I discovered a French cheese called Buchette de Manon while sourcing new spring cheeses for the farmshop
STORIES · 28.04.25
Events | Mindful Living | Well-Being
With the season of growth and rebirth well underway, I thought it might be a good moment to share some of the new discoveries that have been bringing me joy this spring. My community on Instagram exceeded 100K recently, so I hope these informal, quick-fire questions offer those of you who are just getting to know me a little glimpse into my world. Please do visit @carolebamford to send me questions for future features and enjoy daily updates from my home, the farm and beyond.
What are you grateful for?
Lighter days under blue skies. New life on the farm as lambing season continues. And a bountiful harvest of purple sprouting broccoli from the market garden over the last few weeks. It’s one of my favourite spring vegetables.
A wellness habit for spring?
I love holistic treatments that heal both body and spirit and find lymphatic drainage is a great way to enhance my overall sense of wellbeing. It helps to detoxify the body, improve circulation and reduce stress and I always come away from the massage feeling lighter and more energised.
What is top of the garden jobs list at the moment?
Planting out the brassicas and seed potatoes and sowing our carrot and parsnip seeds in the kitchen garden. Keeping on top of weeding is always on the list too.
Current drink of choice?
Brighter days will always be synonymous with the beginning of rosé season for me. We have a biodynamic vineyard in Provence where we make our own and I particularly love the Secret de Léoube – crisp, dry and as pale as they come.
I love holistic treatments that heal both body and spirit and find lymphatic drainage is a great way to enhance my overall sense of wellbeing
What’s on your dressing table right now?
A heart-shaped pebble that I found on the beach on holiday, Bamford’s lily of the valley candle which is the very essence of spring and our Wild Meadow fragrance which is inspired by the tapestry of wildflowers that grow behind my house.
The last trip you took?
I feel grateful to have spent time in incredible India last month. It has been my spiritual home since my twenties, so every time I return my energy feels renewed.
The item in your wardrobe you’re reaching for the most at the moment?
It still feels quite chilly in the shade at the moment, so I’ve been loving layering Bamford’s Teasel jumper over dresses and shirts. It’s made in the Isle of Man using 100% organic cotton and I find the pollen yellow colour so uplifting.
What is bringing you joy in the garden at the moment?
My tulips have done really well this year. Their colourful blooms are full of joy, so I’ll always bring a few into the house for everyone to enjoy. We’ve just launched traditional Bamford tulipières that are handmade by a ceramicist in the Peak District and are a beautiful way to celebrate every individual stem.
Most memorable taste you’ve had recently?
I discovered a delicious French cheese called Buchette de Manon while sourcing new spring cheeses for Daylesford’s farmshops. It’s beautifully soft – made using raw goat’s milk and topped with an aromatic sprinkling of winter savoury.
A book that you’re enjoying?
My friend Graydon Carter’s memoir ‘When the Going was Good’. It captures the last golden age of print magazines so well and is full of his wit, charm and humour.
Which new projects are you most excited about at the moment?
Bamford opened a new store in Japan this week which feels like a really exciting moment – creating a sanctuary of calm and nature in Tokyo’s bustling Omotesandō district. We’re also celebrating 20 years of Bamford’s signature Geranium fragrance later this season. For me, this scent sits at the very heart of our brand, so there is lots to look forward to including unique extensions to the range and some incredibly special events.
Something that made you stop and smile recently?
Seeing the wisteria in bloom at The Wild Rabbit – my pub in Kingham. It’s a moment we all look forward to every spring and the contrast of delicate purple flowers against honeyed Cotswolds stone never gets old.
Favourite quote at the moment?
‘To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow’ – Audrey Hepburn
I have this hanging on a little chalkboard in my potting shed. It fills me with hope and reminds me why we work so hard to nurture nature every day. We’ve just launched a Gardening Club at Daylesford which will be a way to share the knowledge of our growers and hopefully encourage others to get their hands into the soil too.
Find me @carolebamford on Instagram
