Tag Archives: garden

Summer break, in the countryside

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It’s so beautiful here right now – the sun is shining, the garden is buzzing and the children are off for several weeks….

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I’m going to take a break from writing find the details for a couple of weeks, to make the most of the summer; in the meantime if you’d like to discover this beautiful part of the world, then the best place to stay must be Hole Cottage:

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This Hansel & Gretel cottage is literally in a hole in the woods, and you can rent it through the Landmark Trust. 

Meanwhile, back at home, the only other female member of the household is due to have kittens any day now….

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Poor thing! I’ve been heavily pregnant in the heat – I feel for her…. 

Do keep in touch via Instagram – and let me know you come from find the details.

I’ll be back at the beginning of August; till then, enjoy the summer! Jx

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High summer colour trends: pink and other brights

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With May underway, the garden is finally filled with colour and  I’m discovering what has been planted here by previous, green-fingered owners; right now, the space is filled with pink-toned flowers: some are blowsy, dramatic and exotic – not the colours typically associated with a cottage garden – as huge rhododendron bushes are produce dramatic, fuschia-coloured spears; whilst the apple trees are covered with blossom in more delicate tones:
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And, online and in the shops, nature’s brights are in vogue once again to brighten up our homes in time for summer sunshine. I’ve been inspired by this heavenly Designers Guild living room: Savine, the tie dye linen shown here as curtains, is my current favourite fabric:  it comes in several shades including blues, orange and green as well as this stunning fuschia pink:

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[image, Designers Guild] 

Another company well known for its clever use of bright tones is Denmark’s Rice: their High Summer 2013 range has just launched and with it these covetable pieces of tableware:

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Rice collage of tableware

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[All images, Rice] 

There are jugs; coloured glassware; ceramic and melamine plates; bowls in intricate patterns and bold plains, and all the wonderful patterns and colourways just invite you to mix and match, so creating your own unique collection of summery pieces for dining and picnic tables.

Rice is stocked online and in shops throughout the UK, click here to find the store nearest to you.