My mother blew her Second World War widow’s payment on a holiday to Interlaken, in Switzerland, so she could get away from bomb-blasted London to see gentians, edelweiss and alpine meadows. At the age of 24 she had lost the love of her life and from that day on she found solace in the great outdoors. She taught me to plant gladioli bulbs bottom-down and we spent weekends exploring London parks and commons to spot wild flowers pictured in an I Spy book. Fragrance was our shared joy and we both loved the highly scented rose geranium, from which we tried to make perfume (without success). And so a lifelong passion was mapped out – a love of travelling to see plants in their natural habitat and wandering in beautiful gardens. A recent cruise ship call to the Isles of Scilly reawakened my childhood memories of the rose geranium. Here it has seen a renaissance, with locally distilled, on-trend Westwood Farm rose geranium gin providing yet another excuse to stop at these pristine … [Read more...] about 20 cruises to the world’s most beautiful gardens
Weekend volunteering london
Pink Triangle a haunting reminder of LGBT persecution during Pride weekend
By Lauren Hernández Published 4:42 pm, Saturday, June 23, 2018 window._taboola = window._taboola || []; _taboola.push({ mode: 'thumbnails-c', container: 'taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails-5', placement: 'Interstitial Gallery Thumbnails 5', target_type: 'mix' }); _taboola.push({flush: true}); Photo: Mason Trinca / Special To The Chronicle Image 1of/5 CaptionClose Image 1 of 5 Tom Phelan stops on his run to take a picture of the pink triangle at Twin Peaks. Tom Phelan stops on his run to take a picture of the pink triangle at Twin Peaks. Photo: Mason Trinca / Special To The Chronicle Image 2 of 5 Carol Bettencourt (left) and Jessie Wu nail in the pink tarp during the installation of the pink triangle on Twin Peaks. Carol Bettencourt (left) and Jessie Wu nail in the pink tarp during the installation of the pink … [Read more...] about Pink Triangle a haunting reminder of LGBT persecution during Pride weekend
Secret London for Kids
by Sally Peck, The Telegraph, June 13, 2018 If you’re planning a trip to London, there are fantastic parks in which to picnic, world-class museums to visit, and attractions aplenty in the capital - here are a few that will cost you £5 or less. But if you want to head off the well-trodden routes to traditional entertainments, try these: 1. Secret garden Brimming with seasonal splendor and ample hiding spots, Brockwell Park’s Walled Garden is one of south London’s greatest green spaces. If you visit on a Sunday (check) you can wander the bustling community garden, where you may find tours of the beehives underway, and where you can wander the orchards and remind your children of what chard, rhubarb and artichokes actually look like when they’re growing. Make a day of it and visit London’s only working windmill - Brixton Windmill - where you can buy flour (note: this tends to be open the second weekend of every month, but check … [Read more...] about Secret London for Kids
What to pack for Thanksgiving weekend
With T-minus one week till turkey time, ‘tis the season for pre-holiday excitement and anxiety. Maybe you’ve volunteered to bring a dish, perhaps you’re dreading discussing the election results, or possibly you’re hoping to not draw the short straw in the room-allocation stakes. While we can’t help with it all (hey, we’ve got our own crazy uncles to contend with), we hope this pre-travel checklist helps to make your Thanksgiving holiday a happy one this year. Arrive in a classically understated cashmere midi dress from ethical brand Everlane; a casual, but tailored, modern flannel will do nicely for the dudes. Tote the rest of your long-weekend wardrobe in a sleek and stylish twill bag, or a rustic canvas number from Forest Bound. Promised to bring a dessert, but not one with the oven? No worries: have a homemade PieGram delivered to your door. Personally, we’d go for the classic Bourbon Pecan Chocolate Chip or the bolder Mulled … [Read more...] about What to pack for Thanksgiving weekend
15 Unmissable Attractions in Sarasota County, Florida
Blessed with a fantastic climate and some of the best beaches in the States, Sarasota County is popular with families and luxury lovers. Located on Florida’s temperate Gulf Coast, Sarasota and its neighbouring municipalities Longboat Key, North Port and Venice have much to offer the visitor. Siesta Key Beach was voted the best beach in America in 2017 by Dr. Beach and won TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Award for Best Beach in North America in 2017. In addition to its famous beaches, there are many other Sarasota attractions such as farmer’s markets, world-class museums and gourmet restaurants to enjoy.Unmissable Sarasota AttractionsFarmer’s MarketsSarasota County is known for its delicious fresh produce, and it has some great farmer’s markets that you should visit. Phillippi Farmhouse Market takes place every Wednesday from October to April, from 9 am to 2 pm. Located at 5500 S. Tamiami Trail, south of Downtown Sarasota, it gathers together … [Read more...] about 15 Unmissable Attractions in Sarasota County, Florida