Editor’s Letter

Bringing a sense of the great outdoors into your home has never seemed so vital as it is now, after weeks of being confined to indoors. These four walls are your sanctuary, through good times and bad, and their influence on your happiness and well-being cannot be underestimated. That’s why it’s so important to feel in touch with nature every day, even while inside. Of course, your prime concern must always be to stay safe, and I do hope that you and your loved ones are in good health. But why not take a moment to reflect on your surroundings and make plans for the future? This issue is all about connecting your house and garden, and making the most of summer at home. So even if you can’t put all of your plans into action right now, you can work out your priorities for better days ahead. To capture this month’s cover and Summer in Paradise decorating feature (page 20), the Period Living team visited possibly our favourite ever shoot location – a Grade I-listed Georgian conservatory in the Brecon Beacons national park. Straight out of a fairytale, the conservatory provided the perfect backdrop for showing off botanical prints and hothouse hues amid lush greenery. Let it inspire you to create your own piece of heaven on earth. Elsewhere this issue, we look to the garden, offering stunning ideas for creating an outdoor room to escape to – be it a summerhouse, posh shed or (my fantasy) a writer’s hut (page 99). Plus, we offer expert advice on growing roses, including how to choose, care for and get the best out of these beautiful, fragrant blooms (page 114).

Finally, if you’re finding it difficult to get to the shops and pick up a copy of Period Living, then why not subscribe (page 56)? This month, when you pay just £20 for six months, you’ll get a free Sophie Allport Butterflies apron worth £21 and baking book worth £9.99 – plenty to keep you busy over the summer. I do hope you enjoy the issue.