hideaways, cabins and retreats The book begins with The Elements – including materials, paints, fabrics, furniture, lighting and heating – then steps inside The Retreats themselves The wholesome havens include waterside and wilderness escapes, as well as retreats a little closer to home to inspire you to create a sanctuary on your doorstep (or in your back garden) If you ever want to run away, make this your route guide
Z
Miki Sakamoto (£9 99, Scribe)
From walking barefoot in the grass to sipping tea and listening to the blackbirds, the author remembers her childhood in Japan and a lifetime contemplating and cultivating nature With questions such as, ‘Why do primulas bloom in snow?’ and ‘Do the trees really “talk” to one another?’ this is a mindful read that sparks curiosity
Danielle North (£14 99, Aster); out in May
Widely practised in Buddhism, walking meditation combines mindfulness with the physical experience of walking Follow in Danielle’s footsteps, with mood boosting, seasonal and sensory meditative strolls, with the aim of helping you
BETWEEN Skye McAlpine (£26, Bloomsbury); out in February
The renowned restaurateur now spends most of her time in Venice, cooking, writing, photographing and teaching workshops. This joyful new book of recipes celebrates life and love at the table
Amy Newsome (£27, Quadrille); out in May
A sticky celebration of honey, from buzz to bloom to plate Beekeeper and horticulturalist Amy Newsome collects recipes and stories that take us into the world of bees and their keepers, including 80 sweet and savoury recipes Delicious
F O R S L O W L I V I N G …
E N I N T H E G A R D E N
M E D I TAT I O N S
F O R T H E F O O D L O V E R S …
H O N E Y: R E C I P E S F R O M A B E E K E E P E R S K I T C H E N
A TA B L E F U L L O F L O V E : R E C I P E S T O C O M F O R T, S E D U C E , C E L E B R AT E & E V E R Y T H I N G ELSE IN
C U C I N A D I A M A L F I Ursula Ferrigno
You ca n add more to soup tha n croutons… Let lu nch stretch a lit tle fu r ther by addi ng a t a st y ex tra to a wa rmi ng bowl fu l. It’s the u lti mate com for t food
S E R V E S 4
Leek and potato soup is one of the most comforting soups I know. Add a simple cheese toastie on the
350g leeks, trimmed 50g butter
350g new potatoes or white potatoes
800ml vegetable stock 2tsp wholegrain mustard Salt and pepper
Vegetable oil, for fr ying Cheese toasties, to ser ve (optional)
1 Reserve about one-third of one of the leeks to make the fried leeks for the topping Slice the remaining leeks and rinse them well Place the leeks in a large saucepan with the butter and fry over a gentle heat until the leeks are soft
2 If you are using white potatoes, peel them and cut them into chunks and add to the saucepan If you are using new potatoes, simply halve them and place them in the saucepan with their skins on. Add the stock and mustard to the saucepan and simmer for about 25–30 minutes until the potatoes are soft. Season with salt and pepper.
3 Blend the soup in a blender or food processor until smooth, or use a stick blender. If you prefer a chunkier soup, blend half of the soup and leave half of it chunky to add texture.
4 the reserved leek into very thin strips Heat some vegetable oil in a small saucepan and fry the leeks until they are crispy Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with a little salt to season
5 Serve the soup in bowls, sprinkled with the crispy leeks. Serve with a cheese toastie on the side, if you like
S E R V E S 4
There are few things more comforting than a baked potato
addition of caramelised butter for a bit of luxury.
4 large baking potatoes 110g butter
1ltr chicken or vegetable stock
150ml sour cream
100g plus 2tbsp grated Cheddar
Olive oil, to drizzle
Salt and pepper
FOR THE SKINS
Potato skins, reser ved from the baked potatoes
Olive oil, to drizzle 30g grated Cheddar
1 Preheat the oven to 200C/Gas 6 Prick the potatoes with a fork, rub the skins with a little salt and bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour until the potatoes are soft when you insert a sharp knife into the centre Set aside until cool enough to handle without burning yourself.
2 In a saucepan, melt the butter over a gentle heat until it starts to lightly brown – the butter will smell nutty which is how you will know it is ready. Scoop out the potato from the skins (reserving the skins for the garnish) and add to the butter. Cook for a few minutes, then add the stock and simmer for 5–10 minutes Add the sour cream and grated cheese, then blitz the soup in a blender or food processor until smooth, or use a stick blender. Pour the soup back into the saucepan, season with salt and pepper to taste and keep warm.
3 For the potato skins, preheat the grill to high. Place the reserved skins on a baking sheet and drizzle with a little olive oil Sprinkle with the grated cheese and season with salt and pepper. Place under the hot grill and grill until the cheese has melted and the skins are crispy – this will take about 5 minutes, but watch them carefully as grills
4 Serve the soup in bowls with a drizzle of olive oil and the crispy potato skins broken up on top or served whole on the side
B R O C C O L I S O U P W I T H B LU E
C H E E S E & P I N E N U T C R O I S S A N T S
S E R V E S 4
Broccoli is one of the super vegetables that can really boost your immune system, so I make this soup when I am feeling under the weather.
1tbsp olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, finely sliced
1 head of broccoli (about 300g)
1ltr chicken or vegetable stock
Salt and pepper
4tbsp cream (optional)
FOR THE CROISSANTS
4 plain all-butter croissants
200g Gorgonzola dolce or other soft blue cheese
50g pine nuts
1 Heat the oil in a large saucepan over a gentle heat and fry the onion until soft Add the garlic and fry until lightly golden. Cut the broccoli into pan with the stock and simmer for 10–15 minutes until the broccoli is
2 Blitz the soup until smooth in a blender or food processor, or use a stick blender Return to the pan, season to taste and keep warm while you prepare the croissants
3 Preheat the oven to 180C/Gas 4 Toast the pine nuts in a dry frying pan over a gentle heat until they are lightly golden brown
4 Halve the croissants and place a slice or two of the cheese into each Sprinkle the toasted pine nuts, replace the top of each croissant and wrap in foil Bake in the oven for 5 minutes until the cheese starts to melt.
5 To serve, pour the soup into warm bowls, swirl in a spoonful of cream and add a sprinkling of pepper Serve with the warm croissants
S E R V E S 4
Beetroot makes one of the most amazing coloured soups apple and a kick of horseradish
450g fresh beetroot
2 onions
1-2tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper
100g new potatoes or white potatoes
1 cooking apple
Freshly squeezed juice of 2 oranges
1tbsp creamed horseradish sauce
800ml beef or vegetable stock
4tbsp cream (optional)
Rye toasts, topped with cream cheese and chives, to ser ve (optional)
1 Preheat the oven to 180C/Gas 4 Begin by peeling the beetroot and onions, then chop both the onions and beetroot into wedges and place in a roasting pan. Drizzle with a little olive oil and season with salt and pepper Roast in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes until the
the beetroot are cooked, remove them from the oven and set aside until the beetroot are ready. You can tell they are cooked when a sharp knife slides out easily
2 Place the roasted beetroot and onions in a large saucepan. If you are using new potatoes, cut them in half and place in the saucepan without removing the skins If you are using larger white potatoes, peel them and cut into pieces, then place in the saucepan Peel and core the apple, chop it into pieces and add to the saucepan Add
bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 20–30 minutes until the potatoes are soft.
3 Pour the soup into a blender or food processor and blitz until smooth, or use a stick blender Return to the saucepan and warm through again, then pour the soup into four bowls. Swirl a drizzle of cream over the top of each portion, if using Serve with rye toasts topped with cream cheese and chives, if you like.
Grow pot marigold (calendula) and make your own gardener’s skin balm. Sow the seeds in spring (it’s a great companion plant in the veg patch), then when the oil in a sterilised jar. Strain, return to a sterilised jar and and antibacterial, and may help heal cuts and eczema.*
Nav igate a cha nge in height ea sily w ith ca refu l ly considered ga rden steps that create a featu re of slopes a nd ter races
aced with a sloping plot, an outside space much lower or higher than your back door, or a change in level from house to patio, chances are that steps play a part in your garden ‘Steps can be a real feature,’ says designer Eliza Gray. ‘They can either lead the eye to a focal
‘Steps are a great way to pull you out into the garden, suggesting somewhere to explore,’ says designer Helen a deterrent if navigating them feels too onerous ’
G E T T H E E S S E N T I A L S R I G H T Indoors, stairs normally have treads (the surface you step on) and risers (the vertical part of the step) of about
our studio, we like a 150mm-high riser and a 400mm-deep tread for garden steps,’ says landscape architect Marcus Barnett ‘It’s more comfortable, and you don’t have to look at the stairs when you ’ re using them.’
If you have more than 11 steps in a row, you’ll also need a landing. ‘This is a safety feature, preventing falls down longer runs of steps, but from an aesthetic angle, it can create an unusual viewpoint of the garden in among the plants at eye level,’ says Eliza. ‘And it can be a fantastic design device, providing an opportunity for a change of direction in the garden.’
Adding a handrail to your steps is also something to consider ‘Where possible, steps should be designed so that they are safe without the need for handrails,’ says James Scott of The Garden Company ‘For example, consider having steps cut into a bank with low walls supporting planting borders, which can also be used as a handrail ’ Glass, which allows you to see through to planting, timber and metal are other handrail options
C H O O S E M AT E R I A L S W I T H C A R E
There is a myriad of material options for steps – from traditional brick and simple timber to precision-cut stone or metal-edged gravel James recommends taking your house as your guide. ‘It is vitally important to consider continuity from the house to the garden Each material needs to be carefully chosen to be sympathetic to the period of the house and its architecture ’
‘Think about practicalities,
slip-resistant in wet weather? Will the materials be porous, and therefore tend to get mouldy if laid in a shady area?’
U S E P L A N T I N G T O S O F T E N
‘Incorporating plants into crevices in your steps can give the sense that the steps have been there for years, ’ says James ‘Plants such as Erigeron karvinskianus and Thymus pseudolanuginosus can thrive in the tiniest spaces and cracks ’
Where steps lead up through borders and between terraces, you should also consider how the plants either side relate ‘Repetition in plant choices works well on steps. They’re all about rhythm, and working with that rather than feature,’ says Helen Marcus suggests plants such as Alchemilla mollis and lavenders: ‘They can cascade over the stairs and create informality And if you brush against the lavender, it will release its scent as you pass. ’
Illuminating your steps – be it with built-in spotlights, discreet strips that make the steps
practical purpose But it can also enhance the steps as a feature ‘You can make a relatively mundane element like steps absolutely stunning at night with lighting,’ says Marcus ‘It’s very interesting being inside your home and seeing a path disappear into the darkness ’
Some types of lighting need to be used and positioned with care. ‘It is important to consider the direction of the light,’ says Helen ‘Any light
you ’ re moving around if it falls into your view This is especially important on steps – you don’t
are also more likely to impact wildlife so need to be very carefully considered.’
If you have an existing set of steps, there are ways you can improve their appearance ‘Options might include power washing concrete or stone steps to remove dirt; resurfacing your
T O P R I G H T The bullnose edge on the steps in this garden designed by James Scott of The Garden Company has a softer, more traditional look that’s in keeping with the house. R I G H T Cameron Gardens has chosen to conceal the lighting within the steps in this modern city garden, for a softer effect
coat to enhance the overall appearance and blend the steps with other hardscaping materials used elsewhere in the garden,’ says James ‘Altering the planting around the steps can also be a simple way to
them more successfully with the rest of the garden scheme ’
A R C H I T E C T U R A L P L A N T S is based in Pulborough, West Sussex, and specialises in the shapely and exotic, including Japanese niwaki and European topiar y styles, architecturalplants.com
B I G P L A N T N U R S E R Y has been established for 20 years, growing hardy, rare and architectural plants from around the world, bigplantnurser y.co.uk
PA R A M O U N T P L A N T S is an online nurser y specialising in mature trees and shrubs for instant form and structure in the garden, paramountplants.co.uk
P R I M U L A Cultivated primulas come in a huge range of colours, but perhaps none as pretty as the pale a grassy bank to grow on W H I T E F O R S Y T H I A This snowy version of the usual yellow shrub has almond-scented blossom and looks beautiful trained against a wall STACHYURUS PRAECOX Yellow dangling earrings, bejewelling the bare branches of this small tree.
Kevin Martin, head gardener at Glyndebourne opera house in East Sussex, says February is the time to think about your planting scheme for the year ‘There will be lots of general seed sowing, as well as essential work to support the healthy growth of existing plants in the garden,’ he advises
(R O S E O F S H A R O N )
This hibiscus produces large trumpet-shaped flowers. The hardy perennial type we use here at Glyndebourne is much easier to care for than the tropical varieties and well worth tr ying at home in a sunny, sheltered spot.
2 HELIOTROPE ‘C H E R R Y
P I E ’ Sow hardy annuals first because by the time they are large enough to plant out, they’re not worried about frost This dark purple heliotrope brings vibrant colour and a beautiful scent to the garden in the summer. It’s also ver y popular with bees, which all gardens need.
3 HOSTA ‘B I G D A D DY ’
Splitting and dividing herbaceous plants such as hostas happens towards the end of February in our tropical Bourne Garden, but you can also start growing new plants – like this metre-wide hosta with grey-white flowers in early summer.
B L A C K B E R R I E S
These grow successfully in cool, shady conditions, as they are rarely affected by frost. Buy bare-root plants called stools, bur y them in the soil, spaced 1.5m apart, and water well. Soak the stools before planting.
P E P P E R S Peppers are best started in a greenhouse, but can withstand the cold under a propagator. Sow into pots or trays with moist seed compost. Before planting out, warm soil with polythene or cloches for two weeks. Space 38-45cm apart.
For an early crop, sow radish seeds into pre-warmed soil and protect with cloches. It’s best to plant radishes direct so you don’t risk damaging the roots. Sow 1cm deep into non-compacted soil and water regularly.
C L E A R bra mbles a nd iv y from under hedges a nd fences before they ta ke hold a nd over whelm your plot. Dig out the bra mble stump a nd clea r as ma ny roots as possible, as they regenerate from beneath the soil. Clea r iv y growing in the ground with a spade or fork a nd dispose of the cuttings away from the ga rden, so it doesn’t ta ke hold again.
S P L I T a nd divide herbaceous pla nts such as hostas, asters, daisies a nd phlox. Leave them to get too big a nd you ’ re at risk of the centre of it from the soil, split into sma ller sizes with a spade, then repla nt in the ground. W hatever is left over ca n be potted on, pla nted elsewhere, or given away.
Choose
F E A T U R E H E A T H E R M A R S H A L L P H O T O G R A P H A L A M Y S T O C K P H O T O
From badgers digging up lawns to pigeons in the vegetable patch and rabbits in the borders – while many of us enjoy the sight of wild animals and birds in our gardens, the destruction they can leave behind isn’t always so welcome.
But how to protect your plot without causing harm? Chemicals and traps aren’t the answer: ‘We encourage people to steer away from these as they’re often bad for the environment, and your garden as well as the things you don’t,’ says
How can I protect young trees and shrubs? Deer and rabbits can be particularly destructive can quickly strip a sapling bare, while gnawing rabbits make short work of bark Fencing individual trees is one option, as are tree guards, provided they’re biodegradable. If it’s a particular problem, you might want to go
You’ll also need to make the gates animal proof,’ For deer, your fence and gates will need to be at least two metres high so they can’t jump over, while for rabbits and muntjac deer that can dig, posts and then bury this in a trench below
What about my lawn?
‘Animals and birds can pull up lawns in search of soil creatures such as leatherjackets and
autumn can suppress these insect larvae, but they are costly, and the expense can probably many cases, it would be best to put up with the
damage and rake level, then re-seed or re-turf. Alternatively, go for meadow-type turf with
Flowers and, particularly, vegetables often come under attack from rabbits and pigeons ‘Ideally, you’d enclose a vulnerable vegetable garden in a “fruit” cage, but this can be costly,’
can also limit caterpillar damage – 60cm-high netting around beds supported by short posts
beds about a metre or so tall will also keep prized blooms well away from hungry rabbits
What’s eating my bulbs?
‘This could be mice or even squirrels looking for food,’ says Helen ‘Bury bulbs deep and place gravel in the bed above to help protect them wire, or plant them in the ground beneath netting. The netting in both cases can be removed in spring as the bulbs grow ’
T H E R H S ’S 50 WAYS TO OUTSMART A SQUIRREL & OTHER GARDEN PESTS by Simon Akeroyd (£12.99, Octopus) is filled with eco-friendly, useful ideas. G A R D E N I N G F O R W I L D L I F E course from Learning with Experts, from £45, will teach you how to encourage the wildlife you do want in your garden as well as discourage any you don’t.
Are there any animals I should encourage?
‘Hedgehogs and frogs are great allies for gardeners, eating slugs and snails,
lots of caterpillars and insects,’ says Helen
T he designer a nd st ylist sa ils, sw ims a nd sips w ine at su nset in Sa lcom be
A B O V E Abigail finds inspiration for her signature style in the textures and colours of the coast
