Dvfa

News & stories

Winter warmer Our pick of the latest interiors buys, slow-living ideas, sustainable product s, events and more Designer of the month Emma Deterding, the creative mind behind interiors range KDLoves

Paula Sutton On creating a welcoming festive mood with favourite decorations and a little Caribbean spice

Dream homes

One step at a time The revival of a 17th-century Yorkshire mill proceeded in careful stages, with striking results

All is calm Rustic texture and smooth wooden pieces lend themselves to this tranquil interior

Georgian revival Original features in a Bath townhouse form the perfect setting for décor with a modern twist

A light touch Cool neutrals and silver greys are warmed by dashes of brass and understated pattern

Celebration by the sea A bolthole cottage on the Devon coast is given a sprinkling of festive charm at Christmas Cottage Christmas Modern country style is epitomised by woven pieces and a blue and neutral colour scheme

On the waterfront This new build on the shores of a loch on the Isle of Skye is at one with the wild landscape

Northern light Leather, tartan and solid-wood furniture bring comfort and joy to a contemporary scheme

Design & decorate

Homespun Highlands Tactile fabrics, from plaid blankets to felted rugs, along with treasured heirlooms, bring serenity to timeworn interiors

A home to celebrate How to create welcoming, convivial spaces for fun festive gatherings

Rules for every room scheme

Designer Nina Campbell reveals her checklist for stylish interiors

Kitchen sink drama Let your sink, whether ceramic, marble or solid brass, be the star of your scheme

Easy entertaining Relaxed festive celebrations, laid on by the founders of lifestyle store Layered Lounge

Property & place

Country lifestyle

Ready for a long weekend? Charming hotels in rural settings, perfect for getting away from it all Smallholding life Clodagh McKenna looks back on the old year and contemplates the new A day in the country Discover how Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall likes to spend his time

Garden & grow

Into the woods Creating an enchanting woodland-style garden Snow white Exquisite snowdrops herald the new season Borders to feed the bees A garden

Sow grow show What to plant and do in the garden this month Fix up, look sharp How to keep your garden tools tip-top

Subscriptions

Subscribe and receive a free book and Emma Bridgewater mug

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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BEST ESCAPE HOME IS THE

ENTERTAINING at home is something I still get nervous about Growing up, we didn’t tend to have many people coming round for dinner or drinks, and while I love house parties, I’d rather be a guest than the person hosting Partly that’s practical – our house doesn’t have a large space for gathering, so it’s easier to invite small groups than a crowd The exception was the time we lived in an apartment with a big living room and threw a fantastic New Year’s Eve party for all our friends

It was a brilliant night but over time, I’ve learnt that intimate events are more my style – brunch, book group, drinks for six And when I’m feeling relaxed and at ease, everyone has a better time.

If you ’ re planning a celebration this month, we ’ ve ideas for all sorts of occasions, from Paula Sutton’s tips for joyful hosting (page 16) to Easy Entertaining inspiration from the founders of lifestyle brand Layered Lounge (page 90) We’ve spoken to

social spaces, including home bars and good-time kitchens – the hub of all the best parties And we have amazing sharing platters for feasting with friends (page 118) Have a wonderful New Year!

Contributors

P H I L I P PA

C R A D D O C K

is the renowned florist who created Harr y and Meghan’s wedding flowers For this issue, she shows how to create a stunning winter table centrepiece (page 114). ‘My hope for 2023 is to continue to support creatives in growing their businesses with positivity and hard work,’ she says

S O P H I E G A L E explores our Rural Hotspots and also wrote this month’s Career Shift (page 110) ‘For 2023, I hope for honesty not lies As John Keats said, “Beauty is truth, truth is beauty”.’

TA R A K I N G was previously on staff and continues to contribute News & Stories (page 11) now she is a freelance writer and mum ‘My wish is health and happiness – and time to decorate our new home ’

Winter warmer

Make a toast to the season with the most festive drink of all – mulled wine. Simmer a bottle of red wine, 1 sliced orange, 1 cinnamon stick, 2 star anise, 4 cloves and 4tbsp caster sugar in a large pan for around 10 minutes. Allow to cool so the ingredients can infuse, then warm again before serving. Hollwell mugs, £18 for two; Drinks Anyone? tray, £24, all Garden Trading

DESIGNER OF THE MONTH

Emma Deterding

A successfu l ca reer led E m ma to lau nch K DLoves , a beauti fu l range of furniture and homeware

WHow did KDLoves come about?

Emma is renowned for using bold colour and pattern to create vibrant pieces

What makes your style unique?

Tell us about your showrooms .

You have a new collection, Artisan – what inspired it?

Find out more at kdloves.com

F L A G T H I S

Artist and designer Georgia Bosson has joined with Neptune to create Flags, a collection of cushions from £65, made from fabric offcuts destined for landfill. Often called ‘flags’ in the retail trade, Georgia has used these scraps as both material and inspiration for the range, forming designs reminiscent of sails and maritime flags. The collection includes four quilts, from £1,750, named after the seasons. ‘The quilts are all hand stitched which marks a shift in direction for me, away from digital embroider y, ’ Georgia explains. Exclusively available at georgiabosson.co.uk

Pass thesalt

Whether on your kitchen worksurface or pride of place on your dining room table, you can now store your salt in style thanks to a unique collaboration between two British powerhouse brands: Henry Holland Studio and Cornish Sea Salt. Handcrafted from recycled clay, the limited-edition ceramic salt pig, £75, and matching pinch pot, £35, feature wave-like curves and earthy tones inspired by the Cornish coastline. Available to buy at henryhollandstudio.com. Discover the mineral-rich seasoning at cornishseasalt.com

G O W I L D

There’s nothing like a cold-water swim to beat the Januar y blues, but what to wear afterwards? Dr y robes may be all the rage, but we ’ re all about the new Wylding suit, £160. Waterproof and thermal lined, it’s guaranteed to keep you toasty, while the relaxed fit is super comfortable and effortlessly stylish Choose from three cool colourways: moss green, midnight black and marine blue; wylding.co.uk

P U R E & S I M P L E

Introducing The Pure Edit, a new sustainable home furnishing brand committed to stylish, laid-back living. Collections are characterised by sustainable materials, organic patterns and seasonal shades – and, importantly, designed to last. Among the range are recycled cotton curtains and cushions, FSC-certified wallpapers printed with water-based ink, and foam-free furniture constructed from sustainable timber and coconut coir, thepureedit.com

Fabric, from £19m; paint, from £39 for 2.5ltr; curtains, from £95, all The Pure Edit

The Happiness Year (£12 .9 9, Quad r i l le) by Ta ra Wa rd is

sea son . From breath i ng exercises a nd med it ations to cra f t s

S U S T A I N A B L E S W A P

Cleaning sponges can take years to degrade, but these natural cellulose and loofah sustainable scourer sponges are fully biodegradable. Wash to freshen, and when you ’ re done, pop in the compost bin – packaging and all £11 99 for a pack of six; composty.earth

ONE FOR THE DIARY…

V E LV E T G O E S E C O

Lovers of maximalist interiors will be delighted to learn that Divine Savages – renowned for bold, luxe designs – has launched 100 per cent recycled velvet, from £110m. Find the fabric across many of the brand’s popular products, including its handmade-to-order lampshades; divinesavages.com

UNTIL 5 M ARCH 2023 Coi ncid i ng w ith the of Lucia n Freud ’ s bi r th , T he Ga rden Museu m , L ondon , is cu r rently hosti ng Pla nt Por t ra it s , the a nd etch i ngs , a s wel l a s d raw i ngs from Freud ’ s ch i ld hood , i nsight i nto h is work . Ticket s cost £14 for a n adu lt , £ 8 for ch i ld ren (u nder si xes go free), ga rden museu m .org.u k

T H I S I M A G E Jungle Faunacation, £110m L E F T Forbidden Bloom Blush lampshade, from £325: both recycled velvet, Divine Savages

PAU L A SUTTON The joyful home

Igrew up in a household where any excuse was a good excuse for a party My Caribbean-born parents were natural hosts, welcoming friends, neighbours and strangers from all walks of life into their home to mark every occasion, from birth to life, love to loss They were from a generation where a cocktail in the hand was merely a temporary prelude for having two more waiting beside you in the bush, and where every ‘stranger’ was simply a friend you hadn’t met yet!

love of hosting people, and creating a welcoming atmosphere that starts and fun music. Music is an integral part of creating a jolly mood as soon as anyone steps over the threshold at Hill House I defy anyone not to tap a foot when presented with the dulcet tones of Ella Fitzgerald and her gravelly-voiced companion, Louis Armstrong, with a cheeky bit of Eartha Kitt thrown in

My home is styled to uplift the senses and for guests to feel relaxed

and vintage, with an air of eclecticism that can more than handle an accidentally tipped glass of wine

Like the best weddings, all good parties should include a mix of ages, characters and viewpoints, plus a few

your back into and settle down to listen to a good anecdote There are side tables galore to rest your drink

Candles will be lit to scent the rooms and stimulate the senses – festive

spices at the end of the year; summer roses, orange blossom and citronella at others.

I am a table linen addict, so for me, half the pleasure in entertaining is getting out my collection and creating as many dramatic tablescapes as possible Whether it be an

somewhere magical, and that they are being romanced by the environment – as well as the company!

No one wants to see their hosts too stressed to enjoy the festivities, so I usually prepare most things in advance It’s the linens, the plates, the music You don’t have to go overboard, but every occasion can be thoughtfully styled. No sandwich is left languishing sadly on a paper plate on my watch – even the most modest of meals deserves a a mismatched bone china plate and a linen napkin As my parents believed, every occasion is a memory in the making, so make the moment fun as well as beautiful!

‘The welcoming atmosphere starts with the offering of a good cocktail’

Ou r colu m nist welcomes the festive sea son w ith Ca ribbea n spice a nd favou rite decorations

Grow &

T I M E W E L L SPE N T…

Award-winning design team Bridget Elworthy and Henrietta Courtauld, aka The Land Gardeners, founded their studio to research plant and soil health through growing. Now they are sharing their knowledge in two new courses, hosted by the online Create Academy. A Year of Cut Flowers (£127 for lifetime access) and How to Heal Your Soil (£79 for lifetime access). Watch the courses at your own pace, on any device, at createacademy.com

FO LLOW da ily reminders a nd idea s on how to ma ke sust a ina ble choices LI S TE N T he Ted Radio Hou r Podca st is ba sed centred on a com mon theme – such a s the con nections. E MB R ACE slow fa shion clothing reworked into a bout the item you wa nt you r item is reworked

reconsidered.co.u

Firesidestories

brick has a tale to tell… Source reclaimed stone at authentic-reclamation co uk and stoneuk com

aura Stubbs’ husband’s response was crystal clear when she told him that she had spotted a downtrodden mill house on Rightmove Until this point, the couple had been serial renovators and, with Mark the MD of the family construction business and Laura an interior designer, it wasn’t unfeasible for them to drag a tired building into the modern age. ‘But Mark wasn’t keen; he thought it could take 10 years to turn the mill into a liveable home,’ recalls Laura ‘The problem was I had fallen in love with it and I think Mark had secretly too. I wore him down in the end,’ she laughs.

Even the purchase was far from easy Owned by three siblings and still going through probate, the property was priced high and on the market for a long time ‘So many people have said to me, “Oh, we viewed your house” Everybody viewed this house. In the end we decided that

recoup the extra by doing the building work at cost.’

The mill house dates back to the 17th century and had sat empty for six years Laura describes it as ‘ a jumble of old lean-tos and a leaky barn It was damp – the underlay was completely soaked when we lifted the carpets,’ she adds

‘We had some incredible plans drawn up that involved serious construction work and moving utilities, but the costs were unrealistic,’ explains Laura ‘We’d pushed to our limit to buy the house and it was going to take years to do up, so we decided to take a phased approach Phase one was to make it liveable and get us in while we saved for phase two But in everything we ’ ve done, we ’ ve had to take into account what we need for phase three.’

It was an ambitious project for a couple with a toddler and second child on the way but the result is a beautiful, tailor-made home What was once a single-storey barn is now two storeys, housing a spacious living room with bedrooms above The interior of the original house has

integrate the new additions. ‘A lot of the existing structure was sound, but we still had to underpin the whole lot,’ explains Laura. ‘The barn was single skin brick with no foundations – we couldn’t just add a storey on top. We also had to take the front third of the

barns down and rebuild to strengthen them using the same bricks ’

The couple have reused materials and honoured the existing structure where possible They have used stone excavated during the underpinning to create features such as the living

as much of the character as possible,’ adds Laura ‘If we had rebuilt to those original plans in one go, we would have ended up with an open-plan box What we have now is a bit more higgledy-piggledy but I like having separate rooms and I love that we ’ ve kept that original feel.’

Style-wise, Laura has seen her approach change over the run of the project ‘Early on it had a Victorian edge but through that project that’s evolved into a softer, country feel.’

When it comes to Christmas, every room gets decorated ‘I always want a real tree,’ says Laura ‘I love a real tree in the bedroom too which has become a bit of a naughty treat.’ Laura forages for foliage in the village and the surrounding countryside. She knows where the best dried out thistle heads will be and when the bushes will be

holds regular wreath-making events in the run up to Christmas. Some of the decorations stay up long past Christmas ‘We’re not the kind of people who could live in a sleek modern house with nothing on the counters,’ she laughs. ‘We’ve got two

put in the hall for Christmas, chances are it might still be there in spring,

A T H O M E W I T H

O W N E R S Interior Designer Laura Stubbs of Epitome Styling, epitomestyling.co.uk, and husband Mark, a construction company MD They have two children, Charlotte, eight, and Jack, five.

H O U S E A mill house with 17th-centur y barns renovated into a five-bedroom home

DINING AREA Laura and Mark made the dining table using old cast-iron sewing machine table legs topped with a piece of elm from a timber yard. Chairs, Kartell. Ceiling lights, Tropez lamp by Globen, Nordic Nest

‘

T his home is specia l because we rebu ilt it from scratch, so it’s had ou r blood, sweat a nd tea rs. Ever y item in the house is a decision we ’ ve made together; it’s a l l persona l to us ’

KITCHEN The kitchen was moved to the front of the house and made open-plan to the dining area Omega countr y oak kitchen units painted in Cashmere, MKM Worktops, Silestone Stools, Zara Home

LIVING AREA Part of the latest addition to the house, the space makes the perfect day room, with a casual corner sofa, and leads to the small utility separated from the open living space

SIT TING ROOM This cabinet came from Coach House (trade only). The sitting room walls are painted in Toasted Almond from Crown Paints Curtains were from iLiv Lamp base, Homesense

MASTER BEDROOM

Conversion of the barns has created room in the eaves for a generous bedroom with space to relax For similar armchairs, tr y Loaf Nkuku has similar pendant lights

BATHROOM The vanity unit is an old hall table painted in Graphite by Annie Sloan. Wall and floor tiles, Topps Tiles. Lighting, Graham and Green. Mirrors, The Range

BEDROOM The striking headboard is one of the original barn doors Walls painted in Hague Blue, Farrow & Ball Crates as side tables, Sue Ryder Mustard cushions, Dunelm

L A U R A ’ 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 ‘Collecting thistle heads and berr y-covered branches from the fields and hedgerows to turn into Christmas decorations. This is such a quiet corner of the world, with beautiful views across the Dales. Quiet village life is just lovely.’

S H O P AT … ‘Little Wold Vineyard is wonderful, not just for the local wine but also for its great events including floristr y and wreath-making.’

G O F O R A M E A L AT ‘We are lucky to be near some good village pubs including The Fox and Coney, and The Triton Inn, both in Brough. The Michelin-starred Star at Sancton is a favourite for special occasions.’

GARDEN The garden room was built re-using a lot of materials and leftovers from the site For similar garden chairs, tr y Garden Trading

G A R D E N A garden room offers an extra place for entertaining in summer, but lighting the firepit makes it attractive all year round For a similar firepit, try Cox & Cox

F E A T U R E S A R A B I R D P H O T O G R A P H S D A N D U C H A R S , B O T H T H E C O N T E N T E D N E S T

and Mark chose warm wood and natural textures for a soothing scheme

KITCHEN ‘This spot with its view over the garden was the perfect place for a window seat.’ Walls in Kensington Rose, by Mylands Cabinets and ladder, Blakes London Four wick candle, Heloise O’Hagan

A T H O M E W I T H

O W N E R S Laura Butler-Madden lives here with her husband Patrick and their daughter, Lily, three The couple have interior design and property renovation businesses; laurabutlermadden.com

H O U S E A four-bedroom townhouse with three bathrooms in Bath.

KITCHEN ‘Banquette seating is a great use of space, ’ says Laura Banquette covered in Velvet from Designers Guild. Art bespoke commission by Kristin Gaudio Endsley Dining table, by

Laura Butler-Madden with Trunk Floor

BUTLER’S PANTRY This used to be a ground floor bathroom. The loo was kept and the rest of the space is now utilised as an extension of the kitchen Carnival wallpaper, Christopher Farr. Flowers, FlOWERBX

‘We have a lways loved G eorgia n st yle a nd this house wa s the d rea m – stu n ning a rchitectu re, com bined w ith a layout that cou ld work rea l ly wel l for ou r fa mily’

HALL The beautiful staircase didn’t need restoring but was enhanced with a banana leaf wallpaper and cool paint colours Door painted in Threadneedle by Mylands Wallpaper, Maison Pierre Frey Bud vases, Dress for Dinner

MAIN BEDROOM ‘I love that my fiddle leaf fig does so well here,’ says Laura. Walls in Hoxton Grey, Mylands Flooring, Trunk Floor Bedhead and bedside table, The Sofa & Chair Company Shell light, Edition 64

DAUGHTER’S ROOM ‘Scandi design was the inspiration here and the bed and storage pieces were central to planning the room, ’ says Laura Bed, canopy, bedside table, chest and shelves, all Cam Cam Copenhagen at Scandiborn

MAIN BATHROOM

Laura and Patrick’s elegant and calm scheme embraces fresh neutrals

E X T E R I O R The cottage is painted a classic coastal white, while the entrance is framed with festive foliage from Katharine’s Oxfordshire garden For the door, tr y James intelligent exterior eggshell, Little Greene

D I N I N G R O O M

An heirloom tablecloth and foliage centrepiece makes Christmas lunch cosy and informal Bespoke table, Humphrey Munson Chairs, Vincent Sheppard Shoal 388 pendant, Scabetti

there’s an area where they can take

A T H O M E W I T H

O W N E R Katharine Pooley (katharine pooley.com) is an interior designer based in London. She spends weekends and holidays here with her husband Dan, two young sons and three dogs H O U S E A four-bedroom cottage in a North Devon village by the sea.

K I T C H E N Katharine designed a high-spec space, incorporating plenty of storage to avoid clutter. Cabinetr y in Grey Oak, Humphrey Munson Limestone flooring, Town and Countr y Walls lights, Hector Finch

E

K

‘It wa s impor t a nt to me that we renovated the cot t a ge sy mpathetica l ly. We used loca l stone a nd materia ls , a nd loca l tradespeople wherever possible’

S T U DY Doubling as an extra sleeping space with sofabed, the office continues the coastal theme. Emma chair, The Dining Chair Company Rug, Colbourns Lamps, Pooky Walls in Skimming Stone, Farrow & Ball

H A L LWAY A garland of fresh eucalyptus and fir, studded with ceramic starfish and pine cones, adorns the staircase Katharine found the table in the States Chair and cushion, Oka Lamp, Fermoie Carpet, Crucial Trading

M A I N B E D R O O M Neutral shades of sand and white make this a calming place to retreat to Bed, Ben Whistler Armchair, Katharine Pooley Lamps, Vaughan Lamp shades in Christopher Farr fabric

T H E C O A S T Beautiful Saunton Sands in North Devon is a spectacular spot for long walks and surfing It is near the pretty seaside village of Croyde and is a short jaunt from Katharine’s cottage

’

K A T H A R I N E

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 ‘I love the slow pace and community feel of this village. And because our house is near the church, ever y Sunday I can hear the bells.’

FAV O U R I T E V I E W … ‘From the house we can walk over the hill and look down onto magnificent Saunton Sands And on a clear day, right across to Lundy Island.’

S H O P AT … ‘Lee Meadow (leemeadowcamping.co.uk/ farm-shop) for local produce, such as North Devon sausages

G O F O R A M E A L AT ‘Cosy 16th-centur y pub The Manor House Inn (themanorcroyde.co.uk) ser ves Sunday lunch.’

B AT H R O O M After a swim in the sea, this is room is ver y welcoming. For Christmas, Katharine has added a foliage arrangement. Bath, West One bathrooms Tiles, Fired Earth Bath tidy, The White Company

O N T H E W A T E R F R O N T

Marcella FitzGerald and Ian Grant’s self-build home on the

Isle of Skye enjoys the best of both worlds – close to a bustling community, but with views over the sea and Cuillin Mountains

E X T E R I O R The Scottish larch and white harling cladding, corrugated steel roof and polyester-coated aluminium window frames were chosen to be hard wearing and low maintenance on this exposed site

O W N E R S Marcella FitzGerald, an artisan baker and Ian Grant, Principal at Kindelan/ Grant Architects

H O U S E A two-bedroom self-build, designed by Ian.

A T H O M E W I T H

K I T C H E N/D I N I N G A R E A

The feature wall in the kitchen defines the cooking zone Wall painted in Gooseberr y Fool 2, Dulux Ercol dining room suite, from a charity shop

L I V I N G A R E A Expansive glazing makes the view of the loch the star of the show here.

Leather armchairs, rugs, pendant lamp, John Lewis & Partners Sofa, Sofology Cushions, Home in the Highlands

E N T R A N C E

A mural of the rural Catterline landscape on the North East coast of Scotland, by Scottish artist Joan Eardley, introduces colour to the home’s neutral background as you walk in

‘ T he house is a moder n t w ist on the design of traditiona l H igh la nd longhouses a nd responds to the u niq ue la ndscape a nd cu ltu ra l herit a ge of the M inginish Peninsu la on the Isle of Skye’

B E D R O O M Along with its en-suite bathroom it has a view over the water, framed by narrower wall height window pods

B E D R O O M The vertical windows are housed in a triangular oriel window pod that faces east and glows with sunlight in the early mornings

B AT H R O O M The high ceilinged white tiled en-suite bathroom is lit by an east facing vertical window Bath, Victoria Plum Wall tiles, Tiles Direct Wall hung sink, RAK

M A R C E L L A A N D I A 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 ‘The sounds we can hear in the house. We may hear the rain on the roof, the wind, or just the lapping of the waves on the shore. There is the peep-peep of oystercatcher calls or the whistling of sandpipers, or the low chirruping of curlews along the shore.’

FAV O U R I T E V I E W ‘We love to get up on a winter morning and watch the dawn break over the Red Cuillins. This window is like a lantern on the world.’

S H O P AT ‘The community-owned Carbost Shop is handy for a wide range of good quality groceries and fresh veg. It’s great for a chat too, and the friendly staff always put a smile on your face by the time you walk out ’

G O F O R A M E A L AT ‘Café Cuil in Satran, perfect brunch menu with local ingredients (tr y the Beef Brisket Rarebit!).’

E X T E R I O R Landscaping around the house has been kept natural and low maintenance with some fruit trees and a herb garden in the south facing and sheltered space outside the kitchen door

Behindthe curtain

Keeping draughts out and the heat in, curtains are a must for winter window dressing. For optimal cosiness, choose a triple-layered design with a thermal layer sandwiched in the middle. Or add an extra drape that can be left up in the summer, when you take the heavier curtain down. Curtain in Bramble fabric, £94m, Morris & Co Plain weave linen, £44m, Volga Linen

HOMESPUN HIGHLANDS

Bring hea r t wa r ming com for t to w inter interiors w ith wool bla n ket s , t actile q u i lt s a nd ha nd made pieces i n spi red by Scot tish bothies a nd r u ra l retreat s

floorboa

H O M E LY N O O K

The bench is antique. For similar, tr y Urban Chic storage bench, £479, A Place for Ever ything Wycombe dining chair, £450, Neptune, is similar Cushions, from a selection at Tori Murphy, GP&J Baker, Molly Mahon and Rowen & Wren. Sheepskin rug, £395, Toast Rug, from a selection, French Connection

H E A R T H S I D E R E T R E AT

Bespoke armchair with checked fabric cover, to order, I Gigi Cornstooks wallpaper in Cloud, £68 a roll, Blithfield For a galvanised fireside bucket, from £8.99, tr y East2Eden. Abercrombie lamp, £245, Jim Lawrence. Similar cushion, Woodland Fable, £35, John Lewis & Partners Jannu Radhi rug, from £413, Stitch by Stitch

Is there a ny thing more appea ling tha n to toa st the toes? Wa r m w inter time

rds w ith a thick felted r ug

Celebrate the cra fted a nd the recla imed; pieces that revea l the ha nds of the ma ker a nd the ma rks of time. We trea su re items when we feel their emotiona l con nection

R E C L A I M T H E PA S T Find reclaimed tiles at Bert & May Armitage Shanks heavy-duty Belfast sink, £307.95, Heat & Plumb, is similar

R U S T I C G AT H E R I N G Longworth raw-oak dining chairs, £154 each, Garden Trading. Coltishall copper verdigris light, £99 99, Vintage Electrical, is similar Bowls, from a selection at Leach Potter y, David Mellor and Maud & Mabel

Delightfu l ly pat ter ned th rows not on ly prov ide layers for chil ly evenings , but a re per fect for introducing a softer, homespu n feel to cou ntr y interiors

S L E E P I N G S N U G

Cabin bed built from reclaimed wood, Lassco Reclaimed wood stool, from a selection, Ines Cole Kick light in Antique Verdigris, £180, Jamb. Bedlinen, from a selection at Volga Linen and Caravane Blanket, Caravane Quilt, from a selection, Stitch by Stitch

I N T

H E W E

AV E Blankets, from a selection at Damson & Slate, Larusi, The Future Kept, Rowen & Wren, Selvedge, Liberty and Caravane

FIVE FOUNDATIONS OF

A HOME TO CELEBRATE

Show guest s a good time w ith a home set up for ea sy enter t a ining. Here’s how to create fu n spaces for ever y occa sion

C O N S I D E R Y O U R L I G H T I N G

Think about the lighting in a restaurant or bar and you can see how important it is to creating an entertaining atmosphere ‘With the right lighting, you can create an inviting setting which casts your home – and your guests – in the best possible light,’ explains Jo Plant, head of design at Pooky ‘When entertaining, you should avoid overly bright, direct lighting and include plenty of warm, low-level light from a range of

table lamps.’ Consider colour-changing LEDs or bespoke lighting that can turn your entertaining space from an upbeat party space to an intimate

Dining table and chairs, William Yeoward. Chandelier, Vaughan Designs

C R E A T E A N I N D O O R - O U T D O O R F L O W

There is nothing better than hosting guests outdoors and transforming your garden into the ultimate entertaining space Establishing

The kitchen is usually the main connecting point to your garden, so if alfresco entertaining is your thing, then it may be worth investing in

patio doors for easy access Also think about the layout of the kitchen to ensure an uninterrupted route to your outdoor space

‘Creating an indoor-outdoor space will mean that dinner parties can extend into the garden, with all the essentials to hand in the kitchen,’ says kitchen design director Tom Howley

E S T A B L I S H E A T I N G A N D D I N I N G Z O N E S

From a designated dining room to an open-plan kitchen, having multiple eating zones will create inviting areas for parties or dinners

A kitchen island is one of the most popular

hub for entertaining Kitchen design director Tom Howley states, ‘I love my island – it’s a really

sociable part of the kitchen where people can gather and chat. It has plenty of workspace for prepping and a hob for cooking, and because it’s centrally positioned, I can face my guests when prepping dinner If you have the space, seating around the island means people can gather around and enjoy pre-dinner tasters.’

For similar cabinetr y, tr y the Chichester kitchen, Neptune Find vintage pub signs at 1stDibs

S E T U P A H O M E B A R

Whether you have a beautiful bar cart in a living room, a small bar tucked into an alcove, or a wine fridge in the kitchen (try caple co uk), a home bar will create a space to keep drinks and glassware It can also elevate your entertaining space with a celebratory atmosphere

‘A well-stocked bar cart is invaluable when

entertaining, as it not only cuts the formality but allows guests to feel free to help themselves to their own drinks,’ says Lucy Mayers, decorator at Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler.

If you prefer not to drink, or brunch is more

entertaining space, better than the local café

Eve

E N S U R E Y O U H AV E P L E N T Y O F S E A T I N G

When creating an entertaining space, having plenty of seating will ensure that your guests feel comfortable, cosy and relaxed in your home. The room layout will also help to create a more inviting and sociable environment

In a living room, positioning sofas and armchairs so they face one another will

establish a more engaging, intimate space In a kitchen, a banquette by a table or a window seat will create additional, comfortable areas for guests to perch.

Other options, such as daybeds, ottomans and

seating when required.

Rug, La Redoute Table, Uneeka For a similar pouffe,

Loaf

THINGS DESIGNER S KNOW

RULES FOR EVERY ROOM SCHEME

Designer Nina Ca mpbel l t a l ks us th rough the relia ble st yle for mu la s that u nder pi n ever y st ylish i nter ior, from

Interior designers have a series of rules and tips that help to guide their decor schemes Here, Nina Campbell shares her insight on how to create a harmonious and characterful space that’s brimming with personality

F I G U R E O U T YO U R F L O O R P L A N ‘Start by working out the central point of the room; this will guide the placement of large pieces of furniture This is a fairly easy task in do not have those, then look at the room as a

act as the room ’ s central point Next, factor in the practical elements – where are the windows and could you place furniture in front of them?’

U S E PAT T E R N T O A D D P E R S O N A L I T Y ‘Look at patterns together – mix a large-scale print with a more intricate design, possibly adding a neutral stripe or check as well, then

you are considering a more outrageous pattern but are a little nervous, try using it on one chair or across some cushions while keeping the rest

to introduce pattern is to take one design and use it to blanket the whole room, with the exception of a couple of plain colours ’

A S S E S S T H E L I G H T E N T E R I N G T H E R O O M

you dress a room – not only in the amount of natural light a room receives but also its warmth For example, a south-facing room will receive

lots of warm light, while a north-facing room will have a colder edge The type of light will inform which colours you use in the space. For a south-facing room, there is something lovely about sunny yellows – they complement the

is to embrace this. Rather than battling to make the space feel lighter and brighter, opt for luxurious, warm materials and deep, rich colours to create a cocooning atmosphere ’

C O U N T YO U R A C C E S S O R I E S

‘The key is to group items in uneven numbers For example, you might put three vases – one medium, one small, one tall – all together. Or

depending on the position and combination. On a sofa, cushions are usually best in threes – two large with a smaller one in front ’

P R I O R I T I S E YO U R S P E N D I N G

purchase things that are going to last Your sofa and your bed need to be really comfortable and are worth spending money on You can save on areas such as blinds that are easier to change ’

Discover more at shop ninacampbell com

L E S S O N S I N S T Y L E

Good upholster y, a well-chosen fabric pattern and a floorplan centred around the fireplace are some of Nina’s style rules

F E A T U R E H O L L Y R E A N E Y P H O T O G R A P H F U T U R E C O N T E N T H U B C O M

M E T A L

As the centrepiece of a hardworking wet zone, the sink should be good looking and in keeping with your kitchen design, but it also needs to be practical, durable and easy to keep clean Stainless steel has long been a material of choice for its hygienic properties, resistance to stains, rust

on the market; copper and brass sinks can be used to make a design statement ‘Solid brass is actually a very traditional material to use for a sink,’ says Helen Parker, creative director of deVOL Kitchens ‘It’s a showstopper, but also a really practical and natural product that will age gently and beautifully over time ’

Polished

sink, from £800, Silestone, cosentino.com

I N T E G R A T E D

‘With the trend for open-plan living, aesthetics have never been more important, as the sink is now often on show within a kitchen-living space, ’ says Laura Davie, marketing manager at Cosentino UK ‘Once considered a practical purchase, sinks are becoming more of a design statement ’ Integrated sinks, such as Integrity by Silestone, are created

joint-free look that integrates smoothly into the worktop A quartz surface has hygienic properties and resistance to scratches, staining and heat damage It is available in

M A R B L E

‘Marble is one of the most coveted materials around the world and renowned for its excellence and durability,’ says Mike Manders, managing director of Lusso Stone. It is, however, more porous than some other natural stones or their lookalike synthetic materials, so it is more likely to stain and scratch and require ongoing maintenance Make

marble your choice if you admire its natural qualities and enjoy its developing patina of age, as its look will evolve over time. ‘You are guaranteed timelessness and complete individuality, as every piece of marble

subject to each block,’ adds Mike

Louis Carrara Belfast marble 800 sink, £995, Lusso Stone, lussostone com

Subline 700-U sink in Silgranit Black, £754, Blanco, blanco.co.uk

C O M P O S I T E

Composite sinks are typically engineered from quartz sand mixed with acrylic resin to produce a hardwearing, non-porous material available in a host of colours. It means you can choose a sink shade to match, complement or contrast with your kitchen worktop, depending on your design taste Hardwearing and stain resistant, composite

sinks combine style with functionality Ian Sanders, composite Silgranit sink ‘is durable and stain-, scratch-, acid- and heat-resistant, and the food-safe, easy-care surface is quick and easy to clean.’ Some composite sinks feature anti-bacterial surface protection, too

Boiling water and all-in-1 taps

A 3-in-1 tap dispenses hot, cold and instant boiling water from one spout, removing the need for a separate kettle

A 4-in-1 tap usually delivers hot, cold, boiling and chilled filtered – so no need to buy plastic bottles of water.

A 5-in-1 tap will typically dispense hot, cold, boiling, chilled filtered and sparkling water, making it a top of the range choice

There are other variations, such as dedicated boiling water taps and those that dispense boiling and filtered cold from one spout.

Leading manufacturers include Caple (caple.co.uk), Quooker (quooker.co.uk), Abode (abodedesigns co uk), Zip (zipwater.co.uk) and Franke (franke.com).

C E R A M I C

smooth, impervious surfaces, which resist heat, stains and impact. They also have a classic style that’s well suited archetypes of the traditional kitchen sink,’ explains

Fireclay is extra dense and hard, giving these sinks a particular durability which is one of the key reasons that – 125 years on – Shaws of Darwen is still crafting its traditional sinks in Darwen, Lancashire

Fluted Bowland fireclay sink, £836, Shaws of Darwen, shawsofdarwen com

Easy entertaining

SUZY HUMPHREYS and husband Paul launched their online lifestyle store, Layered Lounge, inspired by their search for good-quality pieces in natural materials and a neutral palette with which to decorate their home At Christmas and New Year, it’s time for easy, laid-back

celebrations ‘We appreciate the value of

light and airy feel of modern country and coastal design, our collection has been curated to help turn your house into a haven ’ Here, she takes us through her simple style tips for entertaining

T O P T A B L E

‘Creating a celebratory table is such a key part of the festive season I like to start with a foundation of white linen and ceramic Christmas trees in various sizes Arrange them down the centre

brass candlesticks and cutlery; it adds an element of relaxed luxury ’

Dining table, £1,900; White Friso tableware, from £9; Matt Champagne cutler y, £160 for a 16 piece set; linen napkins, £24 for two; table runner, £38; ceramic trees, from £15; faux fir garland, £32; White tea light holders, £20 set of three; pinecone decoration, £34 for six

P E R S O N A L T O U C H

‘For a relaxed setting, I like to fold a coloured napkin on a stack of plates,

left over from wrapping presents A personalised decoration adds a a lovely gift for guests to take home ’

White Friso tableware, from £9; Moss Green linen napkins, £24 for two; Matt Champagne cutlery, £160 for a 16 piece set; Antique White linen table runner, £38; ceramic trees, from £15; faux fir garland, £32; White ceramic tea light holders, £20 set of three; White ceramic pinecone decoration, £34 for six

C H R I S T M A S S P I R I T

festive drinks with a herb or fruit garnish For gin and tonics, try a delicious dried orange or a sprig of fresh rosemary – don’t rely on pre-cut herbs, they never last. You could also add herb sprigs or dried orange circles to presents or weave into garlands and wreaths to add a lovely seasonal scent ’

Brass cocktail shaker, £55; Brass cocktail strainer, £25; Lima gin glass, £36 for two; Cinco cocktail glass, £36 for two

S E A S O N A L S H E L F I E

dressing the kitchen for Christmas and New Year, as it’s usually where everyone ends up at a party. Create a seasonal setup using brass lanterns, ceramic houses and reindeer to bring fun and festive cheer A wooden tapas board makes for a wonderfully useful gift, particularly when paired with a selection of cheeses and olives from the local delicatessen. ’

Medium Brass lantern, £60; ceramic reindeers, £46 set of three; ceramic houses, from £18

F E T

food and sharing platters, laid out on bowls, boards and plates you ’ ve collected over the years – the more eclectic, the better! Lay everything out so guests can revisit the spread throughout the party; pre-wrap cutlery in colour-coordinated napkins and prop them up in large jugs Fill party buckets with ice and bottles of champagne.’

Lima champagne flute, £33 for two; Lima gin glass, £36 for two; footed shell bowl, £18; pizza board, £49; short glass carafe, £28

P A R T Y K I T C H E N

‘Get as much cooking done as you can before guests arrive, then set up a food and drinks station at the kitchen table or island so friends and family can help themselves Serving in the kitchen makes it easier to top drinks up throughout the party, and clean down afterwards, too ’

Stoneware baking dish with cork tray, £60; glass preser ving jars, from £12; marble chopping board, £45; Brass effect candlesticks, £44 for two; alpaca throw, £160; reclaimed wooden stool, £55; Christmas tree decorations, from £12

B O U N T I F U L B U F

Put festive decorations on shelves and above the cooker, where they can be seen but won’t get in the way of preparing and ser ving drinks and nibbles

‘ T his yea r I pla n on hav ing a “ w reath wa l l ” which

I w il l create by swapping pictu res for w reaths a nd fa ir y light s. It w il l be the festive backd rop for photos whenever people come over ’

Hang twinkling fair y light nets on hedges and trees for a magical display come twilight Sprinkle the ground with fake snow for an extra festive touch

‘Hav ing a n outdoor a rea gives people a place to congregate a nd chat at a pa r t y. A nd it’s somewhere for people to go for some fresh a ir i f a day on the

B E A T T H E B I G F R E E Z E

‘Utilising the outdoors is ideal when you have a house full of guests We gather some of the garden furniture near the kitchen door and set up

throws and cushions to keep chills at bay, and tuck hot water bottles and hand warmers between the layers for extra warmth.’

Brass effect square lanterns, from £50; pyramid lantern, from £48; cocktail shaker, £55; copper cups, £30 for two; fringe cushion covers, from £55; striped cushion, £54; alpaca throw, £160

W I N T E R W A R M E R

‘A warming winter punch or hot chocolate is a festive staple at our house, served in our copper mugs They’re ideal for outdoors as they retain heat wonderfully and won’t smash if dropped. Wrapping dyed napkins around them with ribbon makes them easier to hold, and looks stylish, too!’

Copper cups, £30 for two; waffle throw, £135; Brass cocktail shaker, £55; Brass cocktail strainer, £25

G A R D E N G R O T T O

‘Create a cosy outdoor snug by dressing up a shed, or if you ’ re planning a pitstop on a winter walk, a campervan! Set up a help-yourself tray laden with pre-prepared drinks and refreshments served on gorgeous

Nigel Slater’s Glögg, a Norwegian mulled wine, ready to serve ’

Copper mugs, £32 for two; Copper cups, £30 for two; Brass cocktail shaker, £55; Brass ice bucket, £60; cut glass tumblers, £9.50 each; walnut wooden board, £31

FOR RURAL DWELLERS & DREAMERS

the market

Looking for a home that will hold its value – and has the potential for you to increase its price even more? Then go for a corner plot. Research from estate agent price comparison site GetAgent.co.uk has found houses on a corner attract prices 38 per cent above average. They have more space and light, potential to extend while retaining outdoor space, and more on-street parking.

Let’s move to Chepstow

A muddy, bustling bend in the R iver Wye, where the pa st is never fa r from the su r face a nd there a re no ‘ fla bby fish ’

Standing on Chepstow’s elegant old Wye Bridge, it is technically possible to be in two places at once – one foot in Wales, one in England But it is the views that really transcend. The Wye is Britain’s second-highest tidal river, producing dramatic scenes, even when the waters have been sucked right out and only a silty, sludgy picture remains, with the ruins of Chepstow Castle looking down. No wonder the town is credited as ‘the birthplace of tourism’ – such scenes became fashionable in the 1770s with artists arriving in canopied boats as part of the ‘Wye Tour’ But it’s not all parasols and paintbrushes The Monmouthshire town was once a centre of shipbuilding, with cargoes of millstones, timber, copper, oak bark and wine all passing through The town centre today is a mix of Georgian and modern, cobbled streets and sprawl, with glimmers of past glory, such as the mediaeval

I N T H E E S TAT E A G E N T ’S W I N D O W

A stone sculpture in the town centre extols Chepstow’s salmon as worth their weight in gold

Rev E Davies’ poem Well, people have been

A R I V E R R U N S

T H R O U G H I T

The River Wye is central to the histor y and charm of Chepstow

Severn Bridge toll was dropped ‘There was

Kerpner, of Fine and Country. ‘People want clean air and countryside Here we have Brecons on the doorstep.’ Prices have been climbing –four-bed detached properties get snapped up for £600,000; it’s even more for an Arts & Crafts house by local architect Eric Francis

B A R S, B A Z A A R S, A N D R E S TAU R A N T S

Although Chepstow’s iconic, turreted department store Herbert Lewis sadly closed its doors recently, after 140 years of trading, the good news is that there are new shops set to open in the same setting. In addition, a handful of independents are still going strong –Chepstow Bookshop, Hannah’s Music Shop, Silk Road Bazaar – amongst arguably an overpreponderance of chains Michelin stars twinkle at Abergavenny and Monmouth; local restaurants stay more down-to-earth, including Stone Rock Pizza, family-run Italian Panevino, and tapas bar Tell Me Wine

C O U N T R Y L I F E & C U LT U R E

Harking back to past times of cider production, community orchards are being revived ‘It’s not

we ’ re getting there!’ During January, apple trees are celebrated in traditional wassails in hope of good blossom Other plum sights include Chepstow Museum and St Mary’s Priory.

S C H O O L S

The town is well-serviced for educating its youngest residents On the western bank of the River Wye, there are four primary schools –The Dell, Pembroke, Thornwell and St Mary’s Roman Catholic. Secondary Chepstow School, is in the town centre Across the river, Tutshill has a C of E Primary and the independent Dean Close St John’s, while nearby Sedbury

G E T A R O U N D

Take your pick of accessible cities – Bristol

closer to 45 mins to get to London takes about two and a half hours by car, or typically the

trains from Chepstow run west to Maesteg, or northeastwards to Birmingham, via Cheltenham

I N T H E A R E A

Love walking and the races? You’re in the right place Chepstow Racecourse is famous for its Welsh Coral Grand National steeplechase. Take a victory lap right around Wales – the Wales riverfront. Make time for Tintern Abbey too.

B R I D G I N G T H E D I V I D E B R I TA I N’S B E S T B O R D E R L O C AT I O N S

There are numerous attractive settlements along the Scottish borders.

Eyemouth, in Berwickshire, has tiny, coloured sail boats and stacks of lobster pots, only an hour or so to Edinburgh Where the Tweed and Teviot rivers meet is Kelso,

Breathtakingly beautiful Rostrevor (above) in County Down, Northern Ireland, is overlooked by the Mourne Mountains. CS Lewis claimed Rostrevor as looking like Narnia , yet you can be in Dublin in an hour and a half

At the northern tip of Wales, on the River Dee in Denbighshire, is the lovely town of Llangollen. It’s a magical mix of wharf-side warehouses and Gothic mansions.

D R E A M H O M E S

TO THE MANOR

Manor View is a delightful, modern detached family home with four double bedrooms, landscaped gardens to front and rear and a double garage The setting is the small village of St Ar vans, which is a couple of miles (five minutes drive) from Chepstow town, all for £675,000

HEARTH AND HEATH

In a hamlet in the Forest of Dean, Beverston is a beautiful updated four-bedroom home, not far from Tutshill yet also close to Tidenham Chase heathland It has just over an acre of grounds, and far-reaching views to the river It’s fresh and light inside and is on sale, for £1,100,000

BEAUTIFUL BRIDES

About 14 minutes from Chepstow is the beautiful and largely deserted village of St Brides Netherwent where Salisbur y Hill Farm, a five-bedroom farmhouse for £1,350,000, is found The plot includes almost seven acres of land, tennis courts and paddock – plenty of space to embrace countr y life

Building a pond

No mat ter how big or sma l l, lea r ning how to bu ild a pond a nd adding one to you r ga rden w il l prove inva lua ble for w ild li fe

When considering changes to make adding a pond is a must Every

H O W T O B U I L D

creating a container pond. Lined pond

Preformed

WATER FEATURE

From container ponds to cascades and large ponds, there’s room for water in ever y plot

Container pond R U L E S A N D R E G U L AT I O N S

H O W D E E P S H O U L D I T B E ?

Habitats Trusts ‘Most garden ponds are too

POND LIFE Even a formal pond should allow for wildlife to thrive, with shallow areas that allow animals to escape from the water

S A F E T Y F I R S T

H O W T O F I L L

K E E P I N G T H E WAT E R C L E A N

The second method is to increase the amount D O P O N D S N E E D A P U M P ?

WATER COLOUR

Frame your pond with plants that will absorb nutrients from the soil before they reach the pond, where they can feed algae

C E B O O

this can invite disease or or consent to move

S O U R

K A L L P O N D S O L U T I O N S , allpondsolutions.co.uk W O R L D O F WAT E R , worldofwater com F R E S H WAT E R H A B I TAT S, freshwaterhabitats org uk

E A T U R E H O L L Y R E A N E Y P H O T O G R A P H S G E T T Y ; L E I G H C L A P P L I A M C L A R K E ;

N D R E A J O N E S A N D S C O T T I S H S C U L P T U R E P A R K . C O M

R E M O V I N G A P O N D

While nothing beats wild habitats or natural green spaces, planners are increasingly factoring wildlife provision into the design of homes.

Homes for wildlife 41%

In Brighton & Hove, planning laws require that new properties include special bee bricks and swift bird boxes within structural walls.

Sue Young, head of land use planning at The Wildlife Trusts, believes that nature should be ‘at the heart’ of our planning system to create healthy spaces for people and wildlife ‘Bird boxes, swift and bee bricks, green roofs and wilder areas should all be considered during the design process, ’ she says. When building an extension or renovating your home, there are lots of ways to introduce space for nature

B E E S

More than 240 species of British bees are solitary and, along with other pollinators, are responsible for a third of the food we eat Installing a bee brick with narrow cavities into your wall in place of a standard brick provides an opportunity for solitary bees, such as red mason and leafcutter bees, to nest These bees don’t have a queen, can’t make honey and won’t sting! Bee bricks don’t require maintenance and the B Corp Green & Blue (greenandblue co uk) makes them using waste aggregate from a China clay quarry in St Austell

B I R D S

Bird boxes come in all sorts of shapes and sizes: big ones for owls, tall ones for woodpeckers, and terraced ones for communal nesters such as house sparrows Swifts migrate from Africa but their numbers dramatically declined by more than 50 per cent between 1995 and 2016 The size of a standard breeze block, swift blocks can be built high up into a suitable shady wall to provide the ideal nesting area with a small entrance Green & Blue’s SwiftLoft is designed

on a property. Water and food for birds is also really important throughout the year so consider adding a stylish bird bath to your garden design. Try the RSPB, shopping rspb org uk

Network’s latest State of Nature report

B AT S

Bat blocks are designed with a small entrance to deter predators while providing roosting sites for crevice-dwelling bats. To encourage maternity roosts in summertime, position the bat block on a south- or west-facing wall Winter hibernation roosts need to be north-facing. Bats are highly protected so bat blocks must not be interfered with once installed – droppings will naturally fall out of the slit Blocks should be at least 4m above ground level, near feeding vegetation such as hedgerows. See bats.org.uk for more info.

B U G S

A shocking 41 per cent of insects face extinction but your patio or garden can be a vital haven Stag beetles spend years underground as larvae so bury rotting wood in a bucket to make the

nooks for pollinators and pest predators such as ladybirds to shelter or breed Choose a sunny spot that’s sheltered from the rain. Alternatively, download designer Lawrence Parent’s recipe for ‘living blocks’ using vegetable waste and concrete Visit lawrenceparent com/living-blocks

H E D G E H O G S

S O U R C E B O O K

E X P L O R E The UK’s first benchmark for green infrastructure helps secure nature’s benefits through planning, design and high quality development: buildingwithnature.org.uk

There are thought to be fewer than a million hedgehogs left in the UK. Encourage your neighbours to cut 13cm square holes in your garden fence to allow them to travel Hedgehogs love nesting among logs and leaf litter, or invest in a purpose-built hedgehog home Make sure the tunnel entrance faces south, keep the opening clear, and cover the house with soil and dead leaves

D O W N L O A D Free Wild About Gardens guides with info from the Wildlife Trusts and Royal Horticultural Society: wildaboutgardens org uk

For urban rewilding inspiration, explore the resources at rewildmystreet.org

B U Y ever ything from bird boxes and bug hotels to hedgehog homes; visit wildlifeworld co uk

Environmental journalist Anna Turns is author of Go Toxic Free: Easy and Sustainable Ways to Reduce Chemical Pollution (Michael O’Mara Books, £14 99)

Ou r eco ex per t , A n na Tu r ns , investigates ways to ma ke space for natu re w ithin the a rchitectu re of you r home

of UK species have declined since the 1970s, according to the National Biodiversity

Hiring a househunter

H O W L O N G W I L L I T TA K E F O R YO U T O F I N D A H O M E F O R A C L I E N T ? H O W M U C H D O E S A H O U S E H U N T E R C O S T ? A N Y T I P S F O R P E O P L E H O U S E H U N T I N G ?

Wrapstars

Spend a mindful afternoon learning the Japanese art of furoshiki – fabric gift wrapping – and make gift paper waste a thing of the past. FabRap has handy how-to tutorials to follow on its website. Tip: choose a piece of fabric with a diagonal length three times the longest length of the object you are wrapping. Ruby &

ponchos

Julie Leonard’s handmade wool ponchos aren’t just made to be enjoyed in the moment; these are modern fashion heirlooms, designed to be passed down through the generations Created from her small studio – one whitewashed room of an old Welsh chapel,

remaining of its kind The geometric pattern of the double cloth is known as Welsh tapestry, or Caernarfon, which Welsh blankets are traditionally made from ‘They function a bit like a magic carpet I sometimes think,’ says Julie ‘When people come to my shop, the ponchos often bring out the storyteller in them, whisking them back to childhood memories I do think of them as a but out being worn and imbued with life.’

including an artist friend who stays warm in one while

mountain in New Zealand ‘They are worn for morning

a winter swim They are the ultimate comfort blanket ’ learned to sew, knit and crochet from her grandmother, earth work ethos – ‘they ran the grocer ’ s, the butcher’s and the newsagents where I grew up ’ – steered Julie towards

E F T Julie loves nothing more than spending her time in the studio and being creative while listening to the radio

A B O V E Julie wearing one of her cosy ponchos while walking locally on The Bluff

L

house Suddenly I knew I needed to get back to my Welsh though for four years she continued commuting to London – earning the nickname ‘The Welsh Girl’ from colleagues her eye – it was the same fabric her grandmother had take a tour of old Welsh mills. ‘They are something to behold,’ she says ‘Noisy, oily, old school, characterful ’ had made the cape herself – a good ice breaker. The mill of colours. She called it Maisie, after her mum. Sadly, four

Colour and tone are key with Julie’s designs Inspiration comes from the local landscape. ‘I take slates, charcoals, indigos and blues as a starting point, from the changing seasons and weather ’ While the patterns hark back to Welsh heritage, the unique colour combinations, few ponchos were made at the kitchen table Realising she could not make two ponchos from the fabric width, Julie began to design additional products to make full use of the Welsh shawl, alongside cushions and bags.

‘We buried her in her Maisie poncho.’

‘I a lways say, i f you have a pa ssion, do not let fea r get in the way. Believe in it , a nd you ca n do it’

from them we get the expression ‘ on tenter hooks’ – with some imperfections ‘I like that, though; it shows the handmade quality, which is quirky and beautiful ’

Sundays in my studio are hard to beat, listening to the

closed, windows open, pootling…’

To visit Julie’s studio at St John’s Chapel, Hay-on-Wye, call 07788 674660. See thewelshgirl.com; Instagram. com/thewelshgirl.hay; facebook.com/thewelshgirl

Escape to the country

We meet three more creatives car ving their niche away from the limelight.

A N N A W H E E L E R, C O T S W O L D K N I T Anna studied textiles and surface design, then found work experience at fashion house Missoni in Italy. The company loved her complex stitches, which were hard for the high street to copy. Back home from 2002, she freelanced for TopShop, M&S, Alexander McQueen, and worked full time with Whistles. A countr y girl at heart, after 12 years in London, Anna moved to Banbur y, Oxfordshire, where she now makes quilts and accessories in intricate knitted jacquard patterns. cotswoldknit.co.uk Instagram @cotswold knit

L E I G H M O N TA G U E , M O N T Y & C O

Leigh took an art foundation course at Winchester School of Art, then a fashion and business degree in Brighton She spent 13 years as a senior designer for M&S. After becoming a mum in 2014, Leigh began making dungarees and workwear jackets for her son, using strong natural woven fabrics, made in Britain. She launched her workwear label Monty & Co in December 2016. A couple of years later, she moved to Stroud in Gloucestershire. montyandco.com @montyandco

A N N A V OJ T I S E K , A N N A V OJ T I S E K L A M P S H A D E S

Anna trained at Farnham College of Art, where she was taught the whole process of how cloth is constructed, right back to dyeing the yarn After graduating, she worked for Georgina Von Eztdorf on her scarf collections. Later, she became an assistant for Neisha Crosland in London, designing wallpaper patterns, upholster y and rugs

Originally from Devon, after 12 years Anna decided to return to her roots. She now makes lampshades using ‘washi lokta’ paper from Nepal and vegetablebased inks, and finds people increasingly want more individualised products. annavojtisek.com @annavojtisek

A B O V E Julie on the steps of her studio in Wales, where she relocated and started her poncho business

L E F T The looms at Melin Teifi where the fabric for Julie’s ponchos is made using traditional techniques F

A delicate balance

F lorist Philippa Craddock shows how to ma ke this beauti fu l w inter centrepiece to decorate you r t a ble or ma ntel, bringing beaut y to you r home when a l l is cold a nd q uiet out side

Philippa Craddock has launched a new monthly membership. Sign up now, and find more guides and online masterclasses, plus details of her fortnightly newsletter, at philippacraddock com

M A K I N G Y O U R C E N T R E P I E C E …

U S I N G A K E N Z A N ‘Place the Kenzan inside your compote bowl, and add water The Kenzan pin holder will

whichever position you choose As you add the stems to the vase, hold them almost like a pencil, with your hand towards the end of the and helps to stop the stem from B A S E S H A P E ‘Select two initial stems of the Kenzan Small branches (as framework, which helps you to position the next stems, to create a

FOCAL STEMS

these include hellebores, followed by the ranunculus. Add these stems

FILLER STEMS ‘The next step is to add texture and depth to the display.’

FINAL STEMS the lip of the vase is interrupted, with the line of the vase, the vase and the rather than two individual components. Select naturally display, both the narcissus and

T H E D E T A I L S … COLOURS ‘I love winter

the ranunculus and hellebores works beautifully in the predominantly

TEXTURE & CONTRAST ‘The

and the miniature catkin columns, works particularly well ’ CARE TIPS indoors for several days With the bowl, it will need to be topped up with water once per day ’

Sharing economy

I ncredi ble look i ng but deceptively si mple to prepa re, sha ri ng plat ters a re the u lti mate fea st for friends – a nd there’s one for ever y occa sion

Fruits de mer platter

Overnight oats tray

EACH MAKES 1 JAR

1 pre-cooked lobster (approx. 600–800g)

800g precooked mussels

800g precooked crevettes or jumbo prawns/shrimp

8 precooked langoustines

6 oysters

1 dressed crab

12 whelks in shells 90g samphire

1 lemon, cut into wedges

Tabasco sauce or spicy tomato dipping sauce Sliced baguette, to ser ve

A I O L I

125ml mayonnaise

1 garlic clove

1tsp Dijon mustard

1tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice

S P I C Y T O M AT O

D I P P I N G S AU C E

M A K E S 200M L

3 small ripe tomatoes

½ garlic clove

½tbsp cider vinegar

1tbsp olive oil

1tbsp tequila blanco ½tsp Tabasco sauce

1tsp tomato purée

generous pinch of salt

RED BERRY OATS

50g rolled oats

125 ml whole milk

1tbsp chia seeds

2tbsp natural/plain Greek yogurt

2tbsp runny honey

F O R T H E T O P P I N G S

65g fresh berries, such as raspberries, blueberries and/ or hulled strawberries

3tbsp natural Greek yogurt

1tbsp sunflower seeds 1tbsp runny honey

A few sprigs of fresh mint MATCHA COCONUT OATS

50g rolled oats 125ml coconut milk 1tbsp chia seeds

1 2 P R E S E N TAT I O N

1

2tbsp agave syrup

1tsp matcha powder

F O R T H E T O P P I N G S

2tbsp toasted coconut shavings

A pinch of matcha green tea powder

TURMERIC CHAI OATS

50g rolled oats 125ml whole milk

1tbsp chia seeds

2tbsp natural Greek yogurt 2tbsp runny honey ¼tsp ground turmeric

F O R T H E T O P P I N G S 1tbsp pistachio kernels

A pinch of dried rose petals (optional)

OV E R N I G H T OAT S T R AY

Ploughman’s platter

SERVES 4–6

1 Cumberland ring sausage, cooked

200g mature Cheddar

200g Stilton

1 large pork pie (or 2 smaller ones)

100g rustic pâté

200g smoked ham, thickly sliced

A small rustic loaf, eg multi-seed sourdough loaf

1 pear, sliced

2 small tart eating apples

1 buffalo tomato, sliced

3tbsp English mustard

100g piccalilli

100g Branston pickle

3tbsp caramelized onion chutney

3 soft-boiled eggs, peeled and halved

A handful of radishes

50g cornichons

50g pickled onions

A few leafy celer y stalks

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

to ser ve

Snow day fondue

SERVES 6–8

500g baby new potatoes

12 asparagus spears

2tbsp butter

2 pears

1 sourdough loaf, cut into 4cm cubes

285g jar cornichons and baby pickled onions, drained

2 figs, halved

1 stick celer y, cut into 4cm pieces

1 small garlic clove, crushed

A pinch of grated nutmeg

300g grated Gouda or Emmental

30g grated Gruyère or Comté

100g Cambozola, Taleggio or Dolcelatte, cut into chunks

2tbsp brandy

F O N D U E

400ml white wine

1tbsp cornflour, plus extra if needed 1 2 3 4 PRESENTATION 1

Ready for a long weekend?

L O N G U E V I L L E M A N O R, St Saviour, Jersey

This manor-house hotel sits in landscaped gardens with a lake and specimen trees, and a fountain setting the scene as you enter through a stone archway. Interiors blend contemporary style with history, with beams thought to have come from the Spanish Armada in one bedroom, and an 18th-century French four-poster in another The rooms come with REN toiletries and scented candles, while a suite at the foot of the tower has a separate lounge, a stone bath and walk-in shower, as well as direct access to the gardens and outdoor pool Dine in the Oak Room, its original panels augmented by broken-up carved oak chests, or in the airier Garden Room, choosing wines from an exceptional cellar. Produce from the kitchen garden is used in dishes such as wild halibut with wakame seaweed, pickled Jersey shiitake, miso and Jersey Royals. Doubles, including breakfast, from £225, longuevillemanor.com

Ma k ing travel pla ns for the yea r a head? I f you ’ re look ing for a st ylish weekend away, put these picks in you r dia r y now

Set within the historic Netherwood Estate, Pensons is possibly Britain’s smallest Michelin-starred restaurant-with-rooms. There are just two compact guest rooms, added in 2021 Styled in azurites and sea greens, each has a super-comfy bed and a walk-through bathroom behind a statement headboard Fabrics are made on the estate’s mill, local artists’ works hang on bedroom walls, and furniture is made by the estate joiner In the beamed barn, walls display items unearthed on the estate, including Jacobean smoking pipes and a mammoth set of bellows from the farm forge The estate-to-plate tasting menu is exquisite Dishes artichoke and sourdough, followed by John Dory with crab butter sauce Double rooms, including dinner and breakfast, from £485, pensons.co.uk

P E N S O N S, T E N B U R Y W E L L S, Herefordshire

Dunvegan, Highland

In the north of Skye, overlooking Loch Dunvegan, this former crofter’s house is the setting for a celebrated restaurant-with-rooms It has a cool Scandi-Scots style that doesn’t detract either from the food or the views over loch and sea to the mountains of Harris and North Uist In the

walls, and tweed-covered chairs, are the backdrop for dinners that showcase local produce, such as scorched

with nettle sauce Across the courtyard, spacious rooms, in restful shades of white, grey and sea blue, have stunning views. Most are split-level between bedroom and sitting area Guests are greeted with tea and homemade cakes, Doubles, including breakfast, from £365; threechimneys.co.uk

T H E T H R E E C H I M N E Y S A N D T H E H O U S E O V E R-B Y,

T H E B E L L AT S K E N F R I T H, Skenfrith, Monmouthshire

Huddled below wooded hills, beside a stone bridge over the River Monnow, this whitewashed former 17th-century coaching inn is delightfully at ease in the landscape. And that’s the same feeling guests experience when they step inside this dog-friendly country inn. Smart and fresh interiors are a blend of original beams and exposed

polished rustic tables and spindle-back chairs. Eat in the dining room, or on the terrace, and enjoy locally sourced food, such as Wye valley carpaccio followed by Brecon beef with wild mushroom and peppercorn sauce, with Welsh cheeses for afters Bedrooms are furnished in soft colours, pretty fabrics and a mix of vintage and modern pieces Larger rooms have freestanding baths; all have views over garden, river or hills. Doubles, including breakfast, from £175; thebellatskenfrith.co.uk

The Good Hotel Guide 46th Edition is available now, £19 80, goodhotelguide com

F E A T U R E A N D R É A C H I L D S

Gild thelily

A favourite of the late Queen Elizabeth II and expected to be featured in King Charles’s coronation bouquet, lily of the valley is set to surge in popularity this year –especially among brides, according to Bloom & Wild. You can plant them out now, with leaves appearing in for just a few weeks in May. Buy at rhsplants co uk

I N T O T H E W O O D S

In late winter, this glade by Garden Design Company has carpets of Cyclamen coum under the trees for seasonal colour

ew natural habitats capture the imagination quite as much as woodland does. Abundant with birdsong and full of possibilities down every winding path, it’s little wonder many of us seek to recreate the feeling of being among the trees in our own gardens.

As well as an enchanting atmosphere, a canopy of trees – even just one or two – can help you create a sense of seclusion ‘We want to feel enveloped and cocooned,’ says designer Andrew Staib of Glorious Gardens ‘After a day staring at screens, lush and relaxed is what we are after.’

With hotter summers and wilder winters, woodland planting in part or all of your garden is also a wise choice. ‘Trees reduce noise and pollution levels, create shade and cooler temperatures, and provide a degree of protection from strong winds and rain,’ says Katarzyna Rzepinska, botanical horticulturist at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

S C O P E O U T YO U R S I T E

or starting from scratch, soil and shade are the two most suggest considering the following four conditions: full shade, partial shade, well-drained soil and moist soil,’ says the team at specialist shade plant nursery Moore & Moore Plants. ‘Once you can determine which you have in your garden, you can choose the plants The most challenging condition in the woodland garden is full shade with well-drained soil, which will need to be improved ’

C

R

E AT E YO U R S T R U C T U R E

place to begin when planning, but they’re not the only thing you’ll need to consider ‘Structures are important too In winter, mosses and lichens create interest, so you should

a tree stump, or a pile of logs in the shade,’ suggests Sue Mabberley, owner of Nant y Bedd, a garden in the Brecon Beacons Similarly, James Scott, principal designer at The Garden Company, suggests making use of the materials that are already there: ‘Re-use surplus logs as stepping stones or as curved log walls.’

W E L C O M E I N WAT E R

Adding water to your

the canopy above, provide a damp habitat for shade and moisture-loving plants, such as hostas, and enhance the

tranquil atmosphere. ‘It’s important that your water source is shallow, ideally with gradual and textured edges, so that any wildlife that climbs in can get out safely,’ says James Scott. ‘If you don’t have the space or resources to add a pond, then a running water feature or even a bird bath can bring added interest to the space ’

P

L A N T F O R A L L S E A S O N S

Most agree that woodland gardens are at their the shade of the tree canopy ‘Choose favourites such as native bluebells and primroses, carpets of wood sorrel, ferns unfurling, ground cover of wild strawberries, and sweet cicely bursting into life,’ says Sue Mabberley.

‘Later on you can have geraniums for shade – Geranium phaeum and G sylvaticum – and evergreens for structure, including ferns, Tiarellas and Saxifraga,’ recommends Julie Moore, owner of Penlan Perennials nursery. ‘You can then add bulbs like Erythronium and Arisaema if you want a more exotic look ’

‘When choosing plants, test the acidity of the soil, as some woodland plants will only grow successfully in soil with a higher acidity pH of 4 5 to 6,’ says David Glass, head gardener at Bowood in Wiltshire ‘However, you can always include acid-loving rhododendrons and azaleas in pots containing ericaceous compost ’

C O N S I D E R S M A L L E R S PA C E S

You can still capture the essence of a woodland garden in a small area. ‘Imagine a weeping birch tree, a couple of evergreen shrubs and a carpet of ferns with bluebells and snowdrops,’ says designer Andrew Staib The key is to avoid too much going on ‘Keep your palette simple and plant in swathes to mimic a woodland setting,’ says designer Jasmine Burgess at Preston Bissett Nurseries.

L O W-M A I N T E N A N C E O P T I O N

In comparison to other styles, a woodland

T O P R I G H T This corner of a larger garden by James Scott of The Garden Company has an Acer palmatum maple shading a wildlife-friendly pond R I G H T In this sheltered area of Dyffr yn Fernant garden in Pembrokeshire, a water feature, potted acers and mossy boulders create a Japanese-style haven

asks for relatively little once established. A bit of upkeep, mainly in the winter months, is all that’s needed ‘It’s important to manage light levels by judicious pruning,’ says Richard Squires, head gardener at Antony Woodland Garden in Cornwall ‘A glade in dappled shade can soon become very dark with shrubs reaching up for the light if not managed. Undergrowth also needs to be cut or strimmed at least annually, so the specimen plants don’t get swamped ’

R I G H T In this scheme by Garden Design Company, drifts of Iris ‘Flight of Butterflies’ thrive under Salix tortuosa

A B O V E Zantedeschia aethiopica can brighten up shady woodland areas and are generally hardy if given a winter mulch

GALANTHUS ‘AT K I N S I I’ is an early-flowering snowdrop cultivar with tall stems and dramatically pointed flowers

hey may be small and seemingly simple plants, but snowdrops (Galanthus) are capable of creating

the darkest of winter days suggesting all in the garden is not asleep, or the spectacle of a carpet of snowdrops, as magical as a fresh dusting of the real thing. And with so many variations

‘doubles’ with several layers of petals), sizes, colours, fragrances and the green or yellow markings on the petals – it’s no surprise that snowdrops inspire collector’s fever.

Snowdrops are best planted ‘in the green ’ This is when they’re still growing, rather than when they’re dormant, which means, unlike most bulbs, now is the season to purchase as well as enjoy them. ‘Always plant snowdrops where they will be shaded in the summer, ideally under trees or next to shrubs whose roots will dry out the soil, providing the period of rest over the following months that the snowdrops need,’ advises Chris Ireland-Jones from specialist nursery Avon Bulbs ‘In the spring, the bulbs will also need a reasonable amount of light and lots of moisture You should then avoid cutting back the snowdrops’ foliage until it has withered away in June.’

If you are blessed with abundant blooms, you can divide and replant snowdrops in March or April Carefully lift a clump of bulbs with the roots intact, using a garden fork Divide them and replant immediately. The foliage may wilt

recover, ready for next winter’s display.

AV O N B U L B S A family-run nurser y in Somerset which produces a wide array of unusual ‘collector’s’ snowdrops, avonbulbs.co.uk

C A M B O G A R D E N S This garden near St Andrews in Fife holds a national collection of snowdrops and sells them ‘in the green ’ , cambogardens.org.uk

E D U L I S N U R S E R Y Based in Berkshire, this specialist nurser y supplies many of the more interesting snowdrop cultivars, edulis.co.uk

S N O W D R O P S U P P L I E R S

1 G. ‘V I R I D A P I C E ’ has long spathes (extension of the stem above the flower) and dabs of green on inner and outer petals

2 G. ‘S TA R L I N G ’ has flowers that look out rather than down, making it easier to appreciate the mass of green-tipped petals inside

B O R D E R S T O

F E E D T H E B E E S

Bring li fe to you r beds a nd prov ide much-needed nou rish ment for bees w ith this fra gra nt pla n by ga rden ex per t Nik k i Hol lier

Most bees are snuggled up in their hives during the cold months, but a few, along with other insects, will still go foraging for food and

Flowering bulbs, such as snowdrops and crocuses, are loved by bees and are great for this costs more than buying bare bulbs, it does

ERANTHIS HYEMALIS shady spaces, especially in a woodland garden leaves happily naturalise under Hamamelis

HAMAMELIS X INTERMEDIA ‘PA L L I D A’ shade in moist but well-drained neutral to acid CLEMATIS CIRRHOSA ‘J I N G L E B E L L S ’ around 5m tall and 2m wide, and is perfect for full sun but is equally happy in partial shade

HELLEBORUS NIGER ‘C H R I S T M A S C A R O L’ to choose from, but my personal favourite is Nikki Hollier is a previous winner of Country Homes & Interiors My Country Business Awards and founder of Border in a Box; borderinabox com

SARCOCOCCA HOOKERIANA VA R. DIGYNA ‘P U R P L E S T E M’ and prefers part or full shade in moist, but

BACK OF BORDER

FRONT OF BORDER

Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Pallida’

Helleborus niger ‘Christmas Carol’

Clematis cirrhosa ‘Jingle Bells’ Sarcococca hookeriana var. digyna ‘Purple Stem’

Eranthis hyemalis

S O W G R O W S H O W

bInloom

W I T C H H A Z E L (Shown) Shaggy

yellow petals light up bare branches and send spectacular scent into the winter air. Likes sun or part shade and needs only minimal pruning

G I A N T F E N N E L don’t appear until spring, but frothy fronds bring vibrant greenery to the garden now Grows best in full sun and well-drained soil

S W E E T B O X This evergreen quietly shows its glossy green leaves for the majority of the year, before getting a glow-up in winter, when fragrant

3 O F T H E B E S T FLOWERS TO SOW

PLANT CARE

The grounds of Glyndebourne opera house in Sussex are renowned for their beautiful gardens Kevin Martin, Glyndebourne’s head gardener and in-house 1 2 3

1 G AU R A L I N D H E I M E R I ‘T H E B R I D E ’ This towering perennial is the highlight of Glyndebourne’s white border from May until November We surface-sow seeds in Januar y in order to have enough plants to fill the borders. It’s perfect for a cottage garden or informal herbaceous border

2 A G A S TA C H E C A N A , ‘H E AT H E R Q U E E N’ A great plant for adding colour and scent to a mixed border. When bruised, its minty scent is released attracting butterflies and passers-by Sow indoors onto moist well-drained seed compost. Keep uncovered as light is needed for germination

3 S W E E T P E A S Sow sweet pea seeds under cover now. I like Lathyrus odoratus ‘Royal Family’ series from Chiltern Seeds Sow three seeds in an 8cm pot about 10mm deep into moist well-drained soil. Kept warm, they should start to germinate within 21 days.

Dig a trench 10cm deep in fertile, well-drained soil Place the seed potatoes into the soil with the rose end pointing up, then cover well. To reduce disease, don’t grow potatoes in the same plot for more than two years running.

You can happily sow onions outdoors directly into the ground from late winter. Sow the seeds 1.3cm deep in rows 20cm apart. Planting the seeds closer together will result in more bulbs and a larger overall crop.

T O M AT O E S

Tomatoes are usually best sown in Februar y but if it’s a mild winter, you can start in Januar y. Sow thinly into a standard potting compost lightly covered and placed in a heated propagator at 20°C.

PL A NT potted ea rlyIN V E S T

CHE CK

Mr Mitford, kitchen gardener at Hawkstone Hall, shares what to plant this month

P O TAT O E S

O N I O N S

F I X U P

L O O K S H A R P

Winter time, when the ga rden is q u iet , is the per fect moment to clea n a nd sha r pen tools that may have been neglected in busier times

While the garden lies, for the most part, sleeping, a few hours spent on maintaining spades, trowels, secateurs and shears will pay dividends in the next growing season ‘Keeping your garden tools clean and sharp will help you Schubert, managing director at Burgon & Ball,

blades are also important for plant health A blunt blade may crush stems as it struggles to make the cut, leaving the plant with a ragged

How often should you maintain garden tools? ‘Cleaning your tools after each use means that

experts in caring for quality tools ‘We suggest cleaning your secateurs as regularly as you can, as this reduces the risk of transferring any diseases around your garden I recommend

‘A guideline might be once a year for seasonal tools such as bulb planters, or at the turn of each

How do I clean and sharpen tools?

‘Use warm water, some detergent and a brush again, use a soft cloth to wipe a few drops of oil

Stewart Willes from Niwaki, who specialise in

T O O L K I T Soap and water, wire brushes, a soft cloth and oil will help to preser ve your garden tools

How do you deal with tools that have rusted? ‘You can use various wire brushes to remove

brass brush is great at removing light surface rust If you want to restore a heavily corroded

You can also use chemicals, although Edd prefers cleaning vinegar. ‘It works well and is a much cheaper alternative Leave the tools to soak for 24 hours or so (the process is quicker in turning from a rusty brown to a black colour

Can you sharpen tools yourself?

Stewart, although he recommends sticking to sharpening by hand using a whetstone for

digging tools ‘Some professional sharpeners as the steel on shears and secateurs is delicate

U S E F U L R E S O U R C E S

N I WA K I have video guides to sharpening secateurs and shears, which you’ll find on their website, niwaki.com

T I N K E R & F I X sell ever ything you’ll need to maintain tools in their online shop, including kits, tinkerandfix.co.uk

G A R D E N A N D W O O D restore older and antique tools in need of repair, gardenandwood.co.uk

And wooden handles?

‘Wooden handles need oiling at least once a year to stop them from drying out, which can cause the handles to crack or come

the handles are clean and free of soil, and then give them a light wipe over with

CLODAGH MCKENNA Smallholding life

As the New Year beckons, I love having the time to look back on how the past 12 months have gone, and plan for a better year ahead This is when I am most grateful for keeping a farm journal I write in it every evening, nothing too detailed, but a record of what I planted, a sick

vegetable, plus a note on the weather It helps me gauge what’s to come every year. So much happens each day that it is impossible to recall it all if I’m not diligent about writing it down.

I begin January by planning out the year ’ s vegetable rotation to ensure I grow each crop

the plants, it helps reduce diseases and pests. I also plan out when I am going to plant seeds, and review what did well, what I grew too much of, what I didn’t use, and what I could have used more of For example, I use so much spinach in my daily green juice, in salads, tarts, or wilted with a little butter – and last year, I didn’t grow enough! Or take my runner beans, which I planted all at the same time so there was a glut

There are lots of other jobs to remember, such as covering the rhubarb plants with terracotta

time last year and I just couldn’t believe the bright pink shafts of rhubarb bursting up through the pots in March and April.

Order seed potatoes, so that you can start chitting them on the windowsills, so they are ready to plant after the last frost I also prune all my soft fruit bushes, cutting side shoots back to three buds from their base

Because I did remember to sow out my parsnip seeds back in September I do have delicious sweet parsnips in the garden. These are such a gift during these less-than-abundant months, so this week I’m cooking up a big pot

delicious curried parsnip soup Heaven!

of

N E W Y E A R R E S O L U T I O N S Clodagh spends Januar y planning what to plant in her vegetable beds at Broadspear

Ja nua r y is time to pla n what to grow in the coming yea r, a nd there’s never too much spinach, says the chef

HUGH FEARNLEY -WHITTINGSTALL

A day in the country

T he cook pot ters in the veg patch a nd sw ims in his pond

with gorgeous views of rolling hills. Our youngest daughter is still at home and our three eldest are now working or studying away but they all come back pretty often We have dogs, goats and chickens, too Right here, ideally with the children, is where I’d spend my perfect day in the country. Fortunately, we often do!

A couple of years ago I managed a pond swim every morning from September to March, but at the moment it’s more likely to be a couple of days a week

walking, cooking, going to the beach and pottering in the garden The demands of the veg garden do seem to mount up and it sometimes feels that we ’ ve spent most of the weekend catching up. But as long lovely food from the produce we ’ ve been growing, it’s always worthwhile

although we have quite a bit delivered from an organic box scheme We pick up the rest at the excellent health food shop in Seaton. We don’t eat out that much, Finn’s Studio and Gallery in Colyton and there’s also a great taco van at the weekends next to it by the river

Ideally, it won’t be

for more than half an a hour or so, then it’s time to get some

but we have friends round once in a while. The concept of a ‘dinner party’ doesn’t really register; it’s usually just a few friends and some big sharing plates will be passed around If it’s just us at home,

now we are working our way through practically any and every Jane Austen adaptation ever made.

A B O V E Hugh takes a momentar y break from tending his veg patch

E A T U R E A N D R É A C H I L D S

H O T O G R A P H A L A M Y S T O C K P H O T O