That being said, it’s no secret that January is known for its less-than-ideal gardening weather.
Yet here I am, itching to get out to the greenhouse asap! Just me?!
For that reason, I’ve decided to make a monthly kitchen garden diary on here and update you on my progress in the garden each month. In part, so that I can fill you in on my plans as they unfold (in case you too are looking to dedicate more time to your garden this year.) In part, so that I have a record of progress throughout the year that I can look back on when I’m in need of some inspiration. But mostly so I have an excuse to get outside each month and feel like I’m being productive out there!
Thank you to my loyal newsletter subscribers who suggested the idea!
With that in mind, at the weekend, I went out to the greenhouse for the first time in so long and dedicated a few hours to preparing for the year ahead.
For me, that involved clearing up fallen branches, leaves and debris left behind from recent winds. Given that we’re surrounded by woodland, when the wind picks up, it can make quite a mess!
I also rounded up lots of old pots and containers from last year so that they’re ready and waiting for me to sow seeds in spring.
(I’d say that I cleared the cobwebs off myself but we all know Ali had to step in and do that bit for me!)
When the cold started to get a bit too much (!) I head back indoors, made myself a coffee (black, no sugar, thanks for asking!) and started to think about what I want to plant this year. That led me to ordering a number of sweet peas first and foremost because if they’re sown in late January/early February it gives them enough time to grow strong roots, which can then be planted out after the last frost. You know I’m a sucker for good marketing names so naturally, I found myself ordering both ‘Swan Lake White’ and ‘Royal Family White’ variations!
Goodness knows what they’ll turn out like but at least they sound the part..!
Finally, here in the UK, there’s a national bird watch on 27th-29th January where we’re encouraged to count and document the number of birds that visit our garden across the weekend. With Queen Lumi around, I won’t lie, most birds think twice before getting too close to us. I shall be keeping an eye out this weekend nonetheless and making a conscious effort to pay more attention to the birds throughout the year.
Looking for home inspiration instead? Read my top 5 interior design tips here…
Ready for an afternoon in the early Autumn sunshine on horseback
Ad outfit
Leggings @lemieuxproductsofficial
Top @gymshark
Blazer Lydia Millen x @karen_millen
Earrings @astridandmiyu
Boots @amazonfashioneu
Gloves @hollandcooperclothing
Ad When the turn of the seasons encourages you to wrap up in classic clothing from the beautiful British brand that is @lkbennettlondon , retreat to a cosy, country hotel and hunker down for afternoon tea with your husband. Use LYDIALKB20 for 20% off until 28th October #WearingLKB paid partnership
I had so many messages about my work from home outfit last week I thought I’d share it complete with accessories
Ad Outfit
Jumper @goelia_official
Trousers @lkbennettlondon
Shoes @emmylondonofficial
Jacket @marcelalondon_
Fragrance @diorbeauty La Colle Noire
Can you guess where I’m off to for afternoon tea?
Ad Outfit
Coat @lkbennettlondon
Dress @aavelleofficial
Hat & boots @hollandcooperclothing
Fragrance @penhaligons_london
Tights @wolford
The Autumn Equinox has arrived and as the nights draw in there’s so many opportunities to reconnect with nature.
Hosting a very special breakfast for my girls in honour of @princestrust and @thebrilliantbreakfast to raise money to help young women turn their lives around through work, education and training. A donation of £5 can enable a woman to simply travel to an interview which could go on to change her life forever so I would absolutely love it if you would join me in hosting your own Brilliant Breakfast between the 9th and 15th October, whether it’s simply coffee with a close friend, or encouraging your entire office to get involved, the funds raised will go towards helping young women, aged 11-30 create better futures for themselves.
And thank you to my angel @hello.petal.flowers for giving her time and creative flare to bring my vision for the breakfast to life, of course you don’t have to go with florals like me, but if that’s something you enjoy this is the perfect opportunity to throw a lovely breakfast with your girlfriends with a cause that will help so many other women, front and centre!
Ad Because being old fashioned is always fashionable
Such an honour to drive to @goodwoodrevival with the @astonmartin team in the iconic DB5 to celebrate 110 years of the brand and 60 years of the DB5.
Outfit
Dress @dior
Hat @aavelleofficial
Gloves @cornelia_james
Jewellery @garrard