Lockdown has been an eye-opening experience to say the least. I know that I speak for so many of us when I say that there have been a number of silver linings to come from it too, aside from a new found appreciation for our closest family and friends. So many of us have discovered such fulfilling hobbies which have taken us back to a real simplistic and wholesome way of living- from baking to home-making, from flower-arranging to kitchen-garden growing. The impact of these new found passions on younger demographics means that it doesn’t take long before the chicest of home-friendly brands and destinations begin to cater to them. Last week I was invited down to one of the Cotswolds most experiential destinations for an exclusive pre-opening peek of The Organic Garden (I mean, could this name be more on brand with moi? I don’t think so!), which is the latest addition to their estate in Kingham, Oxfordshire. Housed in a remodelled agricultural barn utilising local traders and craftsmen, as well as traditional materials sourced from the estate.
So let me walk you through the gorgeous experience I had at Daylesford. Keep in mind that this is a total sensory experience – you enter through the stunning greenhouse into a wonderful space full of salads grown in the Daylesford Market garden, botanicals, citrus trees and orchids, which are a nod to Founder Carole Bamford and her favourite flower. Here you can add to your own vegetable garden with a variety of plugs, pick up some of their peat-free soil which we used for our own raised beds, and even help yourself free of charge to coffee grounds, a by-product from the various cafes and restaurants found within the estate. Upon exiting the greenhouse through the double doors to the courtyard, you can shop various shrubs, hedging and topiaries for your own garden, as well as take endless inspiration from their use of old wooden trays and antique trough water features. There’s even a wonderful space at the back with a long garden table and open fire for you to sit and enjoy the wonderful space that surrounds you.
Finally you find yourself in the renovated agricultural barn which makes up the vast new shop for The Organic Garden, as you may have seen in my most recent grid post on Instagram. Bursting with even more inspiration, this really is the ultimate destination for the curated gardener- antique terracotta pots and perfectly imperfect wicker herb troughs adorn tables and shelves throughout the ground floor whilst the upstairs is what we’ve all been waiting for. Those of us who have visited Daylesford a few years ago will remember their little space in the shop upstairs which housed a few homeware pieces and a scattering of antique finds. Well I’m excited to say (beyond excited, but I digress) that space has just gotten bigger and better with the soon to launch Daylesford Garden Furniture, which I’m sure I don’t need to tell you, is absolutely stunning. Hold me down!
“This really is the ultimate destination for the curated gardener.”
Those of us who have visited Daylesford a few years ago will remember their little space in the shop upstairs which housed a few homeware pieces and a scattering of antique finds. Well I’m excited to say (beyond excited, but I digress) that space has just gotten bigger and better with the soon to launch Daylesford Garden Furniture, which I’m sure I don’t need to tell you, is absolutely stunning. Hold me down!
Needless to say, I didn’t leave empty handed and Daylesford has moved straight to the top of my list of gardening destinations in the Cotswolds. Have you visited Daylesford before? What’s your reason (aside from the delicious asparagus) for heading there? Will you be visiting The Organic Garden any time soon? Let me know in the comments below.
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
Ad I felt like a princess and I know my caption should probably be more cool than that but then 10 year old in me wins every time.
Thank you so much @secretspauk @beautypie @officialntas @bellepr_ @milla
@nickandrewsphoto @lensaction
Ad Blush dreams at the National Television Awards with @secretspauk wearing @milla such a wonderful evening!
Ad a dream come true few days in Norfolk & Stamford with the @fairfaxandfavor team meeting so many of you and immersing myself in the beautiful brand. Full video is on my YouTube
Wearing
The Beatrice blazer, Buckingham bag and Molton belt all from @fairfaxandfavor
Paid partnership
The oldest English retailer of fragrance and still to this day is family owned. The @florislondon flagship on Jermyn Street was a real treat to experience recently. I purchased their Together Fragrance Customisation as a double gift for both Ali and I. I gave my overall thoughts on the experience in a recent YouTube video but overall we would highly reccomend! It was an incredible experience and I will continue to repurchase my custom fragrance for many years to come no doubt.
off to cotswolds today after doctors sad reason’s though as need clean family graves as due to covid not been in 18 months
my family from cotswolds my fathers is castle combe
hoping maybe go daylesford as well have nice lunch and wander
how amazing would it be meet you x
loving blog and vlogs x
we made it just not our cup of tea
we more reasonable priced places as have smaller budget
if you can afford it this garden centre is amazing
well worth a visit i dare you lydia
to try ginger and turmeric shot hehe gave me shock
nothing like my waitrose one’s
nothing could topped our day in cotswolds today but
if we had met you but was late by time we got there 4pm i think x
Love this blog post Lydia, I don’t usually read blogs but the pictures and content are gorgeous! I’ll be reading more ! Thank you xxx
Daylesford looks a beautiful place to spend a few hours mooching around! Love the products you recently bought from there.
Warmest wishes, Adele x