News

Ah, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show! It’s that magical time of year when London truly blossoms, and even from my cozy corner in, say, Paris or a sun-drenched villa in Tuscany, I feel the pulse of innovation and beauty radiating from across the Channel. This year, the 2026 show has left me utterly inspired, and I just had to share some thoughts with you. It’s more than just pretty flowers, you see; it’s a vibrant showcase of what’s possible, both in our gardens and, by extension, in our very homes. ...

The Summer Bird Dilemma: Rethinking Our Garden Guests Oh, hello there! Come in, come in. It’s a lovely, albeit a touch warmer than usual, summer afternoon here in my little corner of Europe. I’ve just been pottering around the balcony, and it got me thinking about something rather significant that’s been buzzing around the nature-loving community lately – the RSPB’s updated advice on feeding garden birds. Now, for those of us who adore our feathered visitors and have built our gardens, balconies, and even window boxes with them in mind, this news might feel a little… jarring. Stop feeding them? In summer? My European heart initially fluttered with confusion. ...

Ah, spring! It’s that wonderful time when the air gets a little softer, the days stretch longer, and suddenly, our thoughts turn to the outside. For me, as an industry analyst who’s spent years diving into the nuances of home design and sustainable living across Europe, this season always sparks a certain kind of joy. It’s not just about warmer weather; it’s about renewal, and for many of us, that includes our outdoor spaces. ...

Hello, my dear friends! Sophie here, with a little something that’s been blooming in my thoughts, much like the delicate petals I’m about to discuss. You know, as an industry analyst, I spend my days dissecting trends, but my heart truly belongs to the tangible beauty of our surroundings. And right now, that beauty is a riot of pink and white, whispering tales of spring from ancient traditions to our modern doorsteps. ...

Oh, my darling, you’ve brought home a beautiful orchid, and now… crickets? Just a lush, green jungle where vibrant blooms should be? This is a story I know all too well! It’s not unusual at all to receive these stunning gifts, be utterly enchanted by their ephemeral beauty, and then find yourself staring at a pot full of leaves, wondering, “What on earth have I done wrong?” As an industry analyst, I spend my days dissecting trends and understanding what makes things tick – whether it’s a market or, as it turns out, a finicky orchid. And let me tell you, the world of orchid care, much like home design, is about understanding the subtle interplay of elements. A non-flowering orchid is a common frustration, but please, don’t despair! It’s usually an easy fix, and with a few expert tips, you can coax those glorious flowers back to life. We’re aiming for a healthy, robust plant that will grace your home with blooms not just once, but regularly. ...

Gardens of the Year 2026: My ‘Best of the Best’ Picks and Your Chance to Vote! Ah, springtime! It always feels like a collective sigh of relief, doesn’t it? The world slowly awakens, and suddenly, our thoughts drift to sunshine, longer evenings, and of course, our beloved gardens. I’ve always found the transition from a stark winter to a burgeoning spring utterly inspiring, especially when it comes to home design. In my home, for instance, I can’t wait to open up the shutters wide and let that fresh air flood in, mingling with the scent of whatever brave little bulbs have decided to peek through. ...

Don’t Let Your Garden Get Tangled: Why You Need to Act on Bindweed NOW Ah, the garden. For many of us in Europe, it’s more than just a patch of green; it’s an extension of our living space, a place to unwind, a source of beauty, and sometimes, a battleground. I’ve been nurturing my own little slice of green heaven for years, and I’ve learned a thing or two, often through the school of hard knocks. And if there’s one adversary that truly tests my patience, it’s bindweed. This tenacious little creeper, with its innocent-looking white or pink flowers, is a master of disguise and an absolute menace. ...

Oh, the clematis! My dear friend, if you’re anything like me, you adore the riot of colour these magnificent climbers bring to a garden. In my home in Provence, for instance, my Clematis ‘Nelly Moser’ has been a steadfast companion for years, gracing our trellis with its exquisite pink and white striped blooms. But I’ll be honest, there was a time when I, too, was a bit perplexed by its pruning. I’ve discovered that a tiny misunderstanding about one simple rule can lead to a whole lot of disappointment, and frankly, a rather sad-looking plant. ...

Don’t Let the Rain Stop You: 9 Winter Pruning Tasks to Do Now Ah, the rain. It’s practically a character in our European lives, isn’t it? Drenching the cobblestones, nurturing our gardens (eventually!), and often making us want to just curl up indoors with a good book and a warm drink. And while I wholeheartedly endorse the latter, I’ve discovered something over my years of living and designing here that’s always brought me a quiet satisfaction, even on the dreariest of days: embracing the winter garden. ...

The Art of the Reset: Revamping Your Veg Beds for a Season of European Abundance There’s a unique crispness in the air as winter gives way, isn’t there? It’s a feeling I’ve come to associate not just with new beginnings, but with the quiet satisfaction of intentional preparation. In my own home, nestled just outside the bustling heart of a historic European city, this transitional period isn’t just about spring cleaning indoors. It’s about looking at my outdoor spaces – particularly my beloved vegetable beds – and imagining the vibrant tapestry of greens and colours that will soon emerge. It’s truly a moment to embrace sustainable living and thoughtful home organization, extending our European lifestyle philosophy beyond our four walls. ...