Our gardens are so much more than just a patch of land, they can offer an abundance of benefits to us, both physically and mentally. As nature awakens and the days warm up, we’ve been enjoying three new books that provide lots of ideas and inspiration for outside spaces and how to use the plants and flowers growing there…
Our first author is Catarina Seixas who, in fact featured in Volume 11 of 91 Magazine. Cat’s slow and seasonal way of life in the hills of central Portugal is encapsulated in her first book Wild Craft. She shares nature-inspired projects for all areas of your life, with each season of the year covered. From botanical cookies using edible flowers, to calendula skin salves to natural ways to scent your home. Photography by Ana Zilhão captures Cat’s idyllic setting and her creative ideas beautifully, quite possibly making you want to up sticks and head to those Portuguese hills yourself!
The Wild Craft: Mindful, Nature-Inspired Projects for You and Your Home by Catarina Seixas (Hardie Grant, £16.99)
From one idyllic rural setting to another – our second author is based on an ethical farm near the Atlantic coast in Northern Ireland. Herbalist Becky Cole shares her recipes for transforming flowers, plants and weeds into healing remedies in her first book The Garden Apothecary. From soothing herbal teas to massage oils, salves and balms to floral-infused honey, the recipes use common plants and weeds you may well already have in your garden, or that are easily grown, such as calendula, lavender, lemon balm and camomile. Becky gives insight into what each remedy is useful for and includes plant profiles detailing identification, harvesting and preparation advice. A really useful book to have around if you are keen to use your plants to their full potential.
The Garden Apothecary by Becky Cole (Hardie Grant, £16.99) Photography ©Kim Lightbody
The final book is by stylist/writer and photographer duo Sara Bird and Dan Duchars AKA The CONTENTed Nest, a follow up from their previous title (Home for the Soul), Gardens for the Soul explores sustainable ways to style and decorate your outside space. As we all try to move towards a more sustainable way of living within our homes, we mustn’t forgot those outdoor areas too, especially with their direct connection to the nature we are trying to protect. The pair feature a variety of real-life gardens and prove that they are many different looks that can be achieved whether you want to create an urban oasis, a party patch or a rustic sanctuary.
Gardens for the Soul by Sara Bird and Dan Duchars of the CONTENTed Nest, published by Ryland Peters & Small (£25) Photography by Dan Duchars © Ryland Peters & Small
All books available now from your local bookstore or wherever you buy your books online.
