News
News
by Erdem Gorgun on Aug 28, 2019
IF IT’S RARE TO FIND a family that can work together, it’s rarer still to find one that, at the end of a long workweek, can’t wait to get to the cottage to spend more time together. Ken and Renee Metrick and their sons, Andrew and Jamie, are the third and fourth generation of Metricks overseeing Elte, the wildly successful Toronto-based home decorating juggernaut founded by Ken’s grandfather 100 years ago in 1919. Almost a century later, in 2015, the family expanded its refined sensibility with Elte Mkt, a sister brand focused on affordable luxury. The Metricks also own kitchen and bath retailer, Ginger’s.To put it mildly, the Metricks are devout city dwellers. “We’re not cottage people,” says Ken. “Summer for us was tennis and then dinner on the patio at one of our favourite restaurants in Little Italy.” Renee adds, “We used to rationalize it saying, ‘The city’s so great in the summer — there’s no one here!’” Elte was also a large part of what kept them far from cottage country. Renee, who was Elte’s principal buyer for years, says they’re a family of workaholics with Ken, especially, living and breathing the business. Then there’s the fact that retail —like everything else — has changed over the years. “What used to be working five days a week is now seven days a week,” she says. “We never thought we could own a cottage. We were retailers and that meant always being available. Plus, we travel all the time for work.” The idea of a family retreat outside the city eventually became more appealing when their two sons grew to take on more responsibility at the company (Andrew is the principal furniture buyer and Jamie handles the buying of rugs and broadloom). “Occasionally, we’d visit our friends at their cottages and see what a wonderful life it was,” says Renee. “And with better technology, we realized we’d still be able to work at a cottage if we needed to.” So she and Ken looked at places in Prince Edward County and Niagara-on-the-Lake, but they were daunted by the drive. Then they found it: a northwest-facing waterfront property on Muskoka’s Lake Joseph that was less than a two hours’ drive from Toronto. Ken and Renee hired Kelly Buffey of Akb Architects to design the cottage. They appreciated her clean-lined style and meticulous approach. Their idea was a warmcontemporary take on cottage living with a spa-like ambience. “We envisioned pods,” says Renee. “One for us and one for our kids off a central hallway.” The cottage would be a one-level structure made up of interconnected wood and glass units, designed to both naturally recede into the landscape and celebrate it by beautifully framing the magnificent views. Fitting like a puzzle piece into the lot, one side of the cottage would face the forest, the other, rocky terrain, and yet another would offer unobstructed vistas of Lake Joseph.To begin, Ken and Renee walked the site with Kelly, who examined its angles and where the light fell at different times of the day. “Our priority was to locate the pods to capture the best and longest views from each one through the bay and beyond,” says Kelly.The finished cottage is all about well-considered details. The metal-clad roof has a deep overhang that creates shade while enhancing privacy. Inside, walls and ceilings are wrapped in Thermory ash, an ash that’s been baked to give it a deeply ingrained hue. The interior decoration continues the minimalist outlook to a degree that’s surprising for a family in the home decorating business. There’s no artwork on the walls and very little colour. “I wanted it to be spa-like —serene, without a lot of clutter,” says Renee. Every bedroom has the same beds and linens; every bathroom has the same vanities and sinks. “It’s very us. We’re aware of the beauty of simplicity. We all dress simply, in neutral tones and primarily in black.”When the family, which now includes Jamie and wife Heather’s nine-month-old daughter, Zena, gathers at the property, most days are whiled away on the boathouse dock where lounge chairs are lined up to look at the lake. “As soon as we get up in the morning, we go down there, put on coffee, sit on the dock and enjoy the views,” says Renee.“After building all this, we spend our entire time in this six- by eight-foot corner,” says Ken with a laugh. But keeping it simple has always been part of the strategy. “For us, it’s about the serenity and peace,” says Renee. “By the time we hit Barrie, the sense of calm just takes over. Within five minutes of being here, we relax.” Renee remembers friends saying, “You don’t want a cottage; it’s so much work,” but these urbanites have absolutely no regrets. “Honestly, it’s the best thing we’ve ever done.”
News
by Erdem Gorgun on Aug 27, 2019
Pink is perplexing. Is there another colour more frequently pigeonholed as prissy? Come to think of it, there are only two colours in the history of design and fashion that have been subjected to gender assignment: pink and blue. But is pink the sole property of the poodle skirt? Certainly not! Hipsters and hooligans from Berlin to Brooklyn have been adding an edge to the latest passion for pink in ways that might make you, well, blush. Pink is having a moment, but it isn’t the first. Decade after decade, we push pink out of the proverbial closet and into the style spotlight. From the Pinky Tuscadero–tinted diners and fun-finned cars of the 1950s and ’60s to the neon lace and Cyndi Lauper–haired hot pink of the 1980s, every era adds its own version to the palette. Recently, millennial pink has captured the attention of the screen-reared social media generation and they, too, have made it their own. The young and daring on the design frontlines are combining Scandi-inspired simplicity and organic cur ves with earthy brown- and grey-tinged pinks. These are not the Miami Vice and linen-shoulder-padded pastels of their grandparents’ heyday, but rather a return to the earth and its natural, more neutral nuances. This much is sure: pink isn’t just for Pride Day, it’s for every day and every epoch. It ’s gender nonbinary and proud as a peacock. Pink is still perfect on a princess, but it’s also parliamentary on a prime minister.Don’t believe me? Just put on your pink button-down, hop into my pink Cadillac, and we’ll cruise past the pastel palaces of Miami Beach. You may notice a running theme: pink can be pretty and powerful because, despite what you may have been led to believe, real men do eat quiche, so you may as well get with the times — and with the hue that’s the toast of the town. or 23 years, Dominic Monaco avoided his garden, but who could blame him? “It was a mini forest on a tilted slope,” he says, describing the tangle of overgrown cedars that grew on the incline just behind his home in Westmount, Que. When he did brave his side yard, he had to walk down steep stairs that led to a small, dark terrace with crumbling stone walls. In 2016, Dominic, who runs an auto parts company, finally decided to tackle the mess. “I thought maybe I would fix the wall and do the rest in phases,” he says. That short-term solution was tossed aside, however, after he met with landscape architects Sophie Robitaille and Teressa Peill. Impressed by their ideas, he recruited the duo for a full-scale reimagining of his outdoor space.“His house is modern, minimal and square, so my initial instinct was to respond to that architectural style,” says Sophie, whose first proposal detailed a rectilinear garden design. “Then Dominic said, ‘I’m Italian. I need my dream garden to hearken back to my roots.’ He also wanted the garden to be done in the warm, sunny hues of Tuscany to match his memories of dining alfresco among cypress and citrus trees. The garden took five months to build, with Alfonso Campisi as project manager, landscape architecture by RobitailleCurtis and landscape contracting by L’Artisan. To set the mood, Sophie and Teressa’s plan involved replacing the old concrete stairs with a curved design that gently leads to a terrace below. “The stairs offer a pleasurable experience,” says Sophie, encouraging you to meander, stop and stare at the cityscape beyond or admire the lush trees. Hemlock and river birch, hay-scented ferns, white Brunnera and a Japanese maple now grow along the stairs, bringing texture and vibrancy. In total, the landscape architects planted 52 trees on the property (including at the front of the house), along with shrubs and perennials. “Unlike a wild English garden, the planting was structural,” says Sophie. “Its layers create a sense of depth and privacy.”When you finally arrive at the bottom of the stairs, two distinct zones take shape on the terrace. A dining table, which perfectly fits the space, sits under the dappled light of a dramatic pergola built of Western cedar. Next to it, an outdoor sofa and deep, comfy armchairs invite lounging with digestifs. A low wall built of pale yellow Ducharme stone and topped in Adair limestone coping defines the perimeter and, instead of paving stones, Sophie chose a finely textured ground covering of granite and resin, which has a soft feel underfoot.Since the garden’s redo, Dominic heads to the terrace as often as possible. “Every morning after exercising, I walk the entire garden circumference in peace and quiet, taking it all in with an espresso,” he says. “It’s a perfect way to start the day.”
News
by Erdem Gorgun on Aug 26, 2019
I have a file I call my “Forever File” that contains photos of rooms I can’t throw away because they continue to inspire me. I go through it a few times a year to see if I still feel the same way, and I usually find a few images that no longer cut it. The trendier the style, the faster they date, I find.There is one shot, though, that I’ve had for years and can’t let go of. It’s of a room with a kitchenette in the background and a living-dining area in the foreground. It’s small, and the decorating is classic rustic — but with a kick. There are pieces of painted furniture, linen slipcovered chairs and a few modern pieces mixed in. Nothing particularly noteworthy. But what gets me every time is the cosy feeling of a space that’s comfortable and has moments of bold colour and pattern through the use of paint and fabric — charming without being sweet. It feels like a place to escape to and relax. I can’t do any of that in our city house; the scale is much bigger and the mood, serious.For me, this shot is what cottage decorating is all about. It’s a place to play with old, mismatched pieces of furniture, reinventing them with paint and fabric. It’s where you don’t have to apologize for imperfection because those chips on favourite old plates and the worn and frayed edges on vintage throws are all part of the charm.TOP: What a fabulous room! Notice the pale walls, ceiling and floor, and the gallery wall of art of all kinds.BOTTOM: Mismatched dining chairs need a visual anchor. Here, it’s the matching pair of electric blue armchairs at either end. Get out your paintbrush!Here are a few tips for cottage decorating and shots of a great example of this style in a northern Michigan cottage.
1. CREATE A TEXTURED SHELL
White-painted cottage interiors are a classic option but even better is shiplap or tongue-and-groove wood panelling left natural or stained. You can run the boards vertically (traditional) or horizontally, which is more modern. I vote for vertical for a more classic look.
2. KEEP YOUR TRIM AND CEILINGS ALL ONE COLOUR
White is ideal because it helps create a seamless background. Plus, it’s a nice, crisp contrasting colour against the natural pine shiplap. Add light wood floors and you’ll have an envelope that will allow your furniture and art to f loat and really pop visually.
3. HAVE FUN WITH PAINT
Find a core palette of strong colours and limit yourself to only a few. Use themrepeatedly to paint doors, an old hutch, tables, cabinets or rattan chairs.
4. USE BOLD-PRINTED FABRICS STRATEGICALLY
A throw pillow, duvet cover or slipcovered chair in a bedroom will be enough to draw the eye and create drama.
5. AVOID SHINY METALS, POLISHED MARBLE OR ANY OTHER FINISHES THAT SCREAM CITY
Your hardware and light fixtures should be oiled bronze, matte black or gunmetal, plus a bit of antiqued brass. Tiles can be ceramic, slate, honed granite, stone, soapstone or honed composites.
6. LAYER IN THE VINTAGE
Have fun collecting old furniture and collectibles to mix in with new pieces.
7. THROW IN SOME ICONIC SYMBOLS
Old canoe paddles, a Hudson’s Bay point blanket used to upholster a bench, old CPR silver bowls, vintage runners and rag rugs, and art and artifacts from Canadian Indigenous artists and artisans, such as quill boxes and beautiful beadwork: these are treasures that will bring a sense of history to your cottage.
8. USE ART JOYFULLY, MIXED IN WITH FAMILY PHOTOS
The cottage is the place for all that art that isn’t sophisticated or serious enough for the city. It’s the place for kids’ drawings to be framed and hung alongside vintage oil paintings.
9. CREATE PLAY STATIONS
Make sure there’s a games table for that puzzle that’s always in progress, or for art projects or card games.
10. PUT COMFORT FIRST
Have lots of comfy chairs and sofas with good reading light, and quality mattresses, showerheads, plush towels and sweet-smelling soft cotton sheets. These and other comforts are what help make a stay at the cottage the pleasure it should be.
News
by Beau Ueland on Aug 25, 2019
“I just knew this was it!” says Toronto designer Tiffany Piotrowski, describing her first visit to the cottage. “It was only the second property I saw, and I put in an offer right away.” Other prospective buyers with less imagination may not have felt the same way. The interior left much to be desired, with dark wood panelling, popcorn ceilings, and orange and brown patterned carpeting. However, the location couldn’t be beat: the 800-square-foot cottage was just two blocks from the beautiful beaches of Lake Huron and a five-minute walk to the main street of Sauble Beach, a small town in southwestern Ontario.In 2018, the principal designer of Tiffany Leigh Design had expanded her Toronto property hunt out to cottage country as she searched for more affordable real estate. She envisioned a place that could be a weekend getaway, as well as a desirable Airbnb property — renting it out could recoup some of her renovation and mortgage expenses. “Looking at other listings in the area, I saw a gap in the market for an updated, aesthetically pleasing cottage rental,” she says. To keep the budget under control, Tiffany and her parents tackled most of the work themselves, going up on weekends to paint, and install tile and new laminate f looring. The deck off the kitchen was expanded to make more room for outdoor grilling, and Tiffany uncovered f lagstone on the property, which she used to pave an area for a cosy firepit. Cottage ownership did come with some unforeseen — and expensive —surprises: ripping up the carpeting exposed asbestos tile, which required professional abatement. The property also uses well water, which is high in iron and can stain bathtubs and sinks a rusty red. “We had to install an iron filtration systemand a new septic system, which was pricier than we had anticipated,” says Tiffany.Despite these bumps in the road, she kept her vision firmly in mind. “I didn’t want it to look too traditional and cottagey. I wanted it to feel more coastal, like a beach house.” She kept to a soothing palette of whites and soft blues and natural textures of jute, seagrass and rattan. Many of the furnishings are thrift store finds given new life with a coat of paint. “I don’t think furniture at a cottage should be too precious — little nicks and dings are fine and give it a relaxed feel,” says Tiffany. After nearly a year of renovations, the cottage is now open for business and booked solid for the summer. “I might get to use it in September!” she says with a laugh.
News
by Beau Ueland on Aug 24, 2019
As a child, my summers started with a 12-hour car ride from the middle of Alberta to the interior of British Columbia. My sisters and I would only be allowed one break, so we’d settle in for the ride, limbs all askew, reading books, playing car games but mostly just idly looking out the window. As the golden hue of the Prairies morphed into the majesty of the Rocky Mountains, we would call out familiar landmarks along the way — the Calgary Tower, the Three Sisters mountain range, the Enchanted Forest theme park — each one bringing us a step closer to two or three highly anticipated weeks of waterskiing, boat rides and ice cream. Maybe you have similar memories of getting to your cabin in the Selkirks, cottage on a Great Lake, chalet in the Laurentians, bungalow on Cape Breton Island, camp in northwestern Ontario or lakehouse on one of the Finger Lakes. (Although the Toronto-centric press would have you believe it, we don’t call them all cottages!) There’s something about these journeys that helps us shrug off our hectic lives and prepares us for the sweet summer days ahead. As Renee Metrick says in our story about her new family getaway (page 64), “By the time we hit Barrie, the sense of calm just takes over.” It was a desire to find a secluded escape fromthe city that prompted designer Sam Sacks to take a chance on an 800-square-foot hunting shack (page 82). With an oversized mortgage on her Toronto home and “no job security to speak of,” it wasn’t the smart thing to do but, over the past decade and with a lot of elbow grease, she’s turned her shack into a delightful boho escape with gallons of white paint and an eye for vintage finds. It’s a story that may leave you, like it left me, wanting to buy a cottage and do the same.This summer, I’ll spend my time between acabin on Lake Windermere in B.C. and a couple of cottages on Lake Huron. Along the way, I’ll point out interesting landmarks to my kids in the back seat, in the hopes that they’ll start to enjoy the journey as much as the destination. And maybe, just maybe, I’ll keep my eye on real-estate listings along the way.
News
by Erdem Gorgun on Aug 23, 2019
Familiar signs of spring are gathering in the garden. Bird droppings move miraculously along the leaves of our lemon trees, while butterfl ies with handbreadth wingspans fl utter languidly overhead. The swallowtails are early this year, their breeding cycle hastened by an unusually warm winter. Our orchard swallowtails usually emerge from their winter cocoons in late September. This year, however, they have already laid their fi rst batch of eggs, and the early instars are chomping into our citrus leaves, ignored by hungry birds unwilling to tuck into what appears to be fresh dung.Over the next fi ve weeks, the instars (caterpillars) will moult and grow, turning greener and sporting two bright red horns that spring out when the caterpillar is harassed, spraying a pungent, irritating chemical over the unfortunate predator.With a wingspan of 13cm, this is one of our largest butterfl ies, and its brief adult life is devoted to dispersal and reproduction. Males often have to search long and hard to fi nd females to mate with, guided by wing patterns that are hidden from our eyes. Each wing bears more than one million overlapping scales. Some are pigmented, while others are transparent and split the light into brilliant iridescent patterns in the ultraviolet and infra-red spectrum.When a male fi nds a female, he shows his readiness to mate by hovering close to her and fl uttering his wings. If she is receptive, copulation may last for an hour or longer.The female lays her eggs on the leaves of plants that provide food for the caterpillars. These include native orange and fi nger lime as well as introduced citrus. Planting citrus trees will encourage these beautiful butterfl ies to visit your garden and help to maintain this species in urban areas.The early breeding of our swallowtails is a sign that climate change is infl uencing the life cycles of plants and animals. Scientists are monitoring these processes, and are calling on the public to help by recording sightings of swallowtails and other species using the free ClimateWatch app.
News
by Erdem Gorgun on Aug 22, 2019
We harvested our first home-grown bananas this year. I don’t know why it took me so long to plant some, but I’m glad I finally did. They thrive in our subtropical climate, with minimal effort. We didn’t have to wait long for our first crop. In less than 18 months, we were harvesting more bananas than we knew what to do with. Some went to friends – my neighbour laced them with lime juice and chilli before dehydrating them and, thankfully, bringing some back – and many were frozen for smoothies. There’s more fruit forming already. I don’t think we’ll ever need to buy bananas again!getting startedBananas are large, fleshy, suckering herbaceous plants, with multiple trunks, or pseudostems, growing from a sizeable corm underground. Mature pseudostems produce a long flower stalk on which fruit form. The bunches can be huge, carrying up to 12 hands, each with 10–20 fingers. The stems die after fruiting and should be promptly cut out to keep the clump tidy and healthy. Removing excess suckers restricts crowding and optimises fruit size and quality. Sword suckers, which are the ones with narrow, sword-like leaves, can be dug up and planted elsewhere in the garden to increase your stock. Don’t bother planting the broad-leafed suckers, as they produce smaller bunches. While anyone can grow bananas in their backyard, the carefree days of starting a crop from a sucker shared by a friend are long gone. Bananas are susceptible to diseases that are readily transferable. Let loose, they could have devastating effects on our banana industry. The plants you grow should always be sourced from an accredited banana nursery that produces disease-free, tissue-cultured plants. For years, backyard gardeners in commercial production areas needed a permit to grow bananas. Permits are no longer required in Queensland, but are still mandatory in parts of northern New South Wales. Don’t let that put you off, though. It takes little time the lodge the farm and plant supliers are normally willing to help. Biosecurity is important and regulations change all the time, so check with your local Department of Primary Industries o.
growing & harvestingBananas thrive in warm, humid, coastal, frost-free areas of Australia. The further south you go, the more protection these tropical plants need. In cooler temperate areas south of Sydney, choose a nice toasty spot in front of a north-facing wall, to keep your plants happy in winter.They like plenty of sun with protection from wind, and do best in close company of other plants, which increases humidity. The soil should be fertile, rich in compost and well-drained, with a pH of about 6.5. Bananas like water but hate wet feet, so mound the soil if drainage is poor.Spring to summer is the best time to plant. Space plants 3–4m apart and bury the stem a little deeper than it was in the pot – this helps with initial stability and discourages early suckering. Keep moist but don’t overwater. A cool way to grow them is in a circle (see overpage).Once plants are up and growing, apply a complete organic fertiliser every 6–8 weeks from spring to autumn. Add a little potash when fruiting stems appear. Water deeply in dry times and keep well mulched.
News
Now Garden Can Flourish Naturally
by Erdem Gorgun on Aug 20, 2019
With growing awareness of the decline in bee populations around the world, and concerns about using glyphosate-based products, today’s gardeners are reaching less for chemicals and more for organic and natural solutions to maintain their homes and gardens.Engineered and manufactured in France (Europe being a leader in the eradication of harsh chemicals), Hozelock Pure Sprayers have been designed for use with naturally derived pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, fertilisers and homemade solutions.Available in 5L and 2L sizes, the sprayers are trusted equipment that allows you to use chemical-free, natural concentrates, and homemade solutions incorporating white vinegar, baking soda, soap and so on, without the risk of damage or corrosion.Specially formulated rubber seals are resistant to the abrasive and acidic solutions that can be found in some homemade and naturally derived gardening and cleaning products.The sprayers also have a resistant fi breglass lance and nozzles, along with a fi lter suitable for homemade manure infusions, such as worm excretions, and other manure-based substances.Additionally, the 2L Pure Sprayer has a 360-degree function for spraying the undersides of leaves or for home cleaning.
News
by Erdem Gorgun on Aug 19, 2019
Most plants we grow in our home gardens enjoy a bit of a feed. But what, how much and how often varies widely. Roses and citrus are examples of ‘gross feeders’, meaning they enjoy generous amounts of fertiliser, regularly. Productive plants such as vegetables are likely to grow better if they have access to extra nutrients, while indigenous plants grown in their natural environment won’t need fertiliser to perform at their best.The nutrients that plants require in the greatest quantities are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), and a fertiliser containing all three is described as a complete fertiliser. Many other nutrients – even minute trace elements – are just as essential for growth, although they are required in lesser amounts. Most of these nutrients are absorbed in the water taken up by the plant’s roots.Generally, it’s best to monitor your plants and fertilise only when they are in active growth or about to start growing. Container plants must be fertilised regularly, though, because some nutrients leach out easily, and the ongoing breakdown of organic matter in potting mix competes with the plant for nitrogen.choosing a fertiliserPlants such as shrubs, trees and ornamental grasses can be fed with a general-purpose fertiliser. This can also be used for slower growers, such as orchids, succulents and indoor plants, but at much-reduced levels and frequency.If you’re unsure, choose a fertiliser that’s labelled for a particular plant type. Lawn foods, for example, are relatively high in nitrogen because nitrogen promotes leafy growth, which is exactly what your lawn wants. Citrus and rose foods promote growth and production, but rose food often has added potassium because it enhances disease resistance.
A number of Australian native plants have evolved in low-phosphorus soils, so most native fertilisers stay on the safe side and contain little or no phosphorus.Camellia and azalea foods are formulated to suit the acidic conditions favoured by these plants.Fertilisers are either derived from natural sources or synthetically manufactured, and some are a combination of both. If you want to grow an organic garden, look for organic certification on the pack. Although these products are more expensive, you can be sure that organic certification is strictly controlled in Australia.Here are the different types of fertilisers available and how they work:Compost and manures make wonderful soil conditioners, as they encourage microbial activity, improve soil structure and increase the soil’s moisture- and nutrient-holding capacity, but they are relatively low in nutrients. Some manufacturers process manure into pellets, thereby slowing the nutrient release, and chemical nutrients are sometimes added at this stage.Blood and bone releases very slowly and generally doesn’t contain a measurable amount of potassium, so extra potassium is often added to this natural fertiliser. Inorganic fertilisers are sometimes termed chemical or synthetic fertilisers, and come in granular or slow-release forms. They tend to be good sources of nutrients but are based on fertiliser salts, so can damage soil and plants if not applied with care and according to the label.
News
by Erdem Gorgun on Aug 18, 2019
With their big, open faces, long pistils and glorious array of colours, hibiscus are one of the world’s most recognisable fl owers. They ooze tropical breezes and summer holidays, and have long been popular with professional breeders and home gardeners as plants to experiment with in the quest for wonderful new variations.The plants we most associate with this fl ower have their origins in the South Pacifi c, and generally have Hibiscus rosa-sinensis and H. cooperi in their breeding. In the early 20th century, crossbreeding began in earnest in Hawaii, with thousands of hybrids created. The most resilient of these are still cultivated, and remain popular in Australia. This wave of hybridisation added the Hawaiian H. arnottianus to the mix, along with the African coral hibiscus (H. schizopetalus), which introduced distinctive frilly petals and vigour to plants for tropical and subtropical climates.Subsequent breeding focused on increasing fl ower size on compact plants, and hibiscus experienced a revival. These plants with dinner-plate-sized fl owers were introduced as Hawaiian hibiscus, while earlier hybrids became known as Fijian hibiscus. Variable in vigour, some Hawaiian cultivars were very susceptible to pests and disease, particularly under less favourable conditions, which put many people off growing hibiscus. Today, plants grafted on vigorous rootstock are less susceptible to problems.CHOOSING YOUR HIBISCUSHibiscus vary in size, from large shrubs suitable for screening to low-growing shrubs. Vigorous, small-leafed cultivars, such as H. ‘Archeri’ (‘Psyche’) and ‘Andersonii’, are useful fl owering hedge plants. For a pruned standard or small tree, look to ‘Pink Versicolor’ (‘Ruth Wilcox’), ‘Sprinkle Rain’ or ‘White Versicolor’ (‘Swan Lake’). Just remove the lower stems to create a clean trunk and canopy.In recent decades, breeding in France has focused on so-called patio hibiscus: compact plants that branch readily and fl ower profusely. They are useful for pot plants or summer bedding in warm areas, and provide short-term colour in cool-climate gardens during the warmer months, with replacement each year. These hibiscus are marketed in Australia as the Flamenco and Rio Clara ranges, and include the popular ‘Ritzy’ with its fl uoro-orange fl owers. Plants vary in vigour and may not have the longevity of some of the trusted varieties, but they do put on a dramatic show.Some hibiscus are higher maintenance than others. While the Fijian hibiscus have proved to be reliable and low maintenance over the past 100 years, some of the larger-fl owered Hawaiian hibiscus may need more constant care to perform well.
PLANTING & CAREHibiscus are sun worshippers, and flower poorly in shade. In coolerareas, they perform best near a warm north- or east-facing fenceor wall, sheltered from wind. They grow well in coastal gardens but need protection from strong, salty winds.The time to plant is October to December in temperate areas, early spring to early autumn in the subtropics, and after the Wet in the tropics. Good drainage is essential, so choose a spot on a slope, or make a slight mound in clay soils, and avoid low-lying areas where puddles form. A soil pH of 6–6.5 is ideal.The plant’s roots are generally located in the top 30cm of soil, so dig a wide hole to about that depth and incorporate lots of well-rotted manure or compost. Water well after planting, and stake tall plants if they need support. Apply a 5cm layer of organic mulch to help retain soil moisture and encourage biological activity, but keep it away from the trunk.Flowers appear on new growth, potentially from each leaf axil. Hibiscus are responsive to a general garden fertiliser containing trace elements, applied monthly during the growing season.PRUNINGPrune to improve plant shape and encourage more flowers. Somecultivars require little, if any, pruning. It’s best to prune as the shrubsurges into growth. This is in early spring in subtropical and warmtemperate areas (following frosts), and after the Wet in the tropics.Generally, prune hibiscus by no more than one-third, as they canrespond poorly to heavy pruning. To rejuvenate an old shrub, it’s better to prune in stages, reducing its size gradually over a coupleof years. Remove dead or diseased wood, and shape the bush.PROPAGATIONHibiscus are one of the easier shrubs to propagate. In the warmermonths, take semi-hardwood cuttings the length and thickness of a pencil. Remove all but the top two leaves, trim the base just below a node, then plant in a pot filled with coir peat. Put a plasticbag over the pot to maintain humidity around the cutting, place it ina warm, shaded area, and keep moist until new growth is visible.TROUBLESHOOTING Under ideal growing conditions, hibiscus are subject to few pests and diseases. Issues generally relate to cultural practices. In cooler areas, plants may suffer during the first few winters until they become established. Common issues include: Defoliation This may be an indication that the plant is in shock because it’s too cold or too wet.Yellowish leaves Generally a sign of poor nutrition, but this can occur in alkaline or salt-ridden soils, and in winter in cooler areas.
News
Your guide to garden shows and events around the country this month
by Erdem Gorgun on Aug 17, 2019
GARDENING AUSTRALIA SEPTEMBER201915CALENDARNATIONAL2ND–8THLandcareWeekCelebratingits30thanniversary,Landcareisamovementofmorethan6000groupsandthousandsofvolunteersacrossAustraliaworkingtoprotectourenvironment.Grabyourgardeningglovesandfindagroupnearyouatlandcareaustralia.org.au9TH–15THNationalOrganicWeekCostaGeorgiadisistheambassadorofthisinitiativethatencouragesusto“tastethedifference,feelthedifference,makeadifference”.Helpincreaseawarenessofthehealthandenvironmentalbenefitsoforganicproductsbyjoininganeventororganisingyourownatorganicweek.net.auVICTORIA23RD Aug–27TH Sept Hancock’s Daffodils11am–4pm. Cnr Belgrave–Gembrook and Grantulla Rds, Menzies Creek. (03) 9754 3328. Free. Colourful, extensive garden display at this beautiful daffodil farm in the Dandenong Ranges. daffodilbulbs.com.au5TH–15TH Kyneton Daffodil & Arts Festival10am–4pm. Various locations, Kyneton. (03) 5422 2282. Prices vary; some events free. Daffodil displays. Local gardens open to visitors. Art and photography competitions and exhibitions. Grand Parade. Scarecrow-making workshop. kynetondaffodilarts.org.au10TH & 25TH Forest Therapy11am–1pm. Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, Melbourne Gardens, Birdwood Ave, South Yarra. (03) 9252 2429. $30. Guided shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) practice to boost health and wellbeing – part of the botanic gardens’ Branch Out program of experiences for over-60s. rbg.vic.gov.au14TH–15TH Australian Plants Expo10am-4pm. Eltham Community & Reception Centre, 801 Main Rd, Eltham. 0430 513 433. $5. Five native plant stalls. Books, talks and displays. apsyarrayarra.org.au14TH–15TH Yallaroo Open Garden10am–4.30pm. 7 Hillsmeade Dr, Narre Warren South. 0472 997 880. $8. Garden featuring Australian plants (all labelled), including grevilleas, lechenaultias and eremophilas, and a large orchard. opengardensvictoria.org.au14TH Sept–13TH Oct Tesselaar Tulip Festival10am–5pm. Tesselaar Flower Farm, 357 Monbulk Rd, Silvan. (03) 9737 7722. $29. Colourful fi elds of tulips. More than a million fl owering bulbs on show. Live entertainment, children’s activities, food and market stalls. tulipfestival.com.au21ST Melbourne Clivia Group Expo10am–4pm. Mount Waverley Community Centre, 47 Miller Cres, Mount Waverley. 0477 134 863. $5. Clivia displays, demonstrations and sales. melbournecliviagroup.org.au21ST–22ND David’s Open Garden10am–4.30pm. 16 Central Ave, Footscray. 0472 997 880. $8. Compact inner-city garden with more than 50 fruiting trees, shrubs and vines, plus unusual edible plants. Fernery housing exotic orchids, bromeliads, ferns and succulents. Ceramic planters for sale. opengardensvictoria.org.au21ST–22ND North East Melbourne Orchid Society Spring ShowSat 9am–4pm, Sun 10am–4pm. Bulleen Heights School, 221 Manningham Rd, Lower Templestowe. 0418 110 345. $4. Cymbidium, Dendrobium, Oncidium, Paphiopedilum, Cattleyaand Sarcochilus species on display, plus rare and unusual orchids. Plants and accessories for sale. Questions answered by orchid experts. Refreshments and light meals available. 21ST–22NDYeaGardenExpo9am–3pm.YeaSaleyards,FlatLeadRd,Yea.0438119429.$7.Speakersprogram.Plants,gardenaccessories,equipmentandartforsale.Refreshmentsavailable.yeagardenexpo.com.au28TH–29THMaroondahOrchidSocietyAnnualSpringShowSat9am–5pm,Sun9am–4pm.StTimothy’sCatholicPrimarySchool,21StevensRd,Vermont.(03)98011628.$5.Plantsforsale.Pottingdemonstrations.Refreshmentsavailable.ACT21ST–22NDOrchidSocietyofCanberraAnnualSpringOrchidShowSat10am–5pm,Sun10am–4pm.AinslieFootballClub,52WakefieldAve,Ainslie.(02)62517660.$2.Greatdiversityofnativeandexoticorchidsondisplayandforpurchase.Pottingdemonstrations.Refreshmentsavailable.canberraorchids.orgNEWSOUTHWALES7TH Central Coast Bonsai Club Annual Exhibition9am–5pm. Mingara Recreation Club, 12–14 Mingara Dr, Tumbi Umbi. 0417 017 447. $3. Display of more than 150 bonsai trees. Demonstrations by leading Australian bonsai artists. Vendors selling handmade pots, bonsai trees and starters, tools, wire and potting mix. centralcoastbonsai.org.au7TH Central Coast Cactus & Succulent Club Spring Sales Day9am–1pm. Charmhaven Community Hall, 4 Narara Ave, Charmhaven. 0415 500 777. Free. Plants for sale, ranging from common species to the weird and wonderful. Expert growing advice. Cash only. Bring your own bags, baskets and boxes. 7TH The Secret Garden & Nursery Spring Fair9am–4pm. Western Sydney University, Clydesdale Lne, Richmond. Entrance via Vines Dr, off Londonderry Rd. (02) 9686 4155. $2. Annual fair of horticultural therapy centre run by non-profit North West Disability Services. Stalls, plants for sale. Train rides, fire truck display. Music, barbecue, Devonshire teas, woodfired pizzas.7TH–8TH&14TH–15TH Daffodils at Rydal10am–4pm. Various locations in Rydal. (02) 6359 3237. $15. See parks and gardens planted with beautiful daffodils (free hop-on, hop-off bus available). Music, exhibitions and all-day barbecue. Entry tickets from Rydal railway station and Rydal Showground kiosk. rydal.com.au8TH Stony Range ‘Back to the Bush’ Spring Festival9am–3pm. Stony Range Regional Botanic Garden, 810 Pittwater Rd, Dee Why. (02) 9451 1883. Free. Native plant sales and advice. Displays of native bees and native animals. Sculptures and photography on show. Walks and fun children’s activities. Music, barbecue and coffee shop. 21ST Manly West Public School Carnival10am–4pm. Manly West Public School, cnr Griffith and Hill Sts, Balgowlah. 0402 909 927. Free. Plant and white elephant stalls, carnival rides, old-style favourites (tombola, chocolate wheel) kitchen garden, gourmet food and refreshments available. 21ST–22ND Maitland Garden Ramble10am–4pm. Various locations around Maitland. (02) 4931 2800. $5 per garden, $35 all gardens. Visit eight beautiful gardens. Gift stalls and talks at some locations. Food and refreshments available. Tickets from Maitland Visitor Information Centre, High St, Maitland, and at gardens. Proceeds to Vision Australia. 28TH–29TH Living Smart FestivalSat 8am–2pm, Sun 11am–4pm. Speers Point Park, Park Rd, Speers Point, Lake Macquarie. (02) 4921 0333. Free. One of Australia’s largest sustainability-based events. On Saturday, headlining guest Costa Georgiadis will speak to visitors and present workshops. Eco-living displays, rewilding workshops, cooking demonstrations, organic farmers’ market, food trucks, refreshments. lakemac.com.au/living-smart-festival28TH–29TH Rivendell Flower & Garden Show10am–3pm. Rivendell, Thomas Walker Estate, Hospital Rd, Concord. (02) 9767 6038. $15. Spectacular floral exhibits and garden designs. Expert workshops. High tea in the fountain courtyards. Kids’ space. Market and food stalls. Gala dinner. rivendellflowershow.com.auSOUTHAUSTRALIA21ST SA Spring Garden Festival8am–3pm. Mount Pleasant Showgrounds, Melrose St, Mount Pleasant. 0418 301 121. $5. Plants, garden furniture, decor and garden-care products for sale. Special guests include native plant expert Neville B Bonney, Gardening Australia presenter Sophie Thomson, and Faye McGoldrick, who will demonstrate how to make an insect hotel. saspringgardenfestival.com.au
News
by Erdem Gorgun on Aug 16, 2019
Cabin proprietor and creator Tiffany Piotrowski extended the window opening (upper left) between the kitchen and portal to permit all the more light into the kitchen. A Shaker-style peg rail holds sweaters and caps. Blue panther print toss cushion texture, Lee Jofa; bins, Ikea. "I just knew this was it!" says Toronto architect Tiffany Piotrowski, depicting her first visit to the bungalow. "It was just the second property I saw, and I put in an offer immediately." Other planned purchasers with less creative mind might not have felt a similar way. The inside left a lot to be wanted, with dull wood framing, popcorn roofs, and orange and dark colored designed covering. Notwithstanding, the area couldn't be beat: the 800-square-foot house was only two squares from the excellent shorelines of Lake Huron and a five-minute stroll to the central avenue of Sauble Beach, a community in southwestern Ontario.In 2018, the vital originator of Tiffany Leigh Design had extended her Toronto property chase out to bungalow nation as she scanned for increasingly moderate land. She imagined a spot that could be an end of the week escape, just as an alluring Airbnb property — leasing it out could recover a portion of her redesign and home loan costs. "Taking a gander at different postings in the zone, I saw a hole in the market for a refreshed, stylishly satisfying house rental," she says. Light UP The previous popcorn roofs cleared a path for new wood framing, and the two roofs and dividers got a layer of white paint. "I didn't need the entire spot to wind up as a white box," says Tiffany. "Keeping a portion of the trim and roof framing in the lounge area a characteristic wood tone keeps up the first inclination and warmth of the house." Rug,Dash and Albert; couch, Home Hardware Home Furniture; media comfort, floor lights, Ikea; flower toss cushion texture, Lee Jofa; striped toss pad texture, Y&Co.BBefore H&H JULY 201946SEE SOURCE GUIDEMAKEOVERTo monitor the financial limit, Tiffany and her folks handled the greater part of the work themselves, going up on ends of the week to paint, and introduce tile and new cover f looring. The deck off the kitchen was extended to make more space for outside flame broiling, and Tiffany revealed f lagstone on the property, which she used to clear a zone for a comfortable firepit. House proprietorship came with some unanticipated — and costly — shocks: tearing up the covering uncovered asbestos tile, which required proficient decrease. The property additionally uses well water, which is high in iron and can recolor baths and sinks a corroded red. "We needed to introduce an iron filtration systemand another septic framework, which was pricier than we had foreseen," says Tiffany.Despite these obstructions, she remembered her vision immovably. "I didn't need it to look excessively customary and cottagey. I needed it to feel progressively waterfront, similar to a shoreline house." She kept to a calming palette of whites and delicate blues and regular surfaces of jute, seagrass and rattan. A significant number of the decorations are second hand shop discovers given new existence with a layer of paint. "I don't figure furniture at a bungalow ought to be excessively valuable — little scratches and dings are fine and give it a casual vibe," says Tiffany. After almost a time of redesigns, the house is currently open for business and booked strong for the late spring. "I may get the opportunity to utilize it in September!" she says with a snicker.
Get SOME TEXTURE The portal is a piece of an expansion that was assembled onto the first 1950s bungalow. Tiffany minimized expenses by keeping the ground surface and framed roof, which were still fit as a fiddle. The seat was a family venture: Tiffany's dad, Rick, developed it from extra timber, and Tiffany's mom, Tammi, sewed the toss cushions. New bamboo matchstick blinds, a hand-woven water hyacinth side seat and bushels tucked under the seat set a beachy tone. Sprinter, Dash and Albert; light fixture,Amazon; seat, Serena and Lily; strong blue toss pad texture, striped toss pad texture, Robert Allen; paisley striped toss cushion fabric,Y&Co.; blinds, Select Blinds Canada; divider shading, Here Comes the Bride (WB001-0) and entryway shading, Restful Retreat (C6-5-0497-0) by Beauti-Tone, Home Hardware/Home Building Centers
News
by Erdem Gorgun on Aug 15, 2019
When choosing whether or not to remodel your kitchen, there are consistently motivations to put it off — regardless of developing accumulations of pooch eared magazines. For the couple who live in this Vancouver home with their one-year-old child, having an open-idea kitchen with a lot of seating and child well disposed completions were the fundamental helpers to at last dive in. "At the highest priority on their rundown was a huge island with seating and an assigned bar region," says fashioner Melanie Finkleman, who runs the Vancouver firm Hazel + Brown Design with her significant other, Ben. With three young men of her own, Melanie was the ideal individual to structure a pretty kitchen that can withstand a couple of punches. Child evidence quartz composite ledges are counterbalanced with a luxury Calacatta marble tile on the backsplash, where it's less inclined to get recolored or dinged. "I utilized white for the counters and dividers to make the fantasy of unlimited space," says Melanie. Designed white oak f looring is anything but difficult to keep up through the "good gracious" minutes a family tosses at it. "The forested areas help balance the advanced wraps up, a casual stylish," she includes. Generally speaking, the space is light and breezy. "My preferred thing about this kitchen is the manner by which warmand inviting it feels. This is certainly a spot to appreciate investing energy with loved ones.
A K I N G I N T H E V I E WMelanie knew the large, south-facing window was the perfect spot for a built-in window seat and banquette. “I had the cushions upholstered in a neutral vinyl that’s extremely durable,” she says. Countertops,Caesarstone; hardware, Emtek; runner, Etsy; large bowl (on island), EQ3; sconce (above open shelves), RH. OPPOSITE: Full-height Shaker-style cabinets and a generous island house everything a kitchen needs. Pendants, Hudson Valley Lighting; stools, small bowls (on counter top), wooden bowl (on op en shelf ), pitcher (on counter top), tray (on countertop), Pottery Barn; sink by Kohler, Emco; tray (on island), canister (on op en shelf ),West Elm.
News
by Erdem Gorgun on Aug 14, 2019
Bright whites and blond wood give this family kitchena relaxed, oceanside vibe.
When choosing whether or not to redesign your kitchen, there are consistently motivations to put it off — in spite of developing accumulations of canine eared magazines. For the couple who live in this Vancouver home with their one-year-old child, having an open-idea kitchen with a lot of seating and child well disposed completions were the primary sparks to at long last dive in. "At the highest priority on their rundown was a huge island with seating and an assigned bar region," says fashioner Melanie Finkleman, who runs the Vancouver firm Hazel + Brown Design with her significant other, Ben. With three young men of her own, Melanie was the ideal individual to plan a pretty kitchen that can withstand a couple of punches. Child confirmation quartz composite ledges are counterbalanced with a luxury Calacatta marble tile on the backsplash, where it's less inclined to get recolored or dinged. "I utilized white for the counters and dividers to make the figment of limitless space," says Melanie. Designed white oak f looring is anything but difficult to keep up through the "oh goodness" minutes a family tosses at it. "The forested areas help balance the refined wraps up, a casual stylish," she includes. In general, the space is light and breezy. "My preferred thing about this kitchen is the means by which warmand inviting it feels. This is certainly a spot to appreciate investing energy with loved ones. T A K I N G I N T H E V I E WMelanie knew the huge, south-bound window was the ideal spot for an inherent seat by the window and banquette. "I had the pads upholstered in a nonpartisan vinyl that is very solid," she says. Countertops,Caesarstone; equipment, Emtek; sprinter, Etsy; huge bowl (on island), EQ3; sconce (above open racks), RH. Inverse: Full-stature Shaker-style cupboards and a liberal island house everything a kitchen needs. Pendants, Hudson Valley Lighting; stools, little dishes (on ledge), wooden bowl (on operation en rack ), pitcher (on ledge), plate (on ledge), Pottery Barn; sink by Kohler, Emco; plate (on island), canister (on operation en rack ),West Elm
News
by Beau Ueland on Aug 13, 2019
In a period when we f lick through endless photos while sitting tight in line for a matcha latte, recognizing something as important as a youth home or family house is never again replied by the snap of a camera screen. Joyfully, Toronto artistVirginia Johnson is presently offering house pictures. Working fromsnapshots, she'll make a nine-by 12-inch watercolor outline that catches the truth of a spot as well as its soul, with her unmistakable brushstrokes going about as a definitive channel. "I additionally do gardens, which I cherish," she says. After the four-week process, customers will wind up in a distinguished club — planners John Derian, Peter Dunham and Domino magazine establishing editorial manager Deborah Needleman are for the most part customers and partners. Beachy KeenIN SHADES OF Gray AND BLUE, THIS CLASSIC PAT TERN ADDS COASTAL CHARM. Summer style is about straightforwardness. Think towels or tosses hung indifferently on divider snares and flip-flops hurled conveniently into woven crates. Help up the vibe considerably more with distinctive takes on kitschy ocean themes, similar to Netherlands' craftsman Anne-Claire Petit's fish-and ocean star–molded raffia cushions. Hurl one on a slipcovered seat or hold tight a snare between towels as a fun suggestion to go swimming. Jeffrey Bilhuber has a great style that draws customers like Anna Wintour be that as it may, in his most recent book, he addresses a more extensive group of spectators of enlivening aficionados who need to hear his best down to earth exhortation. Regular Decorating separates the significant components with parts on the most proficient method to make a home progressively agreeable, glad, beautiful, individual, comfortable and that's just the beginning. Rizzoli, 2019, $60.
News
by Erdem Gorgun on Aug 12, 2019
Architect Christopher Spraggett 's well-designated Muskoka shop is loaded up with covetable furnishings, lighting and adornments, yet the vast majority see the f loor first. "It would appear that a hand-painted f loor, yet it's really shrouded in eight-by 10-foot printed vinyl oilcloth f loor mats," says Christopher. "I purchased a bundle and masterminded them together; it's progressively down to earth for individuals coming in with wet shoes." His innovative methodology makes Lock + Quay a rich hotspot for cabin style that is definitely not antique. The 900-square-foot store's different accumulation incorporates natural teak seats, mod lights and stout woven containers, all in natural tones reminiscent of sand, stone and water. "I lean toward surface and tone before shading," he says. The previous summer, Christopher moved the shop to its flow area on the second f loor of a 100-year-old structure on the water. The wide, swinging doors and chain pulleys notice back to the structure's past life as the celebrated wooden boatbuilder Dukes, improving the genuine cabin vibe. After Labor Day weekend, Lock + Quay will close for winter, yet Christopher will remain caught up with sourcing crisp searches for the following summer.
News
by Erdem Gorgun on Aug 11, 2019
When the engineers of a planner property in Poole flew into the Snug Kitchens showroom, overseeing chief Nicholas McColgan investigated their arrangements and figured out how to expand the first kitchen space by a third, basically by breaking new ground. 'The house was motivated by the acclaimed Barcelona Pavilion, with bunches of floaty levels in an advanced, straight plan,' enthuses Nicholas. 'Initially this first-floor space had been planned as an open-plan kitchen, eating and living space with a different limited utility to the side, anyway this left little space to fit the sort of kitchen the customers needed or the house deserved.'By moving the utility into a boot room ground floor, Nick had the option to wrap tall units cycle a corner. 'This functioned admirably for all intents and purposes,' he clarifies, 'however it reflected the style of the design by making a Rubik's Cube impact to the tall square.' By working progressively reasonable things into the reward space, Nicholas could concentrate the open arrangement perspective on the kitchen's fun side with a morning meal bar for simple engaging. Here, wine coolers mirror the state of the stoves tucked behind, making a visual connection between the different sides of the kitchen. 'The style of the house requested something perfect and compositional yet delicate enough to be proper in a family home and open arrangement living space,' includes Nick. 'We accomplished this by utilizing little plan subtleties, for example, a subsequent break line on the tall units to improve that 3D square impact, with level framed entryways and a natural wood grain wrap up.
How did it He room shape decide the format? The island zone was for engaging, so this is the place we put the hob, a prep sink and refrigeration. Behind this is the working piece of the kitchen for the stoves, an enormous cleaning up sink, dishwasher and bunches of capacity. Here is the place they can have a toaster and other little apparatuses on the counter without jumbling the primary space. We included however much stockpiling as could reasonably be expected all through, with container drawers under the hob for simple access to utensils, dish and plates and shrouded shallow stockpiling behind the bar stool seating. educate us regarding tHe materials... We utilized a dull wood overlay material on the tall units and coasting sideboard, Pronorm's cover woods are practically indistinct from the genuine article however with wipeable common sense which is so valuable in a working space. This implied they didn't feel strange by the delicate decorations in the room, tieing everything together. To differentiate, we picked a light marble impact composite on the worktops to keep the space feeling splendid and natural. A warm dim matt enamel for the base units appears differently in relation to the worktops, bringing a mid-tone between the wood and worktop.wHat's your preferred piece of tHis plan? I truly like the skimming, cantilevered sideboard we made for the eating region. We utilized a similar wood complete as on the tall units in the kitchen to integrate the spaces, anyway we ran the grain of the wood on a level plane round the units. We likewise fitted calfskin handles and made a shadow hole detail with the encompassing boards. I cherish these subtleties since they reflect the style and enumerating of the principle kitchen, yet feel like an independent household item.
News
by Erdem Gorgun on Aug 10, 2019
BRIT CHEF JASON ATHERTON TALKS INGREDIENTS, INSPIRATION AND HIS MICHELIN OBSESSION
Tell us about your new book.. Pollen Street is seven years old now and the book is an extension of the restaurant. It’s the first time I’ve written a fine dining book and I wanted it to be something that I would be proud of for the rest of my life. It’s literally me on every page. It’s everything that I am as a chef. What’s your favourite recipe in the book? There isn’t one – that’s like picking your favourite child. But, if you’d asked me which is my favourite chapter, I just love cooking game.
What would be your dream project? Luckily for me, Pollen Street is my dream project, so I already have it. I mean, it would be amazing to have a little house in Tuscany where I could cook for just ten people a night, but that’s just not viable!What’s your favourite part of your job? Just the fact of being a chef, as I get to live my dream every day. Thirty years later I’m still just as in love with food as I was as a young boy. I get to be creative, to work with amazing ingredients and to make people happy through food. Even on my holidays and days off, it’s all about food, as we are always seeking out nice restaurants. I feel so privileged to be in this job.
Any tips on hosting dinner parties? Keep it simple. When people do dinner parties, they tend to go over the top and try to produce very intricate meals. Just respect your ingredients and choose them well. If you’re going to cook for four or five people, just take a beautiful côte de boeuf from your butcher, roast it gorgeously with some beautiful side orders and I guarantee your guests will be impressed. At home, I cook the simplest of foods, just relying on the beauty of the ingredients that I’ve chosen. Pick up a great bottle of wine and enjoy. What is your favourite cuisine to eat at home? I love Japanese cuisine and we go to Japan quite a bit. I love the cleanliness of their food and their absolute obsession with seasonality – it’s a cuisine that delves into micro seasons. Were your parents good at cooking?
My mum was pretty good – she ran a small guest house in Skegness, but my step father was useless. I dreaded when my mum went away once a year because we would have David’s sardines on toast for five nights in a row till Mum came back! We ate very simply – your liver and onions on a Thursday type of thing. You have northern roots, what is your favourite northern dish? I remember my grandma Keigthley teaching me how Yorkshire pudding was made to be eaten as a starter with honey or treacle on top. I tried it once, loved it and thought that it was a cool little northern thing. Are your children into cooking?
Yes – I think it’s my duty to teach them how to cook. It would be pretty shambolic if someone married one of my daughters one day and she couldn’t cook. The children love pasta and I like teaching them how to make pasta and sauces from scratch.What’s your go-to meal?
Pancit noodles – it’s a very old Filipino dish that my mother-in-law taught me to make. On a Sunday night I take whatever is leftover in the fridge, basically a julienne of vegetables, and pancit noodles, which are a bit like Canton noodles, add in a bit of fish sauce, soy sauce, spring onions, ginger, anchovy paste and hard boiled eggs then sprinkle over toasted peanuts and fresh lime. It’s delicious. What’s your most-used cook book?
The River Café – the original one. The one with the chocolate nemesis recipe that doesn’t work. What’s your guilty pleasure? Bacon sandwiches on a Saturday morning – white bread, loads of butter, crispy bacon and brown sauce. Fave foodie website?Elizabeth on Food does amazing reviews of Michelin starred restaurants across the world. She’s not a chef, but she’s certainly an epicurean. She has a great palate and knows a lot about the latest, greatest chefs doing the rounds. Favourite ingredient to use?
I really like working with shellfish. My friend Tom Kitchin gives me tips on where to get the best shellfish from. I also use yuzu quite a bit - everything from making a dressing to infusing it into a macaroonFoodie address book secret?
Marlborough Street Market. I like seeing all the street food and speaking to the stall holders. It’s a very inspiring place to be. Do you collect anything? I collect Michelin memorabilia. It’s in the house, the garage, the restaurants.. My favourite is a radio I’ve got from the 1960s shaped like the Michelin man. What’s your kitchen like at home?
Suprisingly small, but it’s got a lovely seating area and all the appliances I need. My stove is by Marrone. I believe they make the best stoves in the world.Who would be your dream dinner guests?Winston Churchill, for one. Apparently he used to like steak and kidney pudding and spotted dick at Simpson’s in The Strand, so I’d probably make that. Who would you love to cook for you?
César Ramirez, a famous chef in New York. He cooks French and Japanese influenced cuisine.What’s next for you? We’re doing a refurb at Pollen Street, with a new kitchen and a new chef ’s
News
by Erdem Gorgun on Aug 09, 2019
Virginia Macdonald (livingarea) As a tyke, my summers began with a 12-hour vehicle ride from the center of Alberta to the inside of British Columbia. My sisters and I would just be permitted one break, so we'd settle in for the ride, appendages all to one side, perusing books, playing vehicle games yet generally just inactively watching out the window. As the brilliant tint of the Prairies transformed into the magnificence of the Rocky Mountains, we would get out commonplace milestones en route — the Calgary Tower, the Three Sisters mountain run, the Enchanted Forest amusement park — every one presenting to us a bit nearer to a few exceptionally foreseen a long time of waterskiing, pontoon rides and dessert. Possibly you have comparable recollections of getting to your lodge in the Selkirks, house on a Great Lake, chalet in the Laurentians, home on Cape Breton Island, camp in northwestern Ontario or lakehouse on one of the Finger Lakes. (In spite of the fact that the Toronto-driven press would have you trust it, we don't call them all cabins!) There's something about these voyages that encourages us disregard our tumultuous lives and sets us up for the sweet summer days ahead. As Renee Metrick says in our tale about her new family escape (page 64), "When we hit Barrie, the feeling of quiet just assumes control over." It was a longing to locate a confined break fromthe city that provoked originator Sam Sacks to take a risk on a 800-square-foot chasing shack (page 82). With a larger than usual home loan on her Toronto home and "no professional stability to talk about," it wasn't the shrewd activity however, over the previous decade and with a great deal of real effort, she's transformed her shack into a wonderful boho escape with gallons of white paint and an eye for vintage finds. It's a story that may leave you, similar to it left me, needing to purchase a house and do the same.This summer, I'll invest my energy between acabin on Lake Windermere in B.C. also, two or three cabins on Lake Huron. En route, I'll call attention to fascinating tourist spots to my children with regards to the rearward sitting arrangement, in the expectations that they'll begin to appreciate the voyage as much as the goal. Also, perhaps, quite possibly, I'll watch out for land postings en route.