The start of the New Year and I'm definitely starting afresh. We've ripped out every last plant of our two borders and Jo T has picked out 68 roses to go in this Saturday. I never thought I'd say this but gardening is quite exciting! On the cooking front I've been obsessed with beetroot soup- making it with a couple of parsnips with lemon juice to add a zing and a swirl of creme fraiche and toasted…

Well, we had a complete blast at #cheltlitfest https://www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/literaturelast week. It was a huge honour to be invited to share the stage with Caroline Donald, Gardens Editor of The Sunday Timeshttps://www.thetimes.co.uk/?sunday  . We chatted about roses, tricky garden spaces , more roses and tricky projects over a delicious tea. There was a last-minute drop-out - lovely Peter…

Thanks so much to all those who have pledged for our book this bank holiday. I've been doing some summer Asian cooking.I made Summer Rolls with a Peanut Dipping Sauce, Som Tam Salad and Chicken Panaeng Curry. All very yummy though I say so myself and a nice change on bank holiday Saturday. My garden is looking a bit tired and forlorn...time to call Jo for some inspiration! Looking forward to some…

Just a quick update on our progress. Jo has won a gold at Chelsea today for her Wedgewood garden so if you are going to Chelsea this week don't forget to visit her beautiful garden. We are one third of the way to funding our book so please tell your friends to pledge for our book if they haven't already - we need support to reach our target. May is such an amazing time of year -  everything is looking…