Gardening is all about control – when to apply it and when to give nature free rein. A constant workload of pruning, mowing, snipping and shearing. But lately the whole concept has exploded as excitingly as an unexpected patch of a clover in a lawn with the idea of rewilding, in which land is returned in varying scales to natural habitats that can provide water, food and shelter to all creatures great and small. And its principles are now being implied to smaller residential spaces, too.
One of the most famous rewilders is Isabella Tree, whose book Wilding charts the transformation of the Knepp estate in West Sussex and became a bestseller when it was published last year. Over two decades, Isabella turned her 3,500-acre arable farm into a Mecca for wildlife, including turtle doves and nightingales, 13 species of bat, flocks of purple emperor butterflies, as well as free-roaming cattle. She removed fencing, allowed the vegetation to grow freely, and a richly diverse and wild landscape followed; ‘Sit back and let nature take the driving seat,’ Isabella says. ‘Learn not to be in control; we’ve got to relax and let go.’
This story is from the September 2020 edition of Living Etc Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 2020 edition of Living Etc Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
SEE YOU IN COPENHAGEN
The Danish capital feels like the epicentre of the art and design world
robot vacuums
THIS PIECE OF TECH HAS COME A LONG WAY SINCE CLUNKY EARLY MODELS- PACKED WITH SMART FEATURES FOR AN FASY LIFF
transforming furniture
A DESK THAT TURNS INTO A BED? A CUPBOARD THAT OPENS INTO A TABLE? THIS IS HOW CANNY PIECES CAN PERFECT SMALL-SPACE LIVING
secret ingredient: outdoor projectors
TAKE MOVIE NIGHTS UP A NOTCH BY MOVING THEM OUTSIDE - POPCORN OPTIONAL
CONSIDERING GOING CUSTOM-MADE BUT DON'T KNOW WHERE TO BEGIN? THIS IS THE PLACE TO START
There is something so satisfying about a bespoke piece of furniture that fits perfectly. Tailored to the way you interact with your home, a bespoke piece can also solve the problem of a room with an unusual layout. But in the big wide world of custom furniture, where on earth do you start? We spoke to the experts to find out.
OUT OF TOWNERS
A love affair with London prompted Americans Julia and David to snap up an aunt's mews house when she decided to sell
A LIGHT TOUCH
Cleverly reimagined to let the sun in, this busy family home has also been designed to allow for plenty of peace and calm
NATURAL HISTORY
Once two humble farm buildings, this French villa has evolved into a spectacular home that is no standard rustic retreat
TRAVEL THROUGH TIME
The design of this Milanese apartment celebrates its features from the past while adding in modern pieces - it's a classic look that's future-proof
PERFECTLY COMPOSED
This apartment is like a beautiful symphony balancing style notes that include the modern, the classic, the elegant and the laid-back