Oxford’s Botanic Garden

As the Cherwell River skirts past Christchurch Meadows, the familiar skyline of Oxford comes to a gentle halt. Limestone university facades give way to a lattice of steel and glass, where flaxen church spires morph into fierce talons of cacti. Beyond, an ochre archway frames a pair of Chinese windmill palms; beneath them, a gaggle of lemon trees bask outdoors for the summer.

This unique sanctuary is Oxford’s Botanic Garden. Established in 1621, the garden is the oldest of its kind in the UK. Extending over five acres, it spans walled gardens, herbaceous borders and vegetable beds — not omitting lily ponds, a wildflower meadow and a rockery, all in the company of seven 18th century glasshouses. Just off Oxford’s High Street, a classical archway signals the garden’s original entrance: the Danby Arch, remembering founder Henry Danvers, 1st Earl of Danby.

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Slow Mornings | Sue & Ben Stuart-Smith

Even before she has a cup of tea, Sue Stuart-Smith stretches outside in the morning. She does so on a patch of lawn directly outside her living room, warming up for the day ahead by ‘pulling weeds’ from below, ‘picking grapes’ from above, and ‘axing’ over each shoulder.

All are movements which Sue – a psychotherapist and author with a special interest in the power of gardening to transform lives – might also make while gardening here at home, Serge Hill in Hertfordshire, which she shares with her husband Tom, a celebrated landscape architect. But in these early morning moments, Sue is determinedly unproductive. She has learnt, as she wrote in her book, The Well-Gardened Mind, “to value times when I could just be in, or with, the garden.

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Cabin Vindheim

Inspired by snowbound cabins where only the roof protrudes through the snow.

Cabin Vindheim is situated deep into the forest, in the alpine landscape close to Lillehammer / Norway. The design is inspired by the classic motif of snowbound cabins, where only the roof protrudes through the snow. In spite of a compact floor plan, the cabin is spatially rich and generous: From the main bedroom and the mezzanine, you can even gaze up at the stars and enjoy the northern light, while lying in bed. When resting in the cabin's bedroom, a large 4-meter-long window creates the impression of sleeping above the treetops and underneath the stars. The building, which is composed of a large living room, a bedroom, a ski preparation room, and a small annex with a utility room, is clad in black-stained ore pine. The interior is lighter and fully covered in waxed poplar veneer.

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Big Garden Birdwatch

Big Garden Birdwatch is the world’s largest garden wildlife survey.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of nature lovers like you take part, helping to build a picture of how garden birds are faring. The dark days of January guides the timing of the Big Garden Birdwatch – the world’s largest garden wildlife survey. Every year, hundreds of thousands of nature lovers take part in their gardens, balconies, school playgrounds and local green spaces across the country.  And get an hour of reconnecting with something profound – the wildness just outside our windows. 

With birds now facing so many challenges due to the nature and climate emergencies, every count matters. By taking part, individuals are not only practicing their own mindfulness, but they are also part of something much bigger. It provides us with an invaluable snapshot of the health of some of the UK’s most common bird populations. Head over to the RSPB website and sign up to take part in the 2025 survey which runs from January 24-26.

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The List

We have made The List. The best garden and landscape designers, from urban garden masters to country planting specialists.

The List is House & Garden’s indispensable directory for those looking for a design professional to do work on their house or garden. Featuring the best talent from across the UK and USA, The List is the ideal place to discover your next interiors obsession, gorgeous garden inspiration or superb specialist.

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