Whether you live in the town or countryside, in Country Living you’ll find a wealth of ideas for your home and garden, learn about traditional crafts, keep informed of rural issues, enjoy irresistible dishes using seasonal produce and, above all, escape the stress and strain of modern-day life.
Country Living UK
A note from the editor
June
discover… • High up in the Derbyshire Peak District, the stony spine of Rushup Edge ripples between Mam Tor in the east and Great Ridge in the west. Formed from sandstone and siltstone, this ancient ridge can be conquered during a six-mile circular stroll starting at Barber Booth. From Lord’s Seat, the highest point, look out across Hope Valley, a verdant patchwork peppered with ramshackle ruins and woodland sheep (peakdistrictwalks.net).
WEEKENDERS
emporium • Our hand-picked selection of favourite pieces from individual makers, the high street and small businesses
Going GREENER • Our quick and easy guide to sustainable living
THIS MONTH Growing tomatoes • There’s never been a better time to go self-sufficient. In our ongoing series, Sally Coulthard shares tried-and-tested tips from her Yorkshire smallholding
HOW TO MAKE Tomato fertiliser • Liquid fertiliser will help your plants create plump, beautiful tomatoes. Comfrey ‘tea’ is packed full of potassium, which fruit-producing plants need to thrive, and you can make your own at home.
7 questions …to a top tomato producer
View from here • They may sound like a quaint architectural anachronism but almshouses could be as relevant today as they ever were, says Susy Smith
The FIRST LADY OF FLOWERS • As Chelsea Flower Show gets under way, RHS vice-president Dame Floella Benjamin talks about her organic path from children’s TV presenter to award-winning designer
RUSTIC STYLE REIMAGINED COUNTRY LIVING AT DFS
Let’s PICNIC IN THE MEADOW • Gather up traditional deckchairs, wicker baskets and vintage tableware and prepare to have a field day!
Rocking THE BOAT • From her Norfolk workshop, Abbey Molyneux is one of a growing crew of female boatbuilders keeping a traditional craft afloat
the RUFF GUIDE TO… Border Terriers • In our ongoing series for dog-lovers, we celebrate another of Britain’s best-loved breeds
FOLLOW THE herd • On an organic venison farm in Dorset, the Russell family invite guests to embrace the wilder side of life
20 WAYS WITH white • Timeless and versatile, this hardworking hue opens up a world of decorating possibilities. Here’s how to use it in a variety of schemes
HOW TO PICK the right WHITE • There’s a whole spectrum of whites out there and it can be hard to decide which one will work for your scheme. The key to success is to consider the way your room is facing, says Patrick O’Donnell, colour expert at Farrow & Ball
RUSTIC STYLE FROM THE GROUND UP COUNTRY LIVING AT CARPETRIGHT
WIRED & WONDERFUL • Retiring from teaching after 30 years, Stephanie Smith moved to the Lancashire coast to turn a lifelong hobby into a new career
RHS FLOWER SHOW TATTON PARK • Celebrate the colour, creativity, heritage and horticulture of England’s North West. Discover emerging talent in the RHS Young Designer of the Year Competition, explore the wonders and wildlife of the British nocturnal pollinators garden, and pick up inspiration from the brand-new Terrace Gardens feature. For floral fanatics, there’s the RHS Flower School, shopping in the Floral Marquee and stunning installations to admire, too.
Visit the COUNTRY LIVING PAVILION • While you’re enjoying all that RHS Flower Show Tatton Park has to offer, why not join us in the Country Living Pavilion to discover hundreds of beautiful products from UK artisans, makers...