Thriving in the countryside beyond midlife.
Community and friendships, dogs, gardening, nature, motherhood...
mostly from Cumbria, Dorset sometimes.
Hello. A warm welcome to “I live in the countryside now” and, as of February 2024, its new sections: Lay it on the Line (reviews of books I’ve read, writing classes and what I’m reading here on Substack) and About the Garden (a monthly column about the garden.)
My name is Debbie, but please call me Bee, it’s a childhood nickname that stuck (I preferred it to Button Nose.)
I write on here at least twice a month and none of my posts are behind a paywall.
There’s an option to subscribe financially - £8.00 a month or £55.00 a year -
if you want to support my writing over the course of 2024.
A little bit about me. I’m sixty later this year and my Substack is all about thriving in the countryside beyond midlife. As you’ll see if you decide to follow me, I often feel like I’m not living my life to the full. Like you, I’m experiencing life’s challenges and setbacks, I’m trying to learn from them and grow.
I moved from Dorset to Cumbria ages ago, used to commute from Dorset to a career in the Creative Industries in the city, back in the day. Gardening was a side hustle then, but I went back to school, studied horticulture and set up my garden design practice later on. While involved in all kinds of projects, outdoor set design for television, an award-winning public garden... I’ve practiced what I do quietly <shy wave> So, Chelsea Flower Show (etc.) never appealed and I am always happiest when immersed in the everydayness of a relaxed, residential garden. I’m an ecological horticulturist.
These days, I write full time in the winter months, but take on garden design commissions and/or a bit of gardening occasionally, for gentle, like-minded folk who want their gardens to look anything but designed. My husband, M, is a landscape gardener, has always been, so between us if you’ve any garden-related questions do reach out, happy to help.
My writing is intimate and confessional, and Substack feels like a safe, professional space (long may that continue.)
