Editor’s letter

If there is ever a time to focus on projects around your home, it’s now when winter is at its coldest

So while you’re hunkering down, many of you still working from home, use the opportunity to tackle those pesky li le jobs you never quite get around to doing. Or if you’re really game, take your first tentative steps to redesigning your kitchen.

Spoilt for choice when it comes to what’s on offer — from styles and materials to big and small appliances — focus on what suits your space, your lifestyle and, above all, what makes you feel good. Should you consider trends? Well yes, but only if they speak to you. And as trends have a tendency to come and go, our kitchen feature (page 80) has loads of designs, tips and hints for the hub of your home that will stand the test of time.

On that note, I’m heading out to the garden. What’s the connection between kitchen and garden? The obvious answer is part 2 of our vegie garden series, ‘The plot thickens’ (page 44). While not to be missed, I find myself impatient to go on a magic carpet ride… with epimediums (page 26), dainty li le flowers with fairy-like wings you can grow in the shade. Yay! I have a bare patch of earth waiting for them to spread their charm. And what’s more, I can take cu ings and bring their spellbinding beauty indoors. They don’t need a lot of arranging, a snippet or two in a bo le will show off each blossom and graceful stem. Cluster a few bo les or line them up in a row from short to tall. Quite simply gorgeous!

As for tempting your tastebuds, check out our ‘Healthy twists’ (page 106) with quick and easy weeknight dinners you’ll love! Take-away?

Who needs it!

Enjoy the issue.