I've always loved gardens, but now that I have my own outdoor space my interest has been piqued. This goes hand-in-hand with another of my passions - books. Over the years I've built up quite a collection of them, and many about gardens and gardening. Even though I've never really had the chance to create my own garden, I was keen to build my taste and gain a lot of inspiration for the time when I would be able to have a place outside that was mine. 

Today I wanted to share with you five books about gardening that have inspired me. From practical guides that have been so useful for a complete beginner like me, to lavish coffee-table books that simply provide a place to daydream. These books provide the perfect dose of inspiration whether you have acres of land, or like me, looking for help with small garden ideas.

GARDEN INSPIRATIONS - CHARLOTTE MOSS



This is one of my favourite books about gardens of all time. It not only celebrates the beauty of the garden, but also how they can intersperse throughout every area of our home and lifestyle so that we can get maximum pleasure from them.

Charlotte Moss has written countless books on style and entertaining, each one more beautiful than the last. If you are looking to be deeply inspired - this is the one for you.



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THE FLOWER YARD - ARTHUR PARKINSON



This book by Arthur Parkinson focuses on growing flamboyant flowers in containers - perfect for someone like me who has a courtyard garden and can only use pots and containers to add colour and life to my space. 

Arthur became famous on Instagram by sharing his small but beautiful garden which was abundant with containers of all different flowers - it proved that even if you are limited on space, you can still have your own garden. 

This is a new read for me and I'm excited to learn more about gardening in containers and how I'll be able to have beauty to look forward to throughout the year with a variety of blooms even though I only have a small patio garden. 



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QUIET CORNERS OF PARIS - JEAN CHRISTOPHE NAPIAS



This is another book that I discovered when looking for inspiration for my courtyard garden. I've visited Paris on a number of occasions and have fond memories of the charming courtyard gardens that the city is littered with. 

I chose this one for some ideas of how I could add some formal elegance to my space. Although I do love cottage-style country gardens, living in the city means that I have to think about my surroundings and environment - a cottage garden would perhaps look a little odd amongst the Georgian architecture of my city. 

This book is filled with glorious photographs of the most chic and beautiful Parisian gardens, public parks, arboretums, galleries, and shops - places that you might never have discovered even if you're a local. 



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HOW TO GARDEN WHEN YOU RENT - MATTHEW POTTAGE

This book from the RHS is a great choice if you want to enjoy the pleasures of gardening but don't own your home. There is often the dilemma when renting of whether to 'waste' money investing in a property that is not yours - this book solves this problem and advises how to create your own garden whilst keeping the landlord happy. 

Filled with handy tips and knowledge for garden design ideas that won't break the bank or be too permanent, from small patios, to more substantial gardens - this is a useful and practical garden book for the age of the renter!

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THE COMPLETE GARDENER - MONTY DON



I'm a real fan of Monty Don - I love his relaxed but elegant approach to gardening and could spend hours watching his TV show, Gardeners World.

In this book, Monty provides the reader with his knowledge of gardening, covering every aspect of gardening so that everything you need to know is in one place. The advice is practical, imaginative, and inspiring - helping you to create gardens that are not only beautiful, but also sound.

Filled with glorious photographs, this is the gardening bible you have been looking for! 

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It's pretty clear by now that I'm drawn to all things rose! Maybe it's because I'm English, but I can't get enough of the sweet scent, and the beautiful allure of the bud with its delicate petals. 

I received this deep hydration sleeping mask as a gift from a friend and have been using it regularly - especially on days when my skin is feeling particularly parched after being outdoors in the harsh Scottish climate.

You put it on after your evening skincare regime has been completed and then leave it on whilst you sleep. It instantly drenches the skin with moisture, and when you wake your complexion is dewy and bright.

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2) SARAH CHAPMAN - Skinesis eye recovery



Although I'm somewhat an addict when it comes to skincare, I don't usually like to spend too much on products. However, this eye recovery serum from Sarah Chapman is an exception. The under eye area can be problematic for me, so I'm willing to spend a little more.

It really does work well to brighten the eyes and smoothen any lines - something that I'm noticing more of now I'm in my early thirties. This serum has patented technology which is said to have a Botox-like-effect on the under eye, and I can say that fine lines do appear diminished after use. 

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3) THE ORDINARY - Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5



My skin can be very dry - especially during the Winter. Hyaluronic acid is a great product for attracting moisture to the skin and keeping it hydrated throughout the day.

I particularly like this one by THE ORDINARY because it is incredibly well priced, and also works really well for my skin. Sometimes these types of serums can leave me itching and uncomfortable, this is very lightweight and I forget about it soon after applying. 

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4) KIEHL'S Ultra facial moisturiser SPF30


I've often talked about how I think SPF has helped my skin to stay looking youthful. I've been wearing an SPF daily for at least the last ten years and every professional I've spoken to touts this as the most important thing to keep our skin in great condition and prevent premature ageing. 

I love this moisturiser from Kiehl's because again, it is incredibly hydrating yet super lightweight, and it has a built in SPF. A win-win. 

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5) MARIO BADESCU - Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs, and rosewater



Facial mists are another of my skincare must-haves. I spritz my skin with them when it needs refreshing, or even after applying make up to give a dewy look and brighten any matte texture. 

This one by MARIO BADESCU is incredibly soothing with aloe, herbs, and rosewater. I first started using it in Summer when visiting London. I was shopping in an intense heatwave when I saw this on the shelf and was instantly drawn to it. It worked wonders then, and I'm still using it now - an all-rounder, whatever the season

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On my Birthday there is nothing I love more than cake and champagne. Having my friends over to enjoy this with me is the perfect way to spend the day. Here is the recipe from my recent YouTube episode - enjoy!

For the cake

• 2 cups / 250g / 4 ½ oz plain flour
• 1tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp baking powder
• 1 cup / 225g / 8oz salted butter
• 1½ cups / 300g / 4oz granulated sugar
• ½ cup / 110g / 4oz light brown sugar
• 2tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp almond extract
• 5 large eggs
• 1 cup / 250ml whole buttermilk7
• 7oz packaged sweetened flake coconut
• 1½ cups / 118g pecans (toasted)

For the frosting

• 2 packs (8oz) cream cheese
• 1 cup / 225g / 8oz unsalted butter
• 2lb powdered sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp almond extract
• 7oz sweetened flake coconut
• ½ cup / 65 toasted pecans

Instructions

1. Cream together the butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, almond extract, and vanilla extract in a mixer until fully combined. About 3-4 minutes.
2. Add the eggs one-by-one, beating after each addition. Once all of the eggs have been added, give the mixture a good whisk. 
3. Add in the baking powder and baking soda. Then mix in a little of the flour and buttermilk, a bit at a time, whisking after each addition. Repeat this until  all of the flour and buttermilk are fully combined. 
4. Stir in the coconut and pecans by hand, then divide this mixture between three cake tins. 
5. Bake in the oven at 350f / 180c for 25-30 minutes until a skewer inserted in the cake comes out clean. 

For the frosting

1. In a mixer beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy.
2. Add in the vanilla extract and the almond extract, whisk to combine.
3. A tablespoon at a time, add in the powdered sugar, mixing after each addition.
4. Once the cake has fully cooled, spread the frosting between the layers, and then on the top and sides of the cake so it is fully coated in the frosting.
5. Use the remaining coconut to cover the top and sides of the cake - this can be very tricky! Just take your time and have patience.
6. Sprinkle the remaining pecans on top of the cake.
   
   Recipe adapted from: https://www.melissassouthernstylekitchen.com

As it’s my Birthday this week, I thought I’d focus this blog on gift-giving. I have chosen 5 gifts that are part of our everyday lives, but often overlooked. These items are unique and special, bringing small moments of joy to the often mundane rituals we all have to go through. It is always the small things that make the biggest difference, so I hope you will be inspired by my choices, whether you are looking for a lovely present for a dear friend, or just wanting to treat yourself!


John Derian Paperweight 




When gift-giving I always try to find unique and special things that the person I’m gifting for might not have seen before. These paperweights by John Derian are exactly that - handmade using collaged paper under blown glass, this is an item that you can admire and keep for the rest of your life. 

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Chintzy Bow Linen Hand Towel - Isla Simpson



Isla Simpson is a British artist and designer who I discovered through Instagram. I often include her in my gift-guides, simply because I love her unique and beautiful products that are almost like stepping back in time. These Chinzty Bow linen hand towels would be so beautiful in a guest bathroom, or even for everyday use in the kitchen.

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Mason Cash ceramic measuring cups



These will be so well received by someone who loves cooking or baking. Again, this is about bringing beauty to the mundane and overlooked. Having these elegant ceramic measuring cups to hand whilst in the kitchen will bring a little moment of joy. 

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Pansy Paper Flower Plant - Cutterbrooks


Although I do love nothing more than receiving flowers or plants, there is always the heart-sinking moment when they begin to fade. The joy of this plant, although admittedly expensive, is that it will last forever. Handmade in New York by artist Livia Scetti, these antiques of the future are a wonderful gift for a very special Birthday.

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Scented Matches from Cire Trudon

If like me you light a lot of candles, these scented matches will be the perfect little present. As you know, I think that everything in life should be beautiful, even matches! 

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