The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Chelsea Flower Show took place over the past weekend. Once more there are gardens for all pockets and tastes — and Julia McLean was there. Read on for inspiration and recipes.
Shakespeare’s Birthplace – A Tale Told By an Idiot
Julia McLean recalls her visits to Shakespeare’s birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon. Using the wit and lyricism of Shakespeare’s own language, she paints the picture of a historic town overrun by tourists but still very charming as just “as you like it.”
My Mum, for Mother’s Day
This Mother’s Day, Julia McLean remembers her mum who loved to be 100 years old and left her family with many stories of love and laughter to tell.
My Big Fat Royal Wedding Celebration
Julia McLean didn’t get her invitation to Will and Kate’s royal wedding, so she held a big, fat wedding celebration for herself and a few friends, in France…
Paradise Lost: Japan’s Suffering and Strengths
In the wake of Japan’s recent disasters, Julia McLean remembers a special Japanese penpal who first introduced her to a paradise she hopes is not lost.
40 Reasons for Wanting to Be a Princess: Royal Wedding Thoughts
I often hear people say about Kate Middleton, future Queen, “Well, good luck to her, but I wouldn’t want to put up with all that protocol.” There is no accounting for the stupidity of the plebs. Think about it.
Lambing Season in Normandy
Julia McLean writes of the rites of spring on her farm in Normandy where lambing season is happening and Pascal the Ram is keeping Julia on her toes.
Impressions of Normandy: Part 1
Julia McLean tours a series of exhibitions in France in honour of the Impressionists. After Claude Monet and his contemporaries began painting, humans never saw their world quite the same again.
A Heritage of Beliefs
Julia McLean explores the cultural heritage of Christianity, and its ongoing destruction.
There’s a Saint for That
In France, it seems there’s a saint for everything, each with his or her own special day. There’s even a new saint — inaugurated by Julia McLean and her best friend Marie-Claude— who watches over special birthdays and ageing bosoms.