The life of a country gardener.

20th August. St Tropez.

I'm wishing I was back in St Tropez already! We stayed at the lovely La Pinede, spending lazy days at Club 55 which meant I only had to move from lounger to lunch table and back again all day, accompanied at all times by a perfectly chilled bottle of rose and huge dark shades from which to people watch from behind.

There are lots of wonderful gardens in the South of France, but this was a short visit packed with  a whirl of social engagements followed by much needed chilling out. The schedule didn't leave any time to explore. Besides, it was too hot to move more than 100 yards. One day I'll get round to visiting the famous gardens of Menton and Villa Ephrussi at St Jean Cap Ferrat. Perhaps in the spring.

Although St Tropez is hardly a horticulturists dream there were still some amazing trees to be seen. Most notable were the Olives. They were the oldest specimens I have ever seen, all dripping in fruit, supported by the biggest, most beautifully gnarled trunks. At any UK plant supplier something a fraction of this size will set you back £10,000!  I admired the Tamarix at Club 55 which provided the perfect amount of shade for long lazy lunches. I'm thinking of using them by the pool to create a similar setting. The last time I was in St Tropez huge forest fires raged through thousands of acres of woodland. I was amazed to see how quickly they had recovered. A picture of lush greenness again, with the exception of their black, scorched trunks which made the area look quite surreal from a distance.

10th August. Just popped back.

I've been on my travels again! This time rubbing shoulders with the Prime Minister and royalty in Southwold. I've been a regular visitor here for six years now. At the time it was a toss up between buying a place in the South of France or Southwold. There was no contest really. I still love going to the South of France but I don't relax there the way I do the minute I arrive at Southwold. Just an hour and fifteen minutes in the car and I can be walking along a quiet sandy beach listening to the waves breaking on the shore. There's no need to pack the towering Louboutins or Cavalli Kaftan's here. Dressing is relaxed and understated, think Tory Burch dresses and Anya bags for summer. If, like me you always forget to pack something (it's always either colder or hotter than you packed for!) then head for Collen and Clare on the High St. This weekend the girls sorted me out with lots of new bits including some handy fine knit jersey pieces from American Vintage - perfect for layering in the winter and some great new jeans by James Jeans.

Food wise there's no need to start cooking as Southwold has a fantastic restaurant 'The Blue Lighthouse', there are other places to eat too (try The Swan, The Crown and The Bell at Warberswick) but I think this is the best and am quite happy to eat here everyday!

Next stop St Tropez...

5th August. Puppy coming soon.

Well we are now the proud owners of our own little 'Archie' (Airedale pup seen in Bourton House garden). He is six weeks old and one of just three in a litter. We can bring him home in two weeks. After I told our next door neighbours about the dogs they wanted one too and are now having Archie's sister. What a safe village it will be with two Airedales patrolling the grounds! As we are both very garden proud any tips on how to prevent them digging or tearing out the plants would be welcomed.  The registration forms have just come for entry to the Yellow Book next year and I'm worried the garden may resemble a moonscape in six months if Archie has his way!