WELCOME TO ISSUE 33…

Every three months, four times a year I get a crash course on a brand-new subject and immerse myself into another local world. For our summer issue we got to weed out the best gardens in Covent Garden, past, present and future and meet some of the most inspiring and interesting characters doing their bit, with and for Mother Nature.

We talk to Fergus Garrett of Great Dixter, described as one of the most influential living garden designers and horticultural educators in Britain today, to find out what Fergus would do with The Piazza if he got his hands on her. As a trustee of Covent Garden, I highly approve.

We revisited the Coutts Sky Garden and find out what executive chef Peter Fiori has been doing since we last saw him six years ago. Peter’s kitchen garden is astonishing, growing everything from Moroccan mint and wasabi to tomatoes and plums, unfortunately only for clients and employees to enjoy, not neighbours (need to see if we can do something about this!).

Sean Harkin, head gardener at Inner Temple Garden, tells us about the wild flowers and long grasses, and why the yellow rattle plant (which is semi-parasitic) is a favourite. Head of horticulture and buyer of everything green at Petersham Nurseries, Thomas Broom-Hughes, takes my plantless terrace and transforms it into a mini green oasis – tomatoes, strawberries and chives and enough herbal teas to supply the whole of Maiden Lane.

We are thrilled with our cover, artist Zeel, known for his comics, toys, and incredible illustrations. He sums up the start of the summer season with a freshness and energy that knows no bounds, I dare anyone not to smile seeing this cover. I am also hoping to manifest a similar amount of tomatoes on my balcony.

Along with our usual favourites, Back in the Day, Hidden in Plain Sight and Shopping, we’ve added a few new characters on our Map – can you spot Fergus Garrett on there? And in Local Knowledge we have a final call out for our Mayfarer Cover Competition in partnership with Jack Barclay, Bentley (Deadline 31 August 2024).

Our focus is always on creatives, artists, writers and the community. We are incredibly passionate about print and our beautifully curated and fully commissioned publications.

We are always interested in more partnerships and collaborations. Do get in touch with ideas and suggestions.