Welcome How

different are the resolutions we’re making for 2021 compared with last year… chasing bucket lists and cramming the diary feels an odd way to live now. In their place are slower pleasures and a shared appreciation that small things bring as much joy as big ambitions.

Through 2020, we all experienced delight at the slowly unfurling flower, the blackbird singing, green shoots breaking through. These, and more, brought us immeasurable hope and optimism, nourishing us when the world looked bleak. And what a pleasure to welcome new gardeners to this world, as gardening emerged at the heart of a national conversation around wellbeing.

Health is also at the heart of many of the conversations we’ve been recording for our new magazine podcast – just the thing for these winter nights. As Monty reveals, happiness can be measured in cups of tea and birdsong – and that’s fine by him. These are the signs of a good life, which we explore in this issue – but not one based on 1970s self-sufficiency and autonomy. The good life in 2021 is about shared experiences, learning from and with others – even if on screen, right now. It’s about a light touch on the world around us, giving more than taking, raising fresh food at our back door and living among greenery, indoors and out, cared for by you. And it’s all within reach.

Enjoy the issue – and join us through 2021 as we help you achieve this good life and, we hope, a truly happy new year.