Fan The Flames

Even though 95% of UK homes are centrally heated and a fire isn’t necessary, there is something mesmerising and cosy about a flickering flame.

An open fire or a wood burner will give the best aesthetic, but both options come with a number of downsides: wood-burning is the single biggest source of small-particle air pollution in the UK, you need to store wood and coal, there’s the mess and you will need to do a certain amount of maintenance e.g. chimney sweeping. […]

A Guide To Wooden Floors by Katherine Sorrell

Laminate or solid, engineered or reclaimed, timber flooring is a classic choice.

Preparing for a new timber floor

Timber floors can be fitted anywhere, although they’re often not advised for bathrooms or other wet areas, where it’s best to stick to high-quality engineered wood. Insulate the sub-floor and consider what effect the new flooring will have on your final floor level. When fixing boards down, avoid pipes and wires running beneath the existing floor. […]

Green Fingers…The Alan Titchmarsh Column

He’s a brilliant presenter, accomplished gardener, talented novelist and all-round horticultural inspiration; and this month, as autumn works its way into our outdoor spaces, Alan Titchmarsh explains why variety is the spice of life, even in the garden! […]

Planning An Outdoor Kitchen by Katherine Sorrell

Why not up your garden cooking game and upgrade from a simple barbecue to a full-on al fresco cooking station?

Before you start

You shouldn’t need planning permission for an outdoor kitchen, but if you live in a listed building or a conservation area, it is worth checking with your local authority. Consider whether neighbours may be affected – by smoke, for example, or additional lighting – and discuss your plans with them to avoid any problems. […]

Private View: Glorious NGS Gardens Open By Arrangement

Within the growing family of Warwickshire NGS garden owners, you will find a group which takes particular pleasure in welcoming visitors into their exceptional gardens by special arrangement on a pre-arranged date. […]