The holly and the ivy and the mistletoe Kirsty McLean on her favourite festive greenery.. In ancient times, plants and trees that remained green all year long brought special meaning for people in winter. In many places, they were thought to keep away witches, ghosts, evil spirits and illness. Our door wreaths were originally evergreen…

The comfort of cottage gardens words by Kirtsy McLean Cottage gardens conjure up a romantic vision of warm summers, heady scents wafting through a wild and wonderful mix of colourful blooms, arranged in a jumbled-up, random fashion. Traditionally, cottage gardens mixed flowers with herbs, fruits and vegetables – it was the original notion of companion…

01: Beaumonde | 02: Sue Ryder | 03: Sue Ryder | 04: Bridgman | 05: Lights4fun | 06: Yellow Octopus | 07: Cuckooland | 08: Rose & Grey | 09: FirepitsUK | 10: Nisi Living | 11: Cult Furniture | 12: Garden Trading | 13: Walton & Co There’s nothing quite like a warm summer…

A blaze of colour Kirsty McLean shares how to bring colour into your garden… Recently, I was asked if formal borders still had a place in the garden. I’d say that the concept of a border has certainly changed. A succession of adventurous garden designers have pushed the boundaries and taken us from rectangular lawns…

Entertainment outdoors If the last year has taught us anything it’s to value our outdoor space, whether that’s a balcony, courtyard or garden. It’s become our coffee shop, restaurant, playground, pub, club and office. here’s kirsty McLean’s guide to making your outside space ideal for entertaining. Start by finding out where the sun shines for…