Tara's July Letter

July brings the height of summer, with sun-drenched days to bask in the warmth and savour every moment. The summer memories we create now help carry us through the colder months ahead.

It is the time of year to pause a little and make the most of the sunny days.

Picnics, beaches and blackberries

Every weekend seems to bring a picnic somewhere in the glorious countryside, among the bees and butterflies. There is deep joy and calm in hearing the birds and bees chattering all around, a reminder that the Earth is home to other beings, not just us.

Evening walks along the beach, perhaps an impromptu drink somewhere, and the sun setting over the water: these are the simple pleasures of the summer months.

This is the season when we feel closest to nature and its bounty. On a sunny day, forage in the countryside for blackberries and crab apples to take home for all sorts of delicious summer jams and pies.

The summer garden

Weekends begin with throwing open the back doors and pottering in the garden while the coffee brews. Watching the garden change week by week is a joy; suddenly a plant you had forgotten planting comes into flower. That to me is the reward of gardening: seeing the unexpected.

That to me is the reward of gardening: seeing the unexpected.

The garden is in full bloom now, and there is nothing better than pottering with a glass of wine, absorbing the beauty and fragrance of the summer garden and listening to the many birds that visit.

Most flowers, the roses especially, are having their second flush and provide plenty of cut flowers for the house. Nothing surpasses home-grown flowers filling the house with their scent.

On warm summer evenings, take meals outside and cosy up later with a blanket, some incense and a few twinkling tea lights dotted around the garden, with the soothing sound of Café del Mar in the background. It is pure bliss.

The RHS Hampton Court Flower Show

July brings another of my favourite events: the RHS Hampton Court Flower Show, a wonderful show in a spectacular setting, with show gardens full of inspiration and, inevitably, a few new plants to take home. Beyond the plant and garden displays there is excellent shopping, live music, great food and much more, so plan your visit well and make the most of the day. (The show is not in the RHS calendar for 2026 or 2027; this July there is the new RHS Bristol festival and RHS Tatton Park instead.)

Enjoy many relaxing summer days outdoors with the ones you love.

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