GET IN LINE WITH STRIPES
HOW TO DECORATE WITH WHITE YOUR WAY
LEARN TO MAKE A WILD FLOWER WREATH
COLOURFUL RUSTIC HOUSES
Bright and bold real-life homes: turn the page and take the tour
TR ANSFORM YOUR GARDEN THIS YEAR
Prairie-style plots
Ground cover plants for a carpet of green
Plant a hedge
H A P P Y & O R G A N I S E D
The feelgood power of tidy bookshelves, housekeeping kits & curated ‘chaos’
Oh-so subtle stripes Blurred lines, ribbons of orals and ne stripes of colour show you don’t have to play by the rules when it comes to stripes Fitting a bookshelf How to create the perfect shelving for displaying your book collection
Finding the perfect white Founder of The White Company, Chrissie Rucker, explains how to make an all-white scheme work for you
A place for everything Maximise your kitchen’s potential with storage Unpack your kit Make light work of chores with a handy kit for each job Make it a clean streak Start your spring clean with sparkling and streak-free windows
Wake up to sunlight Our pick of the latest interiors buys, slow-living ideas, sustainable products, events and more Shop of the month Lauren Gilberthorpe’s online store The arn o ers modern rustic homeware and vintage pieces
Paula Sutton On being organised and creating your own version of calm at home this spring
Inn keeping A rundown country inn, lovingly restored to bring original features back to life
Elegant rustic Soften a fresh white scheme with natural textures and warming terracotta accents
The homecoming An elegant, double fronted Georgian home respectfully renovated with a modern country feel Fabric fantasy Embrace pattern and classic colourways for a modern take on country style
A clear perspective A rustic stable on a Wiltshire family farm has been given an exciting and vibrant new lease of life
Emerald and ruby Be brave with colour and use bold hues and pops of pattern to add personality to your space
Good neighbours A charming Oxfordshire cottage has been turned into a peaceful, gently restored retreat Colourful Cotswolds Uplifting patterns, textures and furnishings that create a cosy scheme
Let’s move to Alresford Discover the appeal of this hidden gem in Hampshire, famous for its watercress
Wish-listed homes Discover the pros and cons of owning a listed property and what the legal requirements are Installing a shed Follow our expert guide to creating durable storage for all your garden needs
Cleaner air at home Find out how to create a cleaner atmosphere to help allergies and breathe more easily
The promise of spring Capture the essence of the season with this hedgerow wreath project
A day in the country Landscape designer Dan Pearson OBE is happiest in his garden in a secluded valley
From prairie to plot With drifts of grasses and perennials, welcome wildlife in this easy to care for planting scheme Carpeted in green Low to the ground plants that make the perfect cover Opposites attract Choose complementary colours to make your border blooms appear brighter Sow grow show What to plant and do in the garden this month
Blurred lines The bene ts of hedging your garden’s
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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HAPPY and organised were my watchwords when planning this issue While I’m not averse to a bit of clutter (there are books and favourite objects all around my home), there comes a tipping point when I feel I can’t breathe for too much stu Fortunately, a sweep of surfaces and a trip to the recycling centre is usually all it takes to regain a sense of order
It seems I’m not alone I loved reading columnist Paula Sutton on achieving the ne balance between cosy clutter and out-and-out chaos in her home; see page 19. We’ve also looked at the art of installing stylish bookshelves (page 82) and the kits that are great to have in a basket in a kitchen cupboard or the utility room (page 96), ready whenever you want to shine your shoes, arrange owers, or do the laundry It may not be glamorous, but having everything to hand is part of the art of happy homemaking for me
Browse our ideas for the new trend in striped d cor (page 76) and discover how to nd the right shade of white for you by the woman who should know – founder of The White Company, Chrissie Rucker (page 88) And let me know if you make the spring wreath on page 116. I’m going to try it!
C L A I R E S W E E T I N G wrote Unpack your Kit on handy must-haves for laundr y, shoe-shining and arranging flowers ‘I love storage that is super-practical and looks good,’ she says about an organised home (page 96). ‘I recently bought a glass-fronted cabinet for the kitchen from eBay to display my prettiest bowls, jugs and teacups ’
R A C H A E L S M I T H photographed the Good Neighbours house (page 60) ‘I like good shelving to showcase my collections As an interiors photographer, I’m a magpie about collecting things!’
J A N E T McM E E K I N wrote Good Neighbours (page 60).
‘Ever ything in my home has a stor y to tell, reminding me of a special moment with family and friends
That makes me happy,’ she says
and sleep with the curtains open instead. Waking up to thing. Bedding sets, from £22 50, M&S
Originally from the south coast of Devon, Lauren worked at several leading interior design studios before starting her own in the pretty little village of Elkstone near Cheltenham, nine years ago
Developing a homeware store in line with her signature ‘Cotswold chic’ aesthetic has always been a goal Her range of furniture, homeware and lighting – many crafted locally –features colourful textiles, earthy textures and natural elements, as well as unique vintage pieces, to complement her laid-back style.
What inspired you to set up shop?
The design studio has slowly grown over the years – we now have a team of 10 and there’s a wonderful synergy across the studio that I’m so grateful for Developing a homeware store in line with our brand aesthetic felt like a natural progression Being able to share collections with the wider public, as well as our clients, is truly ful lling – as is partnering with local artisans and makers who pride themselves on sustainable practices and quality materials.
How do you go about curating your products?
I try to balance vintage selections with contemporary options. I also love to collaborate with like-minded creatives, such as Wiltshire-based artist Warwick Borsay –the resulting limestone pendants have become best sellers, particularly the scalloped ‘Elizabeth’ design I’m always keeping my eyes peeled for designers and artisans that excite me
Characterful pieces, like this Malham pendant light, define The Barn’s Cotswold style
What makes your store unique?
We also have a Made-By range, which are footstools, ottomans and cushions designed in house We work with upholstery partners in Cheltenham – relationships like this with local makers are wonderfully ful lling We’re also building a lovely community and often have events at the studio that The Barn members can enjoy
Describe a typical working day.
I always start by walking my dog, Darcie, through the elds before getting to the o ce. The fresh air often inspires a lot of my ideas so it’s an important time for me The rest of the day is a busy mix of client meetings, site visits and design work with my team
What’s coming up?
Our next collection release will be a new range of cushions in April – I can’t wait to share them! The Barn, lgibarn.com
A collaboration between Ruggable and Iris Apfel sees a series of designs inspired by the fashion icon’s love of nature. It’s very much in keeping with her signature ‘more-is-more’ aesthetic – think tropical birds, extravagant insects and oversized botanicals in rich tones, paired with Persian patterns, paisley prints and ikat motifs. They come in two pieces; a non-slip rug pad, with a detachable cover on top that can be washed in the machine –genius. Indoor and outdoor styles are available in an array of sizes, from £89, ruggable.co.uk
Luxur y tableware brand Xavier Britain has teamed up with bespoke stationer y label Kinship Press – renowned for its illustrative designs – to produce a blue-and-white collection inspired by early Renaissance ‘millefleur’ tapestries. The whimsical wood-engraved design (think dancing unicorns, burrowing hedgehogs and wandering ladybirds) is printed in cobalt before being sponged onto fine bone china and finished off with a delicate hand-painted rim. The Millefleur range includes a teapot, milk jug, mug, pudding and dinner plate, all dishwasher and microwave safe, starting from £42, xavierbritain.com
Keep gardening essentials close to hand with this thorn-proof tweed and leather garden belt from Acre & Holt. Stylishly stitched by a family-run firm of leather workers based in Somerset, it features pockets aplenty for seeds and secateurs, plus handy D-rings for hanging tools. A clever velcro fastening makes it one-size-fits all, and it’s designed to last, so can be passed down through generations of green-fingered families; £275, acreholt.co.uk
Did you know more than 1.5 billion plastic toothpaste tubes are binned ever y year? Do your bit to help by switching to Tooth Be Told, a natural (and effective) minty-fresh toothpaste that comes in a recyclable and display-worthy bamboo and aluminum container; £6 99, toothbetold life
Rock music icon and natural beauty entrepreneur Jo Wood has turned her creativity to interiors, collaborating with close friend Katherine Trigg to create JoJo & Trixie, a unique wallpaper brand based in rural Hampshire. Their debut collection, Otis (named after Jo’s grandson) features six hand-drawn designs in a variety of colours, inspired by their shared passion for nature and fashion. We love Floral New York, above, £145 a roll, jojoandtrixie.com
When Sofology asked architect and T V presenter George Clarke to create a sofa, he said he wanted it to be ‘the most sustainable, design-led and family-friendly sofa money can buy’. Gaia is the impressive result Staple-free and made from a mix of recycled and sustainable materials, it can be enjoyed for years, then all the elements can be repurposed or recycled Gaia three-seater corner sofa, £3,699, sofology.co.uk
How does the saying go, a tidy house is a tidy mind? Well, even amateur psychologists might deduce from my home that my mind isn’t tidy at all! However, one person ’ s trash is another one ’ s treasure – and the good news is that ‘tidy’ doesn’t necessarily mean minimalist or bare. A beautifully styled shelf is a joy to behold, whether it’s hidden away in the utility room or it’s on display as a colour-coordinated bookshelf My de nition of being organised means having a place for everything and for everything to have its place – even if that ‘place’ lies atop a pile of several other items, or is weighted down by paraphernalia which may appear essential only to myself
In truth, organisation doesn’t necessarily mean decluttering (although it is true that a good clearout can be phenomenally therapeutic) It’s more about having a sense of order and curation than chaos, and that in turn can help us feel more at ease and empowered, rather than depleted by our home. I get a sense of calm satisfaction when I can pass through Hill House without stepping over things, or knowing I can reach for an item without rst having to blow o a light smattering of dust As a house full of book lovers, a pile of reading material in each room that tracks a direct line from childhood to the people we are today, is a must However, a sock on the oor and an unmade bed are a no-no, and I ght a losing battle with dog toys. When it comes to the art of cleaning
and, oh yes, in an old house in the country, it inadvertently becomes an
art – I nd that using the most natural and attractive products that I can nd, makes clearing up a more pleasant experience, rather than a testing one I’m not a huge fan of the annual ‘spring clean’ as I nd that little and often is the best way for me to avoid a mountain of chaos at a time of the year when I’d rather be outdoors. However, it cannot be denied that with the brightening of the skies, the lengthening of the days and the freshness of the air, there comes an invigorating drawing in of breath that makes me view my home with a renewed clarity
It’s a metaphorical call to organisational arms that induces many of us to think about inging open the windows, beating out the rugs and freshening up our spaces It is perhaps a reaction to coming out of our own self-induced hibernations, as we start to take up space in our homes, rather than remain curled up and in retreat from the darkness and cold It’s a beautiful and refreshing time of the year, and if I can make it from A to B without tripping over C – then all the better!
T here’s joy in being orga nised
even i f my tidy is someone else’s chaos , says ou r colu m nist
The manufacture of all-natural linseed paint – an eco alternative to plastic-based timber coatings – is returning to a century. Brouns & Co has shifted its production process to Yorkshire, where the paint’s main ingredient, oil from are always conscious of the carbon footprint of our products,’ says CEO Michiel Brouns. Interior and exterior paints available; from £55 for 1ltr, linseedpaint com
T I M E W E L L SPE N T…
V I S IT
LI S TE N
The derelict wing of a rundown countr y inn has been beautifully restored by Michelle Sames and now offers a bright and cosseting welcome to family and friends
E X T E R I O R Built from pale, cream-coloured local stone, the cottage sits at right angles to the former inn The original pillars, topped with pineapples, suggest a grand entrance from the past
K I T C H E N Ironmonger y and dark-stone worksurfaces add weight to the soft grey-green cabinetr y Bespoke units, Homesfield Developments Metal shelving units, Magnet Island, Graham and Green
‘It was my most ambitious project to date,’ she says. ‘The building was in poor condition, but there were original features inside And there was masses of outdoor space, with open views over elds and woods. The pub dates from the 1600s and had a little wing, added in Georgian times. When I saw it, I knew this part of the property would make a unique home for my husband Barry and me. ’
The Georgian section comprised several dark, dank rooms on two levels, connected by a ight of stairs It had once housed the pub kitchen, a dining room and storage areas. ‘It was grim,’ says Michelle ‘The roof leaked, the upper oor was unstable and there were industrial sinks, steel barrels and old gas tanks lying about ’
Michelle visualised a welcoming kitchen, a cosy sitting room, and bedrooms for friends and family to stay Upstairs, the sloping ceilings presented a choice between two smaller bedrooms with restricted head-height, or one spectacular main suite. Michelle chose the latter, removing part of the upper oor, which in turn created the dramatic, double-height kitchen below
‘I could perhaps have had storage or a dressing room upstairs here, but without the full height it wasn’t really viable,’ she says. ‘Having vaulted ceilings in both the kitchen and main bedroom has given us the wow factor as it’s not quite what you’d expect in a Georgian cottage ’
Once the layout was nalised, building work began As there is only
one room upstairs, the cottage has been extended, adding two neat ground- oor guest bedrooms, a dining area and a bathroom at the back Michelle was eager to preserve and re-use original materials and structures wherever possible The sitting room and en-suite bathroom both have rustic stone walls, discovered beneath crumbling plaster, and original beams span the lofty kitchen and main bedroom Beautiful elm oorboards, salvaged from the pub, have been recycled as work surfaces and shelves
An ancient bread oven, unearthed during the building work, prompted Michelle to re-think her kitchen design ‘Once I saw the bread oven, I had to celebrate it, so I tweaked the layout so it would be visible,’ she says. ‘I love that mix of old and new, so we ’ ve got all the modern touches, but I’ve saved period features and anything else I could repurpose. ’
Georgian-inspired panelling brings interest to the walls of the bedroom and sitting room The basic staircase has also been replaced with a more decorative ight that adds a touch of grandeur
Décor-wise, Michelle started with pure white on walls and ceilings, overlaid with soft lichen green and terracotta The gentle palette lends itself readily to simple furniture and an inviting interior style
‘The whole place had felt so dingy that I wanted to go as far as possible the other way, and it’s turned out sunnier and brighter than I expected,’ she says ‘White walls feel clean, give a bit of a Scandi vibe, and really suit the architecture The other tones are warm, and sit easily with exposed stone and wood.’
Furniture pieces, such as the kitchen island and the dining table are mobile, so the space is easily adapted for when friends visit ‘It ows really well,’ Michelle says. ‘People tell me they could happily live here themselves, and that’s always lovely to hear ’
‘Hav
K I T C H E N Michelle preser ved the bread oven and made it into a feature. The painting was found in a local antiques shop Walls in All White modern emulsion, Farrow and Ball Limestone flooring, Mandarin Stone
D I N I N G A R E A The extension looks out to the garden, while limestone flooring links the old and new areas Bespoke shutters, Aspect Window Styling Dining furniture, Salcombe Trading Round trolley, Garden Trading
S I M P L E P L E A S U R E S I love to spend an afternoon at The Newt (thenewtinsomerset com) The buildings have been beautifully restored, the food is fabulous, and the gardens and orchards are spectacular.
S H O P Farleigh Road Farm Shop (farleighroadfarmshop.co.uk) sells fresh local cheeses, vegetables, eggs and milk, plus there’s a top-class butcher’s selling meat from nearby farms, and a lovely café.
G O F O R A M E A L AT Timbrell’s Yard (timbrellsyard.com) is a wonderful restaurant in restored historic buildings on the banks of the Avon There’s a seasonal menu and the terrace is a lovely spot for a drink.
S I T T I N G R O O M The restored stonework around the fireplace has become a fine focal point. The woodburner sits on a hearth of slates salvaged on site Chairs, Salcombe Trading Rug, Zara Home Pouffe, Neptune
S I T T I N G R O O M As this space was quite long, Michelle sectioned off one end to create an office area, adding wall panelling for distinct character Console table, Neptune Wall light, Jim Lawrence
M A I N B E D R O O M Michelle designed this space to feel dramatic and luxurious, with the metal bed accentuating the ceiling height and the air y feel Bed, Rockett St George Bedside lamps, Jim Lawrence
B AT H R O O M Stylish black doors separate the bathing area from the shower room. Bespoke pocket doors, Homesfield Developments Limestone flooring, Mandarin Stone Bath, Lusso Stone. Taps, Crosswater
1 E V E R G R E E N T O U C H Faux gingko branch, £13 50, Gisela Graham
2 U S E I N D O O R S O R O U T Round drinks trolley in Carbon, £70, Garden Trading 3 P U R E N E W W O O L Derr y wool throw blanket in Light Brown, £129, So Cosy 4 M A D E F R O M R E S I N Bespoke antler three-light pendant in White, £354, David Hunt Lighting 5 N E U T R A L B E AU T Y Wowe patterned runner rug in Beige, £150, Rose and Grey 6 A P L A C E F O R E V E R Y T H I N G Hawkdale kitchen
island in mango wood and marble, from £890, Perch and Parrow
7 D E L I C AT E E T C H E D D E S I G N Snowdrop tumbler in Green, £15, Emma Britton at The RHS Shop 8 I N A N I N S TA N T Heritage Bridge three-in-one boiling/hot water tap in Gunmetal Grey with White handles, £699, Wodar 9 S O P H I S T I C AT E D F I N I S H Paleo rectified matt tile in Grey, £35 99sq m, CDT Tiles 10 H A N D W O V E N FA B R I C Hirkani Dot cushion cover in Dirty Orange, £95, Oka
Returning to his native Shropshire, Richard Glover enlisted the skills of an interior designer to update a sizeable Georgian home with elegant charm and modern style
KITCHEN AREA
The original cabinetr y was painted and new worktops added to lighten the space. Cabinetr y painted in Harbour Grey by Zoffany. Island in Bond Street by Mylands Pendants, Visual Comfort & Co
he imposing Welsh mountains on the far horizon provide a formidable yet familiar backdrop to the home that Richard Glover shares with his partner and their labrador, Inca. After living in Scotland for several years, Richard was lured back to home turf and the undulating green hills and farmland of this quiet corner of Shropshire ‘We’re a young couple who were looking to create our forever home. We lead busy working and social lives, so we wanted a welcoming base to return to,’ explains Richard. ‘This house was the rst one we viewed. We had planned on taking time to see a number of properties, but this one was absolutely perfect, so the search stopped and we started to focus on creating something personal to us ’
It is not di cult to see why the search was halted The exterior of this house is spectacular, with its Georgian double frontage surrounded by formal gardens and eight acres of grounds. Inside, the house was full of period charm, with all the exibility they were after ‘We could see it had bags of potential for how we wanted to live, with enough rooms to give us everything we needed, such as a home o ce and entertaining spaces We just needed a little help guring it all out.’
Keen to create an interior to suit their lifestyle while respecting the period grandeur of the property, the couple enlisted the help of interior designer Jojo Bradley and her talented team. ‘I knew Jojo through a mutual friend and the powers of social media, and we had worked together on a commercial restaurant project,’ Richard says Richard’s brief was simple. ‘He wanted to create a timeless and classic interior, but for each room to have its own personality,’ explains Jojo, ‘and to give the property a face-lift without changing the overall layout and structure of the building ’ The transformation took 18 months. ‘We presented two options for each of
the spaces and made the decision to work on the rooms in phases, so Richard could enjoy areas of the home while other parts were being renovated,’ says Jojo It also allowed for a little breathing space between the di erent phases, resulting in a strong sense of cohesion throughout ‘Many of the rooms, particularly on the ground oor, feed into one another so it was important that the furniture layout did not compromise circulation around the space Once this was established, we worked on giving each of the rooms their own aesthetic.’ Hence the elaborate mix of textiles, paint colours, lighting styles and nishes that allows for relaxed modern living to blend harmoniously with formal Georgian elegance Period panelling, classic cabinetry and traditional furniture pieces sit alongside exotic ikat fabrics, contemporary artwork, comfortable sofas and neutral tones that are enlivened with splashes of vibrant colour, some of which draw the eye out to those views over the formal gardens and wild ower meadow to the elds and mountains beyond
‘The grounds are incredibly beautiful, with a di erent country view and level of light in each of the spaces, so we incorporated lots of greens and blues into the scheme to accent them,’ explains Jojo.
It is a clever creative mechanism for connecting the inside and out that be ts both the property and, indeed, Richard’s homecoming
Jojo Bradley Interior Design, jojobradleyinteriors.co.ukOWNER Richard Glover, an entrepreneur, who lives here with his partner and their labrador, who is named Inca
H O U S E A double-fronted Georgian property, with kitchen/dining area, utility room, boot room, snug, games room, cinema room, study, six bedrooms and five bathrooms.
H A L LWAY The interior scheme for the entrance hallway is dark and dramatic, and complements the rich wood tones in the floor and staircase Walls painted in Down
B O O T R O O M Classic tongue-and-groove panelling adds character to the boot room. A peg rail and baskets create invaluable storage for coats and shoes Cabinets painted in Card Room
D I N I N G A R E A In a smart palette of navy blue, white and cream, this is a sophisticated area in which to entertain. Walls painted in Half Harbour Grey by
CINEMA ROOM The couple enjoy having friends round, so Jojo created a cosy cinema room with an exotic mix of pattern and rich colours. Walls, painted in Hicks’ Blue by Little Greene Sofa, Loaf
‘I love that ever y room ha s a pu r pose a nd a u niq ue feel. Out side, the grou nds a re stu n ning a nd greener y ca n be seen from ever y w indow’
MAIN BEDROOM Warm
taupe and ochre are accentuated with a monochrome striped headboard Walls, painted in Half Harbour Grey by Zoffany Lamps, Pooky Wall lights, Jim Lawrence
MAIN EN SUITE This room is afforded an extravagant splash of turquoise, as well as a luxurious double basin unit Taps and similar basin unit, Burlington Bathrooms Washbasins, Duravit
GUEST BEDROOM A soothing mix of green tones and soft earthy shades echoes the colours of the surrounding countr yside. Walls painted in Paris Grey by
R I C H A R D ’ 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 a good walk with our dog Inca and often trek along the Offa’s Dyke Path, which crosses the English/Welsh border and through many different types of landscape and scener y. ’
S H O P AT ‘Booka in Oswestr y (bookabookshop.co.uk). I love a good book and particularly love this independent bookshop, which hosts a regular programme of author talks, book signings and themed events and won Independent Bookshop of the Year in 2015 ’
G O F O R A M E A L AT ‘The Boat at Erbistock (theboataterbistock co uk)
It’s a 20-minute drive, but it’s worth it for its traditional pub classics made using local ingredients and plenty of game and fish ’
K I T C H E N I L L U M I N AT I O N Dar Churchill pendant in Antique Brass, £129, Amos Lighting 2 S L E N D E R F R A M E Gisella mirror in Champagne Gold, £495, Cox & Cox 3 B A C K E
Hearts and Minds cushion in Teal with fringing, £95, KD Loves 4
James bar stool in Portia fabric by Korla, £1,265, Gabriella James
Odisha in Indigo, £25m,
Countr y Blue matt emulsion, £44 for 2 5ltr, Zhoosh Paints
Alice and Rob Hues have given a rustic stable at their fourth generation family farm an exciting and vibrant new lease of life
Back in 2018, having renovated their farmhouse near Avebury, close to the largest neolithic stone circle in the world, Alice and her husband Rob, decided to convert six rustic stables beside their home. From the outset, the pair were determined to respect the history of their fourthgeneration family farm and the UNESCO-protected landscape They worked closely with the planners and Bath-based architects Mitchell Eley Gould, to design the stable, named Silbury Hill, after Europe’s biggest human-made prehistoric mound Plans included two bedrooms, a handy boot room and a cloakroom, leading o the vaulted living dining area on the ground oor
To inject a theatrical and playful feel, Alice suggested creating a wow-factor mezzanine bedroom, complete with en-suite bathroom. ‘I wanted to be able to go upstairs, draw back the curtain and see a beautiful main bedroom,’ she says. ‘Using the eaves for storage was a practical idea, although it took careful planning to position the windows, decide the size of the mezzanine and even the angle of the ladder to reach it ’
The stable’s renovation started in November 2020 and was completed seven months later ‘There was quite a
A T
O W N E R Alice Hues, sales and marketing manager for The Farm at Avebur y, and her husband, Rob, a farmer, plus their daughters Evie, six, Georgie, four, and two-yearold Rosanna.
H O U S E Three-bedroom converted stable, built during the late 1800s.
debate about whether to include a half-height wall in the downstairs living area, but I’m really glad we did It helps to zone the space, o ering both privacy and a recessed nook for the television,’ Alice reveals.
A great deal of thought also went into the lighting design ‘My rule is that a room should always feature re ected light,’ she explains ‘The usual grid of downlights is such a tempting design, but can create a very austere feel Instead, I’ve used a combination of task lighting and statement pendants, allowing each space to be lit according to the time of day or the mood ’
Feeling rather overwhelmed by the prospect of juggling farming and family life with making countless decisions about fabrics, furniture and soft furnishings, Alice contacted her friend, interior designer Polly Ashman of Polly Ashman Design, to help ‘I’ve always admired Polly’s style and felt there’d be no better person to give Silbury Hill a modern country feel,’ says Alice ‘We knew Polly would respect the original aesthetic of the property while enlivening it with a raft of interesting and colourful ideas ’
Referencing the rural setting, Polly created schemes echoing the natural surroundings, including earthy tones of greens, blues, oranges and splashes of red ‘I loved Polly’s suggestion of painting the kitchen units in Farrow & Ball’s bold red Radicchio,’ says Alice ‘The various green hues are a natural foil.’
During the project, Alice enjoyed sourcing items on eBay that were then upholstered in fabrics recommended by Polly ‘It was wonderful to share this exciting journey together and watch The Farm at Avebury shaping up, ’ says Alice. ‘It really is such a magical part of the world Plans are afoot for another project on the farm, and I can’t wait to use my “ superpowers ” once more ’ For information on renting the barn, see thefarmatavebury.co.uk
‘We’re proud to be the custodia ns of a place that’s steeped in so much histor y.
Eventua l ly we hope that we ca n ha nd on T he Fa r m at Avebu r y to ou r daughters’
KITCHEN/DINING/LIVING AREA The half wall helps to zone this main living-dining area.
Wooden benches
, both eBay Cushions on the sofa, made in Tribal fabric, Lewis & Wood, and Cupid in Leaf, Chelsea Textiles
S
S ‘There is so much incredible histor y that is unchanging here, yet life on the farm changes by the minute!’
FAV O U R I T E V I E W ‘We love to pack a picnic and head off for a family walk to a spot where the far-reaching view across the valley over Silbur y Hill and on towards Avebur y is just gorgeous. ’
S H O P AT ‘Willow and Wolf (willowandwolfboutique.co.uk) in Marlborough, where there’s always a warm welcome, heavenly clothes, homewares and gifts.’
G O F O R A M E A L AT ‘Bunce’s Bakehouse (buncesbakehouse co uk) in Marlborough. The breakfast bun and smashed avocado on sourdough are both delicious, but you can’t go wrong with any tempting treat.’
KITCHEN/DINING/LIVING
AREA The television has been neatly recessed into the half wall, which stops it from dominating the space Bench, used as a coffee table, eBay Half wall, built bespoke
KITCHEN/DINING/LIVING
AREA Guests enjoy relaxing in this inviting corner. Artwork, Borthwick-Made Armchair, upholstered in Lost & Found in Ruby, Christopher Farr Cloth Lampshade, Pooky
BEDROOM The starting point for this scheme was the checked fabric chosen for the bespoke headboard Headboard made by Catherine Charles; upholstered in Chubby Check by Kit Kemp, Christopher Farr Cloth. Artwork, Barker & Stonehouse
MAIN BEDROOM The original brick wall, which was sandblasted during the renovation, adds extra depth and texture in this eaves space Mirror, Ikea Handmade marbled shade in Foglia, Pooky Throw, Etsy
EN SUITE
The yellow and green tones are a punchy combination in this space. Vanity unit, painted in Sudbur y Yellow, Farrow & Ball Wall tiles in Oasis Ceramic Green and White, all Artisans of Devizes
1 S O L I D B R A S S Chukka floor lamp in antiqued brass with 45cm straight Empire shade in Crimson Tulasi, £450, Pooky 2 A DJ U S TA B L E A R M Baku vintage wall light in Antique Brass, £145, Mullan Lighting at Retro Light 3 R E F L E C T L I G H T Arched extra-large window mirror, £1,195, Cox & Cox 4 B E S P O K E D E S I G N Madison dining chair, from £890, The Dining Chair Company 5 H A N D-B L O C K E D PAT T E R N Indira cushion in Rust,
from £25, The Pure Edit 6 M A G E N TA S H A D E Mischief absolute matt emulsion, £54.50 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene 7 R E F E C T O R Y
S T Y L E Scooch kitchen bench in band-sawn oak, from £495, Loaf
8 F I N E F L O O R I N G Champagne Classic engineered European oak, £49 95sq m, Pureplank collection, Havwoods 9 R U S T I C T E X T U R E Camo water hyacinth side table, £169, Beaumonde 10 W O O L A N D
S I L K M I X Scallop rug in Sky, £1,792, Jennifer Manners
Amelia Har vey had just moved into her Cotswold cottage when the house next door came up for sale – and buying it was too exciting an opportunity to miss
EXTERIOR Amelia can step out of her recently painted front door and straight into the countr yside for leisurely walks with labradoodle Ralph Door painted in Green Blue, Farrow & Ball Lights, Pooky
KITCHEN Pendant lights, hung symmetrically above the farmhouse table, draw the eye through to the mellow Cotswold stone wall For similar lights, tr y deVOL White jug, Sophie Conran
It was back in March 2020, when lockdown struck, that the London-based entrepreneur began yearning for a Cotswolds bolthole Just three months later, Amelia bought her rst cottage in the pretty village of Shiptonunder-Wychwood, and had transformed it by August ‘Despite the challenging times, I really enjoyed breathing new life, colour and joy into my cottage,’ she says
The renovation, completed with the help of Karl Moore Construction, was so seamless that she wasn’t fazed by the prospect of doing it all over again next door Stepping inside for a viewing, Amelia could see the second cottage had vast potential to become a charming retreat ‘I loved its stunning period features, including the exposed stone walls, beams and huge inglenook replace,’ she says.
There were several aspects that jarred, however – like the sofa positioned in front of a gorgeous, gnarled wooden door, making access between the living room and kitchen impossible ‘Handily, as the layout was virtually a carbon copy of my rst cottage, I realised that by blocking up the door in the hallway that led to the living room, I could reinstate the kitchen door and create a much better ow, ’ Amelia says
She began making plans, such as tting a new bathroom suite, an en- suite shower room in a corner of the main bedroom, and repainting the kitchen units
Karl and his building team arrived in September to start peeling back the layers of this Grade II-listed cottage, which once housed sta working at the nearby Jacobean manor house, Shipton Court ‘This cottage actually has even more original features than the one next door,’ Amelia explains. ‘I wanted those to sing out, while I added new
xtures and details that would further enhance the property’s character This included laying agstones in the kitchen and tting panelling in the living room ’
Delightful gems were uncovered throughout the project, such as the beautiful oak staircase treads, which had been hidden under a beige carpet Inspired by interior designers such as Nicola Harding, Clarence & Graves, Beata Heuman and Laura Stephens, Amelia chose a palette of bold blue, ochre, pink and green. ‘I’d used Andrew Martin’s Mythical Land wallpaper in the kitchen next door, and I loved the impact it created I felt that vibrant wallpapers, juxtaposed with the character features, would also work well here,’ she adds A mix of new, antique and mid-century furniture completed the scheme
These days, Amelia splits her time between London and Shipton-underWychwood, where she plans to move full time. ‘It’s such a friendly village in a wonderful part of the world,’ she says. ‘I love the freedom of rural living When I’m here, I’ll go horse riding, cycling or take my dog Ralph out for a walk. Being surrounded by nature and watching the seasons change makes my heart sing.’
Amelia shares the cottage and its beautiful surroundings, letting it out to guests . ‘If the walls could talk, they’d tell of friends meeting for the rst time since lockdown and making unforgettable memories,’ she says ‘To me, that’s incredibly special ’ Follow @your cotswold hideaway on Instagram
O W N E R S Amelia Har vey and her labradoodle, Ralph.
H O U S E A renovated three-bedroom Cotswold-stone cottage, dating from the 17th centur y.
KITCHEN Amelia transformed this space by laying flagstones and painting the cabinets. The centuries-old door is one of her favourite features Cabinets in Brompton Road, Mylands Flooring, Farmhouse Flagstones
LIVING ROOM Keen to add more impact and depth to this space, Amelia papered above the panelling Babylon wallpaper, Cole & Son Mirror, John Lewis & Partners. Lamp, Pooky. Antique
, eBay
LIVING ROOM Amelia’s navy blue velvet sofa anchors the scheme, injecting a sense of luxur y into the cosy space Footstool, Lady Norfolk and Lord Rust Rug, Benuta Prints, Artfully Walls
STAIRCASE The mid-centur y painting adds a punch of colour to the rustic timeworn staircase, with its exposed stone wall Banisters painted in Brompton Road, Mylands Painting, eBay
BATHROOM Amelia echoed the dusty-pink tones of the floor tiles – laid in herringbone pattern – on the walls of this soothing retreat Walls painted in Setting Plaster, Farrow & Ball Towel rail, tr y Ash wood ladder, Dunelm
‘I felt that v ibra nt colou r a nd pat ter n, ju x t aposed w ith the cot t a ge ’ s cha racter featu res , wou ld work wel l here – sat w ithi n a rich pa let te of blue, och re, pin k a nd green ’
BEDROOM Peach and green work beautifully in this scheme. The shelf, painted to match the walls, is a handy place to display eye-catching objects Lamp, Pooky Painting and bedside cabinet, both eBay
V I S I T... ‘I often head to the ruins of 15th-centur y Minster Lovell Hall (english-heritage.org.uk), by the River Windrush, for a walk with Ralph After a picnic lunch, I’ll occasionally swim in the river. ’
S H O P AT... ‘I love browsing Station Mill Antiques (stationmill com) in Chipping Norton, picking up old jars and books, ceramic jugs and placemats.’
G O F O R A M E A L AT... ‘The Lamb Inn (thelambshipton. com) for its incredible menu of locally sourced food and vibrant bar. It’s an absolute must for a Sunday roast.’
EN SUITE The simple décor here enhances the original features Walls painted in Oval Room Blue, Farrow & Ball. Wall tiles, Topps Tiles
MAIN BEDROOM The wallpaper, spotted by Amelia in an interiors magazine, inspired her scheme Aranami wallpaper, Farrow & Ball Ochre cushions, La Redoute. Artwork, The Musée Home. Pendant, Zara Home
1 WA R M I N G T E R R A C O T TA Seville Small Brick tile, £1 33 a tile, Marlborough Tiles 2 P E R S I A N S T Y L E Handwoven Samanyu cotton rug, from £48, Anthropologie 3 B E AU T I F U L VA R I AT I O N Arcilla Rosa rectangle terracotta replica tiles, £2 15 each, Fired Earth
4 S H A K E R S T Y L E Wardley dining chair in Warm Black, £395 50, Neptune 5 B O N E C H I N A B E AU T Y Christie pendant, £569, Original
I X Cupid in Faded Yellow,
£62m, Chelsea Textiles 7 S U P E R-S I Z E C O M F O R T Three-seater left corner Model 06 sofa in Royal Velvet in Navy, £4,050, Swyft
8 L E A F Y G R E E N Brompton Road, no. 205 marble matt emulsion, £31 for 1ltr, Mylands 9 F R O
Peacock
Topiar y wallpaper 2311-172-02 in Fern, £124 for a 10m roll, 1838 Wallcoverings 10 I
Jumbo
Clever Velvet scatter cushion in Jam Sandwich, £75, Loaf
Blu rred li nes, ri bbons of
T he not-q u ite-stripe is hav ing a moment .
Fu z z y lines a nd lea f y ga rla nd moti fs steer you away from a stra ight-a nd-na r row look a nd bring a softness to room schemes
F L O R A L T R E L L I S
Pil wallpaper in Green, £65 10 a roll, Sandberg Sisal Super Bouclé rug, from £54.85sq m, Alternative Flooring. Spun pendant lights, £145 each, Room 9 For a similar table and benches, tr y Vinterior The Dominic armchair, from £1,495, Neptune, is similar
L A I D-B A C K S T R I P E Anglesey chaise in V&A Brompton Collection Ikat in Basil, £2,971, Sofas & Stuff
Despite their bold ness , stripes work wel l a s a seconda r y pat ter n in a room, bringing a sma r t for ma lit y that contra st s
S P O T T H E S T R I P E D S T O O L Rander ceramic stool, £225: Alexey coffee table, £2,995; frame of pressed flower prints, £395; Avitus three-seater sofa, £3,495; Okin table lamp, £395, all Oka
B O L D B A N D S
Acanthe wallpaper in Jadeite, £246 a roll; curtains in Claudette Sea Glass, £150m, both Madeaux. Scallop pendant light, £390, David Hunt Lighting. Chiara dining chair, £780 for a pair, Ceraudo Wave dining table, £1,710, Charles Orchard
A cu r ved head boa rd or sca l lop-edged
shower cu r t a in add u nex pected
It’s time to play w ith the r u les…
H E A D O F T H E L I N E
Upholstered Silhouette headboard, £399; Graphite stitch bedspread, £175; Linen cushion in Heritage Grey, £30; Trio stripe rectangular cushion, £30; Flora side plates (on wall), £6 each; Iona side table, £189, all John Lewis & Partners
S C A L L O P E D G E
Ticking in Olive, £34.95m; walls painted in Canvas, £55 95 for 2 5ltr; bath panel painted in Olive chalk paint, from £6 95 for 120ml, all Annie Sloan
Bespoke shelving has become increasingly popular as it can be curated to re ect your unique needs ‘Bespoke furniture works with the architecture of your home to create seamless xtures that feel like they are part of the room, rather than a piece that has been placed within it It also helps a home feel more “designed”,’ explains Natalie Prince from Sharps
In this space, the bookshelf design goes a step further, incorporating a hidden door that opens into a study Covering the door means no inch of storage space is wasted, while also helping to achieve a cosy library-room aesthetic
The alternative to bespoke shelving is to use freestanding designs, which o er exibility and versatility Either opt for a statement piece or create the built-in look by arranging a series of thin full-height units next to each other
Bookshelves aren’t just for a living room or o ce; they o er a valuable addition to any space Here, the walls of a dining room have been given an injection of character with full-height shelves Painted in a warm orange-red shade with neutral panelled backs, the shelves provide a space to display both books and decor When
selecting a bookshelf, let your material choices be guided by the space the shelving will occupy Wood is the traditional choice and will be well suited to a living room or hallway. However, metal designs can create an industrial look, perfect for more utilitarian schemes, while glass designs bring a minimalist, contemporary air
Even the smallest areas can become home to a bookshelf. Nooks, alcoves and otherwise dead spaces can all bene t from the addition of characterful storage. This bookshelf maps the wall, making use of the space between the door and the window, then tracks over the door, creating the perfect space to house lesser-used
books To avoid space-wasting gaps, measure your books and create di erent heights of shelving for paperbacks, hardbacks and co ee table books – shelves look best when they are an inch or two higher than the books they hold When space is tight, pair your bookshelf with a cupboard at the base to provide extra storage.
The way you dress the bookshelf will de ne the look and feel of your room ‘Books are such an important part of a home, we love using them in our projects. Not only do they make a space feel lived in but they are a great way to introduce colour in a room, ’ explains interior designer Kate Guinness, who created this
space ‘A picture-perfect bookcase is an art, and arranging them by colour looks good We love to mix books with objects, lights, and even artwork; just ensure you don’t pack too much in when combining them with other objects It is important to create balance rather than necessarily aiming for total symmetry ’
A large bookshelf can become a dark blot in a room without good lighting to turn it into a feature at night ‘A bookshelf is a great place to incorporate lighting into an interior. We include layered lighting in our designs to create an inviting and moody atmosphere This includes a combination of wall, table and overhead
lighting – or indeed lighting attached to joinery For a bookshelf this size, we would typically include four lamps, often with coloured and patterned shades to draw the eye and inject a note of fun into the design,’ says Louise Wicksteed, founder and designer at Sims Hilditch, who designed this room.
Ch rissie Rucker, fou nder of T he W hite Compa ny, ex pla ins how to in fuse a n a l l-white scheme w ith you r signatu re st yle
for a look that’s pu rely persona l
All of the homes featured in my books
my new title, The Art of Living with White, and my rst book, For the Love of White – have a wonderful harmony Each one illustrates beautifully the many ways in which to work with white, all of them special and unique When it comes to creating our own homes, though, not all the interior styles we like will work seamlessly together So when there are so many choices, how do we navigate our own personal way of using white?’
‘It is important to work out what you need from each space, and to identify what design styles you love or are less keen on. For me, all great home design projects have a strong ‘ core essence ’ that uidly connects spaces and objects The backdrops begin with ideas for ooring, surfaces, hardware, paint and wallpaper, and these make the decorative decisions that follow much easier
‘Tools like Pinterest are really helpful in seeking out ideas, but it is important to have a physical moodboard that pulls together foundation ideas, which you can move around your home and view in situ I often try to single out one image (no more than three) to sum up the core combination of materials that I am keen to use, with each showing a strong sense of personal style
‘Once you have decided on your choices for key materials, order in samples and layer them together to check that they work in reality
they can be very di erent from how you imagined them in a picture ’
C H O O S E YO U R FAV O U R I T E W H I T E PA I N T
‘Mine is Slate I from Paint & Paper Library, and we have used it throughout – on walls, doors, cornices, ceilings and window frames I love the harmonious foundation it has created Always test colours on white paper, never directly on the walls, and paint the sample edge to edge, to avoid re ections that distort the nish.’
C U R AT E YO U R D E C O R AT I V E F I N I S H E S
‘Overlay your moodboard with ideas for furniture, curtain and upholstery fabrics, lighting and accessories. Quality, comfort and practicality are key when choosing furniture Simple additions such as an artful display of ceramics, well-placed textiles and layered styling on beds, shelves and tables will heighten the visual appeal.’
F I N D YO U R F L O W W I T H W H I T E
‘If you are designing a whole house at once, consider rooms together, to ensure the ow of spaces connects. If you are at the start of a longer, slower project, do not compromise on choices – it is worth getting your core ideas clear at the outset, as this will ensure you achieve a cohesive nish ’
The Art of Living with White: A Year of Inspiration by Chrissie Rucker (£35, Mitchell Beazley)
Bespoke Shakerstyle cabinetr y, kitchen prices from £60,000, The Secret Drawer, secret-drawer co uk
‘A plate rack is a stylish and practical way of storing plates and adding another layer of detail to a kitchen design,’ says Richard Mason, furniture designer and owner of The Secret Drawer An integrated rack can be used to add interest to a run of cabinetry or, as in this kitchen, can be hung as a separate piece to create symmetry between
windows ‘Although a plate rack looks very pretty, it also saves time and hassle,’ Richard says Positioned close to the dishwasher and sink, and near to where food is prepared, the rack is easily reached ‘An advantage of storing the plates individually is that it leads to less clutter in cupboards and fewer breakages,’ he adds
Shaker kitchen, kitchen prices from £28,000, John Lewis of Hungerford, john-lewis.co.uk
A contemporary update of a traditional china cabinet, ‘glazed cabinets o er the perfect place to store and show o beautiful glassware and ceramics,’ says Rebecca Nokes, head of design and brand creative, John Lewis of Hungerford They can also help ‘break up ’ solid wood cabinetry for a lighter look, and with integrated lighting,
can add an attractive decorative feel to your storage Fluted glass is on trend now (a more modern alternative to armoured glass), and works well if you want interesting texture as well as light Unlike with clear glazing, you don’t need to keep the contents of your cupboard immaculate; it’s more an impression of what’s inside than a full reveal
The move towards open shelving has come hand in hand with merged kitchen-dining-living spaces – a few simple, oating shelves can look signi cantly less overpowering than a row of wall cupboards In a kitchen-only space, they still create a sense of openness that feels fresh and more contemporary than ranks of tted units ‘A display shelf
does double duty, providing storage space for items that you might want to be easily accessible, as well as more decorative pieces that you want to show o , ’ says Zoe Avit, designer at Day True ‘Your selection of items to display can help create an eclectic or more streamlined look – the choice is yours ’
Bespoke bi-folding
Chichester cabinet, kitchen prices from £30,000, Neptune, neptune.com
‘The most obvious bene t of bi-fold doors in kitchen cabinetry is to save space, ’ explains Simon Temprell, interior design manager at Neptune. ‘Regular’ cupboard doors can block walking space when opened, especially in a galley kitchen where manoeuvring room is limited, while bi-fold doors fold neatly to the side They are often used
for breakfast cupboards, allowing easy access to a toaster and co ee machine, which can sit on the worktop and be plugged into in-cupboard wall sockets, then hidden once the doors are shut again ‘There is also a certain element of theatre when bi-fold doors are pulled aside to reveal a well-stocked larder or a concealed bar,’ adds Simon
It is usually easier to see and access the contents of a drawer than a base unit cupboard – no getting down on your hands and knees to find long lost items hidden at the back.
Consider built-in drawer dividers, holders and containers for cutler y, sharp knives, utensils, spice jars, cling film and foil, but make sure they are flexible enough to cope with a change in your equipment.
Bulky trays and chopping blocks can be stored on their sides in slender compartments, built into base units
Wide and deep drawers with pegs, non-slip mats or pull-out holders can be used to store plates and pans.
Slender pull-outs or shelves close to the hob are useful for storing oils, vinegars and condiments used daily for cooking
Newport pantr y, kitchen prices from £48,000, Sola Kitchens, solakitchens com
A well-organised kitchen can enhance enjoyment of the hub of the home, keeping work surfaces clutter free and storing food and equipment in easy reach. Well thought out storage solutions, from cupboards and drawers to shelves and racks, can be used to make the most of every inch of space But perhaps the ultimate solution is a pantry
cupboard, as So a Bune Strandh, founder and CEO of Sola Kitchens, explains ‘A dream addition, a pantry can be packed with clever storage solutions, including shallow door shelves for herbs and spices, deeper shelves for dry foods, neat baskets for organising fruit and vegetables and built-in wine racks to keep your wines and spirits safe ’
Forget scra bbling for scissors a nd sea rching for shoe polish. By hav ing the cor rect tools to ha nd, you ca n ma ke light work of chores a nd t a ke pride in a job wel l done
Scissors
Pruning knife/floral knife
Gardeners’ gloves
Vase and bottle brushes
Twine, raffia and string
Waxed waterproof tissue paper
Planter
Pots
Nailbrush
Plant carrier
Mesh basket
Wooden trivet
Chamois leather
Furnish your inner orist with the tools to turn owers into art Sharp scissors or a pruning knife are essential for cutting stems – snip them on an angle so the stem doesn’t get squashed, giving it a larger surface area to take up water. A bottle brush is another essential; it will get your vases really clean, especially if they have narrow necks, and ensure they are mould free Keep twine or ra a to tie bouquets. Or use it to hang owers to dry hang them upside down in a cool, dry place for a couple of weeks This keeps the stems straight and prevents them from bending and wilting
condition your owers and foliage for a long-lasting ower arrangement,
take o any leaves that would otherwise sit beneath the water line,’ says Donna Willingham of The Country Garden Florist ‘Then cut the stems, put them in fresh water with some ower food and leave them for a bit before you start arranging – let them have a good drink!
‘When arranging, use odd numbers of each ower, keeping the display balanced by putting di erent, similarsized owers on each side of the vase It shouldn’t look too symmetrical or formulaic. Change the water in your vase every day or two to extend the life of your owers; cut the stems again if they’re starting to wilt ’
Laundr y powder
Soap and brush
Laundr y spray
Stain remover
Storage container
Peg bag
Wooden pegs
Jute basket
Laundr y bag
Buttons and thread
Steam iron
Tea towel to protect delicate fabrics when ironing
Even if you don’t have a dedicated laundry room, use pretty and practical baskets to keep your supplies in order When it comes to drying your laundry, give each item of clothing a rm shake before hanging it up, to help remove creases Then peg each item along its inside seam or bottom edge
STAIN REMOVAL SECRETS
To remove stains on a dark item of clothing, soak it for several hours in a solution of one part vinegar to two parts warm water, before washing as usual For lighter-coloured clothing, try applying a neat biological washing detergent Leave it to sit on your clothing for ve minutes, agitate the stain slightly with a toothbrush, then
put it in the wash. For deodorant or sweat stains on white items, sprinkle bicarbonate of soda over the stain and apply a teaspoon of white vinegar As the area begins to zz, lightly brush the stain. Remove the black residue and wash as normal
‘Linen sprays are an excellent way to ensure items are left smelling fragrant,’ says Deyan Dimitrov, CEO, Laundryheap ‘I’d recommend spritzing your bed sheets midweek, on day three or four It will make your bedding feel much fresher, and mean that you won’t need to wash your sheets more than once a week for luscious-smelling linen ’
Ma ke you r ow n linen spray by mi x ing
60m l water w ith 30 d rops of scented
essentia l oil in a gla ss spray bot tle
T he w rong product ca n st a in leather, suede or nu buck . Before using a ny new polish or conditioner, test it on a
Soft cloth
Clear and coloured shoe polish
Specialist cleaning liquid for suede, nubuck or crepe shoes
Renovating cream and leather conditioner
Applicator brush, shine brush and silk-bristled brush for suede shoes
Shoe-shine tray
Shoe horn
Cedar shoe tree
Shining leather shoes makes them look great, feeds the leather and protects it from the elements Leather should always feel soft and supple, so if it starts getting hard and dry, give it a clean and apply leather conditioner. Always use products designed for the material of your footwear – some polishes and waxes can alter the colour or texture of suede and nubuck You can remove stubborn stains from these types of leather with speci c erasers and brushes. Use shoe and boot trees to help retain the shape of your footwear
‘Make sure your shoes are clean before polishing them,’ says Lissy Beesley, footwear product manager at
boot brand Ariat Europe. ‘Remove dirt from zips, laces and stitching with a damp cloth, and allow any mud to dry before removing with a brush Then evenly apply a footwear cleaner all over the damp shoes, working it in with a soft brush or sponge and removing any with clean water ’
‘Let the shoes dry at room temperature before treating the leather,’ Lissy says ‘Use a leather conditioner sparingly, rubbing it in with a soft, dry cloth When the conditioner is dry, apply a little polish in circular motions with a clean cloth Use a soft brush to remove any residue, before bu ng in the polish to make the shoes shine ’
St a r t you r spring clea ning w ith spa rk ling a nd strea k-free w indows inside you r home – a l l the bet ter for v iew ing the buds , bu l bs a nd blossom a s they appea r in the ga rden
There’s nothing worse than having the exterior of your windows cleaned, and realising there are smudges on the inside of the panes that are still clouding your view Here’s how to clean the glass and bu it to a smear-free nish every time.
You don’t need a shop-bought glass cleaner to get a sparkling nish
the ingredients you need for an e ective window wipedown can be found in your kitchen All the formulations below are e ective, so experiment with the one you feel works the best for you and your home Vinegar and water Add three tablespoons of white vinegar to a bucket of warm water and stir, then dip a cloth into the solution and wipe your windows clean. Vinegar will give o a strong smell at rst, but the aroma will fade quickly Baking soda Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda onto a cloth, then immediately rub the surface of the window to wipe away grime, suggests Alicia Johnson, cleaning expert from Cleaning Green LLC
‘There’s no need to be too vigorous because the baking soda will act as an abrasive that removes dirt, dust or other debris with ease, yet it’s soft enough that it won’t scratch the surface of your windows,’ says Alicia Next, you will need to wash the soda from the glass, using lukewarm water and another cloth If you ’ re worried about residue, use the vinegar and water solution (above) instead of plain water. Washing-up liquid and vinegar Mix two cups of water with teaspoon of washing-up liquid and ¼ cup white vinegar in a spray bottle Spritz
it on to windows and use a sponge to wipe the liquid away Washing-up liquid and water is also the recommended mix if you are cleaning the exterior of your windows
The best cleaning solutions can leave smears if your wiping technique is erratic. Experts recommend using a Z-shaped motion to clean panes, to reach every part of the surface The nish will be even better if you use a micro bre cloth as it will pick up grease and dirt, and won’t leave pieces of lint or u on your windows.
Alicia recommends bu ng your windows once they have dried, using a dry, soft, chamois cloth or chalkboard eraser. ‘Bu ng the windows gives them that fantastic glow, while ensuring that the glass is completely streak-free,’ she says For an old-school trick, use scrunched-up newspaper to bu the glass ‘Old newspapers can be your Holy Grail when it comes to cleaning windows,’ says Yvonne Keal, senior product manager at Hillarys blinds ‘The texture of the newspaper will remove any grease left over by your cleaning solution Simply rub crumpled newspaper in circular motions to leave your windows streak-free ’
Tackle the window frames first, to avoid dirty water from them dripping on to your clean glass Wiping with a wet sponge should remove most of the dust and dirt
Buying a house can be fraught with miscommunication, but adoor is a new app designed to help. It connects buyers, sellers, conveyancers and mortgage brokers, sharing access to legal info and searches so the progress of the purchase is clear for all to see. The developers say it can save lawyers seven hours a week, reducing time, stress and, importantly, fees. Sign up at app.adoor.co.uk
Cute as a cupcake, with its colourwashed Georgian frontages all greens and pinks and baby blues, Alresford in Hampshire – pronounced ‘Allsford’ – is not short on charms. Originally divided into new and old Alresford in the medieval era, when a weir and large shpond were created from the River Alre between the two locations, the newer town grew prosperous and claimed the name The high street is broad and straight (a touch strait-laced even – when a barber’s shop put up a sign without permission, other shopkeepers were ‘ up in arms ’ , a resident recalls) On the doorstep is a wonder of the world: chalk streams. These cold, crystal-clear and mineral-rich reedy creeks, fed by chalk aquifers, are a rarity worldwide Alresford has four, which have been managed for centuries to support a wealth of sh, as well as ourishing watercress farms. Time was when super-fresh cress was dashed to London on The Watercress Line, now a heritage railway
It helps to have a little luck moving to one of Hampshire’s most desirable towns, where properties are ‘slow to come up ’ , says estate agent Marishelle Butler A three or four
A L L A B O A R D
The Watercress Line, The Eel House, Alresford High Street
bedroom property might start at about £750,000, although she emphasises, ‘this varies enormously’. Townhouses have compact frontages but many plots extend ‘like Tardises’, as a local describes it – a legacy of centuries-old burgage town planning when large gardens were prized for self-su ciency
O P S, B O U T I Q U E S A N D
E L E G A N T L AU N D E R E T T E S
Even the dry cleaning is fancy here! The Alresford Linen Company sells elegant clothing and homeware – as well as providing on-site laundry This kind of individuality is typical: from fashion boutique Moda Rosa, whose wardrobe is packed with glamorous gowns, to Billy Goat children’s shoe shop, which holds podiatry sessions, and Laurence Oxley books, family run since 1950 Food-wise, two family butchers, a baker, Mange2 Deli, and pop-up Little Green Van for plastic-free organics, have it covered Pulpo Negro, a joyful little tapas bar, is always popular Cosy pubs and tea rooms proliferate
C O U N T R Y L I F E A N D C U LT U R E
Watercress is best harvested at its crispest, during the cooler periods of the year; however,
the annual Watercress Festival takes place when the weather is milder in May A popular haunt is Amy’s Duck Table, a stream-side bench with bird-feeding station.
With a history stretching back 300 years, Perins School, labelled ‘good’, is now a comprehensive secondary with close ties to Sun Hill Junior School For parents who value freedom in learning, nearby Brookwood Park takes a holistic approach to its educational o ering
Just o the A31, Alresford has excellent road access via the M3 to the M25 and London, while Winchester is a mere seven miles away Southampton Airport is half an hour For mainline rail, head to Winchester, Alton, Basingstoke or Peters eld, where trains to London take about an hour. The Watercress Line runs regularly from Alresford to Alton, for a scenic commute
Seize the moment for a lovely outing to Brandy Mount House gardens, home to more than 200 varieties of Galanthus – snowdrops in the vernacular. Opening days are almost as ephemeral as the owers: just three days in February. Two more beautiful places to amble are the 17th-century Fulling Mill; and The Eel House, where eels setting o to the Sargasso Sea used to be trapped.
Don’t fret if your dream home doesn’t come up soon in Alresford It may not be the only pearl in the riverbed… Alton Less expensive, yet also on The Watercress route is Alton It’s commutable to London, Winchester and Guildford, however prices run at least 10 per cent lower, and down to £600,000 for a four-bedroom semi Not so dainty as Alresford but get your picture-postcard x at Chawton village, minutes away, where Jane Austen lived This pragmatic place is no easier on the purse, yet o ers a wider choice of housing stock and shops The South Downs provides the backdrop, where ancient yew trees and waterfalls wait. Schools are another draw, including Bedales, founded in the 1890s There are trains to Waterloo, and easy journeys to the south coast. Romsey Also no shrinking violet in terms of size, Romsey, near Southampton, nonetheless feels relatively unspoiled; its townhouses all red brick and sash windows. On the banks of the River Test, producing arguably Europe’s best salmon, the town is surrounded by water meadows The abbey is genuinely awesome
Small but undeniably sweet, the Old Forge is a three-bed, end-of-terrace house in the nearby village of Bishops Sutton, just a 10-minute walk away from Alresford The property has French doors onto a lovely countr y garden with sun terrace and is furnished with love Priced at £500,000
Twenty minutes from Alresford is the four-bedroom Corner Cottage, selling for £1,250,000. For the price, there are two bathrooms, a cellar and a summerhouse, electric gates to the driveway, and a substantial landscaped garden with pretty brick path up to the front door
This impressive Grade II-listed home with three acres is considered the oldest house in Hambledon village. Manor Farm House has four double bedrooms, a large barn, annexe and detached garage with store and granar y Also, a walled veg garden and paddocks, with a price to match of £2,000,000
There’s a special kind of allure to a listed building. Rare and unique properties of historical or architectural importance, they have been placed on a national register with strict rules in place designed to protect and maintain their fabric for future generations. There are three categories of listing Grade II means the property is of special interest. Grade II* means it is considered important and of more than special interest And Grade I means the property is of ‘exceptional interest’.
‘Listed buildings o er something di erent to homebuyers. Not only are they a piece of history, they are often unique in terms of design and build,’ explains Marc von Grundherr, managing director of Benham & Reeves estate agency ‘This, coupled with the fact that stock levels are limited, makes them incredibly rare, and so increases their desirability further They are essentially an investment class of their own, much like gold or antique furniture, which can also make them impervious if there’s a dip in property values across the wider market.’
The fabric of a listed building is protected by law, which means owners need to apply for both listed building consent and planning permission when proposing any changes ‘Regular maintenance and like-for-like repair is often permitted but if these renovations involve alterations to the fabric or features of the home, you will need consent,’ says Marc.
Getting approval for a larger project, such as an extension or loft conversion, may be slow or di cult to obtain ‘The most common obstacle is failing to seek advice from a heritage consultant during the initial stages of any renovation project,’ Marc advises ‘Beyond that, it’s the changes themselves that can cause issues, either because they are prohibited or they haven’t been carried out to the necessary standards ’
‘It’s of vital importance that you invest in a full structural Listed Building Survey or Historic
Building Survey This will reveal any existing or potential problems and give an idea of what they might cost to remedy,’ suggests Marc ‘A specialist survey for a grade-listed home will cost between £800 and £1,500, versus a cost of between £300 and £500 for a regular home ’
You’ll also need to check that planning permission was in place for any past work on the property. If not, it may be you – not the previous owner – who is responsible for returning the property to its previous condition
O T H E R C O S T S A N D C O N S I D E R AT I O N S
‘You will require specialist insurance as the rebuild cost of a listed building is higher than a traditional home,’ says Marc ‘The average insurance premium tends to be about 40 per cent above an ordinary home insurance policy
‘Any maintenance or repair work is likely to cost considerably more than average property building work, as it will require specialist tradespeople and speci c materials. There are government grants available via Historic England so it’s well worth checking with them to see if your property is eligible ’
‘The average asking price for a grade-listed home sits at £750,000, which is 131 per cent higher than the national average house price,’ explains Marc ‘With limited stock available, demand for grade-listed homes can be high, meaning they attract immediate attention when entering the market for sale However, they don’t suit everyone and require a certain kind of buyer with a certain level of budget.’
We talk about nding our ‘forever home’, but when you buy a listed home, you are truly creating a legacy for generations to come. ‘As the owner of a grade-listed home, you ’ re a guardian of that unique piece of history and heritage until you pass the baton on, ’ Marc says
A listed home ca n be wor th 131% more a nd hold it s va lue i f proper t y prices dip
Sheds are the perfect no-nonsense storage solution for garden tools, DIY essentials and seasonal garden items. Sounds straightforward, but if you don’t want it to become a leaning, leaking pile of timber, then our expert guide will talk you through the essentials of putting it in place.
Plastic, metal and wood are the most common materials used for shed construction Wood is the traditional choice and will provide the most aesthetically pleasing option It can be painted to help it blend into your garden and can be repainted to maintain its appearance
Plastic is an a ordable option that’s easy to install and low maintenance. ‘Where possible, choose a steel-reinforced plastic shed for added durability,’ advises Samuel Marlow from Garden Buildings Direct
If your shed is going to be hidden from view and you want a quick-to-install yet durable design, then metal is worth considering Opt for the best quality you can a ord as cheaper models can feel imsy – the thicker the metal, the more durable it will be The main risk to a metal shed is rust, so opt for galvanised steel, which is more resistant to rust, paint the shed or apply rust-resistant coatings.
If opting to paint or coat a metal shed, do this as soon as you have installed it in the garden,
ST YLISH SHEDS
From left: Redwood Lap Forest Retreat, £5,734.99 including installation, Forest Garden Garden tool shed, £279 99, Gardenesque Keter Darwin 6x8 plastic shed with floor, £690, B&Q
before rust can set in, as this is easier than applying it after the fact.
Foundations are the secret to a sturdy shed Sheds are best placed on a solid base built from either paving slabs or concrete – laying the landscaping at least a metre wider on several sides creates useful working space.
‘It is imperative to check your existing base is level and doesn’t deviate by any more than 15mm from edge to edge,’ explains Jenny Davis of Forest Garden ‘If this isn’t the case, the building will twist, causing gaps to appear in the sections, and meaning the roof, doors and windows can misalign To check that your base is level, place a straight-edged piece of timber across the length of the base and put a spirit level on top of the timber near the centre. The bubble in the spirit level should sit comfortably within the two centre lines Repeat the process across the width of the base If the base is not level, it is important that you rectify the problem before any installation can begin.’
Typically, there is no need to secure your shed to the base If your shed has a tted base, tools and other items stored inside will help to anchor it in place, while heavier metal or wood sheds will have enough weight to stay grounded. However, if you live in a coastal or exposed area that often su ers from extreme winds, it is worth
considering anchoring your shed to the base slab with bolts to prevent it blowing away
Sheds are designated as outbuildings and therefore are classed under permitted development, as long as they are ‘incidental to the enjoyment of the dwellinghouse’ rather than used as an external living space However, planning permission will be required if your shed exceeds a maximum height of 2.5 metres. It should also have a footprint that covers no more than half the area of land surrounding the original house Listed buildings will require consent for any outbuilding For more details, check planningportal.co.uk.
Insulating your shed is a key step in preventing damp ‘Bubble wrap provides a cost-e ective way to insulate a wooden shed; cardboard, too, can provide an e ective, short-term solution ThermaWrap can be used for any shed type as it’s typically thicker than bubble wrap and is a
Shield a less-thanpretty shed from view by painting it green and planting around it
better insulator. Foam boards are strong, stable and straightforward to install For the oor, a waterproof membrane is needed, over which anything from carpet to plywood could be used,’ advises Jenny
Most newly purchased sheds will be waterproof – be sure to check the manufacturer’s details. ‘Look for dip treated (not just a wash) or Pressure treatment, which ensures sheds are properly protected against rot,’ says Jenny If your shed isn’t watertight, there are several methods that can help, advises Jack Sutcli e, co-founder of Power Sheds:
Add silicone to the windows to ll any gaps or prevent water ingress
Fill gaps and cracks with ller – wood shrinks, causing cracks to appear around the window and door frames through which water may penetrate. To prevent this from happening, regular checks for gaps are important If you notice any cracks or gaps, ll them with expanding foam and builder’s caulking To
further protect your doors, ll the gaps with excluder tape.
Install gutters and keep them clean Gutters divert rainwater away from the shed’s foundation and allow water to run down a plastic pipe, minimising its contact with the timber. Install leaf guards to make it easier to keep your gutters clean
Add siding. Vinyl siding is a great option It is made using a high-quality plastic (PVC) and is available in a wide variety of colours and thicknesses for an a ordable price. The material repels water and is highly durable, maintenance-free and easy to install It’s also resistant to rust and keeps out moisture
Stopping the ingress of water is the main way to help reduce any risk of damp, but increasing ventilation will also help moisture build-up
That could be with a speci c vent or just by remembering to open the shed door regularly to let any damp air out
There are two major factors in siting your shed One is the practicalities and the other is the aesthetics Depending on the style of your garden, you may want the shed to become part of your garden scheme – or keep it hidden out of sight Then come the practicalities
‘You will want to make note of where the door will be positioned and how you will access this from your garden. Consider overhanging trees coming into contact with the shed and potentially damaging roof felt You should also consider which way the roof is sloped as this will
Paint window trims in a contrasting shade and decorate inside your shed for visual appeal
dictate which way the water runs o , ’ advises Jack Sutcli e. Before you install your shed, take a look at your garden after a day of heavy rain Are there pools of rainwater on the ground? If so, the shed may need lifting on blocks or run-o methods may need to be employed With a metal or wooden shed, remember that you will need to access all four sides to repaint or re-treat
Once your shed is built and t for purpose, it’s time to integrate it into your garden scheme. If you ’ ve opted for a wooden design, think about painting it You have several options – neutral green or brown shades will help your shed to blend into the background, while a bolder colour will transform it into a standout feature.
‘Whatever colour you choose for your shed, adding intriguing accents is a great way to bring it to life,’ advises Marianne Shillingford, creative director at Cuprinol ‘A simple way to make a shed shine as a feature is by bordering its windows with a contrasting colour I love a blue and white combination, but you can go more muted with autumnal shades Accents can be on the trim of the shed, too ’
For metal sheds or those you would rather keep out of view, consider bordering the area with screening plants that shield it from view That way you create a functional workspace, that is separate from the more decorative areas of your plot
We spend most of our lives inside, so the air quality in our homes really matters Indoor air pollution impacts our health, triggering headaches, asthma and increased risk of stroke Thankfully, there’s a lot we can do to improve it ‘Indoors or out, the key to breathing clean air is not to make it dirty in the rst place,’ says science writer Chris Woodford, who explains that improving air quality at home is ‘about reducing chemicals, having good ventilation, and using air cleaning/purifying, if you really must, in that order ’
Air fresheners, plug-ins and deodorisers designed to overpower odours are a source of indoor air contaminants Synthetic fragrances can include hundreds of chemical ingredients, some of which can trigger respiratory conditions or disrupt hormone function To neutralise odours, try using a few drops of vanilla extract, a bag of dry co ee beans in a thin muslin cloth or Moso Natural’s bamboo and charcoal air-purifying bags (mosonatural com)
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are chemicals that evaporate at room temperature from sources such as cleaning products, polish, paints and plywood VOCs don’t dissipate quickly indoors like they would outside so the ideal situation is to opt for low-VOC products where possible. If you ’ re decorating, try VOC-free paints, and buy second-hand furniture that won’t ‘ o -gas ’ VOCs into the air
House dust comprises microscopic particles of dirt, pollen, bacteria, smoke, skin cells and hair ‘Settled oor dust acts as a sponge for all the chemicals ying around in the air that then deposit onto surfaces,’ explains Stuart Harrad, professor of environmental chemistry at the University of Birmingham
Many items inside our houses shed dust and contain traces of chemicals from the products
99.5%
we use on a daily basis That includes fragrances from household cleaners, scented candles and personal-care products, as well as ame retardants from textiles and electrical goods. We can breathe in that tainted dust, so regular cleaning of surfaces and electronics with a damp cloth helps to reduce your contact. Instead of a polish spray for wooden furniture that can release VOCs and aggravate allergies, choose a plant-based polish in a bar form
Where we install windows, their size and how easy it is to access fresh air through them really matters Assuming the outdoor air isn’t more polluted than inside your home, simply open windows and doors, especially while cooking. At night, keep bedroom windows ajar, as our body heat while sleeping increases the ogassing from synthetic polyurethane mattresses that can be laden with ame retardants A mattress topper made of wool or other natural materials can help reduce airborne toxins
C L E A N A I R T E C H
T
tackles indoor and outdoor air pollution. For updates about the latest research, innovations and insights, visit ukcleanair.org
If you ’ re concerned about indoor air quality, you have allergies or live in a highly polluted area, a technological solution can help ventilate and purify your home. Air puri ers are best placed in the room where you spend most time, and the room where most pollutants are found – this may be the kitchen or living room Good lters on vacuum cleaners and air puri ers must meet the high-e ciency particulate absorbing (HEPA) standard and remove more than 99.5% of tiny particles.
D
A P P to get an air-quality forecast in your area, visit map airly eu BREATHLESS: WHY AIR POLLUTION MATTERS AND HOW IT AFFECTS YOU by Chris Woodford (£10.99, Icon Books) takes an in-depth look at this global issue
Anna Turns is an environmental journalist and author of Go Toxic Free: Easy and Sustainable Ways to Reduce Chemical Pollution (£14.99, Michael O’Mara Books)
hea lth. Here’s how to clea n the atmosphere a nd breath ea sy
is the amount of particles a vacuum remove to meet clean air standards
Pause to appreciate the wildlife in your back garden by installing a bird bath. Bathing is an essential part of feather maintenance for birds, and a bath also gives them water to drink from. What’s more, bird watching
a few mindful moments watching our feathered friends.
‘DURING the COVID-19 pandemic I felt frustrated by its limitations,’ says orist Anna Potter ‘How could I create now that I was no longer able to select owers from a fully stocked market? And yet, looking around me, I saw so much beauty and wealth that, before now, I had simply overlooked So, I began nding novel materials to work with on quiet spring walks, and this has since become a ritual for me I seek out new materials purely for colour, texture and movement, and not because I’ve seen them somewhere on Instagram or they are the latest fashionable bloom
‘And, so, to the stems for my wreath. Cherry (or Portuguese) laurel is often relegated to car parks and neglected areas of our gardens Left without vigorous pruning, it produces the sweetest-smelling cascading blossoms The leaves have the most deliciously inviting almond fragrance, yet they contain poisonous hydrogen cyanide Having cut and used the blossoms unwittingly, I’m now drawn to this darker side that gives the plant a sinister beauty.
‘Similarly, the blackthorn blossom
– possibly my favourite of all the spring- owering branches – has its own library of dark tales and folklore, of witchcraft and sorcery In some traditions, a long, hard winter is referred to as a “blackthorn winter” A common theme that runs through the old stories is that blackthorn helps us to face the inevitability of our own death.
‘Straight, sturdy stems of pussy willow are no strangers to a seasoned orist, who might use them in hotel displays or winter bouquets I’ve never been interested in these rigid, pristine u -ball sticks, but what I nd in nature challenges my prejudice, for here are beautiful, light, wispy branches of catkins dusted with messy pollen, translucent and ethereal, chartreuse in tone
Traditionally the rst branch to be brought into the home in springtime, pussy willow is a symbol of life and hope The spring equinox celebrates newness and life The Earth returns to a place of perfect balance. Day and night are equal, the light and the dark bringing the return of some much needed balance into our own lives ’
Wire wreath frame measuring 30cm in diameter
Reel of wreath wire
Strong scissors or secateurs
Moss
Laurel x 15 stems
Pussy willow x 12 stems
Ornamental pear x 10 stems
Hellebore x 10 stems
Blackthorn x 6 stems
Berberis x 6 stems
Forsythia x 3 large stems
1 Attach the wreath wire on a reel to the wreath frame by wrapping it around once or twice and tying a knot. Keep this xed to the wreath for the entirety of the making – you will continue to wrap the wire around the frame as you add your stems.
2 Add small clumps of moss to the base, securing each by wrapping them around with wire. Completely cover the top side of the wreath with moss
3 Work your way around the wreath base again, this time adding the foliage and sprigs of blossom over the moss base Make small, hand-sized bunches of your ingredients, lay them at on the wreath and wrap just the bottom 2cm of stem tightly to the base
4 In each bunch, try to have one longer stem of pussy willow or sprig of blossom to help create movement in the design As you add more foliage, use each new bunch to cover the stems of the last
5 As you work your way around the wreath, alternate the bunches so that one is positioned slightly towards the inner edge of the wreath, and the next slightly towards the outer edge It is good to use the fuller, u er ingredients such as the berberis on the inner bunches. They will ll the space without encroaching into the centre circle too much and you’ll be able to keep a simple round shape in the middle
6 Once you have added your last bunch of ingredients, tie the wire o and cut the connection Finish your wreath with a ribbon, a favourite piece of fabric, or nothing at all
This is an extract from Flower Philosophy by Anna Potter (£20, White Lion Publishing)
Sally Francis spent her childhood free-range, stomping about salt marshes and water meadows, playing in chalk streams, and running footloose on her parents’ smallholding in Norfolk ‘We grew up with chickens and geese, eating fruit and vegetables from the kitchen garden The owners of the surrounding elds and wetlands were family members, and never minded my sister and I straying onto their land We stumbled across all sorts, including owers, such as sea lavender and marsh orchids, which captivated me ’
Sally went on to study botany at Oxford, followed by a DPhil in plant pathology, conducting research into how to grow healthy crops with no arti cial sprays She enjoyed the ‘dreaming spires’. ‘It was such a nurturing environment for learning; so many wonderful libraries ’ After her studies, she worked as a plant pathologist for eight years
Taking an interest in weird and wonderful plants comes with the turf For Sally, the ‘botanically quite strange’ Crocus sativus always stuck in the imagination ‘This plant produces sa ron, ’ she says ‘It combines aroma, avour,
and colour dye It is also a triploid, meaning it has three sets of chromosomes, rendering it sterile and only able to be propagated by dividing the bulbs ’ It was not easy to come by 25 years ago, before the arrival of the Internet So when an advert for sa ron bulbs, or corms, popped up in a magazine, it caught Sally’s eye ‘I mentioned it to my mum The next thing I knew 20 corms appeared on my birthday!’
The corms were planted on their smallholding, which has been owned by the family since 1934 Expectations were low, despite Sally’s know-how, yet a crop of delicate mauve owers pushed its way through the soil With just three sa ron strands (known as style branches) per ower, the 20 corms yielded only a teaspoon of sa ron But, for Sally, a passion had taken root.
At this point, Sally and her husband Mark had started a
L E F T Sally with a basket of saffron crocus flowers – the blooms are carefully picked by hand during the short har vest
A B O V E Saffron is produced only from Crocus sativus, which light up the fields with delicate purple blooms
B E L O W Only three saffron strands are produced by each flower, meaning tens of thousands of crocus are needed to produce the crop
R I G H T Sally and her family and friends gather at the kitchen table to remove the fragrant and flavoursome saffron strands, which are dried before selling
family and Sally was self-employed, creating feasibility studies for clients who wanted to grow unusual crops. ‘I had this sense things were falling into place,’ she recalls ‘I decided to conduct a study of my own into sa ron. ’
Diving into the literature, Sally discovered that north Norfolk had once been a hub of sa ron production – as well as south Cambridgeshire and, of course, Sa ron Walden in nearby Essex The crop was rst grown in England around 1350, continuing into the 1800s. ‘After that, some commentators said changes in the weather meant it could no longer be grown But we are living proof that isn’t the case!’ And each year Sally’s harvest grew ‘One year we had nine grams, which we decided to take to a craft fair, where we sold the lot!’ Realising there was commercial potential, Sally worked up a funding proposal for the Rural Development Programme for England ‘You can’t keep things secret when you want to sell and there is always the danger that someone with deeper pockets will pinch the idea and run with it.’ A grant was made for 50% of the start-up costs
‘ a huge con dence boost’
Harvesting is labour-intensive, and a clue to why true sa ron carries such a price tag
it’s often said to be more
expensive than gold Harvest lasts four to six weeks, from the rst week of October, with thousands of style branches to gather When the weather is unfavourable, a great deal may be wiped out in a small amount of time. ‘One year we lost 10% of our yield But there is nothing I can do, just harvest and pray ’ During the harvest, Sally is out at rst light, by herself at the start At the peak, it’s all hands on deck, including friends, to help process the sa ron ready for drying. This happens around the kitchen table on the day the strands are gathered ‘That part is lovely, with the woodburner purring, we chat away. ’ Helpers might be plied with sa ron-infused dishes, such as butternut squash soup, risotto or brioche Also, at this time of year, traditional Easter sa ron buns.
Real sa ron has what Sally describes as a ‘honeyed’ scent; the fake product can be musty. ‘Sa ower and turmeric can be passed o as sa ron, ’ she says ‘In my experience, even Michelin-starred chefs don’t always know there is an international grading system that weeds out all these fakes ’ Sally’s sa ron is organically grown, with no spraying, although not certi ed, as this proves to be disproportionately expensive for small growers But
The plant is also unique in its health bene ts. Again, Sally has scoured medical research papers: sa ron ’ s e cacy is proven as an antidepressant, at delaying the onset of macular degeneration, at bene ting heart health, and, according to some studies, has anti-cancer properties
The life that has blossomed out of a few modest sa ron corms is a good one ‘I would recommend working for yourself to anyone with a family. The responsibility is a lot, but you ’ re in control ’ Farming with small-scale practices brings out the best in the landscape, which is ‘teeming with wildlife: frogs, newts, toads and ladybirds’ There are also rare wild owers: blue scarlet pimpernels and bee orchids, and ‘ we just hand-hoe round them’.
Sally says she feels the land willed the sa ron back into being. ‘In the past, perhaps people grew sa ron right here. It’s very possible If we’d been just a few miles elsewhere in the county, the terrain might be so di erent as not to work But in this little corner, it was meant to be.’
Working for yourself, and for the land, is a combination that can flourish
R A C H E L J O H N S O N, O L D T R I C K E Y ’S F L O W E R FA R M
A gap year of temping made Rachel Johnson vow never to work in an office again. She initially went into a career in teaching, followed by a horticulture course when her children were young. Seven years ago, the family moved to an old farmhouse in Devon with an acre and a half of land, where Rachel has coaxed a cut-flower farm into being ‘Sometimes I am taken aback with the field in full bloom and it gives great satisfaction to share it with customers.’ oldtrickeysflowerfarm.co.uk
M AT T A N D K I T N E W E L L , W Y E VA L L E Y M E A D E R Y Brothers Matt and Kit Newell grew up in the Wye Valley in Wales With no jobs available, Matt left to study geology, working at gold mines in the Australian outback, and Kit went into product development and graphic design. Beekeeping was a long-time hobby of Matt’s, and eventually both brothers found their way back to the valley, where they established beehives and learned to ferment the honey to make mead In 2018, this became their main business and now the brothers provide jobs for locals who might otherwise have had to leave. wyevalleymeader y.co.uk
S E L I N A C A I R N S, E R R I N G T O N C H E E S E
Brought up on a 300-acre dair y farm in South Lanarkshire, Selina would help her dad with the calves and lambs After university, she worked in construction management at Edinburgh Airport but when her dad retired, Selina, now with husband Andrew, took on the farm. They diversified production, adding a small herd of dair y goats to provide soft as well as hard cheeses, helping with year-round cash flow. The farm no longer uses artificial fertilisers. ‘We see so many birds now The aim is to leave the farm better than we found it.’
erringtoncheese.com
stra nds ready for processing a nd d r y ing’
O ven to t a ble d i n i ng doesn’t get more del icious tha n this. Set the dish on the t a ble a nd let ever yone dig i n…
S E R V E S 4
S E R V E S 6-8
This classic Greek dish gets a seasonal twist, with kale and sprouts swapped in for the usual spinach.
500g Brussels sprouts, peeled and trimmed
180g kale
200g block of feta, patted dr y and crumbled
3tbsp toasted pine nuts
1 leek, finely sliced
30g parsley, finely chopped
1tbsp chopped dill
Zest of 1 unwaxed lemon
250g pack filo pastr y
75ml olive oil
1 Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil Add the sprouts After 5 minutes add the kale and cook for 3 minutes more Pour into a colander and shake o as much water as possible. Return to the empty pan and warm to dry.
2 Put the feta, pine nuts, leek, chopped herbs, and lemon zest in a large bowl with ½tsp salt
3 Finely chop or brie y pulse the sprouts and kale in a food processor. Mix into the ingredients in the bowl.
4 Line the base of the dish with baking parchment. Layer in half the lo, using a spoon to drizzle or brushing each sheet with oil before adding the next. Alternate the layers so the pastry covers the sides of the dish Add the lling and press down rmly with the back of a spoon
5 Continue layering the lo and oil until all the sheets are used up and brush the top layer with the remaining oil If preparing ahead, wrap the spanakopita in cling lm and freeze for up to three months. Defrost in the fridge before continuing to step 6 & 7
6 Preheat the oven to 200C/Gas 6 Cook for 40 minutes until golden. Keep an eye on the pastry; if it’s getting too dark, cover with foil
7 Cool for 5 minutes before cutting into quarters and then cutting each in half diagonally to create 8 triangles.
A fabulous celebratory twist on the classic chicken dish – although any sparkling wine will work
2tbsp olive oil
4 chicken breasts, skin on
2 sticks celer y, finely chopped
300g pearl shallots, peeled
2 carrots, roughly chopped
350g small chestnut mushrooms or larger ones, quartered
2 sprigs thyme
350ml Champagne
125ml chicken stock
Few sprigs tarragon leaves, chopped
3tbsp crème fraîche
Lemon wedges, to ser ve
1 Heat half the oil in a large, lidded frying pan and fry the chicken skin side down Season the top of the chicken and leave it to cook until the skin is crisp and golden Turn it over, season the skin and cook for a further 5 minutes Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside
2 Add the remaining oil to the pan along with the celery, shallots and carrots Cook on a low heat for 8-10 minutes, until the vegetables are soft. Turn the heat up a little, add the mushrooms and the thyme, and cook for a further 5-10 minutes, until the mushrooms start to brown
3 Pour in the champagne and allow the alcohol to cook o for a few minutes before adding the stock Bring to a rolling simmer, nestle the chicken breasts back into the pan and cook with the lid on for 10 minutes Remove the lid for a nal 10 minutes, adding 1tbsp of water if it gets too thick. Remove from the heat.
4 Stir through the tarragon leaves and crème fraîche Serve with boiled potatoes or rice, and fresh greens.
S E R V E S 6
We’ve given the ultimate comfort food go-to a delicious upgrade with rich avours and a colourful root veg mash
500g lean lamb mince
1 large onion, grated
2 carrots, grated
1 celer y stick, finely diced
250g mixed mushrooms, finely chopped
1 sprig fresh rosemar y, finely chopped
2 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves picked
1tbsp plain flour
200ml red wine
2tsp wholegrain mustard
1tbsp Worcestershire sauce
500ml beef stock
1 bay leaf
250g pouch cooked Puy lentils
FOR THE MASH
450g each of: celeriac, carrots and potatoes, peeled and diced
50ml whole milk
Knob of butter
25g Parmesan, grated
1 Add the lamb to a lidded casserole and place over a high heat. Cook for 12-15 minutes until the fat has rendered and the lamb is browned Add in the vegetables and herbs (reserving some thyme), and sweat for 12-15 minutes.
2 Stir in the our and add the red wine. Cook out for a few minutes before adding the mustard, Worcestershire sauce and stock. Stir, then add the bay leaf and lentils. Reduce the heat to medium and cook with the lid on for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally
3 Meanwhile, for the mash, add the celeriac and carrots to a pan and ll with water Season with salt and bring to a boil Simmer for 15 minutes, then add in the potatoes and cook for a further 10 minutes, or until tender. Drain into a colander then cover with a clean tea towel and allow to steam for 10 minutes
4 Heat the oven to 190C/Gas 5. Transfer the vegetables back to the pan and mash with the milk and butter Season to taste
5 Remove the bay leaf from the mince then top with spoonfuls of the mash Sprinkle over the Parmesan and lightly fork through the mash, creating peaks that will catch and go crispy when baking.
6 Bake for 30-35 minutes, until golden and bubbling at the edges Scatter with fresh thyme and serve with seasonal greens.
S E R V E S 6
Gooey and comforting, this plantbased pasta bake is the perfect standby for unexpected guests.
400g prepared butternut squash
3 garlic cloves, skins on 2tbsp olive oil
2 large leeks, trimmed and sliced into rounds
100g cashew nuts
250ml plant-based milk
2tsp mustard powder
½tsp paprika
400g macaroni pasta
50g breadcrumbs
Few sprigs thyme, leaves stripped
1 Heat the oven to 180C/Gas 4 Drizzle the squash and garlic with 1tbsp oil and roast for 30 minutes until tender After 10 minutes, add the leeks
2 Meanwhile, place the cashew nuts in a bowl with the plant milk, mustard powder and paprika Cook the pasta to al dente (around 8 minutes) in boiling water
3 Carefully squeeze the soft, roasted garlic out of its skins into a blender with the squash, cashews and plant milk mix, then blend together
4 Drain the pasta and reserve 50ml pasta water. Mix the pureed squash with the reserved pasta water and then stir into the pasta with the leeks.
5 Sprinkle over the breadcrumbs and thyme leaves then drizzle with the remaining oil. Place back in the oven and cook for 10-15 minutes until piping hot and the breadcrumbs are turning golden.
S E R V E S 4
The delicious naan croutons make this tasty soup something extra special. For a vegan version, omit the cream and croutons
2tsp olive oil
1 onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, crushed
1tbsp garam masala
½tsp turmeric
¼tsp mustard powder
¼tsp ground cinnamon
Pinch cayenne pepper, plus extra to ser ve (optional)
500g parsnips, peeled
and chopped
1 large potato, peeled and chopped
1ltr vegetable stock
1 naan bread
¼tsp nigella seeds (optional)
70ml double cream, plus extra to ser ve (optional)
Coriander leaves, to ser ve (optional)
1 Heat half the oil in a saucepan and add the onion Cook over medium heat until soft and translucent Add the garlic and spices and cook for 1 minute, then add the parsnips, potato and stock Simmer for 20-30 minutes until soft
2 Meanwhile, heat the oven to 180°C Cut the naan into cubes and toss with remaining 1tsp of oil and the nigella seeds Scatter in a single layer over a baking tray and cook for 10-15 minutes until golden These are your croutons
3 When the vegetables are tender, use a stick blender to puree the soup until smooth Stir in the cream then serve with an extra sprinkling of cayenne, the coriander and naan croutons
4 If making ahead, freeze for up to 3 months (or it will keep in the fridge for a couple of days), defrost completely and reheat on the hob If freezing the croutons, we recommend defrosting them completely Place in a hot oven for 5 minutes with a little more oil to re-crisp
We love real grass here at Country Homes & Interiors, so news that the UK government is proposing a ban on
Created from d ri ft s of gra sses a nd peren nia ls, pra i rie-st yle pla nti ng is bri l lia nt for w i ld li fe a nd ea sy to ca re for, ma k i ng it a great choice for a cou ntr y ga rden
Perennials, such as lofty, purple Verbena bonariensis, and grasses mingle in carefree drifts in the Millennium Garden at Pensthorpe nature reser ve, Norfolk, in a design by Piet Oudolf
he naturalistic prairie-planting style has a freedom about it,’ say Pauline and Paul McBride, owners of Sussex Prairie Garden. ‘It is moving back to a more natural way of gardening with plants as the main focus ’ Inspired by the prairies of North America, the cultivated style has been developed by designers such as James van Sweden, Wolfgang Oehme and Piet Oudolf ‘It can give a softness and a fullness,’ Pauline and Paul continue, ‘ as well as dynamic energy through the varying textures and movement it can exhibit ’
Rather than shrubs and trees, grasses are the main plants in prairie-style gardens, so start with those. ‘Pick perhaps three interesting grasses and create large clumps that repeat through the border for structure and to provide the swaying of plants in the breeze,’ says designer Matthew Haddon of Haddon Studio
There are masses to choose from, although focusing on year-round interest can help you narrow things down, says designer Helen Elks-Smith. ‘Stipa gigantea – the skirts of which remain all year, and which has delicate, tall ower spikes that are sent up fairly early in summer and stand until the winds of winter cause them to collapse – form an airy layer ring above the adjacent plants, catching the slightest breeze. I have some outside my kitchen window and love to watch the sparrows inch along the stems as they bend under their weight in search of the tasty seeds ’
Helen also recommends Hakonechloa macra. ‘There are a number of cultivated varieties with di erent coloured foliage, but I nd the straight species preferable. Lush green all summer, it colours beautifully in autumn with delicate seed heads, and the whole plant turns a quiet straw brown over winter It’s wonderful for lining paths, and the sound as you brush against it adds another dimension ’
Bringing colour and bolder forms to delicate gold and green grasses, owers come next in a prairie garden
In keeping with the low-maintenance approach, these are generally perennial ‘Place them so they can be seen among the grasses by paying close attention to their height,’ says Matthew ‘Again, the owers should be added in large clumps of ve or more
plants for the interest of repetition and also to create coherence ’
Choosing owers that evoke North American grasslands – such as echinaceas, heleniums, asters, rudbeckias and lupins – will help you create the classic prairie look. But, with a season of interest that starts largely in mid to late summer, you might also want to bring in less-traditional options for earlier in the year. ‘Irises and hemerocallis can add welcome colour,’ says Matthew, while bulbs can shine through once the grasses and perennials have been cut down in late winter
When it comes to hard landscaping, ‘bear in mind that quality natural materials will set o any scheme to its best advantage’, say Pauline and Paul. ‘Materials with natural qualities, such as wood, stone and raw steel, could de ne, contain and complement the plants.’
Suitably informal, gravel is the usual choice for paths, but it’s far from your only option ‘Prairie-style planting works as well with traditional reclaimed Yorkstone as it does with crisp, clean sawn porcelains,’ says Helen. ‘Or try a simple grass path meandering through; a gentle curve will slow your pace and allow you to enjoy your creation and the hover of insects and birds that will inevitably follow, taking advantage of the larder.’
Natural prairies often occur in areas with high summer temperatures and droughts, so wild res are common. These clear away dead plant material, and while it’s not advisable (or practical) to do the same at home, you’ll want to mimic this natural process in your own garden. ‘Simply cut all grasses and perennials down to ground level once a year in January and February (after you and the birds have bene ted from enjoying the winter silhouettes of seed heads in the frost), then mulch heavily and sit back and enjoy your prairie all summer long!’ say Pauline and Paul.
‘Once the garden is created, you do have to keep planting groups balanced,’ they continue ‘It’s all about knowing the plants you are using for your scheme and knowing which ones will be the thugs and which will be the shrinking violets! Although the plants feel very wild, there has to be judicious control underlying the scheme You may also choose to let some plants run wild if you love that e ect ’
A simple bark path winds its way through mounds of grasses and vibrant perennials, including echinacea, echinops and persicaria, in the prairie garden at Lady Farm Gardens in Somerset
Watch where you step… We t a ke a closer look at those low-to-the-grou nd pla nt s that w i l l ensu re there isn’t a patch of ba re ea r th i n sight
orming the garden’s lowermost storey, ground-cover plants could easily be overlooked They are the backing singers to the leggy showgirls and beefy heroes in your borders, but they have a key role to play in helping you to design an outdoor space that’s both beautiful to behold and appealingly low maintenance
‘Ground-cover plants are vital for creating the primary layer of foliage in a planting scheme,’ says plantswoman Sarah Raven, ‘giving a well-established look and lling any gaps at the front of a border, as well as those tricky spots at the bases of larger statement plants.’ They also work well on slopes, which can be di cult to access and replant regularly.
What’s more, they’re an attractive way to suppress weeds A thick carpet of ground-cover plants can prevent sunlight reaching the soil, where it can cause weed seeds to germinate Robust and well-established ground cover will also beat out weeds when it comes to nutrients and water, leaving them – well – weedy
Choose varieties that are low growing, of course, and that will preferably also spread quickly (so they can take hold before the weeds do) Being evergreen is also a plus, so you ’ re not faced with bare earth over winter. Flowers are a lovely – if not essential – extra, especially for a predominantly green shady area, as is scent when your ground cover will be growing close to or creeping over a path
Whichever plants you choose, get them o to the best possible start by making sure the soil is in a good condition, watering in dry weather during the rst season, and taking other steps (such as mulch or membrane) to control weeds until the plants have had a chance to establish
S U G G E S T E D S U P P L I E R S
S A R A H R AV E N has an online ‘plants for ground cover ’ section, and offers an excellent selection of flowering options, sarahraven.com
B E T H C H AT T O’S P L A N T S & G A R D E N S specialises in plants for specific conditions that can be filtered by growing habit too, bethchatto.co.uk
D’A R C Y & E V E R E S T has a wide range of alpine plants for ground cover that would be well suited to a free-draining area, darcyeverest.co.uk
With bright white flowers then red berries, Cornus canadensis is ideal for a dappled woodland area
If we use owers to ‘decorate’ our garden, it makes sense to treat plant borders like a feature wall and to employ a balance of background and accent colours to enhance our scheme. Using colour theory can help here. Complementary hues sit opposite each other on the colour wheel and make each other appear more intense. Including tertiary colours, the complementary sets are as follows: red-purple and green-yellow; orange-red and blue-green; and yellow-orange and blue-purple I’ve used the rst set here to create an uplifting border that brings vibrancy to a spring garden
Although it’s classed as a shrub, acacia (or mimosa) can grow up to around 8m tall over a 10 to 20 year period. It prefers well-drained soil in a sheltered location in full sun and suits urban gardens or milder southwest localities. However elsewhere, it may need winter protection The yellow u y pom-pom-like owers of this variety are stunning in spring and the silverygrey, fern-like foliage is really pretty, too
EUONYMUS
U S ’
This is an evergreen shrub and is perfect for adding to winter wreaths and for ower arranging Although it can grow quite big – around 2.5m x 2m – it can be clipped into size and shape to suit any garden I nd it a really easy plant to look after It will grow in full sun or partial shade in any soil, too
HEBE ‘R H U B A R B A N D C U S TA R D’
This bushy, evergreen shrub is loved by bees and grows to about 60cm high The small, oval grey-green leaves have an irregular cream-to-yellow margin and are ushed with pink, especially in cold weather. It has small, purple owers in mid to late summer and grows in any soil in full sun or partial shade It may need winter protection in severe weather
WA L L F L O W E R ‘S U G A R R U S H
P U R P L E B I C O L O U R’ F 1
These owers are great in containers as companion plants to tulips; they grow to around 30cm tall and are fragrant, too. Once they’ve nished owering in spring, you can move them into the border where they will ower again at the end of summer/beginning of autumn, deadheading to extend the display They prefer full sun or partial shade in well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil Provide an overnight cloche or eece protection where frosts are severe
HELLEBORUS X HYBRIDUS
‘D O U B L E E L L E N P I N K ’
These are some of my favourite plants Hellebores will ower from February to April; they’re perennials and semi-evergreen, so they come back each winter Perfect for underplanting trees or any other partially shady spot This variety has dark-pink owers and yellow centres which co-ordinates beautifully with the plants in this planting plan
Nikki Hollier is a previous winner of Country Homes & Interiors My Country Business Awards and founder of Border in a Box; borderinabox com
S TA R M AG N O L I A With owers bursting open like reworks in March and April, the star magnolia is a garden showstopper It likes a sheltered spot, in sun or partial shade.
C A M E L L I A S Glossy evergreen leaves form a backdrop to white or red owers. The plant comes in single or double varieties and grows well in containers with ericaceous compost
WAT E R L I LY T U L I P S Unlike the usual cup-shaped blooms, the owers of the Kaufmanniana tulip open wide, like a waterlily. They’re a pretty alternative to leggy botanical tulips and the shorter garden variety.
March is a busy month for getting ahead with sowing seeds, ready for blooming borders and arrangements of glorious owers later when summer comes, says Kevin Martin, head gardener and in-house ower arranger at Glyndebourne opera house in the beautiful Sussex countryside
1 SALPIGLOSSIS
SINUATA ‘K E W B L U E ’ has exotic purple flowers that make a beautiful display in a border or flower display Sow indoors in seed compost: sprinkle seed and press gently onto the surface Cover the trays with cardboard and place in a warm area until seedlings appear
2 T I T H O N I A is a bedding plant loved by bees and butterflies. Sow thinly into pots or trays indoors from March to April Keep moist and warm, and transplant into larger pots when grown enough. This enables the seedlings to develop into substantial plants that can fill a generous-sized border
3 CENTAUREA CYANUS, or cornflower, make excellent cut flowers. Sow onto a weed-free seed bed which has been raked to create a fine soil Make 12mm-deep drills, 30cm apart, and water lightly prior to sowing. Scatter the seed and cover with soil.
M U L C H a nd ma nure roses. Lightly fork the soil a round the pla nt a nd scatter well-rotted ma nure a round the base . This will give the pla nt a n added boost
season sta rts in May.
D E A D H E A D
This will focus energy back into the bulb a nd will help keep the ga rden looking tidy during the spring months. Leaves a nd stems should be left to die back natura lly as cutting too ea rly could mea n they won’t return the following yea r.
support
plants reach at least 2m in height – before har vesting in winter. When leaves turn yellow in autumn, they are ready to har vest. Cut the stems to 30cm, and dig.
W E E D da ndelion, dock a nd buttercups. Dig down to remove the tap root, to prevent them esta blishing. For buttercups, dig out the pla nts, then hoe beds regula rly to remove spreading runners.
There are many wonderful reasons to plant a hedge,’ says Fiona Gordon, projects manager at Herefordshirebased Hedge Nursery. ‘Natural beauty, the fact that they’re environmentally friendly, and that they can eliminate noise and air pollution as well as encourage birdlife ’
There’s also a hedge for every style of home Evergreen for a year-round barrier; autumn colour; or owers and berries in the summer
What plants should I choose for my hedge?
‘The answer is a matter of both personal taste and the growing environment (soil, climate, etc) in your garden,’ says Morris Hankinson, founder and managing director of Hopes Grove Nurseries in Kent ‘It can be helpful to look around to see the hedges that do well in nearby gardens with similar conditions to your own ’
One of the most important aspects is how fast the plants will grow – and it’s not just about height ‘The roots of some vigorous hedging species have the potential to damage drains, driveways and foundations,’ Morris warns
‘Consider the design elements you enjoy – do you like a formal garden, or do you prefer a more naturalistic country garden that attracts birds and wildlife with berries and owers?’ asks Fiona For the former, choose a species that can be neatly clipped, such as beech, yew or holly. For the latter, mix native hedgerow plants such as hawthorn, hazel and dog roses
When should I plant my hedge?
Hedges can be planted year-round, avoiding very dry, very frosty, or very wet weather, but it does depend on the form the plants arrive in ‘Bare-root hedging should be planted during the winter months, typically between November
T
and March,’ says Fiona. ‘This is the most coste ective and environmentally friendly option ’
If you ’ ve missed the opportunity, you can still plant root-ball hedging plants ‘These are also a dormant season option, although with a good ball of soil the season starts earlier in October and nishes a little later in early May,’ says Morris. Another option is pot-grown specimens which can be planted at almost any time of year
How many plants will I need?
‘Typically, we suggest ve to seven plants per metre , ’ says Fiona. ‘If you want a bushier hedge, stagger the planting in a zigzag pattern, which will mean at least seven plants per metre length ’
How do I maintain my hedge?
‘It is essential that new hedges have enough water, light and nutrients to establish well,’ says Morris ‘They also must be kept free of all weeds – including grass – over the whole width of the planting area for at least the rst two years ’
Pruning will, naturally, depend on the plants you ’ ve chosen – whether they’re deciduous or evergreen, how vigorous they are, and whether you ’ re establishing or just maintaining the hedge – so you should seek out speci c advice However, Fiona does advise pruning so the base is slightly thicker: ‘This allows the sunlight to reach the lower half of the plants, and you shouldn’t get “ gaps ” in the base of your hedge
‘Regular trims also allow air ow and sunlight to the plant which helps prevent plant diseases,’ she adds
T he la ndscape designer is happiest in his ga rden in a q u iet va l ley nea r Bath
I live in a secluded valley near Bath with my husband, Huw, and our dog, Wren. Our perfect day would be at home, with some gardening companions for me, harvesting and cooking companions for Huw, and a canine friend for Wren
Weather permitting, every day starts with a cup of tea taken into the garden. Here, we gently wake up and share observations about the weather, how the light is falling and the changes in the planting and the surrounding landscape We will also start to shape our plans for the day
After breakfast of homemade yogurt, granola and homegrown fruit, we go for an hour-long walk around the valley with Wren. On our way we might see our neighbour, Hannah Gardner (@astrantiarose), a gardener and writer Or we will chat to octogenarian sisters Josie and Rachel, who keep chickens and bees and have one of the most perfect country gardens I have ever seen. A strong co ee on our return (and perhaps a cardamom bun from Landrace Bakery), then it’s straight out into the garden for as long as possible. If I feel rich in time, our morning walk might take us as far as Derry Watkins’ Special Plants nursery, where I try to resist the urge to buy more than I should
Lunch is nearly always homecooked. If it’s just the two of us, this is usually a seasonal soup with local
W I L D AT H E A R T Dan expresses his passion for naturalistic planting at his countr y garden near Bath
cheese and homegrown salad If we have visitors, Huw will create a feast harvested from the kitchen garden. There might be a pie, frittata, risotto or casserole
hard to leave. Visitors are always welcome, though, and we might have drinks with passing friends or neighbours in the evening Our friend Jonny Bruce (@j bruce garden), who gardens with us, might come to stay with his dog, Frida, before a day in the garden and we will spend a stimulating evening discussing anything and everything over dinner, while the dogs wrestle under the table.
The day ends with me feeling tired and a bit achy, but satis ed with the day’s achievements and looking forward to another day in the garden
Dan Pearson’s new online course, An Expert Guide to Planting Design, is available at createacademy.com. Pre-order from 14 February; £127 for lifetime access.
