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Sam Holden

5 DIY jobs to mark the switch in season and spruce up your space

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From upcycling a piece of furniture to painting the front door, these jobs can be done in a day or two, says Sam Wylie-Harris.

As we transition from summer to autumn, chances are you’re weighing up whether you’ve invested enough time in home improvements – and is there something you could be tackling over the weekend.

To help strengthen your curb appeal and give your interiors a lift, Jimmy Englezos, senior brand manager at Ronseal, has shared some easy projects to put you on the front foot…

1. Change the colour of your fence

A white picket fence may be the stuff of dreams, but even standard garden fencing can change the aesthetic of your home, creating boundaries and offering privacy.

However, fencing can often be overlooked when it comes to redecorating, says Englezos, with many homeowners often just sticking with its original colour.

And when it comes to maintenance, highlighting the grain of wood and ensuring its longevity, a fresh lick of paint can make the world of difference.

“There are two primary colour choices homeowners can go for, dark tones or light tones,” highlights Englezos.

“Darker tones absorb light to create a cosier atmosphere by making a garden space feel smaller and more intimate.

“Meanwhile, lighter tones reflect light, making the garden appear bigger by blurring the outer boundaries.”

And to point you in the right direction, green is trending big time, think forest green or sage; otherwise charcoal and black fencing creates a chic, contemporary vibe.

2. Spruce up the shed

“Garden sheds can also be neglected, and in many cases, they often house valuable garden tools and equipment – and so should be maintained to prevent any damp or mould taking hold,” underlines Englezos.

Make sure to give the shed a good clean using a hard wire scrubber to remove any excess debris, cobwebs, mud, mould or anything else that’s been attracted to your shed over the years, advises Englezos. “And make sure any holes are filled in using wood filler.”

3. Paint kitchen cabinets

This is a great way to freshen up the appearance of a kitchen on a budget, suggests Englezos.

“Painting works best on wooden cabinets, but laminate ones can also be painted providing the laminate is in good condition – and not peeling.”

For best results, he says to use a paint roller to apply the paint to the surface as this will help create a smooth, even finish.

Again, green is super popular and a great choice to improve your indoor-outdoor flow for a seamless transition from the kitchen to the garden… and sense of harmony by connecting your indoor-outdoor living areas.

4. Paint the front door

“This is often the first thing people see when they come round to your home, so you want to keep it looking its best,” notes Englezos. “This can easily be achieved with a fresh coat of paint.”

Both wooden and composite doors can be painted, but he says to make sure to use the correct paint. Also make certain to thoroughly clean down the surface of the door beforehand using a household cleaner and warm soapy water.

“Apply the paint in the direction of the grain pattern with a synthetic brush and leave the first coat to dry for four hours.” He continues. “Apply the second coat before leaving to dry and then reattach the door hardware.”

5. Upcycle a piece of furniture

“Got an old bookcase or desk which doesn’t fit into the overall appearance of a room?

“A simple lick of paint can breathe a new lease of life into an old piece of furniture, and cover any scuff marks or stains to make it appear brand new.”

Moreover, it won’t test your DIY experience, promotes sustainability and comes with the satisfaction of completing a lovely project yourself.

“Simply lightly sand the surface using some sandpaper before giving it a wipe down with a damp cloth,” guides Englezos.

“Apply two coats of paint using a synthetic brush, making sure to paint in the direction of the woodgrain.” And there you have it.

How to keep your greenery thriving during late-summer getaways

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Create a holiday haven for your plants and they will prosper, says Sam Wylie-Harris.

Whether you’re making the most of late-summer bloomers, or letting your houseplants sun themselves in the open air, chances are your greenery is glowing.

Only what if you’re escaping to your happy place in the sun?

As Julian Palphramand, head of plants at British Garden Centres points out: “Summer holidays bring visions of relaxation and adventure – but for devoted plant parents, the concern of leaving behind beloved plants can cast a shadow.”

“However, with a little preparation, your indoor and outdoor potted plants can thrive while you’re soaking up the sun on your getaway.”

To ensure your container garden and houseplants continue to flourish during your absence, here’s his comprehensive guide for lending a hand to green fingers…

Indoor houseplants

Ensure your houseplants thrive on your holiday with some pre-departure planning…

“Watering is paramount, so we recommend self-watering systems for convenience, or enlist a trusted friend or neighbour to water your plants once a week,” advises Palphramand.

“Light and humidity are also crucial for plant health whilst you are away. Move your plants to receive indirect sunlight so you don’t scorch delicate leaves.”

“To create a mini-humid microclimate, group your plants together,” says Palphramand. “You can also place a tray filled with pebbles and water near them to increase moisture levels.”

Before you leave, he says to adjust your feeding schedule to avoid overfeeding while you’re away. “Consider using slow-release fertilisers for a gradual nutrient supply.

“Inspect your plants thoroughly for signs of pests or diseases before you leave the house, and treat any issues promptly to prevent them from spreading in your absence.”

When returning from your holiday, give your plants some extra TLC, underlines Palphramand. “Remove dead leaves, prune overgrown branches, and check for any signs of stress or damage.”

Outdoor plants

Pre-holiday TLC…

Before you pack your bags, dedicate some time to ensuring your container plants are in peak condition, highlights Palphramand. “A healthy plant is better equipped to handle the stress of your absence.”

Feed: Give your plants a final meal with a feed rich in potash, says Palphramand. “Potash promotes flower and fruit development, ensuring your plants continue to produce vibrant blooms or delicious edibles while you’re away.”

Deadheading: “Remove spent flowers and wilting foliage before you go on holiday. This not only improves the overall appearance of your plants, but also encourages them to put their energy into new growth instead of sustaining old blooms.”

Prune on your return: Resist the urge to prune extensively before your trip, warns Palphramand. “Pruning can stress plants, making them more susceptible to dehydration during your absence – save any major pruning tasks for when you return.”

Managing whilst away…

Shade: Anticipate hot spells and relocate your hanging baskets, window boxes and containers to a sheltered area with indirect sunlight, suggests Palphramand. “This will help prevent them from drying out too quickly.”

Cluster together: “Group your potted plants together to create a microclimate, where plants benefit from each other’s humidity and provide some mutual shade.”

Placement: While seeking shade, he says to avoid placing your containers directly against walls, fences, or under trees. “These locations might block essential rainfall.”

Watering: “Water is the lifeblood of your plants, and potted plants will require more watering compared to in-ground plants, notes Palphramand.

“The day before your departure, give your plants a thorough drenching. Water generously until water flows out the drainage holes.

“This creates a deep reservoir of moisture for your plants to tap into while you’re away. Fill your water butt before you leave.

“This provides a natural source of water for your plants, especially if a lucky rain shower arrives during your absence.”

Self-watering planters: Consider investing in self-watering planters, recommends Palphramand.

“These containers feature built-in reservoirs that automatically supply water to the plant’s roots as needed.

“They offer peace of mind and are perfect for extended getaways.”

Mulch: “Apply a layer of mulch (bark chippings, gravel, or slate chippings) around the base of your potted plants.

“Mulch acts like a mini blanket, helping to retain moisture in the soil and reducing evaporation – this can significantly extend the time between watering sessions while you are away.”

Delegate plant care: If you’re planning a longer holiday, he says to enlist the help of a trusted family member, friend or neighbour.

“Ask them to check on your plants every few days, especially during hot weather, and give them a quick watering if needed.”

Group thirsty plants together: “If you have plants with similar water requirements, group them together.” He continues. “This makes it easier to water them efficiently and ensures plants with higher water needs benefit from the increased humidity created by their neighbours.”

Look at the weather before you go: Keep an eye on weather forecasts for your area. “If heavy rain is predicted, consider moving your plants to a sheltered location to prevent them from becoming waterlogged.”

With a little pre-planning and strategic care, you can return home to a flourishing haven of greenery, ready to welcome you back from your adventures, says Palphramand.

“So, pack your bags, relax, and enjoy your well-deserved holiday – your plants will be waiting for you, happy and healthy!”

Five minutes with… Hannah Waddingham for Home For Christmas

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As Hannah Waddingham’s glitzy, musical show lights up homes and gets everyone in the mood for Christmas, we discover the behind-the-scenes fun.

If you were looking for something to get you in the Christmas spirit, look no further.

Hannah Waddingham’s Home For Christmas, an all-singing, all-dancing, high-octane special on Apple TV+ has all the festive ingredients you could ask for.

Sparkles, numerous dazzling outfit changes, an 18-piece band, glittering Christmas trees, wide smiles, nostalgic teary-eyed moments, comedic skits and countless festive musical numbers.

There are even cameos from Waddingham’s Ted Lasso co-stars.

Best known as a West End star in musicals including The Wizard Of Oz and for her Emmy-winning stint in Ted Lasso, Waddingham’s latest endeavour sees her front a dazzling Christmas special at the Coliseum theatre in London.

The location holds particular significance for Waddingham: many a childhood evening was spent in one of the boxes, bewitched as her mother, Melodie Kelly, a mezzo soprano in the English National Opera, performed on stage.

Joining Waddingham in this extravaganza are the likes of Hamilton’s Leslie Odom Jr, British singer Sam Ryder, Beauty And The Beast’s Luke Evans, the English National Opera, London Gay Men’s Chorus and The Fabulous Lounge Swingers.

We sat down with Waddingham, 49, to talk glitz, glam, outfits and performing alongside her special guests.

FIRSTLY, HOW WAS PERFORMING AT THIS FESTIVE SPECIAL? WHAT DID YOU LOVE ABOUT IT?

It was amazing. I was expecting it to be really exhausting but it just turned out to be completely thrilling, even though it was hours and hours long to film.

I hadn’t prepared myself for the moment when we weren’t on camera, having to sit back and talk to my director, Hamish Hamilton, in my ear and having to kind of hold the audience – that was actually the most tiring part of it, just trying to keep the energy in the room up. But I absolutely loved it.

THERE ARE SO MANY SPECIAL GUESTS, NOT LEAST YOUR TED LASSO CO-STARS. HOW WAS IT HAVING SO MANY LOVED ONES THERE WITH YOU?

Well, I found it a bit overwhelming really that so many of my Ted Lasso pals said ‘yes’. I thought maybe one or two would. But to literally have an embarrassment of riches from AFC Richmond was incredible and they tip it into something quite extraordinary.

TELL ME ABOUT YOUR DUETS. DID YOU HAVE A PARTICULAR FAVOURITE?

No, genuinely not – that’s why I chose who I chose. They all have their gifts. They all have their magic. And every single person brought it.

WHAT WAS THE REHEARSAL PROCESS FOR THOSE PERFORMANCES LIKE?

It was brief. Particularly people like Leslie Odom Jr, you know, he’s a busy man. He flew in, his flight was delayed. We literally sang the night he arrived. We went through it once and then we went through it again around the piano, and then the next day we did it. Just insane!

But musicians globally have a shorthand. So once it was myself and David Tench, my musical supervisor, and whomever of my guests, we literally went, ‘Right, shall we do it? Are you happy with that? What are we doing there? How do we get into that? What should we do there? Should we slightly change the harmony?’ And we feed off each other. It’s a real tribe.

WHAT WERE THE KEY ELEMENTS IN THE SHOW THAT MADE IT FEEL REALLY FESTIVE FOR YOU?

I think I wanted to create that kind of thing of everybody coming round to our house – like coming round for a Christmas party. I wanted people to feel like they could kick off their shoes, even if they were in the auditorium that night.

And even if you look at things like my duet with The Fabulous Lounge Swingers and Phil Dunster, we purposely put in that concept of Phil being in the auditorium and us being around the piano and that kind of ramshackle feeling, people thinking it was just discovered on route.

Even the cameos, the inserts that we put in there, I wanted people to be able to see everything – that kind of 360 of the whole venue, the backstage, on stage… all of it.

YOUR OUTFITS WERE INCREDIBLE! HOW DID YOU FIND WEARING THEM? DID YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE?

Well, we made them from scratch. They were very, very carefully created. Myself and James Yardley, my stylist, sat down together months and months ago and decided that we wanted to create as much of an emotional arc with the clothes as with the music.

So that first gold dress: I wanted it to be sparkly, I wanted it to be festive but not a punch in the eye in terms of being overtly Christmassy per se. And then I wanted it to be something that wouldn’t be distracting and would look very elegant and simple to go into that number that I dedicate to my mum and my daughter.

And then I wanted the second outfit to be more playful for my song with Sam Ryder: a bit more of a rock chick with a miniskirt but still the train to add the drama of theatre. And then of course, the last outfit, we needed something that was romantic and old school, like the time of Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly.

11 stylish ways to kit out kids’ bedrooms

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From play areas to bedtime bliss, check out these cute ideas for children’s rooms, says Sam Wylie-Harris.

Everyone loves a summer refresh, especially tots and tweenies with playtime high on the agenda.

To capture their hearts and set the scene for after-school projects, reading hour, bedtime stories and imaginary beings, here’s what’s on our kiddies’ wish list…

1. Vipack Kiddy Tipi Desk, £209, Cuckooland

A centrepiece and workstation with a sense of wonder, think how much fun your littlun will have laying out their favourite things. With two open compartments for consoles, colouring pens and books.

2. Habitat Kids Mermaid Bookends, £18, Habitat

Ideal for kids of all ages – and child-like adults – this sweet mermaid has found a place in our hearts. Beyond the bookshelf, she’d look just as enchanting bookending dolls and soft toys.

3. Kids Prehistoric Dinosaurs and Friends Reversible Duvet Cover and Pillowcase Set, from £24, Next

When they know their brontosaurus from their T-Rex, and want to learn more, this larger-than-life bedding is just the thing.

Teddy Bear Rattan Easy Fit Shade, £57, Next

This teddy shade loves the spotlight – and will add charm to any ceiling.

5. Habitat Kids Grey Stars Bean Bag, £32, Habitat

We all love stars and this brilliant bean bag is perfect for cosying up with in front of their screen.

6. Dino Alphabet Wallpaper in Multicoloured, £12 per roll, I Love Wallpaper

A feature wall full of wonder, look a little closer and this alphabet wallpaper is a riot of fun with teeth, scales and claws to up their learning skills.

7. Children’s Rocket Night Light, £16.99, Lights4fun

The only light to launch, every spaceman dreams of a rocket.

8. Bella Floral Pillowcase, £25; Bella Floral Fitted Sheet, £50.50 (Single); Bella Floral Duvet Cover, £75 (Single); Bella Floral Kantha Quilt, £149; rest of items from a selection, Camomile London

A little bit special, this cottagecore-inspired vintage rose print imbibes thoughts of Little House On The Prairie. With sprigs of pastel blue and green flowers, it can be mixed and matched with other favourite finds.

9. Bear Basket, Large, £15; Simply Everyday Throw – Sage, £5; Plush Lion, Small, £6, B&M, in-store

A best-loved bear basket deserves their hero toys.

10. Kids Concept Neo Mammoth Animal Head Wall Decoration, currently £29.95 (was £44.95), rest of items part of room set, Cuckooland

This handsome fellow with curved tusks brings wall art to life – and who wouldn’t want to stroke his soft fur if you can reach? One to stand the test of time, you’re never too old for a furry friend.

11. Bloomingville Kesa Storage Box, £135, Sweetpea & Willow

Wheels of fun, this charming crate can be stacked high with goodies and parked in their special play space.

3 of the best new BBQ cookbooks to try this summer

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Fire up the grill, because BBQ season is upon us, says Prudence Wade.

Few things are more satisfying than cooking up a storm on the BBQ.

Whether you’re catering for a crowd or firing up for a quick midweek dinner – as the weather starts to warm up, so do our grills.

BBQing used to have a somewhat basic reputation for chucking unseasoned steaks on the grill and calling it a day. However, there are worlds of possibilities when it comes to cooking over fire – for example, did you know you could even whip up a batch of chocolate chip cookies outside?

New BBQ cookbooks released in preparation for summer take us all over the world with their recipes, and could even convince to you to build your own grill from scratch…

1. DJ BBQ’s Backyard Baking: 50 Awesome Recipes For Baking Over Live Fire by David Wright, Chris Taylor and Christian Stevenson

Think BBQs are just for hunks of meat? Think again.

DJ BBQ’s Backyard Baking proves baking doesn’t have to be an indoor, rainy day pursuit – and can be just as delicious and as much fun over the open fire outside.

This book is a collaboration from three foodies – Christian Stevenson (better known as DJ BBQ), his regular co-author Chris Taylor and baker David Wright.

The trio argue both cooking over fire and baking are often seen as overly complicated pursuits that are easy to get wrong – but in this book, they set out to prove this misconception wrong.

The book starts with the basics – the equipment and set-ups you’ll need, with a baking focus – and then launches into a host of technicolour recipes.

Dishes range from simple crowdpleasers, such as campfire bread and chocolate chip cookies (which yes, you can bake on a BBQ, you’ll discover) to the more adventurous, including lamb kofta sausage rolls and a full Moroccan-inspired chicken dinner.

There’s even a recipe for charcoal ice cream – which isn’t black like you might see on Instagram, but is full of those beautiful, smokey flavours.

With DJ BBQ’s signature brand of wit and irreverence, this book will open up the worlds of possibilities within outdoor cooking.

Quadrille, £20. Photography by David Loftus. Available now.

2. The DIY BBQ Cookbook: How To Build Your Own BBQ And Cook Up A Feast by James Whetlor

This is one for the DIY enthusiasts – anyone who really wants to their hands dirty when BBQing, from start to finish.

While it’s all very well and good to use a regular, shop-bought BBQ, food writer James Whetlor is a huge proponent for making your own.

Why? Because shop-bought versions are often expensive, and near-impossible to cart with you on a jaunt to the beach or a day in the park.

But Whetlor predominantly highlights how fun it is to make your own BBQ. You don’t have to be a DIY wizard or a building maestro to do so – some of the simplest set-ups will be hugely effective.

You’ll need a few basic bits of kit for a DIY BBQ – including breeze blocks, pots, planks and chains – all of which Whetlor says is available at your local DIY store. He also urges safety – wearing work gloves and goggles when building.

Whetlor gives a comprehensive guide on building your own BBQ – covering all the different options, from small versions to one that can smoke a whole pig – and there’s even an ingenious step-by-step guide for building your own tandoor oven out of a flowerpot.

If you’re tentative about building your own BBQ, Whetlor’s guide is so comprehensive he’ll put any nerves at rest – and then he follows up with the best bit: what to cook on your new creation.

Dishes range from vibrant veggie options – mushroom tacos and miso-marinated aubergine steaks – to meaty dishes (coconut hot wings, tandoori quail, spicy pork ribs and more).

Quadrille, £20. Photography by Sam Folan. Available now.

3. Big Green Egg Feasts: Innovative Recipes To Cook For Friends And Family by Tim Hayward

While this book is predominantly geared towards people with Green Eggs – a specific type of ceramic BBQ – don’t be put off, because the recipes will suit anyone, with any type of BBQ.

The beauty of a Green Egg is it covers so many different types of cooking – you can slow-roast, wok-fry and cook pizzas on there – but you’ll just as easily be able to do that without one, be it on stove or in your oven, if it’s not a recipe that specifically calls for BBQing.

If you’ve got a Green Egg, food writer Tim Hayward will take you through the best ways to use it, making sure you get the most out of this (admittedly expensive) piece of kit.

But the real strength of this cookbook lies in the sheer range of recipes included from all over the world. You’ll get step-by-step guides on how to make lobster rolls from the US, Indian chicken curry, a whole rack of spiced lamb from the Maghreb region in north-west Africa and Mexican taco recipes to feed a crowd.

Dishes are vibrant, colourful and will be everything you want to make this summer – with or without a BBQ.

Quadrille, £30. Photography by Sam Folan. Available now.

Highlights and trends from RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2023: sustainability, wildlife and weeds

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This year’s show gardens let nature do the talking, as gardening editor Hannah Stephenson discovers.

Gardens featuring more weeds and less formality have taken centre stage at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show, placing more emphasis on letting nature take control.

Native plants and trees, nettles, dandelions and a predominantly green palette of planting feature in many of the 36 show gardens, along with salvaged and upcycled materials. Elsewhere, huge bursts of colour remain in the Great Pavilion, while first-time exhibitors include mushroom growers the Caley Bros.

This year’s show is likely to spark controversy, reckons garden designer Andrew Duff, co-chair of the Society of Garden Designers and managing director of the Inchbald School of Design.

“There’s a clear message about sustainability and environmental factors in an aesthetic way. There’s a loss about actually, what is a garden supposed to do?” he says. “Right across the show, the inference is that nature’s taking control… maybe that it’s OK to let weeds grow and let things get a little bit ruinous.

“But at the end of the day, people like a lawn, they like to look after a space – that’s part of being in a garden – and it’s time that we need (to address) that controversy,” Duff adds.

Reflecting on the topic, Matthew Pottage, curator of RHS Garden Wisley, says: “We are having a climate crisis. We do need to garden environmentally sensitively. Is this the place to be showing that? It’s arguably the world’s best flower show, so this is the place.”

5 highlight gardens from this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show

Centrepoint Garden

Love it or hate it, this garden is likely to cause a stir with its partly demolished house, so-called ‘weeds’ and a fallen tree. Designer Cleve West has admitted it’s a ‘Marmite garden’ – people will love it or hate it.

“There’s a sense of abandonment, which is so clever. Cleve West has done a partly demolished ruined house with the idea of nature taking over,” Duff observes. “He’s saying it’s a metaphor for what it is to be young and homeless. There are nettles and dandelion seedheads. It’s really going to question what beauty is in a plant – and I think we need to have that discussion.”

Nurture Landscapes Garden

If you’re looking to take home some plants with you, be inspired by the beautiful Benton irises in rich shades of pastels and deep yellows which you’ll see in designer Sarah Price’s Nurture Landscapes show garden, inspired by the artist and plantsman Cedric Morris.

Memoria and GreenAcres Transcendence Garden

Designers Gavin McWilliam and Andrew Wilson’s garden aims to deliver an uplifting spiritual space, reflecting the emotional experience at the end of life (it’s going to a bereavement site after the show).

“Controversially, they’ve used concrete, but with the idea that this concrete is going to be around for hundreds of years,” says Duff. “It’s not a single use concrete.

“It has a simple palette of planting, is cool and calm and you immediately feel rested. The minimal use of materials and colour palette was really special and a moment of calm in the entire show. It was a relief to get to it,” Duff adds.

Myeloma UK – A Life Worth Living Garden

Top designer Chris Beardshaw’s garden has a much more traditional garden feel, with a structured order in the colourful planting against a backdrop of clipped yew, including peonies and salvias, plus inspired woodland planting.

Horatio’s Garden

Putting wheelchair access at the forefront of their design, Charlotte Harris and Hugo Bugg (Harris Bugg Studio), have created the eighth garden for the eponymous charity, which builds gardens to improve the lives of people with spinal cord injury.

The wheelchair-accessible space, influenced by the ways of seeing from a bed or a wheelchair, features tactile stone cairn and a table water feature to encourage wildlife, while a garden pod provides a cocooning place for physical and emotional shelter. After the show it will be relocated to Sheffield’s Princess Royal Spinal Cord Injuries Centre.

“There’s an incredible depth of planting, which is mind-blowingly beautiful, and beehives of warm cut stone which kind of replace topiary – they’ve made topiary out of stone,” says Duff.

Top trends

These are some of the key gardening trends to emerge from this year’s event.

Wildlife

“Unsurprisingly, there’s going to be the awareness of wildlife-friendly planting,” says Pottage. “There’s lots of habitat in gardens, but hopefully showing that can be beautiful as well. There are lots of logpiles, lots of water, lots of native plants, but also lots of gardenesque planting.”

Reclaimed and reused

Crushed concrete, piles of rubble, bare sand, re-used bricks and other recycled material dominate many of the show gardens’ pathways and form decorative features in several gardens. There’s a message to get gardeners thinking about how they might reuse materials, which formerly headed for the skip.

“All the gardens have a destination, which is really important,” says Pottage – the show gardens are all being relocated after the show.

Award-winning designer Tom Massey, who has this year designed The Royal Entomological Society Garden, predicts: “Reuse of waste materials is going to be a big thing.”

He uses crushed construction waste in his show garden, including crushed bricks and concrete to create a textured, aesthetic backdrop for the planting along with deadwood. “These waste materials are really good habitat for insects,” he points out.

Plants

People will be encouraged to grow native plants, from hazel to cow parsley, while those seeking colour may go for irises, which are prevalent at this year’s show. There’s also a resurgence of common yew (Taxus baccata) and other familiar plants including a cloud pine, Eleagnus ‘Quicksilver’

Drought-tolerant plants are also being pushed – some 55% of perennials in the show gardens are drought-tolerant, almost double that of last year, including fennel, salvia and cistus.

Weeds

Dandelions and other weeds feature in some of the gardens. Chelsea gold medallist Cleve West notes: “People get their knickers in a twist about weeds but they are the pioneer plants that stitch everything together.

“It’s just getting people to understand that all the things we kill with herbicides and pesticides can look quite beautiful,” West adds. “Just be more tolerant, and if you have a space where you can let nature take its course, it’s got to be good for wildlife and insects.”

Massey adds: “Dandelions are an early source of pollen and nectar for bees – and insects are in mass decline, so we need to be more considerate in the way we manage and maintain our gardens.”

Sculpture

“We are seeing nature becoming the sculpture,” says Duff, citing designer Sarah Price’s Nurture Landscapes Garden Mediterranean cloud pine. There are pillows of yew in the Memoria and GreenAcres Transcendence Garden.

Nods to the Royal Family abound, from bronze bust of the King in A Garden of Royal Reflection and Celebration, which features some of the Windsor family’s favourite plants including roses and camassia, plus several crowns featuring flora and fauna.

Standing at just under 7m is the biggest driftwood sculpture ever displayed at Chelsea, a Wyvern dragon perched on a tree, the centrepiece of sculptor James Doran-Webb’s exhibit.

And paying homage to the unsung heroines of horticulture at The Monument is the ‘Women in Horticulture’ exhibit honouring the likes of Janaki Ammal, Beth Chatto and Gertrude Jekyll.

Bigging up small spaces

Guy Barter, chief horticulturist for the RHS, says people are likely to be planting bigger trees on their balconies and also using drought-tolerant species. “This year there’s a pollinator section, a wildlife bath, and drought-resistant plants.”

Sunshine yellow: 12 ways to brighten your home with summer’s favourite hue

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The sunniest of shades is back, says Sam Wylie-Harris.

If the recent spring weather has put you in a sunny mood, why not mirror those feel-good vibes at home with some sunshine-yellow decor?

The brighter days may even have reignited an urge to tackle some long overdue DIY projects, or perhaps breathe life into your space with a fresh lick of paint.

If you’d rather take the easy option however, there are plenty of sunbeam-hued homewares in the shops, energised and raring to go.

Let the happiest hue give your home a new lease of life with these top finds…

1. John Lewis ANYDAY ‘Hello Sunshine’ Cushion, £12, John Lewis

A sunny scatter cushion emblazoned with a cheery message will set the scene for an all over glow. Bound to bring a smile.

2. Capri, Yellow – Roman Blind, from £51.31, 247 Blinds

Window dressing with timeless appeal, wildflowers against a yellow background works like a dream with soft greys and neutrals. Style with a fruit bowl of bananas, lemons or yellow peaches to add vibrancy to your scheme.

3. Wilko Embossed Glass Tumbler, Yellow, £3, Wilko stores

These fetching tumblers will make that smoothie or fruit punch taste extra-special, without being spendy. Ideal for garden parties and al-fresco lunches once it really warms up.

4. Daisy Bee Wipe Clean Table Cloth, from £28-£32, Next

From summer soirées to brekky or brunch, this sweet print looks and feels as fresh as a daisy.

5. Sass and Belle Yellow Round Bamboo Tray, £19.95, The Northern Line

When it’s time to proffer those Aperol Spritzes, this serving dish signals sundowners.

6. Victory Colours Sunstar No 42, Matt Emulsion, £44.95 for 2.5L, Victory Colours

A joyous celebration of colour, this bright yellow paint works for both contemporary and classic schemes. Create a feature wall full of warmth.

7. The Candy Neck Arm Wall Light in Yellow, £224, Made to Last

This industrial style retro-looking wall light makes a bright statement, before you’ve even flicked the switch.

8. Neve Linen Sofa Bed – Mustard, £199.99 (other items from a selection), The Range

A Scandi-style sofa bed in mustard will spice up a small space – and look equally good in a sun room. Think afternoon doze, sunny siesta style.

9. Plant Pouches Gift Box, from £28-£38, Cera Cotton

We love these wax coated fabric plant pouches – ideal for showing off your succulents. Available in three sizes, they can also be used for storing simple household items.

10. John Lewis + Matthew Williamson Wave Bath Towel, Mustard, £22.95, John Lewis

Looking to give your bathroom a fun beach vibe? This wavy print is a prize pick.

11. Salsa Garden Chair, Set of 2, Two Tone Yellow, £189, John Lewis

These funky rattan chairs will work a treat indoors or out. The pop of colour makes for an easy update for patio spaces and balconies.

12. Golden Somer Wood Paint, from £20 for 750ml, Thorndown

It may take some work, but imagine the satisfaction of bringing a tired piece of furniture back to life. Suitable for indoor and outdoor use, this buttercup yellow will liven up a lawn or living room.

We made the coronation quiche – this is what we thought

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Lisa Salmon made the King and Queen Consort’s coronation quiche recipe containing spinach and broad beans – and even her teenagers ate (most of) it.

At first glance, the King and Queen Consort’s personally-chosen ‘coronation quiche’ recipe looks fairly cheap and easy to make.

Featuring spinach, broad beans, cheese and fresh tarragon in a no-faff recipe (you put everything in a pre-baked pastry case and stick it in the oven), what could possibly be the problem?

Fresh tarragon, it turns out. It may be easy to get your hands on when you’re royal, but I went to three supermarkets and even tried one online, and just could not find any.

The recipe has been shared on the royal family social media channels in celebration of Coronation Big Lunches, which aim to bring communities together to celebrate over the coronation weekend (May 6-8).

Great British Bake Off judge and Big Lunch ambassador Prue Leith was one of the first to try it, at a special Big Lunch at Westminster Abbey, and described it as “absolutely delicious”.

Leith added: “There was no soggy bottom, the custard was not overcooked and dry, and the balance of tarragon was perfect – a really good quiche.”

The royal family’s website says the dish is “a deep quiche with a crisp, light pastry case and delicate flavours of spinach, broad beans and fresh tarragon”. It does not, of course, mention the fact finding fresh tarragon is about as easy as wearing the Crown Jewels on a night out at Wetherspoons.

I resorted to using dried tarragon (£1.09 at Morrison’s), with the internet suggesting using one teaspoon of the dried variety for every one tablespoon of the fresh stuff, as dried tarragon is much stronger tasting.

The other ingredients were easy to find, and pretty affordable. A packet of frozen broad beans is about £1.50 (and you only need a handful for the recipe), you can buy a small pack of spinach for 99p, double cream costs about £1.35, and the other ingredients – like milk, eggs, cheese and butter – you might have in your fridge already.

While the recipe does give the option of using shop-bought pastry, I made my own – tweaking the recipe to make it vegetarian. Although the quiche filling is all veggie, the pastry included a mixture of butter and lard, which is most definitely not vegetarian! I used all butter for my pastry instead, which was fine.

Making pastry is easy enough, and I baked my pastry case ‘blind’ for the suggested 15 minutes. I suspect a few minutes longer would have been better though, as while I’m pleased to say the finished quiche didn’t have a soggy bottom, it wasn’t exactly ‘crisp and light’ as described.

The filling couldn’t be easier. Half the cheese, cooked spinach (which I squeezed in kitchen paper to get rid of excess moisture, although the recipe doesn’t suggest this) and broad beans go in the bottom of the pre-baked case, then a mixture of the double cream, milk, eggs, tarragon and seasoning are poured on top, followed by the rest of the cheese (I added a bit more than suggested, simply because we all love cheese!).

After baking for 25 minutes, the quiche looked roughly like the one in the official Palace picture (although perhaps not quite as neat). But, what did it taste like?

Creamy was my overriding impression, and the hint of tarragon was nice, but I wished I’d added a little more. And to be honest, although I like spinach and broad beans, I didn’t really notice them taste-wise – although the quiche looks very green.

Green food is not something eagerly consumed by my teenage sons, so I was expecting them to turn their noses up at this. Surprisingly, they didn’t – and, although they picked out the broad beans, they actually said they liked the rest of the quiche and ate it all. Amazing!

However, although the recipe claims to serve six, there was just about enough for four of us – six portions would be very small.

The final verdict goes to my 19-year-old son, who concisely described the coronation quiche as: “Creamy and cheesy, with a twist.”

How to make the coronation quiche

(Serves 6)

For the pastry:

125g plain flour

Pinch of salt

25g cold butter, diced

25g lard

2tbsp milk

Or 1 x 250g block of ready-made shortcrust pastry

For the filling:

125ml milk

175ml double cream

2 medium eggs

1tbsp chopped fresh tarragon

Salt and pepper

100g grated cheddar cheese,

180g cooked spinach, lightly chopped

60g cooked broad beans or soya beans

Method

1. To make the pastry: Sieve the flour and salt into a bowl; add the fats and rub the mixture together using your fingertips until you get a sandy, breadcrumb-like texture. Add the milk a little at a time and bring the ingredients together into a dough. Cover and allow to rest in the fridge for 30-45 minutes.

2. Lightly flour the work surface and roll out the pastry to a circle a little larger than the top of the tin and approximately 5mm thick.

3. Line the tin with the pastry, taking care not to have any holes or the mixture could leak. Cover and rest for a further 30 minutes in the fridge.

4. Preheat the oven to 190°C.

5. Line a 20cm flan tin with greaseproof paper, add baking beans and bake blind for 15 minutes, before removing the greaseproof paper and baking beans.

6. Reduce the oven temperature to 160°C.

7. Beat together the milk, cream, eggs, herbs and seasoning.

8. Scatter half the grated cheese in the blind-baked base, top with the chopped spinach and beans and herbs, then pour over the liquid mixture.

9. If required gently give the mixture a delicate stir to ensure the filling is evenly dispersed but be careful not to damage the pastry case.

10. Sprinkle over the remaining cheese. Place into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until set and lightly golden.

All the top tipples to toast the King’s coronation

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Claire Spreadbury rounds up special edition beers, wines and spirits to celebrate in style.

The King’s coronation will see many of us throwing street parties, getting together and enjoying the additional bank holiday.

If you’re not sure what to drink, you needn’t worry. There are oodles of royal-themed new releases hitting the shelves in time for the big day.

Here are some of our favourites…

English bubbles

Popping corks of celebratory fizz is most definitely in order to toast the King, and there’s a huge variety to choose from. Starting from the top end, you can’t go wrong with the Ridgeview Royal Coronation Trio, £117, after all – it comes with a royal seal of approval. A brand served at Charles’ first state banquet at Buckingham Palace in November, this coronation gift set contains the Ridgeview Bloomsbury NV (the official wine served for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee), Ridgeview Cavendish NV and Ridgeview Fitzrovia Rosé NV (served to Barack Obama at the Buckingham Palace State Banquet in 2011) plus a limited edition coronation stopper. All completely delicious if you can afford to splash out.

Another bubbling British treat is Hattingley Valley‘s Kings Cuvée 2015, £85 (perfect with canapes) and Kings Cuvée Rosé 2015, £95 (serve with a scrumptious Eton Mess) – both available with a limited edition King’s coronation engraved oak case, £30, to mark the occasion.

Renowned English wine producer Chapel Down has released the Coronation Edition, £65, from their exceptional 2016 vintage, which features special edition packaging. Described by head winemaker Josh Donaghay-Spire as having aromas of ripe apple, fresh red berries and toasted brioche, he says this rich and complex sparkling wine is “perfect” for grand celebrations. Available directly from Chapel Down, this top drop will also be served by the glass at the two Michelin star The Hand And Flowers, and the Oxo Tower Restaurant. All profits from the sale of the wine will be donated to the Royal British Legion.

What could be more magnificent than celebrating the coronation with a magnum? The 1.5-litre Moët & Chandon Coronation Cuvée 2023 is dressed to impress with a specially-designed souvenir bottle, featuring the official emblem of the Coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort – available exclusively at Clos19 from May 1.

Royal Warrant holder Camel Valley has been producing award-winning English wines since 1989 and its English Sparkling Blanc de Blancs 2016, exclusive to Fortnum & Mason, contains 100% sparkling chardonnay, £42.50.

At the more affordable end of the spectrum, Aldi has done it again, releasing a Specially Selected English Sparking Rosé, £16.99. With a patriotic label and notes of raspberry and brioche, you really can’t go wrong.

Marks & Spencer‘s Balfour Coronation Cuvée, £23, is a limited edition bottle of balanced English bubbly, with some lively lemony acidity, crisp apple and even a touch of white pepper.

Sainsbury’s has also released an English Sparkling Wine, £22, made from grapes grown in prime vineyard sites across southern England and made using the same method as champagne. Enjoy crisp green apple aromas, toasty brioche notes and delicate citrus flavours.

And finally on the fizz front, if you want everything in one place, Cartwright & Butler‘s Coronation Celebration Hamper, £160, comes with a bottle of Moet & Chandon Brut Imperial, special edition coronation biscuits, tea, chutney, marmalade and coffee, plus fudge, more biscuits and a delicious fruit cake. What more could you need?

Wine

Understandably, it is all about the English sparkles when it comes to coronation wines, but for those who prefer something a little richer, we couldn’t resist mentioning Long Live The King – a cabernet sauvignon with the perfect Aussie ripeness, punchy cassis and an excellent name. £12.99, Laithwaites.

Gin

Who doesn’t love an afternoon G&T on a bank holiday Monday? Adnams have released a limited run of 1,000 Coronation Gins, £50, making this one a bit of a collector’s item. Taking inspiration from the King’s love of the natural world, John McCarthy – Adnams head distiller – picked out botanicals evocative of an afternoon tea in an English herb garden. Simply serve with Indian tonic water, ice, a fresh bay leaf and a sliver of cucumber.

Another top gin distiller, Silent Pool, has created a limited edition Coronation Gin, £45, that’s exclusive to Waitrose. Containing floral layers of lavender and chamomile, notes of citrus and lime leaves, and grounded with the subtle sweetness of local Surrey honey, it’s utterly delicious.

If you’re looking for a bit more bang for your buck, family gin maker Hayman’s has collaborated with up-and-coming artist Rose England to launch the limited edition London-inspired wrap for its bestselling London Dry Gin. £26 and exclusive to Waitrose, the design features iconic London landmarks, such as Big Ben, the black taxi and a red phone box.

For something a little lighter and fruitier, Sainsbury’s has also launched their Taste the Difference Orange Gin Liqueur with a hint of lemon, £8 (was £10) – wonderfully refreshing poured over ice with a dash of sparkling tonic water.

Beer

If you love a beer, you won’t feel left out amid the royal celebrations. Aldi has brought out a whole host of Coronation Craft Beers, £1.79 each. Choose from a Session IPA, Session Pale Ale, British Ale and British Lager, all in glorious limited edition prints.

Sainsbury’s has got in on the action too, with its Taste the Difference Coronation Ale, £2.50. An English ale brewed in the heart of Dorset, it’s made using crystal and chocolate malts for a toasted biscuit taste.

And Marks & Spencer is also releasing a delightful Coronation Ale, £3. Brewed with 100% English Sovereign hops from Herefordshire and pale ale malt grown organically in the UK’s finest barley-growing area of north Norfolk, it slips down like a dream.

5 ways parents can motivate their children to save money

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Empower your kids to be financially savvy with these simple money-making tips. By Vicky Shaw

Enabling children to earn money is one way that parents can help them feel more empowered and independent.

With some support and guidance, the ability to start saving can start at a young age, as kids are helped to test out their money-making skills.

Louise Hill, co-founder of GoHenry, the prepaid debit card and financial education app for young people aged six to 18, says: “Children don’t have to wait until they turn 18 to start earning money.

“With the right know-how, they can equip themselves with the skills to earn some cash outside of school, and develop core financial habits that will benefit them for life.

“Kids have a wonderful sense of creativity and entrepreneurial spirit, which if harnessed at a young age, can have a profound outcome on work and later life.

“Earning money is a powerful exercise that teaches kids financial independence, prepares them for adulthood, and ultimately gives much more satisfaction rather than instant gratification.”

Here are Hill’s simple tips for parents to encourage their kids to set savings goals:

1. Could they earn from a hobby?

Hill says: “By encouraging kids to embrace hobbies such as crafting or art, they can sell their creative work and turn their passion projects into a way to make money on the side.”

2. Benefit from being an animal lover

“If your child is passionate about animals, then there are several ways they can make money,” says Hill. “From helping to clear out a rabbit hutch, to feeding a neighbour’s cat, or making pet treats, looking after furry friends is a great way for kids to make extra pocket money.”

3. Empower children to profit from their culinary skills

Hill suggests: “For youngsters who love cooking and baking, selling their goods to friends and family is an easy way to earn extra money.”

She adds: “Patient kids who enjoy being outside, growing and selling home-grown produce, such as fruit and herbs, is both a fun and fulfilling way for foodies to earn.”

4. Motivate them to clean up

“According to our research, children are earning up to £29 per month by carrying out tasks such as vacuuming, mopping and unloading the dishwasher,” says Hill.

5. Offer guidance for launching a venture

For older children, channelling their entrepreneurial spirit with jobs such as babysitting, through to selling clothes on online marketplaces, is an empowering way for them to learn how best to manage their money, Hill adds.

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