21 march world poetry day

Catherine Clarke A History of England in 25 Poems400pp. Allen Lane. £25. Mark Forsyth Rhyme and ReasonA short history of poetry and people (forpeople who don’t usually read poetry)368pp. Allen & Unwin

I AM someone who loves space. This is perhaps because of early childhood days on the beautiful Solway Coast. My father’s family farm was right on the beach. It enjoyed uninterrupted views across to th

Just a hop, skip and jump from London, but a million miles from the stresses of the city, newly refurbished countryside retreat Burnham Beeches makes a perfect escape, whether you’re seeking a Mother’

Spring is unfurling in Fiona Cumberpatch’s container garden in Lincolnshire and she’s appreciating every small stage

There comes a time every year, somewhere between the middle of March and the first week of April, when I am possessed by my garden. It runs through my veins like a dancing river, occupies my sleep wit

the first flowers of the year carry a specialness that no other bloom or season can touch. I’ll spend weeks looking for the first snowdrop and then, when I finally find one, I’ll get down on my hands