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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Extreme moss growth warning for US gardeners – and what it means for your lawn
Is your state one of those experiencing extreme moss blighting those perfectly manicured lawns, and could climate change be to blame?
By Jayne Dowle Published
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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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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
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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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Experts reveal the one kitchen feature that can increase your home's value most
Pot fillers are making a comeback in the kitchen and could be the key to adding value to your home
By Jayne Dowle Published
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Katy Perry's beautiful Beverly Hills home is on the market for $19.475 million
This gorgeous LA home is filled with charm and elegance
By Jayne Dowle Published
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Will a library add value to a home? Experts explain the financial benefits
A library is an unlikely addition that could reap serious financial benefits
By Jayne Dowle Published
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Inside Dallas actress Linda Gray’s rustic Santa Clarita home – on the market for $2,995,000
Linda Gray's mid-century Californian home is a welcoming and rustic retreat
By Jayne Dowle Published
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Experts reveal the water features that could devalue your home by $10,500
Real Estate experts reveal the rules of including a water feature in your yard to avoid devaluing your home
By Jayne Dowle Published
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The common planting mistake that could devalue your home, according to experts
Real estate experts reveal the plants you should steer clear of planting or risk making it harder to sell your home
By Jayne Dowle Published
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Kate Upton's Benedict Canyon home is currently on the market for $11.75 million
The Sports Illustrated model is selling up the home she shares with partner Justin Verlander
By Jayne Dowle Published
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Best place to buy a beach house – the best vacation house spots in the USA
From Florida to Lake Michigan, real estate experts reveal the best places to buy a waterfront property
By Jayne Dowle Published
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Wicker outdoor furniture is making a comeback – everything you need to know about the retro trend
Experts reveal why wicker outdoor furniture will always be a wise investment and how to style it in your garden
By Jayne Dowle Published
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Why an 'emotional escape room' is the best home investment to make in 2022
A new study reveals how introducing a meditation or dedicated relaxation space could add to the value of your home
By Jayne Dowle Published
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Experts reveal the best color for fences in small gardens – to make them look bigger
Color experts explain why when it comes to fences in a small space going dark is always the best option
By Jayne Dowle Published
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Real estate experts reveals why homes with tennis courts are still in demand
Real estate agents reveal why now might be the perfect time to invest in a tennis court to add value to your home
By Jayne Dowle Published
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Lilac is officially the 'Shrub of the Year' – according to the US National Garden Bureau
From deep purple to pure white, it's easy to love this scented lilac – here's what makes it so special
By Jayne Dowle Published
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Home stagers reveal the one decor item that will increase the value of your property
With good taste and a small investment, you could increase the value of your home by up to 15 per cent
By Jayne Dowle Published