The British are a nation of garden visitors. Join the rush, but make the visit a profitable one by walking round with a critical eye, memory or notebook at the ready. If permitted, a camera is indispensable. Check the opening arrangements, which can vary infinitely. Bone up on the key features of the garden in advance, but don't crowd your mind with facts-let the garden speak for itself, and look at the broad picture, as well as the fine detail. Extra benefits include a word with the owner or gardener, worthy plants for sale and, of course, afternoon tea.
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You can’t always rely on the Great British summer — but you can rely on its watchesBritish watchmakers have excelled themselves in recent months — releasing bright and beautiful timepieces that you'll want on your wrist through summer, and beyond.
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Simon Jenkins: 50 years of saving Britain's buildings, from triumphs and disasters to the great country house we bought for £1In 1975, a new organisation was set up with the express aim of saving Britain's most beautiful and historic buildings from the wrecking ball. How has SAVE fared in the 50 years since then far? Simon Jenkins — who was involved as a trustee right from the very start — looks back on half a century of successes... and one or two painful failures.
