# country life (blogs) — RSS Amplifier Recent posts from the 4 feeds in the RSS Amplifier directory that cover country life. Page: Feed: --- ## [Bountiful, blowsy and scented: The gravity-defying walled garden at the Palace of Bishop Auckland](https://www.countrylife.co.uk/gardens-interiors/finest-to-visit/bountiful-blowsy-and-scented-the-gravity-defying-walled-garden-at-the-palace-of-bishop-auckland) _2026-08-22 · Mary Keen · Latest from Country Life in Gardens_ The gardens of the Palace of Bishop Auckland, Co Durham —home of Jonathanand Jane Ruffer — have undergone extensive garden restoration and creation work overseen by Pip Morrison. Mary Keen paid a visit to one of its highlights: the steeply-sloped walled garden, returned to full production since 2024. Photographs by Andrea Jones. ## [A summer of prickles and rashes, splinters, scrapes and scratches, a season of stings: Nature is biting back](https://www.countrylife.co.uk/gardens-interiors/gardens/nature-is-biting-back-this-summer) _2026-08-20 · Jason Goodwin · Latest from Country Life in Gardens_ Jason Goodwin reflects on a summer of bites, pricks and stings. ## [Buckingham Palace galleries revamped for summer opening](https://thecrownchronicles.co.uk/history/history-posts/museums-galleries/buckingham-palace-galleries-revamped-for-summer-opening/) _2026-08-16 · Victoria Howard · The Crown Chronicles_ The galleries at Buckingham Palace opened to visitors earlier this summer, receiving a major shakeup of its display to expand the priceless art on display. The most significant rehang in half a century nearly doubles the number of paintings on display and returns the room to a much more historically-accurate scheme. Some 120 works from \[…\] The post Buckingham Palace galleries revamped for summer… ## [James to study at Royal Agricultural University says Buckingham Palace](https://thecrownchronicles.co.uk/royal-news/james-to-study-at-royal-agricultural-university-says-buckingham-palace/) _2026-08-16 · Victoria Howard · The Crown Chronicles_ The 18-year-old son of The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh is heading to the Royal Agricultural University, Buckingham Palace has announced. James, who takes his father’s secondary title of the Earl of Wessex, will be studying for a Bachelor of Science in rural land and property management at the university, based in Cirencester, Gloucestershire – \[…\] The post James to study at Royal Agricultural… ## [The Somerset house that brought 'jungle gardening' to the English](https://www.countrylife.co.uk/gardens-interiors/finest-to-visit/the-somerset-house-that-brought-jungle-gardening-to-the-english-country-cottage) _2026-08-15 · Charles Quest-Ritson · Latest from Country Life in Gardens_ East Lambrook Manor in Somerset — home of Andrew and Alison Johnson— where Margery Fish’s exuberant ‘jungle gardening’ style took shape, is flourishing once again under new custodianship. Charles Quest-Ritson paid a visit; photography by Jonathan Buckley. ## [The French Capability Brown meets English-style design in this German garden](https://www.countrylife.co.uk/gardens-interiors/was-this-garden-influenced-by-the-french-capability-brown) _2026-08-13 · Pamela Goodman · Latest from Country Life in Gardens_ A jewel in Germany’s crown: there’s more than a hint of the fairy tale about Schloss Dyck in the Rhineland. ## [Review of ‘The Winter Queen & Her Legacy: The Children of Elizabeth Stuart’](https://thecrownchronicles.co.uk/film-tv-books/books/review-of-the-winter-queen-her-legacy-the-children-of-elizabeth-stuart/) _2026-08-13 · Aimee Reynolds · The Crown Chronicles_ Elizabeth Stuart, Queen of Bohemia faced many trials during her life but her legacy is paramount as Beverley Adams discusses ★★★★ rating The Winter Queen & Her Legacy: The Children of Elizabeth Stuart is a historical biography, placing Elizabeth Stuart at the centre of European politics in the 17th century. The book, published by Pen \[…\] The post Review of ‘The Winter Queen & Her Legacy: The… ## ['If you garden like this, it is almost impossible to get help — it’s more akin to doing a painting or an embroidery': The exotic and wonderful Copper House garden in Kent](https://www.countrylife.co.uk/gardens-interiors/finest-to-visit/if-you-garden-like-this-it-is-almost-impossible-to-get-help-its-more-akin-to-doing-a-painting-or-an-embroidery-the-exotic-and-wonderful-copper-house-garden-in-kent) _2026-08-08 · Kathryn Bradley-Hole · Latest from Country Life in Gardens_ Successional planting is one of the trickiest skills to master, but the results in this intensively and brilliantly planted new garden speak for themselves. Kathryn Bradley-Hole paid a visit to the garden at The Copper House in Cranbrook, Kent —home of Stephen and Eleanor Cochrane —to find out more. ## ['Stately, spacious and much more enjoyable': The RHS garden show that outdoes Chelsea](https://www.countrylife.co.uk/gardens-interiors/advice/stately-spacious-and-much-more-enjoyable-the-rhs-garden-show-that-outdoes-chelsea) _2026-08-06 · Mary Keen · Latest from Country Life in Gardens_ A visit to RHS Badminton left Mary Keen impressed. ## [The Scottish castle the Queen Mother saved: the Castle of Mey](https://thecrownchronicles.co.uk/explanation/the-scottish-castle-the-queen-mother-saved-the-castle-of-mey/) _2026-08-04 · Madalyn Sudol · The Crown Chronicles_ In the early 1950s, the one-time home to the Earls of Caithness, the fate of the isolated, but historic, Castle of Mey hung in the balance. That is, until the Queen Mother purchased the striking 16th-century castle in 1952. Situated on the north coast of Caithness – the most northerly point of mainland Scotland – \[…\] The post The Scottish castle the Queen Mother saved: the Castle of Mey appeared… ## [ThreatCrush on GitHub (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/6qOlobiMgfyQ) _2026-08-04 · **Sponsored**_ View the ThreatCrush listing on the GitHub Marketplace. ## ['Mystery, subtle magic, and strange, elusive charm which must be felt but cannot wholly be understood': The exquisite Italianate gardens of Renishaw Hall](https://www.countrylife.co.uk/gardens-interiors/gardens/mystery-subtle-magic-and-strange-elusive-charm-which-must-be-felt-but-cannot-wholly-be-understood-the-exquisite-italianate-gardens-of-renishaw-hall) _2026-08-01 · George Plumptre · Latest from Country Life in Gardens_ Renishaw Hall in Derbyshire is one of the earliest and finest gardens to appear in Country Life. The Anglo-Italian landscape created by Sir George Sitwell —and now home of Alexandra Sitwell and her husband, Rick Hayward — continues to enthral visitors with its elusive charms over a century later. Main photography by Clive Nichols. ## [Alan Titchmarsh: Beautifying your borders](https://www.countrylife.co.uk/gardens-interiors/advice/alan-titchmarsh-beautifying-your-borders) _2026-07-30 · Alan Titchmarsh · Latest from Country Life in Gardens_ The gardener, writer and broadcaster Alan Titchmarsh shares his tips on making the most of your flower borders. ## [On top of the world: The spectacular clifftop garden at Chygurno](https://www.countrylife.co.uk/gardens-interiors/finest-to-visit/on-top-of-the-world-the-spectacular-clifftop-garden-at-chygurno) _2026-07-25 · Kirsty Fergusson · Latest from Country Life in Gardens_ Life on a Cornish clifftop presents particular challenges, but also bountiful rewards for Robert and Carol Moule, the intrepid owners of the garden at Chyrgurno. Kirsty Fergusson finds out more; photography by Mark Boulton. ## [Charles Quest-Ritson: Today’s best young gardeners are well educated, well qualified, and well underpaid. No wonder they're voting with their feet](https://www.countrylife.co.uk/gardens-interiors/advice/charles-quest-ritson-todays-best-young-gardeners-are-well-educated-well-qualified-and-well-underpaid) _2026-07-23 · Charles Quest-Ritson · Latest from Country Life in Gardens_ Up and coming gardeners are dotting from job to job like the journeymen gardeners of late-Victorian and Edwardian times, says Charles Quest-Ritson. ## [It is like 'rush hour for foxes and badgers' every night: A Sussex garden with timeless views and perfect harmony](https://www.countrylife.co.uk/gardens-interiors/finest-to-visit/underhill-house) _2026-07-18 · Kathryn Bradley-Hole · Latest from Country Life in Gardens_ Harmony and sympathy with the surroundings are the watchwords in the charming East Sussex garden at Underhill House, nestled between the South Downs and the sea. Kathryn Bradley-Hole paid a visit; photographs by Mimi Connolly. ## [Hiking HRH: Princess of Wales completes Three Peaks challenge for charity](https://thecrownchronicles.co.uk/royal-news/hiking-hrh-princess-of-wales-completes-three-peaks-challenge-for-charity/) _2026-06-29 · Victoria Howard · The Crown Chronicles_ Catherine has revealed that she completed the Three Peaks hiking challenge over the weekend, ‘to explore life beyond diagnosis and to give something back’. The Three Peaks Challenge is an endurance test, seeing hikers climb the three tallest peaks in England (Scafell Pike), Scotland (Ben Nevis), and Wales (Snowdon or Yr Wyddfa) within 24 hours. \[…\] The post Hiking HRH: Princess of Wales completes… ## [Royal finances 2025-26: how the Sovereign Grant was spent](https://thecrownchronicles.co.uk/royal-finance/royal-finances-2025-26-how-the-sovereign-grant-was-spent/) _2026-06-27 · Victoria Howard · The Crown Chronicles_ Buckingham Palace has issued its annual financial report this week, for the financial year 2025-26. After four years of standing still, the headline figure has finally moved – and moved sharply. According to the official, audited report, the total Sovereign Grant rose to £132.1 million in the last financial year, which is an increase of \[…\] The post Royal finances 2025-26: how the Sovereign Grant… ## [King Charles’ £12.9m tax bill revealed alongside annual palace accounts](https://thecrownchronicles.co.uk/royal-news/king-charles-12-9m-tax-bill-revealed-alongside-annual-palace-accounts/) _2026-06-26 · Madalyn Sudol · The Crown Chronicles_ King Charles paid £12.9 million in tax for 2024-25, putting him in the top 100 UK taxpayers. The decision is said to have been made by The King himself, in a move to bring better transparency surrounding royal finances and ‘encourage wider understanding of our accountability.’ Royal finances have been under much scrutiny in recent \[…\] The post King Charles’ £12.9m tax bill revealed alongside… ## [Prince William to guest edit November’s edition of Country Life](https://thecrownchronicles.co.uk/royal-news/prince-william-to-guest-edit-novembers-edition-of-country-life/) _2026-06-23 · Kieran Rumsby · The Crown Chronicles_ The Prince of Wales is set to become a guest editor of Country Life for November’s magazine. William’s edition of the popular magazine will highlight his work surrounding improving access to mental health services in the countryside, as well as his desire to protect and enhance the environment. The future King will also reveal his \[…\] The post Prince William to guest edit November’s edition of… ## [A new transparency over royal finances: King Charles to share how much tax he pays](https://thecrownchronicles.co.uk/royal-news/a-new-transparency-over-royal-finances-king-charles-to-share-how-much-tax-he-pays/) _2026-06-21 · Victoria Howard · The Crown Chronicles_ It seems a new age of transparency is upon royal finance, as Buckingham Palace announces that King Charles III will reveal his personal tax bill. The King’s tax payments for 2024-25 will be shared on Thursday (25th June) as the palace annual accounts are released. This details how the Sovereign Support Grant is spent each \[…\] The post A new transparency over royal finances: King Charles to share… ## [Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/Q2Cn871sxpSE) _2026-06-21 · **Sponsored**_ Buy, sell and margin trade BTC & ETH with fiat currencies ## [Royals see Peter Phillips marry Harriet Sperling in traditional Cotswolds wedding](https://thecrownchronicles.co.uk/royal-news/royals-see-peter-phillips-marry-harriet-sperling-in-traditional-cotswolds-wedding/) _2026-06-07 · Victoria Howard · The Crown Chronicles_ Yesterday, Peter Phillips married fiancee, Harriet Sperling in a church wedding in the Cotswolds. Peter, 48, and Harriet, 45, tied the knot at All Saints Church in the village of Kemble, near Cirencester, in a ceremony attended by senior members of the Royal Family. The location is close to Peter’s childhood – and adult – \[…\] The post Royals see Peter Phillips marry Harriet Sperling in traditional… ## [Soap, Steam, and Stone Walls: Our 400-Year-Old Washroom](https://ourcountrylife.substack.com/p/soap-steam-and-stone-walls-our-400) _2025-11-23 · Jenna Chambers · Our Country Life_ When you live in a house that’s been standing for four hundred years, you can’t help but wonder how daily life once unfolded within its walls. ## [Where Are All My Fungi Fanatics?](https://ourcountrylife.substack.com/p/where-are-all-my-fungi-fanatics) _2025-11-16 · Jenna Chambers · Our Country Life_ I recently took myself off for a shroom spotting session in the woods. ## [Made a Wreath (and Found My Creativity Again)](https://ourcountrylife.substack.com/p/made-a-wreath-and-found-my-creativity) _2025-11-09 · Jenna Chambers · Our Country Life_ How a Sunday craft session reignited my love for making things ## [Nature's Tea Cup: November 2025](https://ourcountrylife.substack.com/p/natures-tea-cup-november-2025) _2025-11-02 · Jenna Chambers · Our Country Life_ The Robin’s Winter Song ## [In My Cottage Garden: October 2025](https://ourcountrylife.substack.com/p/in-my-cottage-garden-october-2025) _2025-10-26 · Jenna Chambers · Our Country Life_ I sit at my living room window, watching as the leaves loosen their grip on the trees. ## [The Secret Cellar](https://ourcountrylife.substack.com/p/the-secret-cellar) _2025-10-19 · Jenna Chambers · Our Country Life_ Welcome to Our Country Life. ## [The Stoat That's Never Far From My Mind](https://ourcountrylife.substack.com/p/the-stoat-thats-never-far-from-my) _2025-10-12 · Jenna Chambers · Our Country Life_ I’ve kept ferrets before, so I can spot the musky tang of a Mustelidae a mile off. ## [Nature's Tea Cup: October 2025](https://ourcountrylife.substack.com/p/natures-tea-cup-october-2025) _2025-10-05 · Jenna Chambers · Our Country Life_ It's Fungi Season! ## [In My Cottage Garden: September 2025](https://ourcountrylife.substack.com/p/in-my-cottage-garden-september-2025) _2025-09-28 · Jenna Chambers · Our Country Life_ Green Woodpecker ## [Ship software peacefully (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/pEbNtCuglRz8) _2025-09-28 · **Sponsored**_ Connect your repo and deploy instantly — Railway handles config, scaling, and monitoring. ## [Why I’m Boring and Love It](https://ourcountrylife.substack.com/p/why-im-boring-and-loving-it) _2025-09-21 · Jenna Chambers · Our Country Life_ A general ramble from an odd bod