I will be honest, I love winter pottering. There is something wonderfully satisfying about pulling on far too many layers, wrestling myself into thermals like an enthusiastic Michelin man, and heading outside with rosy cheeks and a cuppa in hand. Some people think gardeners disappear until spring, but I am happiest crunching across a frosty lawn and puffing little clouds into the air like a contented dragon.

This soup is everything I love about autumn in a bowl. It is cosy, creamy, packed with home grown goodness and best of all, it uses my little no-peel hack from Instagram.

At this time of year, when the air feels colder and the sniffles seem to be multiplying everywhere, I always turn to nature first. Simple ingredients, real warmth and a little intention can go a long way.

This month’s Grow Up spotlight shines on one of my absolute favourite discoveries French Soaps, a beautiful small business run by the equally lovely Victoria and Paul, who are keeping a centuries-old tradition alive with passion, purpose, and integrity.

If you’ve followed me for a while, you’ll know how much I adore discovering places — and people — who live and breathe plants. One such gem is Architectural Plants, a truly extraordinary nursery in West Sussex that specialises in statement trees, topiary, palms, and bold, sculptural specimens. But there’s so much more to them than stunning plants — they offer a full suite of services and a deeply rooted ethos that makes them more than just a nursery.

There’s something magical about propagation. Watching a simple cutting begin to root, turn green, and grow — it feels like hope in miniature. Recently on Instagram

While I was away in France, my friends and I picked ripe figs straight from the tree at the gîte — and we turned them into this simple, delicious salad. Proof that the best food is often the simplest: fresh, seasonal, and full of flavour. While I was away in France, my friends and I picked ripe figs straight from the tree at the gîte, and we turned them into this simple, delicious salad.

We’re thrilled to announce our brand-new partnership with Hotbin Composting – a collaboration that’s all about transforming how we deal with household food waste while giving our gardens the nutrient boost they deserve.

Growing your own rosemary plants from cuttings is like a little kitchen–garden magic trick. All you need is a sprig, a glass of water, and a bit of patience — and suddenly you’ve got new plants for your garden, for free!

One of my absolute favourite things to grow in the garden has to be pumpkins. Not only do they bring a sense of magic to the patch, but they’re also perfect for styling the home for Halloween and then turning into delicious dishes afterwards. For years, I’ve run pumpkin carving workshops for children, and I’m always amazed at how many of them have never seen how these wonderful vegetables grow.

If you’re a coffee lover, your morning brew doesn’t just perk you up—it can give your plants a boost too! Coffee grounds are a fantastic, natural source of nitrogen, which is one of the three essential nutrients plants need for healthy growth (along with phosphorus and potassium).

This week we’re firing up the wonderful Blackstone grill once again—and this time it’s all about bringing the garden to the plate. We’ve got a brilliant method for steaming and cooking potatoes right on the grill, paired with a medley of balsamic-glazed, homegrown vegetables and succulent herb-grilled chicken.