The garden unfolded it’s unique magic in May as the days lengthened and the warmer months began. After the last whispers of spring, the air was filled with a quiet anticipation, punctuated by birdsong from our increasing number of visitors. It had been a full year since we started creating our beautiful garden space here in Troon from a completely blank canvas.

Soon we would see whether all the plants we’d moved from my garden in Glasgow had survived the winter, and whether the new roses we planted last year would bloom again. We were not disappointed as suddenly, our new garden began to sing in a symphony of colours. So many of my favourite fragrant blooms began to open, each with it’s own happy memory or association with special people and places.

2023 has been a year brimming with creativity and boundless inspiration for me, punctuated by leisurely walks near my home in Glasgow. I love exploring the ‘hidden’ parts of the city, only a stone’s throw away and brimming with nature.

This is a building that I have wanted to see for so long! If you watched the TV series ‘Abstract’ on Netflix you will have heard the designer Olafur Eliason talk about this stunning building which respons to the light and reflects the landscape beautifully.

As well as the quality of the light in Iceland, I’ve also been a bit obsessed with the colour palette from the landscape. Whether it’s the pale blues of the lagoons, lakes and glaciers or the olive greens of the mosses, I can’t get enough.

I’m just back from my first ever trip to Iceland. I wanted to visit Rekjavik for a long time so I used the excuse of my 50th birthday to plan my adventure. I knew it was going to be beautiful with the city surrounded by sea and mountains, but I wasn’t prepared for the incredible quality of the light!