My concrete jungle home in London | Eva Wiseman

A rundown old school has become a grand home to plants, birds, two dogs – and one artist

When photographer Steph Wilson first stepped into the south London school that was to become her home, it was a sometime squat, dark and rundown, the walls black with mould. She shudders at the memory. Three years later she has turned it into a grand church to plantlife, an urban conservatory that appears illuminated by stage lights.

Last year, sales of succulents rose by 34% as young people leaned into the fashion for houseplants, a trend explained both by itinerant living and the long quest for wellness. But here in south London their primary effect is drama: a giant cactus stands among hundreds of little sisters, the ceiling strung with succulents that fall in theatrical curtains from dainty chains.

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How to grow winter salad | Alys Fowler

In the first of a two-part special, our gardening expert on leaves to see you through the season

The perfect winter salad has a little peppery heat, is robust enough to take strong-flavoured dressings, and has a sweetness that can only be brought on by cooler nights. I love a mixture of crisp lettuce, rocket, the sweet anise of chervil, and a little mustard or mizuna. As this is a subject dear to my heart, I’m going to split it into two: this week we’ll deal with lettuce, and next week all the other flavours to spice it up.

It is hard to be made to think of long nights and cold mornings when sandals and short sleeves are in order, but if sown now, winter lettuce will be up in no time, and will put on enough growth before the shorter days and colder nights set in. You can sow until the first two weeks of September to have pickings this side of New Year, and from the end of September to October to harvest the other side.

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Bring the outside in: how to style your home to make the most of nature

This contemporary home maximises its location with outdoor rooms and picture windows

With its seamless indoor and outdoor living spaces, and its Australian owner, this contemporary family home is more Brisbane than Britain. Tucked behind a suburban street, the plot, which formerly housed garages, is bordered by a stream with parkland beyond and surrounded by greenery.

“When I get back from work I’m greeted by views of woodland, and the sounds of water and birdsong; it’s instantly calming,” says Pia Fairhurst. She shares the home with her husband Jonny and their daughters Paris, nine, and Amelie, six. “We loved the idea of having no direct neighbours, and access to the garden from all sides.”

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Gardening tips: plant sneezewort for sprays of tiny white flowers all summer long

Then sow parsley seeds for an overwintered crop, and get festive with some chillies

Plant this If you need a “good doer” for a white border, wildlife garden or cut-flower patch, take a look at easygoing perennial Achillea ptarmica ‘The Pearl’ – AKA sneezewort. It does well in sun or partial shade, producing sprays of tiny white flowers all summer long. Height and spread: 70cm x 70cm.

Sow this Parsley is biennial, meaning it needs sowing twice a year to ensure a constant supply. Sow now for an overwintered crop under a cloche or cold frame. Seeds don’t transfer well, so sow in situ in pots or into a prepared seed-bed. Even easier, let existing plants self-seed and find their own sweet spot.

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Bring the outside in: how to style your home to make the most of nature

This contemporary home maximises its location with outdoor rooms and picture windows

With its seamless indoor and outdoor living spaces, and its Australian owner, this contemporary family home is more Brisbane than Britain. Tucked behind a suburban street, the plot, which formerly housed garages, is bordered by a stream with parkland beyond and surrounded by greenery.

“When I get back from work I’m greeted by views of woodland, and the sounds of water and birdsong; it’s instantly calming,” says Pia Fairhurst. She shares the home with her husband Jonny and their daughters Paris, nine, and Amelie, six. “We loved the idea of having no direct neighbours, and access to the garden from all sides.”

Continue reading...

from Home And Garden | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2P72wan
via IFTTT

How to grow winter salad | Alys Fowler

In the first of a two-part special, our gardening expert on leaves to see you through the season

The perfect winter salad has a little peppery heat, is robust enough to take strong-flavoured dressings, and has a sweetness that can only be brought on by cooler nights. I love a mixture of crisp lettuce, rocket, the sweet anise of chervil, and a little mustard or mizuna. As this is a subject dear to my heart, I’m going to split it into two: this week we’ll deal with lettuce, and next week all the other flavours to spice it up.

It is hard to be made to think of long nights and cold mornings when sandals and short sleeves are in order, but if sown now, winter lettuce will be up in no time, and will put on enough growth before the shorter days and colder nights set in. You can sow until the first two weeks of September to have pickings this side of New Year, and from the end of September to October to harvest the other side.

Continue reading...

from Home And Garden | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2ziwMVd
via IFTTT

Gardening tips: plant sneezewort for sprays of tiny white flowers all summer long

Then sow parsley seeds for an overwintered crop, and get festive with some chillies

Plant this If you need a “good doer” for a white border, wildlife garden or cut-flower patch, take a look at easygoing perennial Achillea ptarmica ‘The Pearl’ – AKA sneezewort. It does well in sun or partial shade, producing sprays of tiny white flowers all summer long. Height and spread: 70cm x 70cm.

Sow this Parsley is biennial, meaning it needs sowing twice a year to ensure a constant supply. Sow now for an overwintered crop under a cloche or cold frame. Seeds don’t transfer well, so sow in situ in pots or into a prepared seed-bed. Even easier, let existing plants self-seed and find their own sweet spot.

Continue reading...

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