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10 ways to style winter berry shades in the home

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INTERIORS

Seasonal and seductive, dark interiors are bearing fruit… so much so, we’re embracing shades of cassis, deep claret and plum, with winter berries are emerging as a firm favourite in the world of interiors.

Such is the surge in popularity, cookware, textiles and accent walls are being reimagined in rich berry tones – with new collections lending warmth, while creating an inviting atmosphere with a sense of luxury.

Indeed, leading interiors firm, Graham & Brown have named their Colour of the Year 2026 Divine Damson, which they describe as a “deep, timeless shade that evokes elegance, luxury and sophistication.”

Cited as a versatile and enduring colour, the inside team of designers say it “enriches a variety of styles and spaces,” and its versatility “makes it suitable all year-round, offering a cocooning, comforting feel in the colder months.”

While in summer, they say natural sunlight “brings out its vibrant depth allowing it to transition seamlessly across the seasons.”

Highlighting rich, bold hues, here’s what’s on our wish list…

INTERIORS
Cast Aluminium Casserole Dish in Burgundy, 2.7L, £35; Winter Berries Multi-Wick Candle, £8; rest of items from a selection, Dunelm

Think a comforting autumnal beetroot soup, or red wine casserole, and this is your new centrepiece to chime with supper parties and themed tablescapes. Style with burgundy velvet ribbons on stemware, and a bottle of bordeaux.

INTERIORS
Elements Ellis 4 Seater Round Dining Table in Burgundy, £449; Elements Cooper Dining Chairs, Tonal Boucle in Burgundy, £79 each; rest of items from a selection, Dunelm

As well as adding drama, colour and texture, this Scandi-style dining set makes for a conversation piece with its high-gloss finish, on-trend solid, pillar legs, and cool dining chairs… a dead cert for colour drenching.

INTERIORS
Graham & Brown’s Design of the Year 2026, Eternal Weave Black Wallpaper (Set of 2), £190 per set, Graham & Brown

This dark and moody motif features exotic birds, blooms and fauna for a dramatic backdrop – and generous dose of high drama. Said to be inspired by ancient textiles, nature and mythology, the design is produced as a double-width set; meaning you need two coordinating rolls for hanging the horizontal repeat pattern… frame the paper with a lick of Divine Damson to link the look

INTERIORS
Oakham Small Sideboard with Drawer in Wild Cherry, £169.99, Daals

Chic and contemporary, this polished sideboard in a deep shade of cherry, topped with gold tone T-bar handles will enhance any aesthetic.

INTERIORS
Lottie Berry Red Fabric Bar Stools, £159 each, Danetti

Upholstered in a plush chenille, these modish bar stools will bring colour and comfort to a kitchen island or trendy home bar.

INTERIORS
The Burgundy Fringed Lampshade, from £195, (Extra Small), Tinker & Tallulah

This vintage-inspired tassel lampshade shouts sumptuous, and can be used to dramatic effect with its gorgeous gold fringing, scalloped detail and rich, burgundy hue.

INTERIORS
Veeno Wine Glass Motif Wallpaper, £79 per roll, Bobbi Beck

More than a decorative afterthought, when you want to drink in a smooth merlot or cabernet sauvignon, set the scene for wining and dining with this whimsy wallpaper.

INTERIORS
Graham & Brown’s Colour of the Year 2026, Divine Damson Paint 1L Interior Eggshell, £36, Graham & Brown

This dark and moody motif features exotic birds, blooms and fauna for a dramatic backdrop – and generous dose of high drama. Said to be inspired by ancient textiles, nature and mythology, the design is produced as a double-width set; meaning you need two coordinating rolls for hanging the horizontal repeat pattern… frame the paper with a lick of Divine Damson to link the look.

INTERIORS
Luxury Marbles Christmas Bauble in Bitter Cherry, £29, Webb & Gray

This statement bauble will add instant charm to stylish place settings… and can double up as a napkin holder.

INTERIORS
Romance Ruffle Bed Linen Set in Berry Red, from £50, (Double), French Bedroom

Glamorous and romantic, ruffle-trimmed bedding in beautiful berry tones will luxe up any bedroom scheme – and who wouldn’t look forward to cocooning themselves in a delicious dark mulberry as we head into snuggle season?

Note – article by By Sam Wylie-Harris, PA. Prices correct at time of going to press but may have changed since.

3 new Mary Berry recipes to make this autumn

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MARY BERRY

Mary Berry turned 90 this year and to celebrate, she has released a new cookbook, Mary 90 – aiming to give home cooks a ‘career-spanning’ collection of fuss-free recipes for many different occasions.

It accompanies a new BBC TV series, Mary at 90: A Lifetime of Cooking.

The TV chef shares a mixture of brand-new recipes and her nostalgic classics, with Berry saying it has been a “sheer joy” to write, and includes the baking she’s so known for, alongside tasty, easy mid-week meals and crowd pleasers.

Fragrant chicken traybake

Mary Berry

“An all-in-one dish, this delicious, aromatic chicken recipe is vibrant and full of flavour,” says Berry. “Serve with rice or a dressed salad.”

Ingredients:

(Serves 4–6)

1 large aubergine, sliced into half-moons

2 peppers, deseeded and sliced into large pieces

1 large onion, sliced

3tbsp sunflower oil

3 dried lime leaves

1 large stick of lemongrass, bashed

3 large chicken breast fillets, each sliced in half

2tbsp sweet chilli sauce

150g baby spinach leaves

Small bunch of Thai basil, chopped

For the fragrant sauce:

1 x 400ml can coconut milk

2tbsp Thai red curry paste

2 garlic cloves, crushed

2tsp freshly grated ginger

Juice of 1 lime

2tsp fish sauce

2tbsp sweet chilli sauce

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 220°C/200°C Fan/Gas 7.

2. To make the sauce, mix all the ingredients together in a bowl.

3. Scatter the aubergine, peppers and onion into a large shallow roasting tin. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of the oil and toss everything together. Pour over half of the sauce. Add the lime leaves and lemongrass to the tin and roast in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.

4. Toss the chicken in the remaining oil and the sweet chilli sauce, and season well. Place a large frying pan over a high heat until very hot. Add the chicken and brown very quickly until sealed and golden, stirring constantly.

5. Remove the roasting tin from the oven and pour over the remaining sauce. Place the chicken on top and return to the oven for about 15 minutes, or until cooked through.

6. Transfer the chicken onto a plate. Stir the spinach and Thai basil into the sauce and vegetables in the tin and gently warm over the hob until the spinach has wilted.

7. Serve the chicken traybake with rice.

Best made and served. Not suitable for freezing.

Skate wing with caper sauce and samphire

Mary Berry

“Hugely popular, skate wings are readily available and simple to cook. The sauce makes the dish extra special. Buy samphire from the fish counter in the supermarket or farm shop,” says Berry.

Ingredients:

(Serves 4)

4 x 400g skate wings, edges trimmed with scissors

100g butter, softened, plus a knob

Juice of ½ lemon

4tbsp capers

4tbsp finely chopped parsley

400g fresh samphire

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C Fan/Gas 6.

2. Lie the skate wings on a board and use half the butter to spread over both sides of the skate wings. Season well with salt and ground black pepper.

3. Heat a large frying pan over a high heat. When hot, brown the wings in batches for 2 minutes on each side until golden.

4. Place the browned wings in a large roasting tin and transfer to the preheated oven. Roast for about 15 minutes until cooked through (the translucent flesh will become opaque when it is done). To test for doneness, try to pull the flesh away carefully from the bones with a sharp knife – if it comes away easily, it is done. Place on a large platter and cover with foil. Leave to rest in a warm place.

4. Add the remaining butter to the frying pan and heat until nutty brown in colour. Add the lemon juice, capers and parsley and remove from the heat.

5. Meanwhile, cook the samphire in a large frying pan with a knob of butter and a splash of water over a high heat. Fry for a few minutes to heat through.

6. Divide the samphire between the plates and top each one with a skate wing. Pour over the caper butter sauce to serve.

Best made and served. Not suitable for freezing.

Carrot cake with frosting

Mary Berry

“A carrot cake is so popular, especially in coffee shops and bakeries,” says Berry. “My version includes my favourite spices. Carrot cake originated in the USA where they make cakes with oil, rather than our butter-based sponges. Use a flavourless oil, such as sunflower or vegetable.”

Ingredients:

(Serves 8–10)

4 large eggs

175g caster sugar

75g light muscovado sugar

250ml sunflower oil, plus extra for greasing

1tsp vanilla extract

2 ripe bananas, mashed

150g carrots, peeled and coarsely grated

275g self-raising flour

2tsp baking powder

1tsp ground cinnamon

1tsp ground ginger

½tsp mixed spice

55g walnuts or pecans, finely chopped, plus a few extra for decoration

For the cream cheese frosting:

250g butter, softened

2tsp vanilla extract

350g icing sugar

350g full-fat cream cheese

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C Fan/Gas 4. Grease and line the bases of 2 x 20cm (8in) loose-bottomed sandwich tins.

2. Break the eggs into a large bowl and beat with a fork to break up. Add the caster and muscovado sugar, oil and vanilla and mix well.

3. Add the remaining ingredients to the bowl and whisk using an electric hand whisk until just combined. Be careful not to over beat.

4. Divide the mixture between the two prepared tins and level the surface. Bake in the preheated oven for about 35–40 minutes until well risen and lightly golden. Leave to cool in the tins for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

5. Meanwhile, make the frosting. Measure the butter, vanilla and icing sugar into a large bowl and whisk using an electric hand whisk until combined. Add the cream cheese and beat until creamy and light.

6. Peel the paper from the bases of the sponges and invert one onto a plate. Spread with frosting. Place the other cake on top and use the remaining frosting to cover the top and sides, leaving a pretty swirl on top. Decorate with walnuts or pecans to serve.

Can be made and assembled up to 8 hours ahead. Freezes well but best to ice on the day.

Mary Berry

Mary 90 – My Very Best Recipes by Mary Berry is published in hardback by BBC Books, priced £28. Photography by Tara Fisher. Available now

‘They play the game beautifully’: Claudia Winkleman on the The Celebrity Traitors

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TRAITORS

In a world dominated by Netflix, TikTok, and doom scrolling, event TV has become a rare phenomenon, though a few shows still manage to capture audiences.

When The Traitors premiered in November 2022, the reality competition series drew an average of 5.4 million viewers each week, eager to watch the latest twists of deception and betrayal.

Since then, the increasingly popular murder-mystery-style psychology game, hosted by Claudia Winkleman, has aired three series and is now gearing up for a celebrity edition.

The show, adapted from the Dutch series De Verraders, pits a group of secretly appointed “traitors” against a majority of “faithfuls.”

It’s up to the faithfuls to identify the traitors and banish them from the game before they become the next victims.

Players who survive to the end have the chance to win the prize money but if a traitor goes undetected, they’ll take it all.

The Celebrity Traitors will see 19 famous faces, including broadcaster Clare Balding and singer Paloma Faith, gather in the Scottish Highlands for the chance to win up to £100,000 for a charity of their choice.

TRAITORS

Retired Olympic diver Tom Daley, actor Sir Stephen Fry, and Thursday Murder Club star Celia Imrie are also among the competitors.

Joining them are former England rugby player and podcaster Joe Marler, actresses Tameka Empson and Ruth Codd, Welsh singer Charlotte Church, singer Cat Burns, and comedians Alan Carr and Nick Mohammed.

Rounding out the cast are comedians Lucy Beaumont and Joe Wilkinson, historian David Olusoga, Good Morning Britain presenter Kate Garraway, YouTube star Niko Omilana, Scottish actor Mark Bonnar and presenter Jonathan Ross.

Winkleman, 53, admits she was scared when the idea of a celebrity edition was first pitched.

“I was scared. Only because I’m in love with this show and I wanted to keep it small,” says the London-born broadcaster.

“Once a year, or maybe once every two years, felt like enough. My bosses, thank goodness, ignored everything I said.”

Asked about the line-up of celebrities, she adds: “It’s an absolute honour. I could barely breathe when I saw them all in the Highlands. I’m such a fan of every single one of them.

“The whole team were just in awe, it was hard not to scream, ‘you’re here!’ When I talked to Stephen Fry, I almost welled up; I told him, ‘this was my dream.’ We’re incredibly lucky to have the cast that we have. Each one of them is tremendous.”

Winkleman, who also co-hosts Strictly Come Dancing, says staying in character was harder with the celebrity series.

“The biggest challenge was being ‘strict,’” she explains. “All I wanted to do was chat and be friendly, but my role is aloof and grumpy. I found it hard not to just sit down with them and have a cup of tea.

“My family and I are obsessed with Joe Wilkinson. I had to stop myself from getting his autograph for my son.”

She adds: “They’re incredibly smart and kind. They play the game beautifully and were fully immersed in it. It was an extraordinary experience, and we’re so lucky 19 people said yes. It’s something we never take for granted and are so grateful for.”

Balding, 54, who has presented coverage of the Olympic Games and Wimbledon for the BBC, says she is drawn to the show from a psychological perspective.

“I love the show. Yes, I really find it fascinating, the way group thinking can be influenced,” the Hampshire-born presenter explains.

“I don’t know whether I can resist that or whether I can influence that, and I’m kind of interested in it from a psychological perspective. Also, I really want to see the castle, I want to see the grounds, and I want to meet the peacocks. Genuinely, I think it’s a fascinating programme and it’s like nothing else.”

Asked about her ability to read people, she adds: “I think I am good at it, but I can be much too trusting, so it would be very easy for somebody to convince me that they were not a Traitor. I have a few things I’ll try to look out for, and if I spot anyone being a bit casual about trying to get a shield, that will be very telling.”

Hull-born Beaumont says she has no game plan coming into the show.

“I don’t think game plans work,” says the 42-year-old comedian. “I’ve seen people think they have a game plan, but it always comes undone. I think it’s just luck – they’ve said the right thing at the right time and were aligned with the right people. I don’t have a plan for anything; I’m going to go with the flow.”

Asked if her comedy skills will come in useful, she adds: “Maybe that might help to an extent, until it starts to annoy people. I think I’m good at getting on with people, so that’s the only thing I can offer. It’s a sort of fairly OK demeanour! I haven’t got any type of plan, and I doubt I’ll contribute much to the missions, so the only thing I’ve got going is that I’m moderately pleasant.”

She adds: “If I was a Traitor, I think I could convince myself that I was a Faithful, and then I don’t think it’s so much like lying. If I could make myself genuinely believe that, then I think that’s what would get me through it.”

TRAITORS

Faith, 44, says she plans to get rid of the boring ones if given the chance.

“Oh, I’d still vote out boring people if I’m a Faithful,” says the Hackney-born singer.

“If I don’t think someone is contributing much to our entertainment, I’ll just exert my influence at the Round Table.

When asked how she is at reading people she laughs: “I’m exceptional at reading people, and I’m worried that I’ll get voted off or murdered, because they’ll see that in me.

“I need to keep it under the radar about how good at it I am. I’m at the point in my life where people don’t even want to introduce me to their new boyfriend because they’re worried I’ll say I don’t get good vibes from him.”

She adds: “I quite like murdering people! I might see a different side to myself. I think that I’m always very moral and on my high horse so I might be surprised if I do some backstabbing.”

The Celebrity Traitors is on Wednesday, October 8 on BBC One and iPlayer.

For more editorial and properties to buy or let plus property previews (not yet on the open market), see our latest online magazine using this link https://online.flippingbook.com/view/889373357/

7 things to consider when downsizing later in life

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Don’t rush into a decision and make sure you do your research. As we get older, it’s common to start rethinking where and how we live – and for many, that means considering a move to a smaller, more manageable home.

Age UK’s recent Late Movers report highlights some of the challenges older adults face when it comes to housing. A survey carried out by Opinium on behalf of Age UK in January 2025 of 2,500 people aged 66 and over, found that 36% worried about affordability, 42% about accessibility, and 35% about the condition of their home.

In addition, 72% of respondents aged between 66 and 74 said moving after the age of 75 would be difficult.

The charity warns that unsuitable housing in later life can place extra pressure on health and social care services – making early planning all the more important.

If you’re starting to think about your last big move, here are seven key things to consider when downsizing or relocating later in life…

1. Proximity to friends and family

“I often see couples moving down to Cornwall and becoming very isolated because they don’t really consider how far they are going to be from everyone,” says Cornwall-based estate agent Michael Kleinman. “They are often used to seeing their grandchildren every weekend and when they move to Cornwall, they only see them for a couple of weeks in the school holidays.

“So, it tends to be a much easier move if you stay local and have that familiarity and social network around you.”

However, if you are still keen to relocate, the estate agent highly recommends looking into the transport links of your potential new area.

“Think about transport links to and from where your family and your network are,” advises Kleinman. “If you move to a rural area, you might be 20 miles from a railway station and driving might be no longer an option.”

2. Emotional impact

Paperwork might seem like the hardest part about relocating, but many people underestimate the emotional toll downsizing can have.

“I think a lot of people don’t really consider the emotional side of moving from the family home where they have brought up all the kids,” says Kleinman. “Going from a four/five bedroom house down to a bungalow means all those years of accumulating stuff has to be condensed down and a lot of people don’t really think about the ramifications of the emotional side and the logistical difficulties of what goes and what stays.

“You have to be very brutal and ruthless about it and that’s often easier said than done. A lot of downsizers start the process and then give up and stay where they are for another year or two because they didn’t realise how hard it was going to be mentally and emotionally.”

3. Logistics

“Another thing that many people don’t consider is how different moving house is now, compared to 40/50 years ago with things like EPCs (Energy Performance Certificates) and online ID checks,” says Kleinman. “The process can be very overwhelming if you aren’t overly tech savvy. People often start the process and get a few weeks or months into it and then find it overwhelming, so take their house off the market and have a rethink.”

Finding a good real estate agent who has the time to sit, listen and guide you through this can help make it less daunting.

“Work with an independent local estate agent and someone who can actually come around to your house and go through it with you,” advises Kleinman.

4. Location

Make sure you do your research before making a commitment to a new location.

“If you are thinking about moving to a different area, talk to local people in person or on social media groups to really get an understanding of that area,” recommends Kleinman. “I am often dealing with clients who are moving to an area where they don’t know anyone, have never been there before or have only been there once or twice on holiday.

“Cornwall, for example, is very different in the winter compared to the summer. If you have been on holiday there in July or August, you will get a very different experience in January. So, it’s important to do your research to see what it’s actually like to live there all-year round.”

5. Convenience of health services and local amenities

Think carefully about what type of amenities and local services are going to be crucial to you as you grow older.

“Think realistically about how far away the nearest inpatient hospital facilities are, how near the local GP and NHS dentists are and find out if they are taking on any new patients,” advises Kleinman. “Also, think about how easy or difficult it is to get to those services, as well as the normal town-centre facilities that you might need.”

6. Accessibility

Make sure your new home is going to be adaptable and functional for future you.

“Bungalows and apartments are the normal go-to and I think it’s particularly good to look for very new bungalows,” says Kleinman. “The reason being is that building regulations now have to follow rules set out by the Disability Discrimination Act, so many new bungalows have to have things like wheelchair access, wider doorways and plug sockets higher up the wall – features you won’t get in most Seventies bungalows.”

7. Maintenance

“None of us knows what’s around the corner and how long we’re going to be mobile for, so you really need to think about practical living,” says Kleinman. “Do you want a large garden? Is it going to be practical and manageable? When does the boiler need replacing? Will the house need frequent external painting?

“I would always guide clients towards a more modern property that is low maintenance. Lots of people think about how they are today, rather than what it is going to be like for them in 10/20 years’ time.”

9 ways to deck out your haunted house

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After-dark decor to crown fright night celebrations and spooky soirées. By Sam Wylie-Harris.

It’s one of the most anticipated dates in the fancy dress diary, and if you’re into dressing up, Halloween celebrations (October 31) are a real scream.

And for a dose of devilish decorative drama, a flurry of eerie furnishings, thrilling tablescapes and themed feature walls make frighteningly good backdrops for a howling Halloween.

Here’s how to set the scene for a scary aesthetic….

1. Pre Lit Black Glitter Halloween Wreath & Garland, £44.99, Lights4fun

For a web of intrigue, a spectral wreath is your secret weapon for doorscaping… and putting the fear into a fireplace mantel. With 40cm wreath, 1.5 garland and 64 warm white LEDs topped with black glitter for ghoulish settings.

2. Snake Taper Candle Holder, £3.50; Ghost Stories Scented Reed Diffuser, £5, B&M Stores, in-store

This metallic serpent styled with a ghostly candle and diffuser makes a spirited statement.

3. Lights4fun 90cm Skeleton LED Halloween Decoration, £29.99, (was £54.99), Lights4fun

A spine-chilling scene-setter, this larger than life skeleton boasts 300 micro LEDs for macabre room sets and fancy dress parties.

4. Yankee Candle Mystical Tarot Card Candle, £29.99, Yankee Candle

Cast a spell with captivating aromas of cherry leather, cinnamon bark and black liquorice to imbibe ancient rituals… with purple signifying magic and mystery.

5. Diablo Gothic Occult Wallpaper, £79 per roll, Bobbi Beck

Fusing drama with mysticism, for a showstopping display you can’t beat an accent wall with supernatural symbols for an ode to Halloween – it makes a striking backdrop for entertaining trick-or-treaters, and tablescape of witches brew and blood-red punches.

6. Bats by the Building Poster, from £5.24, (was £17.45), 30 x 40cm, Poster Store

A mysterious prop such as this bat poster calls for vampire costumes and sinister settings.

7. 70s French Style Wine Glasses In Black, £14 each; Wednesday-Inspired Decorations, £25 each; 12-Piece Black & Off-White Edge Bon Apetit Dinner Set, £120, Rockett St George

For gothic glam tableware, these black plates teamed with black stemmed wine glasses; styled with Wednesday Addams-inspired decos makes a frightening focal point… and cries out for devilish dishes and wicked wines. An added bonus, the stoneware plates have ‘bon appetit’ inscripted in the centre.

8. Kingdom Keepers – Ravens Lampshade, from £65, Mountain & Molehill

For a striking lampshade, this monochrome design with gold crown and pair of ravens casts a haunting glow – setting the tone for atmospheric soirées.

9. Skeleton Shaped Cushion, £12; Black Web Embellished Cushion, £15; Black Dancing Skeleton Cushion, £10, (far right); Black & White Shaped Pumpkin Cushion, £12, Matalan

These creepy scatter cushions with skeletons and embellished spider web deserve a place on your sofa… style with a black and white pumpkin cushion for maximum impact.

Swallowfield Show 2025

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Make a diary note for this showcase event!

The Swallowfield Show is a fantastic event and McCarthy Holden is pleased to play a small sponsorship part in what is a massive two day event run by volunteers for the benefit of the community and to raise funds for local charities.

Take a look at their web site to discover what’s on at the Swallowfield Show this August, which will take place on Sunday 24th and Monday 25th of the August Bank holiday from 10:00am to 5:30pm.

Last year’s Swallowfield Show, boasted over 8,000 visitors, mostly returning patrons, who once again enjoyed a fun-filled family day out. Some of the activitie to see include:

  • Amazing Main Arena acts throughout the day
  • Their new Activity Zone including Circus Skills Workshops, hands-on experience of traditional skills, Dinosaurs and lots more!
  • Live music acts & performers in our Village Green area
  • Over 100 trade, craft & artisan food stalls
  • Dog show
  • Horse show
  • Display of over 200 classic vehicles & machinery
  • Exhibition of horticultural, craft, cookery and art competition entries
  • On-site food and drink to suit all tastes

Last year, the high level of visitors at their 2024 show enabled them to donate just over £30,000 to local charities and good causes. Outstanding – Just like the show.

Take a look at their web site https://www.swallowfieldshow.co.uk

How to grow a bumper crop of strawberries to rival Wimbledon

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As the tennis championships approach, all thoughts are on this favourite summer fruit.

It’s strawberry season, and British strawberries are off to a great start, with British Berry Growers reporting one of the most promising early seasons in recent memory, thanks to warm days, cool nights and the highest sunshine levels in over 100 years.

And nothing shines a light more on this delicious fruit than the Wimbledon Tennis Championships. On average, 200,000 portions of strawberries and cream are enjoyed during the fortnight.

But there’s nothing quite like the taste of home-grown strawberries picked fresh from the plant to add to your summer desserts – and they are not that difficult to grow. So you could already be thinking about next year’s crop.

The weather makes a difference

“The weather has been very kind to all growers,” says Jim Floor, managing director of berry growers Hall Hunter. “We had a very cold February and March, then from April onwards it’s been sunny – and strawberries love sunshine.

“The nights have been quite cool and the perfect environment for strawberries is 20 degree days and 10 degree nights.”

Plenty of bees help

If you have a garden with plenty of plants which attract pollinators, such as open-flowered geum, iberis, cranesbill geraniums, lavender and heathers, you’re likely to get better crops because the bees will pollinate the strawberry flowers.

For the biggest harvests…

You’ll need plenty of space for a strawberry patch if you want a huge crop, and will need to plant numerous plants. Alternatively, you can grow strawberries in pots but because of the limited number of plants you can accommodate, your yield may be limited.

Many types produce new runners after flowering, which create new plantlets on their own.

You can also plant different varieties of strawberries to extend the season – summer-fruiting types, perpetual strawberries which produce a smaller quantity of fruit from summer until autumn, and Alpine, or wild, strawberries, which bear small crops of tiny berries spasmodically during summer.

How to grow

Plug plants are a good bet and are available in garden centres and nurseries from late spring onwards, or alternatively you can buy bare-root plants, known as runners, which look like root clumps, in late summer or early autumn, and again in spring.

Plant in full sun or in polytunnels where they will be warm and won’t become damp, or if outside a raised bed or grow bag is a good option, Floor suggests.

“I grow them in a hanging basket (at home) because they tend to do much better if they’re not (at ground level) in the soil, where there are lots of pests and diseases.”

During the growing season, make sure they are fed and watered regularly. “I would recommend a balanced multi-purpose liquid feed.

“If you want sweeter strawberries you might want to put more potassium in, but you need to be careful because any overfeeding of potassium, calcium or nitrogen could give you a problem.

“Calcium can burn the leaves, potassium could potentially kill the plants and (overfeeding with) nitrogen, you will get 100% leaves and no fruit.

Possible problems

Slugs are a threat, he warns. “Last year because of the mild winter and the wet year the problem was slugs, particularly if you were growing strawberries in the ground.

“This year it’s been about keeping everything irrigated. As long as the plants have plenty of water, they will do well.”

Birds may also feast on the fruits, so it would be wise to cover your strawberries with netting if you need to keep them at bay.

As the fruits emerge, place straw underneath them so the fruits don’t brush against the ground and rot.

When are they ready to pick?

When they are evenly red, he says. “They don’t necessarily come off the stem quite easily. If the fruit comes off easily it may be over-ripe.”

After fruiting

“De-leaf the plants a little bit, getting rid of the debris and dead leaves, and there’s no reason why they couldn’t be kept for another year,” he suggests.

Good varieties

Strawberries which have received the RHS Award of Garden Merit include ‘Hapil’, which produces large red fruits and is lauded for its vigorous growth and is well-suited to light or drier soils and to containers; and the late season ‘Florence’ which has ‘exceptional disease resistance’ and whose large dark red fruits are produced in mid-July.

Five minutes with.. The Feud stars Jill Halfpenny and Rupert Penry-Jones

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THE FEUD McCarthy Holden News item

Most of us have experience with annoying neighbours. Whether it’s inexplicably always living next door to someone who loves listening to drum and bass at 11 o’clock at night or dealing with quibbles over whose responsibility it is to fix a broken fence panel after an unruly storm, dealing with residential annoyances is part of daily life.

However, new drama The Feud explores what happens when neighbourly disputes get kicked up a notch. The 5 drama, which stars Waterloo Road and The Cuckoo’s Jill Halfpenny and Spooks’ Rupert Penry-Jones as Emma and John Barnett, follows a couple living in peaceful suburbia as plans for a kitchen extension have disastrous consequences.

(By Rachael Davis, PA Assistant Lifestyle Editor)

As objections to the Barnett’s building plans are raised, unexpected and life-threatening secrets are unearthed and Emma’s dreams of upgrading her home twist into obsessive paranoia, fear, and danger – resulting in incalculable consequences for the couple and other residents of Shelbury Drive.

Before the drama unfolds, let’s hear more from stars Halfpenny, 49, and Penry-Jones, 54, about the twists and turns of the not-so-neighbourly disputes.

THE FEUD McCarthy Holden News item
Photo: from The Feud

SO, WHAT IS THE FEUD?

JH: The Feud is a tense thriller. No one is being honest about what they’re doing or how they’re feeling, which makes for exciting television. Even my character Emma, who feels she’s deeply honest, still lies.

It’s a scenario we can all relate to, most people have WhatsApp groups, and most people have experienced neighbours having work done to their house. But where The Feud takes us is the stuff of nightmares.

RPJ: The Feud follows a microcosm of neighbours who live in a cul-de-sac and has elements everybody will connect with. In fact, when we were discussing the series, everyone had a story to tell about battles with neighbours or building disruption. Everyone will be able to relate to a street of people which can implode.

This takes situations to extremes by taking all the worst stories you might hear and combining them into one story.

IT’S A RECOGNISABLE TALE OF BRITISH SUBURBAN LIFE, THEN?

JH: With suburban life, and a street like Shelbury Drive, we all like each other until someone does something to interfere with our lives. We like each other because we’re not getting in each other’s way but the minute you play your music, park over a driveway, or your teenager brings all their friends over, there’s a problem.

In suburbia we’re all fine with each other as long as we’re leaving each other alone – that’s not friendship. If you say you love your neighbours because they don’t do anything to p*** you off, that’s a pretty low bar.

In the first episode you see how quickly the neighbours react defensively – they all profess to like each other and yet within the first episode they all become obstructive.

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THE FEUD McCarthy Holden News item
Photo: from The Feud

I THINK MOST OF US CAN RELATE TO THE COMMUNITY WHATSAPP GROUP FIASCOS IN THE SERIES…

JH: I do have a WhatsApp group and ours mainly consists of bin talk. We live in a flat in a Victorian house and the bins are regularly blown over. There are six bins per house so there’s a debate about who puts the rubbish back in the bins.

The comments by the neighbours in The Feud are very passive aggressive and it doesn’t take long to become out and out aggressive. The gloves are off and there’s no time for WhatsApps anymore.

Another fun aspect of playing Emma is she thought everyone was cool with one another – never believe the WhatsApp group, Emma!

THE FEUD McCarthy Holden News item
Photo: from The Feud

WHAT ARE THE BARNETTS LIKE AS A FAMILY?

RPJ: Emma and John are trying to fix a fault in their relationship and had planned to move home, but Emma decides it would be better to stay and do up the house. Many people, especially at the moment, would understand it’s cheaper to do up your kitchen or build an extension compared to moving and the cost of stamp duty.

However, John’s reasons for wanting to move are not as honest as he pretends. He finds himself in deeper water than intended and he’s trying to run away, so when Emma says they’re going to stay he has to go along with the decision. This compounds all the pressure he’s already feeling.

HOW DOES THE FEUD TAKE SUBURBAN DRAMA TO THE NEXT LEVEL?

RPJ: You know immediately something terrible has happened and all is not as it seems, because the series opens with the house covered in blood. That’s quite fun, and you don’t know how the story reaches that situation.

Emma, Jill’s character, is under constant pressure – as she tries to deal with one person, her phone pings with a message from her dad, and then there’s another message from the builder. The heat’s slowly being turned up underneath her.

There’s a lovely sequence in episode three where our neighbours Derek and Barbara are so angry with us, they start playing modern freeform jazz at full volume through the walls. The scene is like what’s going on inside John and Emma – they’re trying to live normally with a terrible noise in their heads…

In a way the scene reflects the whole series – they’re trying to keep in control, bottling everything up, until they just explode.

JH: I didn’t predict how it would end. I never imagined it would turn quite so gruesome, and I never expected it would go as far as it goes when it starts out in such a domestic setting.

The Feud starts on Monday, April 14 at 9pm on 5

THE FEUD McCarthy Holden News item
Photo: from The Feud

TV presenter Matt Baker on Channel 4’s National Trust: Our Dream Farm.

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Matt Baker editorial McCarthy Holden

By Yolanthe Fawehinmi, PA…

Matt Baker’s dream farm looks like the traditional hill farm he grew up on in the Durham Dales.

But when the 47-year-old British TV presenter thinks about the 600-acre farm in Eryri, (formerly Snowdonia), North Wales, that tenant farmers (people who rent land from a landlord and work the land) compete for in the second season of Channel 4’s National Trust: Our Dream Farm With Matt Baker, it’s a close second.

“I’m very fortunate to have grown up on a very traditional hill farm in Durham Dales. That’s the farm that I love. I love a mixture of landscapes as well. Welsh farms are very similar to the kind of farms that we have in the Durham Dales, but thankfully, my dream farm is the farm I grew up on,” says Baker, a former presenter on children’s television show Blue Peter from 1999 until 2006.

“It’s the world I know and love. It’s where I feel comfortable in that kind of landscape with lots of dry stone walls and older buildings, but also more modern buildings that you can drive tractors in and get all of your stock in if needs be. I love a hardy, rugged farm with a good yard and some modern barns.”

In the documentary-style series, seven shortlisted candidates are put under the watchful eye of the National Trust as they complete real-life farming tasks in the hope of becoming the new tenants of a unique hill farm in the national park, with a four-bedroom farmhouse at its heart, for the next 15 years.

Matt Baker editorial McCarthy Holden
Photo from National Trust: Our Dream Farm with Matt Baker and contestants.

The National Trust have a lot more applicants for their farms than they have to give.

So in National Trust: Our Dream Farm With Matt Baker, contestants will be judged on how well they maximise the opportunities that the farm has to offer.

This can be anything from tourism, how innovative or business savvy they are to how they prioritise environmental sustainability.

Across eight episodes, prospective tenants will be eliminated one by one until only two hopefuls are left and invited to have a final meeting with the National Trust. But only one person can win and become the proud owner of the farm.

“For me, any show that puts our agricultural world front and centre is absolutely vital, as far as I’m concerned. Not a lot of people know of the world of tenant farming, and the fact that a third of British farmers are tenant farmers. I think you only have to go out into the countryside and be so thankful that it looks the way that it does because of our farmers,” says Baker, who shares two teenage children, Luke and Molly, with his wife, physiotherapist Nicola Mooney.

“Not only are they producing our food, but they’re looking after our environment. I think we should shed light and can gather as much support as possible for the farming community, and show people what goes on and how challenging it is.

“Our farmers have to be jacks of all trades, you got to be so independent, and they’re providing all of the time. People need to be more grateful to our British farmers for producing our food and looking after our environment. In my eyes, it’s our farmers that make Britain what it is.”

From 2009, Baker looked into people, places and stories making news in the British countryside, whilst he co-presented BBC One’s Countryfile.

The following year, he stood in for English comedian and presenter Jason Manford, 43, as a guest presenter on BBC One’s magazine programme The One Show.

But when Manford resigned in November 2010, Baker was promoted to a more permanent position as a co-host with Welsh TV presenter Alex Jones, 47 – the same year he came second place on the eighth series of Strictly Come Dancing with Russian-Kazakh ballroom dancer Aliona Vilani, 40.

In the first episode of the new Channel 4 series, Baker says that if he were the winning tenant of the farm, he would be bursting with ideas and know exactly where to start.

Matt Baker editorial McCarthy Holden

“What is unbelievable is that the lake [on the farm] is where the legend of the red dragon from Wales comes from, which is incredible. There’s a legend that’s told actually in the series where the white dragon and the red dragon had a battle, and basically, the white dragon leaves and the red dragon remains. And that’s why the Welsh dragon is on the Welsh flag, it comes from that lake, which is just unbelievable,” he says.

“So I would certainly feature that heavily, I would key into that because a farm like this is so hard to come by. It’s one of the most nature-rich farms the National Trust have in Wales.

“I’ll certainly keep up with all of the grazings they do up on the mountain pasture, honestly, the nature there is everything. I love that side of things as well.

“But I’d be welcoming people from all over to come and immerse themselves in that kind of world. I would certainly lean into all of the heritage that’s there, including the walling. There are a lot of foundations around the 600 acres that reflect the things that have gone by over the years and the way that the shepherds used to work the land. So I’d look at reinstating some of those.

“I’d also keep on with those heritage animals, the stock that’s there, the Welsh Black cattle and the mountain sheep. I would run it very traditionally, but I’d invite people to come and experience that world.”

So what misconceptions does Baker think people have about countryside life and farming?

“It’s maybe a bit rose-tinted,” Baker admits. “It’s not as bucolic as people imagine. Our countryside goes on in winter. The tougher months are really challenging. People think things only happen in springtime, when the birds are tweeting and the flowers are out, the lambs are bouncing around.

“But let me tell you, it’s very hard work, it’s a tough life, and it’s not a job, it’s a lifestyle. Families are wrapped up in this constantly, and they work together. I think the togetherness and the community are very strong in the rural community.

“I think the biggest misconception is that people don’t understand where our food comes from or how it’s produced and the effort level. You only have to try and grow cress (an edible herb) on the window, think about a bit of food production, and then ask yourself the question, are you still doing it?

“And if you’re not still growing cress on the window, why not? A lot of people can’t be bothered, so be thankful to the people that are producing your food.”

National Trust: Our Dream Farm With Matt Baker cames to Channel 4 on Saturday, March 15

How to refresh your home for springtime with a seasonal vibe

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It’s the moment for renewal, breathing new life into your space and reinventing furnishings by switching out wintry textiles for free-spirited decorative accessories and airy accents.

Indeed, with 2025 coming into full swing, now is the time to refresh your home for spring, highlights Alysha Alli, group interior designer at Redrow.

“This season is all about embracing new materials, bold designs and sustainable innovations that enhance both style and functionality,” says Alli.

“Whether you’re looking to introduce eco-friendly elements, experiment with vibrant colours, or create a seamless indoor-outdoor flow, these key trends will help you transform your space.”

Here are her style notes to put you on the front foot…

Embracing alternative materials

Sustainability is shaping the future of home design, with a rise in untreated natural materials such as wood, cork, and bamboo, underlines Alli.

“Zero-waste production is also gaining traction, as designers transform leftover materials into beautiful, eco-friendly furniture.”

To bring this approach into your home, she says to opt for statement pieces that contrast beautifully with their surroundings. “Think a reclaimed wood table in a sleek modern space, or recycled metal light fixture adding edge to a cosy, rustic setting.”

And while sustainably crafted pieces may come with a higher price tag, they offer “superior quality, longevity, and one-of-a-kind character that mass-produced items simply cannot match,” notes Alli.

“Plus, you will be making an eco-friendly choice while supporting independent artisans and small businesses.”

A playful approach to the basics

Everyday essentials are given a vibrant refresh with bold colours and adaptable designs…

Alli says modular seating, adjustable shelving and stools with built-in storage combine practicality with personality, making them perfect for busy households.

“Want to maximise a family space? Consider multifunctional furniture like extendable dining tables for gatherings, or foldaway desks for homework and crafts.”

“Creating dedicated zones such as a cosy reading nook, playful activity area or flexible workspace can make your home more adaptable, while maintaining a fun and inviting aesthetic,” she says.

Playing with perceptions

This year, expect to see more transparency, reflection, and futuristic finishes used to create sleek, modern spaces, outlines Alli.

Moreover, she says mirrored surfaces, glass furniture, and responsibly sourced acrylic add depth and sophistication without overwhelming a room.

“A well-placed mirror can instantly open a space and amplify natural light, while translucent décor – such as vases, pendant lights, and glistening finishes – add subtle visual interest.

“For a contemporary edge, pair these elements with high-shine metals like chrome or brushed gold,” suggests the interiors expert.

“Prefer a softer touch? Balance modern accents with plush fabrics, warm wood tones, or natural stone for a chic, yet inviting, look.”

She continues: “For an extra pop, introduce ombre hues, glowing accents, or bold statement pieces featuring graphic grains.”

Whether you fully embrace the trend or just add a few key pieces, it’s an effortless way to make your home feel fresh, airy, and stylish, suggests Alli.

Colour shifts… 2025 is all about colour confidence

Rich, mood-boosting hues bring joy and energy into your space…

Say goodbye to muted tones and welcome in tropical brights such as zesty oranges, hyper-greens, and electric blues, enthuses Alli.

Not ready for a full-colour transformation? She says start small with vibrant cushions, a statement rug or accent wall.

“Layer in colour-blocked furniture or bold accessories to make an impact without overwhelming your space,” advises Alli. “For a playful twist, glow-in-the-dark details, like neon signs or LED strips, add a sense of fun after dark.”

The key to getting it right? Alli says to balance bright tones with natural textures to keep things lively yet inviting.

Seamless indoor-outdoor living

“As the seasons change, it’s time to break down barriers between indoor and outdoor spaces, creating a home that feels light, airy and connected to nature,” advises Alli.

“Open-plan layouts with large sliding or bi-fold doors allow for effortless flow, making it easier than ever to enjoy brighter days and warmer evenings.”

Not patio weather yet? She suggests bringing the outdoors in with rattan furniture, linen textiles and botanical prints that echo your garden.

Once the temperature finally rises, she says don’t be afraid of taking interior comforts outside. “Cosy throws, soft lighting, and weather-resistant rugs can transform a patio or balcony into an inviting retreat.”

The secret to seamless indoor-outdoor living? “A cohesive colour palette and natural textures that tie both spaces together,” says Alli, “creating a relaxed, harmonious vibe all year round.”

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