Homes & Antiques, March 2011

Thrifty chic
Give your home a new lease of life this spring with just a simple lick of paint, a stencil or two and plenty of cheap and chic vintage finds.

Switched on to antiques
With iPads, mobile apps and social networking sites boasting more users than some countries have citizens, things are changing – even in the traditional world of antiques. But how can you make the internet work for you?

H&A’s essential guide to spring cleaning
From lifting stains with soda water to polishing with olive oil, take your cleaning back to basics with our guide to adding shine with store-cupboard essentials.

Stitched in time
With make-do-and-mend on the rise, Homes & Antiques cottons on to the world of highly collectable sewing antiques.

Creative project: appliqué throw
Be inspired by Sania Pell’s design and create your own beautiful throw from remnants of vintage fabric.

Four beautiful homes
This month’s real homes include designer Abbie de Bunsen’s Victorian terrace, and a converted 19th-century Swedish schoolhouse.

Judith Miller’s object lesson
Despite their name, occasional tables have been a household essential for over 250 years, says Antiques Roadshow expert Judith Miller.

On sale 2 February, priced £3.80
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Gardens Illustrated, February 2011

100 must-have plants
Spectacular plants chosen exclusively for Gardens Illustrated by ten leading gardeners to inspire your planting this spring, summer and beyond.

Plant profile: winter Iris
The magic of the hardy gems that turn on their charm during the coldest months.

How to be a gardener
It’s a dream job for any passionate plant-lover: that romantic vision of life in the open air, working with plants. The reality is hard work and usually low pay, but it’s undeniably a rewarding profession. Those looking to make a life-changing leap will find many opportunities for study and training. Here are some top hints and tips on what to consider and where to start.

Nurseryman’s favourites: February plants
How do you bring beauty to your garden this month? In the first of a new series of Nurseryman’s favourites, John Hoyland shows there are plenty of exciting planting options.

Preparing the ground
Secateurs in hand, Carol Klein sets off to bring some order to her garden, and plans some big changes in the year ahead.

Pretty plants to beat the chill
The new Winter Garden at Dunham Massey in Cheshire shows that with the right plants you can keep your garden looking lovely whatever the weather.

In search of the perfect hellebore
Breeder Alan Postill is one of the garden world’s unsung heroes, quietly creating a new generation of superb flowers in a range of striking colours.

On sale 28 January, priced £3.95
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