Roses – they are just the best and I think a gardener that does not have any is just waiting to come across the right one. In my previous garden I didn’t have a single one. Then, when we moved…
The Rectory Hotel
Quite often I get asked for recommendations on where to stay on a weekend away so I though I would share one of my favourite country hotels, The Rectory in Crudwell, Wiltshire. A gorgeous small hotel housed in a beautiful…
Garden notes 12th of February
Sunshine and 12 degrees. First day out in the garden this year. The winter has been mild and wet, the ground is sodden. Tulips starting to poke their tips through the soil, Narcissi pots are looking promising. Fresh shoots on…
Best breakfast spot
As much as we love being at home at the weekend, once in a while you have to make use of the lovely things London has to offer. Breakfast at the Wolseley is a real treat and we have made…
Time for Snowdrops
This image from Alexander Hoyle stopped me in my tracks the other morning and I realised – I need some snowdrops in my life! What a joy it would be to have these beauties nodding along with the cold January…
Shop of Dreams
On Saturday morning I stopped by at the most beautiful shop in London. Anyone that likes stationery absolutely must visit Choosing Keeping in Covent Garden when next in town. They sell the most gorgeous notebooks and papers, amazing pens from…
Signs of hope
After what seems like months of dull, grey weather, the sun came out yesterday and I ventured out into the garden for the first time this year. In winter I always expect the garden to be fully dormant but actually,…
Christmas tree roundup
I know Christmas is over now but I’m old fashioned and I like to savour it for as long possible. These days most people seem to throw out their trees before New Year’s but we will stick with tradition and…
Flowers at Christmas time
It has been four days since Christmas Eve but I am by no means done with it. The build up is great, the event itself magical and the days that come after are just so…nice. I love the days in…
Winter solstice
The shortest day is here and that, to me, is something worth celebrating. Such a comfort to know that the daylight is returning. This winter has seemed unusually dark and getting up in the mornings has been a real struggle….
Christmas wish list
I don’t want a lot for Christmas, I really don’t. Would be very happy with some peace and quiet. A nap. Half an hour to read a magazine undisturbed, that sort of thing. Having said that I do think it…
Christmas tree time
Finally Sunday came around again, we had been counting down as it was going to be Christmas tree day. Off we went back to Columbia Road on the hunt for a tall but not too wide tree. Last year we…
