Matthew Rice, the artist, architectural writer, and custodian of Ham Court in Oxfordshire, brings a distinctly charming voice to the crowded field of country gardening memoirs. Best known for his illustration work on the pottery of his ex-wife, Emma Bridgewater, Rice comes from a pedigree of everyday design; his mother famously created classic tea towels for the National Trust.
At its core, the book follows a familiar month-by-month diary structure tracking the evolution of a country garden across the changing seasons. What elevates it far above the standard seasonal chronicle, however, are Rice’s pen-and-ink and watercolour illustrations. A compulsive draftsman, he maps the intricate details of his 14th-century home and its surrounding grounds with obsessive affection. Bright, detailed, and executed with fluid watercolour washes, these pictures are the absolute standout feature of the work, giving it a vibrant, tactile point of difference.
Rice’s country lifestyle feels effortlessly enviable, blending a wide array of classic British sensibilities. There is a dash of Sarah Raven in his keen botanical observations of aconites, seeds, and cut flowers; a splash of Emma Bridgewater in the cosy domesticity; and a pinch of Nigel Slater in the simple, garden-led recipes scattered throughout. His keen eye for historic architecture and craft adds a touch of aristocratic heritage reminiscent of his Bedales schoolmate Viscount Linley.
Beyond the brickwork and blooms, the book captures the lively, chaotic ecosystem that makes a home feel alive, from native birds and newborn lambs to garden chores and the antics of Kevin the cat. The 1324 house is clearly deeply loved, and Rice’s generous spirit makes the reader feel like a welcome guest. Visually captivating and beautifully observational, this book is a joyous celebration of place, seasonal rhythms, and period detail that would make an exceptionally fine gift for any lover of gardens, art, or rural life.
