Whatever the weather, June marks the start of what we consider summer in the northern hemisphere, and many of us are seized with a frenetic desire to make the most of it. We want our homes to be light, airy and inviting and our outside spaces full of colour and scent – but if you’re … Read more
Cliodhna Dempsey’s letter (Bridal bucket is the best wedding gift, 26 May) brought back the happiest of memories. In July 1968 I was 21 years old, on the last day of my first year of teaching in Hampshire, and due to be married eight days later. My lovely class of first-year juniors, at final assembly, … Read more
What’s the problem?My daughter has a yucca plant on her landing, and while the lower side looks fine, the taller side is struggling. She suspects her partner might have overwatered it. Any advice? DiagnosisYuccas are drought-tolerant and sensitive to overwatering, and yellowing leaves, soft areas on the trunk or drooping stems are all indicators of this. … Read more
With each month that passes, we learn more and more about our readers. For one, you clearly love a bargain – the top budget choice in our group tests is often your favourite. You also love to get outdoors, whether that’s a camping trip or a walk in the local park. So it was no … Read more
It’s common these days for people to play music in their gardens on smart speakers or smartphones. But is it fair on the neighbours? Should gardens be quiet spaces without these kinds of sounds? Graham French, Sutton Coldfield Post your answers (and new questions) below or send them to [email protected]. A selection will be published … Read more
“Shoes off!” barked my slightly bossy friend Kit as I was about to cross her threshold. I was taken aback: was this a new habit adopted from social media or some lifestyle guru? Kit is not obsessive, but she is house proud. She lives in the country, her house surrounded by muddy lawn near a … Read more
Any garden is a special thing, but a walled garden? That’s something truly special: an outside that is an inside. When Tara Fraser and Nigel Jones first came to view this semi-derelict Regency house in 2016, they had no idea Ashley Court included a walled garden. “We saw this wooden door and pushed it open – and there it … Read more
I started my growing season late this year. Life got in the way. By the time I was able to get stuck in, my veg patch was busily filling up with plants that had found their own way there. Now, I’m firmly in the camp of those who believe a weed is simply a plant that’s not … Read more
What’s the problem?I’m not sure which pots are better than others, or whether I can just leave my plants in their plastic nursery pots. DiagnosisNursery pots – the plastic containers plants are often sold in – are typically designed for short-term use and can easily crack. Although choosing the right pot for your plants is … Read more
“We offer 15,000 whites. Pick any three.” I more often give this advice to female clients, since in 40 years restoring, colour-matching and consulting I’ve seen most domestic décor decisions made by women. Apart from any cultural aspect, studies of human biology suggest a reason: only one in 200 women is colour blind compared with … Read more