If you’ve got a glut of tomatoes all ripening at once (yes, this is me!) here’s a delicious recipe to turn them into an autumnal spiced chutney. I’m already excited to open up a pot this winter to enjoy with my Christmas cheeseboard!
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If you haven’t got much space but want to create a summery display in your garden, why not plant up a wheelbarrow? You could also encourage children to get involved in planting up their own mini ‘fairy allotment’ garden. Here’s how…
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Blimey it’s been hot, hasn’t it? With more scorching days predicted throughout the summer, I thought it would be a good idea to share some tips on how to survive the soaring temperatures, day and night…
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After having the pleasure of writing about surface pattern designer & illustrator Rachael Taylor’s home, I just knew that her vibrant interior & gorgeous garden would inspire you to inject some colour into your own home. Check out this exciting house tour:
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Ever since I began growing my own fruit and vegetables in my garden, I’ve been so much more aware of the seasonality of produce. Here’s why you should eat seasonal veg and a brunch quiche recipe to use up those fresh new potatoes…
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If you fancy saving money on decking but still want to get a good result in your garden, I’ve shared a step-by-step guide to make this deck for yourself – using pallet wood…
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If you’ve got a rusty old bicycle that has seen better days, don’t chuck it out just yet – you can renovate it to give it a new lease of life, or upcycle it to use as a pretty planter in your cottage garden. Here’s how to revamp your old bike…
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We have a brick outbuilding that has seen better days so I wanted to spruce up the exterior a little to make it look a little nicer in our garden. Here are some photos of my quick DIY makeover…
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The original pallet bar project been repurposed – and for good reason. I’ve decided growing veg is more important than having an alfresco G&T, so I’ve given over my much-loved pallet bar to create a nursery space for my seedlings. Here’s how…
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If you’re spending more time in the garden at the moment, here’s how to combine relaxation & plant growing to get the most out of your garden (of any size!) this summer…
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We’ve been relying on online orders more over the past month so I thought it would be a good idea to build a parcel box and share the step-by-step project. But how do you build a delivery box without going shopping for DIY materials..?
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If you’re spending more time in the garden and need a project to work on, here’s an easy DIY that you can complete in a day. And, if you’re anything like me, you probably already have all of the materials you need lying around on your wood pile, or perhaps you’ve got a pallet stowed behind the shed? Here’s how to turn that old timber into something useful…
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If you’re lucky enough to have a garden – whatever the size and shape – there are many things that you can do to turn your garden into a haven for wildlife. Here are some tips to get you started…
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If you’ve spotted my pallet bar around the internet (and on the TV now, thanks to Kirstie Allsopp!) you may be interested to see today’s pallet project – a Spanish-style wine tavern pallet bar with summery stenciled pattern…
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When my pallet bar popped up on the TV last week, I couldn’t believe my eyes. It appeared on Kirstie and Phil’s Love It or List It show and I am chuffed to bits! Here’s a video of that exciting moment..!
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If you’re a big fan of house plants like me, here’s a quick and easy DIY plant nursery unit that you can make to keep all your cuttings, off-shoots and baby plants safe and cosy while they grow. You can choose a cabinet to suit the style of your home, and it looks pretty darn cool too! Here’s how to do it…
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I don’t know why hostess trolleys ever went out of fashion. They’re so handy for gathering everything you need together, and wheeling it right where you need it to be. So, when I spotted this old wooden trolley in a skip, I was keen to rescue it. Here’s how to upcycle a retro trolley into a vintage style bar cart for bank holiday parties…
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When I found a few brick pallets in a building site skip (and asked if it would be okay to re-use them!) my mind starting whirring at the possible projects they could be used for. The result is this kids’ mud kitchen and I thought I’d share the step-by-step project with you today…
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You may have spotted a sneaky peek of my scaffold board table in my blog post about building rustic benches for my garden but today I’m sharing the step-by-step tutorial with you so that you can have a go at making a DIY scaffolding table for yourself…
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The bugs in my garden have already stopped me from enjoying the space on a couple of occasions so in today’s blog post I’m sharing what attracts mosquitoes to your garden and some inexpensive steps can you take to eradicate this pest problem…
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If you want to create an outdoor kitchen in your garden, it’s easy to DIY it with just a few pallets, a scaffold board & a ceramic sink. Here’s how I made a handy kitchen cabinet & worktop for my deck from scrap wood…
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I’ve been DIYing in the garden again and this time I’ve made an outdoor coffee table using an old wooden cable reel that I found in a skip. Plus, I’ve created a cosy corner for drinks and chatting outside on my deck (featuring my ‘new’ coffee table, so here’s how I did it…
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If you’ve always wanted to grow your own veggies and pick fresh herbs from your back garden, I’m here to show you that it can be done in just a small space. Here’s how to grow your own herbs (and stop the weeds from making a comeback!) in a raised bed…
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We’ve had a busy week of garden-based DIYing here, which all began when we got hold of some low-cost scaffold boards from the local timber yard. My mind went into overdrive about all the things I could build with the 13ft-long boards but we decided to start small with some rustic garden benches. Here’s how to make them…
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Finally, some sunshine! This week we’ve been able to begin enjoying our garden at long last and sit outside with a meal or two. There’s still a lot more work to do in the garden in terms of landscaping but, for now, at least we can relax in the space we’ve created so I wanted to share some photos of the garden with you…
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I’ve been working on landscaping my garden this year and the steep slope needed to be terraced, which left me with a design that created ‘rooms’ within the garden. And since finishing the deck over the weekend, it’s got me thinking about the ways that I want to use the terrace that’s closest to the house…
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Is your garden looking a little tired or uninviting? With summer almost upon us (at last) now is the time to ready your outdoor space for the months of summer fun ahead! If you look at the state of your garden and your heart starts to sink, then don’t worry; there are plenty of ways you get your outdoor space ready for all the activities, drinks with friends, family BBQs and outdoor fun that’s to come. Here I’ve gathered 5 super simple hacks that will help get you started. Enjoy!
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Do you feel like suddenly everything is in bloom? Finally, my garden is looking better than it ever has before and I can actually go outside and enjoy the space a little. Here’s what I’ve been up to over the past month…
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When the weather starts to improve, thoughts turn to your outdoors space. But how can you bring extra fun to your garden this summer? Here are five things you can add to your garden to help you and your family enjoy being outside even more…
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What on earth is a banana parasol? I had no idea until I began researching ways to bring shade into my garden. Here’s how I got on when I decided to create a shaded picnic spot on my new lawn…
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The great thing about gardening is the peaceful feeling of being surrounded by nature. Which is why I’m sharing some low-cost gardening hacks and upcycling projects today to help you get started this sunny Sunday…
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If you’ve been DIYing and gardening over the Easter holidays, you’re not alone; we too have made a lot of progress on our garden landscaping project over the past couple of weeks. Today’s blog post is all about how I upcycled a low-cost shed to make it look super-swish…
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With power tools, gardening items, DIY materials and cleaning supplies, my shed workbench was over-flowing so I decided it was about time to sort out some proper storage. If you’ve been struggling to stow everything safely in your shed, this could be the solution for you too…
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How to landscape a sloped garden into terraces with retaining wall planters in pressure-treated timber to create a patio, lawn and flower borders.
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I’m currently working on landscaping my garden so if you too are working on a garden revamp this year here are some of the exterior finishes and accessories that are on trend for 2019…
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We’re only three weeks into the new year and already there have been massive changes afoot at Cassiefairy HQ. We’ve been DIYing in earnest and I’m exhausted just thinking about it! You see, we’ve decided that 2019 will the be the ‘year of the garden’ and we’re tackling a landscaping project for the first time. Here’s what we’ve got planned and how we’re getting on…
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If you’re planning a festive get-together over the coming months, this light-up bar would make a great focal point to serve up cocktails. And even better, it’s made from pallets! So get out the drill, pop open that pot of paint and have a go at DIYing it for yourself…
Read MoreGarden water features are known for their visual appeal and can be a relaxing addition to the landscaping around your home. But it’s not all about luxury and aesthetics; when it comes to being innovative and money-saving, water features can help you save and conserve water too, with the help of rainwater tanks…
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Thinking about landscaping your garden? Here are 5 things you should consider when before starting your project…
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Over the past few months, most people´s lawns have suffered. In the UK, and indeed in many other parts of the world, it has been hot and dry for a long time. For many homeowners, it has been impossible to water the grass enough, so now it’s bone dry and rather brown! There are few tricks you can use to help your lawn spring back to life so read on to get a head start on improving your garden…
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Ever wanted to have a gorgeous garden full of foliage and beautiful blooms that takes no time at all to maintain? That’s my plan and it’s exactly what I’m blogging about today! Read on to find out some handy tips to create a low-maintenance garden with plants and veg that take no effort to grow…
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It can be difficult to find a balance between spending time and money on improving and your home versus actually enjoying it! Here are a few small ways that you can renovate your home to boost its kerb appeal, while still taking pleasure in the process..
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Do you dream of having a fresh, bright and colourful home just like the Love Island villa? Today I’m taking garden design inspiration from the Love Island complex and finding ways to recreate this Mediterranean paradise in your own garden here in the UK – starting with lots and lots of fairy lights..!
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If you’re planning on landscaping your garden or installing features like a pond or patio, here’s my tips for doing it on a budget – with photos of my own attempts at salvaging a shed for the garden…
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I’m finally making a start on my garden. This will be the second summer we’ve lived in our house and last year was completely taken up with renovating the interior. But now my attention has turned to the garden and the landscaping I’d like to do out there. But what about my little vintage caravan, I hear you ask? It’s very much at the centre of my garden design and here’s why…
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Imagine a warm summer evening in your garden, with a beautifully illuminated patio and twinkling fairy lights hanging in the trees. Sounds idyllic, doesn’t it? Here’s how to get a lovely ambience in your garden after dark…
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The average Brit spends £345 per year on their garden, however you don’t have to spend a small fortune to add colour and vibrancy to your garden this summer! Here’s how…
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If you’re planning to entertain in your garden this summer, why not upcycle an old trolley into a handy bar cart or BBQ caddy – here’s how I created my garden trolley…
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When you’ve got a pile of pallets in your garden and a spare afternoon, what do you do? Why, make an upcycled patio planter and privacy screen, of course! Here’s how I did it…
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Your driveway is an essential and valuable part of your home. Having one gives you somewhere relatively safe to park your vehicle and prevents you from dealing with the stress of finding parking on the street. In fact, a well maintained driveway can even add to the value of your home. Here’s how…
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Ahh isn’t it nice when the sun shines? Don’t you just want to sit out in the garden and watch the world go by? Here are some ideas for making your own bench (using pallets – a big win for upcycling!) and finding lovely garden furniture if you’re on a budget…
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There are some garden updates that every homeowner can benefit from and that’s especially true if you’ve been neglecting your garden for a while. Here are 5 ideas to help you get the most out of your garden this spring…
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A small garden doesn’t mean it can’t be stylish and functional. Working with what you’ve got, these easy improvements will make a big difference and help you maximise the usable space. Here’s how…
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If you want to bring the outside in without any mess or fuss, artificial plants are one of the best accessories you can add to your home to bring add a splash of colour – here’s why…
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Here are some ideas to improve the kerb appeal of your home in order to increase your enjoyment of your new house, or to maximise the value when it comes to selling your property…
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Spring is fast approaching and if your garden seems to be lacking lustre now is the perfect time to get started on those outdoor projects you’ve had in mind for some time…
Read MoreThere are quite a variety of springtime renovations worth considering as you go about maintaining your property and planning ahead for the springtime is always a good idea. Your first step might be narrowing down the task ahead of you. Some projects need continuous focus and a larger budget. Some projects can be done with […]
Read MoreEven though I don’t fancy going out in the cold to dig my plot at the moment, I’m certainly starting to feel a buzz of excitement about getting stuck into tackling my new garden next spring. This is the perfect time of year to draw up some designs and start dreaming about what could be […]
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Today’s blog post is a glimpse inside Kirstie Allsopp’s garden. I’ve been lucky enough to get some behind-the-hedge photos from Victoria Summerley, the author of The Secret Gardeners. If you missed my earlier blog posts, I’ve also shared a peek inside Prue Leith’s plot and Cath Kidston’s garden. Plus I’ve got two copies of the book to […]
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Britain’s creatives reveal their private garden sanctuaries in newly released book The Secret Gardeners. This beautifully presented book is packed full of stunning photographs, and gives us an insight into how famous folk live. I’ve already blogged about GBBO judge Prue Leith’s garden last week, and today I’m giving you a peek into designer Cath […]
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Ever wanted to nose around the gardens of the stars? Have you wondered what Sting’s back garden looked like? Or wished you could peep into Richard Branson’s Or poke around in Hugh Fearnly-Whittingstall’s veggie patch? Well, the good news is that ‘The Secret Gardeners’ by Victoria Summerley does just that. And more good news – […]
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I was reading an article in this month’s Reloved magazine about container homes and boy has that put a cat amongst the kitchens in our household. Let me explain… Until now, my husband had been planning to build a wooden shed in our garden to serve as a workshop. He’s an artist and photographer, so […]
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A shed can be used for a multitude of things, which is why people like to build them in their gardens. Aside from the functionality and the extra space it provides, a shed also adds value to your property. Depending on the size, building a shed may take quite some time (and some serious construction […]
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Today I wanted to bring you some impressive photos of little-known East Anglian gardens. As a novice gardener (an someone who has no idea what to do with their empty plot) I’ve been flicking through lots of gardening books recently. I was thoroughly inspired by the newly released ‘Secret Gardens of East Anglia’ book so […]
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Remember I said that we’ve put our house DIYing efforts on hold during August (apart from decorating our guest room, of course) so that we could enjoy the summer? Well, it turns out that the extra time we had gained by not filling, sanding or painting allowed us to do a little work on the […]
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If you’re a DIY enthusiast and have become more confident (and competent!) when it comes to tackling jobs around the home it could be a good time to up your game and put your skills – and your tools – to the test. Here are some DIY projects that you might want to consider for […]
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Having a gorgeous garden is a huge blessing. During the summer months, you can often feel completely humbled by being able to sit out in the sunshine and enjoy the peace. But the beauty of having a garden doesn’t just end with your summer fun. There are lots that you can be doing to your […]
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I love having a garden – not that I’ve done much with it yet – but at least the potential is there. In my previous home, the garden became an extra room of the house, with a patio ‘dining room’ and a kitchen garden veggie plot. So, for me, a well-maintained garden is an essential […]
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Do you have an old shed in your garden? A tumble-down workshop, brick outbuilding or old garage perhaps? And what do you use it for? If you’re stashing clutter and storing tools, you could be approaching this valuable extra space all wrong. At least, that’s what I’ve heard…This week I read a news article on […]
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Outdoor summer parties are often easier to host than indoor parties, and the casual atmosphere of entertaining al fresco means you can get away with being a lot less fancy than you might strive for with an indoor dinner party. I’m hoping to bring my garden up to scratch in time for some entertaining this […]
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