Good Morning,

It’s a beautiful day here in the West country. The sun is shining on the last of the copper leaves on my beech trees as they wobble in the wind, as if about to fly (they are teasing me because they know I’m trying to pile them all up for my new leaf mould bin).

This coming Saturday is Small Business Saturday, something I didn’t know about until I started my small business a few months ago…

What is Small Business Saturday?

If every person in the UK bought just one of their Christmas gifts from an independent small business, it would inject an estimated £2.7 billion directly into the small business community and while like many of us, I use the big stores and websites, I do try and support small businesses when I can, particularly when buying gifts for friends and family.

Here are some that I use, they’ve all become friends over the years too which is just lovely.

Angel Ceramics, I’ve known Becky for a long time and have watched her Devon based, family run business grow over the years.  I still love her handmade Christmas decorations and try to buy a new one every year and hang it on the tree with the ones I’ve loved for twenty years!

Tangled Hedge Rose This is an adorable business here in the heart of Devon. Special soaps from a special little business. Smell divine too.

Story Cashmere. This is a business that I’ve supported (through buying lovely things!) If you love beautiful wool and enjoy colour, I think you’ll like them.

Hey Chesto! Make vegan leather bags and suitcases, right here in Devon, they are so gorgeous. Colour is important to Tanya who designs these lovely sustainable bags and suitcases, so they are all bright and beautiful.

and

SAMFARMER - Full transparency, I’m married to this man. He helped me create my brilliant Celery Seed Hand Salve; I loved him before but I adore him now! Joking apart, if you have any young adults in your life his award-winning products are created for teen skin and are gentle and efficacious.

Thank you all so much for your lovely messages, I’m looking forward to a peaceful Christmas out and about in my garden and in the countryside. The world feels very scary at the moment, it’s hard to feel the joy but I do believe that the natural world does bring solace.

Much love from your gardening pal

Caroline Q

xxx