Jayne Dowle
Jayne Dowle is an award-winning freelance gardening, homes and property writer who writes about everything from swimming ponds to skyscraper apartments, for publications including Sunday Times Home, Times Bricks & Mortar, Grand Designs, House Beautiful and The Spectator. Awarded the Garden Journalist of the Year accolade at the Property Press Awards in 2021, she has a degree in English Language and Literature from the University of Oxford and a lifelong love of homes, interiors and gardens.
Her first memories include planting potatoes with her grandfather and drawing houses. Her own back garden - her fourth - at home in a 1920s house in Yorkshire, is south-facing and on the side of a valley. It’s a constant challenge. However, finding ways to establish successful planting schemes and create comfortable entertaining space helps to inform her writing.
Jayne’s favourite thing to do at weekends and on vacation is to source markets and charity shops for interesting finds. She loves 20th century ceramics and collects seascapes. Her travels have taken her around the world, not only to the US, but China, Australia, Italy, France and Morocco. The design for her front garden at home, with curved terracotta walls and cobalt blue planters, was inspired by a visit to the Jardin Majorelle in Marrakesh, Morocco.
Latest articles by Jayne Dowle
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Has spring arrived early in the US? Experts discuss what it means for your garden – and pollinators
Early leaves and blooms on lilacs and honeysuckles herald an early arrival of spring in many US states this year – but is it concerning?
By Jayne Dowle • Published
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Outdoor sink ideas – 10 ways to add this must-have to your backyard cook space
An outdoor sink sounds like a luxury, but it’s a practical extra to include in your backyard, and a lot easier to source and fit than you might think
By Jayne Dowle • Published
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Outdoor TV ideas – 10 ways to include a screen in your yard
Taking a television outside is a wonderful way to enhance your enjoyment of outdoor living, and we have lots of ideas to show you how to make it work
By Jayne Dowle • Published
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Outdoor seating ideas – 15 ways to make your backyard as comfortable as indoors
Once purely practical, outdoor seating ideas are now just as good-looking, imaginative and comfortable as indoor options. These are our favorite ideas
By Jayne Dowle • Last updated
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Meet ‘flex space’ the latest way to stretch every inch of your home to the max
That neglected and half-forgotten corner of a landing or hall can be turned into ‘flex space’ the ultimate adaptable area for effective modern living
By Jayne Dowle • Published
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5 mistakes small backyard owners make – and how to avoid them
Garden design experts warn of these small backyard mistakes, and what to do instead
By Jayne Dowle • Published
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Experts reveal how sustainable house staging is the key to selling a house now
If you’re selling your home this spring, make sure you put those all-important sustainable features front and centre
By Jayne Dowle • Published
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Mark Wahlberg is selling his $87.5m French-style chateau in LA’s Beverly Park
See inside actor Mark Wahlberg and model Rhea Durham stunning LA home
By Jayne Dowle • Published
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The classic checkerboard floor is this year's biggest trend – experts advise on how to get it right
Experts reveal the reasons behind the classic checkerboard floor's comeback, and the modern way to style it
By Jayne Dowle • Published