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Whenever I get back into a Suzuki I’m reminded of how good they are, writes Brian Byrne. Well built, well finished, and not trying to be a Starship Enterprise in style or conquer the universe ambition. Their cars are generally for everyday real people and their real needs. The S-Cross small SUV is a good example. Sitting in the space that includes Peugeot’s 2008 and Volkswagen’s T-Roc, the S-Cross originally evolved from a hatchback called SX4, and the latest version of the vehicle was launched in Ireland almost exactly a year ago. The style is chunky and strong without being aggressive. A good word for the overall impression is ‘tidy’. It sits high enough to make getting in and out easy, but isn’t particularly tall in itself. That tidy epithet is also appropriate inside. Dashboard style and trim have enough shapes to be interesting, and in both areas are finished in high quality materials with a notably good fit and finish. The high-mounted centre infotainment screen is small enough t

Author of the New York Times bestseller Alexandria and internationally acclaimed Falco novels, Lindsey Davis brings us a new work of historical fiction, Rebels and Traitors (St. Martin’s Press; February 2010). Set against the backdrop of the terrifying English Civil War, Rebels and Traitors shows the internal struggles of English citizens of all classes during this historic era of change. Gideon Jukes and Juliana Lovell, on opposite sides of the struggle, meet during one of the era’s most crucial events. After adversity and loss, their mutual attraction may one day bring the comfort and companionship for which they both have yearned.  But the flowering of radical thought collapses; its failure leads to endless plots and strange alliances.  And shadows from the past threaten them individually and together in their hard-won peace. Like Margaret Mitchell’s Gone with the Wind and John Jakes’ North and South , Lindsey Davis brings to life a turbulent time through the stories of those who

Native to the tropical climates of South Africa, Nerines (Guernsey Lilies) have different needs when you pot them on or plant them in an exotic garden. In this video English horticulturist Simon explains the conditions required to get the very best out of these wonderful bulbs.  Apart from the extremely hardy Nerine bowdenii, it just isn’t recommended to plant these gorgeous bulbs outside in the UK so in order to provide the best environment for flowering they will fair far better in a greenhouse. This is because the require warmer temperatures (especially over the winter) and dry winters. On the other hand, Nerine bowdenii is as tough as old boots, at least in the south of England, where it can stand up to the worst our soft winters can through at it. Simply plant it in a sunny position (preferably against the protection of a south-facing wall) in a well drained soil. If you would like to see more content like this then check out our YouTube channel ‘Walking Talking Gardeners’. You ca